Acts: Pierced For Power

The Sycamore Church

John Barnett

May 3, 2026

 

Acts: Pierced for Power

Acts 2:36–39

 

We are studying the patterns and foundations of the early church in the Book of Acts.

 

Question:If it worked for the early church, are we still doing it today?

 

Context: Peter’s Sermon

Peter is preaching after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He explains: Jesus fulfilled prophecy, David prophesied about Him, Jesus was crucified, God raised Him from the dead, Jesus is both Lord and Messiah.

 

Acts 2:36

“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”

The same Jesus they rejected and crucified…God publicly declared as LORD through the resurrection.

 

Acts 2:37

“Peter’s words pierced their hearts…”

“Pierced” = Deep Conviction

Greek word: Katanyssomai (κατανύσσομαι) Meaning:

pierced thoroughly, cut to the heart, deep remorse, spiritual conviction

 

Conviction Happens When:

The Word of God is preached

The Holy Spirit moves

We allow God to deal with our hearts

 

Conviction vs. Condemnation

Condemnation- Shame without hope, Separation from God, “You’ll never change.” Leads to death

Conviction-  Draws us toward God, Produces repentance, “You need to change.” Leads to healing and restoration.

Conviction is not meant to crush you — it is meant to draw you closer to God.

 

The Proper Response to Conviction

“Brothers, what should we do?”

Total surrender asks:

“What’s my next step?”

“God, what are You trying to change in me?”

“What do I need to let go of?”

 

Acts 2:38

“Repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Peter gives a pathway for transformation.

 

I. Repentance

Repentance Is:

• More than saying “sorry”

• A change of direction

• Turning from sin toward God

• Dying to the old life

 

You do not clean yourself up before coming to God.

Jesus already carried the cross because we could not save ourselves.

 

True Repentance is not emotional only, Not temporary guilt, Not goosebumps. True repentance is transformation. “You can’t repent while you are still repeating.”

 

II. Baptism in Jesus’ Name

Baptism Is:

Obedience to Jesus

Public identification with Christ

Burial of the old life

Remission (removal) of sins

 

Jesus does not sweep sin under a rug. He removes it completely. Through repentance and baptism, the disease of sin can go into full remission.

 

Baptism Declares:

“I belong to Jesus.”

Peter once denied Jesus publicly.Now he boldly tells everyone to identify with Him publicly.

 

III. Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Jesus Promised Power

Luke 24:49

“Stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

Acts 1:8

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…”

 

The Gospel Pattern

Repentance - Identifies us with Christ’s death

Baptism - Identifies us with Christ’s burial

Receiving the Holy Spirit - Identifies us with Christ’s resurrection life

 

The Holy Spirit Is Not Just a Feeling

The Holy Spirit is:

Power

Transformation

Boldness

Hope

Peace

Joy

Strength to endure

Ability to live differently

 

When Life Squeezes You…

Whatever fills you will come out of you.

 

Without the Holy Spirit:

anger

fear

bitterness

flesh

hopelessness

 

But when filled with the Spirit:

peace

boldness

joy

endurance

faith

power

 

Why Do We Need the Holy Spirit?

Because life pierces us too.

We need power to: respond like Jesus, survive spiritual warfare, endure suffering, resist the enemy, walk through pain without becoming bitter.

 

Acts 2:39

“This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away…”

The Promise Is:

For you

For your children

For every generation

For everyone God calls

The outpouring has already happened.

We simply must receive what God is offering.

 

Acts 2:40–41

“Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

“Those who believed…were baptized…”

They did not delay.

They responded immediately.

 

Final Challenge

Have you been pierced by God today?

Do not ignore conviction.Do not resist surrender.Do not stay comfortable.

 

Today Can Be Your Day

• Repent

• Be baptized

• Receive the Holy Spirit

• Walk in power

 

Become who God created you to be.

 

“You can’t be filled if you are already full.”

Empty yourself today so God can fill you completely.