Following Jesus From the Edges
Cut to the Heart
Pastor Calvin Cook
June 1, 2026
Scripture Focus: Acts 2:37 “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’”
This past week as we continued with sharing thoughts on Pentecost and the movement of Holy Spirit causing the followers of Jesus to respond and become a movement themselves, I was caught by the words once again of Peter in Acts 2:37.
Acts record these thoughts: Peter stood before the crowd on the Day of Pentecost and boldly proclaimed the truth about Jesus Christ. He spoke of the crucifixion, the resurrection, and the lordship of Christ. The people listening were not merely hearing information. They were experiencing conviction. Luke tells us they were “cut to the heart.”
The phrase “cuts to the heart” paints a powerful picture. It is not the image of a small emotional response or a passing feeling. It describes something deep within them being pierced. The Holy Spirit took the truth of God and pressed it into their hearts until they could no longer ignore it.
As I preached this weekend, I found myself lingering on this phrase “cut to the heart” and asking a simple question:
What about God is cutting to our hearts today?
Is it His holiness reminding us that we have become comfortable with things we once resisted?
Is it His love revealing how far we have wandered from Him?
Is it His call to forgive someone we have refused to forgive?
Is it His invitation to trust Him with a burden we have carried alone?
Is it His challenge to step into ministry, mission, generosity, or obedience?
Too often we hear God’s Word and quickly move on to the next thing. We listen to sermons, read devotionals, attend worship services, and study Scripture, yet sometimes we never stop long enough to ask what God is saying to us.
That is why I believe the 22 questions that John Wesley included into the daily rhythm of the Holy Club have become so important for us today. Today I believe we need to also consider these questions in our personal lives. Especial for today as we speak how scripture speaks to us, questions 7 and 8 are vital: 7. Did the Bible live in me today? 8. Do I give it time to speak to me every day? And I would ask how is scripture changing your life daily?
The crowd at Pentecost did not leave unchanged. They did not simply say, “That was a good sermon.” They asked a life-changing question: “Brothers, what shall we do?”
The conviction of scripture and God’s word is never meant to end with emotion. It is meant to lead to response. How are you responding to scripture and God’s word being proclaimed?
Whenever God cuts our hearts through His Word, His Spirit, or His gentle prompting, the proper response is not defensiveness, excuses, or delay. The proper response is surrender.
What if we approached every encounter with God by asking that same question? “Lord, what shall I do?”
Not what someone else should do.
Not what the church should do.
Not what should the preacher do.
But what should I do?
Pentecost reminds us that when the Holy Spirit moves, hearts are changed, lives are transformed, and people respond.
Today, listen carefully. Pay attention to what God is stirring within you. If something is cutting to your heart, don’t ignore it. Instead, ask the question that changed thousands of lives that day: “Lord, what shall I do?”
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me ears to hear Your voice and a heart willing to respond. When Your Spirit convicts me, help me not to resist or delay. Show me what You are saying to me today and give me the courage to obey. Amen.
Thoughts from the Edges 
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