How does recognizing Jesus' authority in Acts 2:36 influence your decision-making? Setting the Scene Acts 2:36 plainly declares: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Peter’s Spirit-filled proclamation leaves no doubt—Jesus possesses ultimate, God-given authority today. Why “Lord and Christ” Matters for Choices • Lord: absolute Master; His word is final. • Christ: God’s anointed King; His purposes override every competing agenda. • The verse’s certainty (“know for certain”) demands a settled conviction, not a casual opinion. Scripture’s Unified Witness to His Authority • Matthew 28:18—“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” • Colossians 1:18—“He is the head of the body, the church… so that in everything He may have the supremacy.” • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Philippians 2:10-11—every knee will bow and every tongue confess. Practical Impact on Everyday Decisions Recognizing Jesus as Lord and Christ reshapes how choices are made: • Alignment with Scripture: decisions measured against clear biblical commands rather than personal preference. • Obedience over convenience: willingness to obey when it is costly or counter-cultural because His authority outranks public opinion. • Holiness as priority: moral choices—media, relationships, finances—are filtered through His call to purity (1 Peter 1:16). • Gospel-driven priorities: time and resources devoted to making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), not just personal ambitions. • Stewardship mindset: money and possessions viewed as His assets entrusted to His servants (Luke 16:10-13). • Dependence on the Spirit: seeking the Spirit’s leading (Romans 8:14) because Jesus governs through His Spirit-inspired Word. • Hope-infused risk: willingness to step out in faith—career moves, ministry, generosity—knowing the reigning Christ holds outcomes. Daily Steps to Submit Decisions to Jesus’ Lordship 1. Begin with Scripture: read, meditate, and note specific commands or principles related to pending decisions. 2. Pray for clarity: ask the Father to align desires with the Lord’s revealed will (1 John 5:14-15). 3. Examine motives: separate God-honoring aims from self-promotion (James 4:6-10). 4. Seek wise counsel: invite input from mature believers who also bow to Christ’s authority (Proverbs 15:22). 5. Act in faith: move forward once the decision squares with Scripture and godly counsel, trusting the reigning Christ with results. Living Under His Reign Acts 2:36 calls believers to acknowledge—continually and concretely—that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. When His throne is recognized, decision-making becomes an act of worship, shaped by the certainty that the crucified and risen Savior rightfully directs every step. |
    |