11/26/14 BIBLE PASSAGE: 11/26/14 BIBLE PASSAGE (Acts 19:1-20) From Acts: The baptism of the Holy Spirit is God’s special gift made available for all Christians to live a prosperous life. Christians of our days ought to receive baptism of the Holy Spirit just like early days Christians. Some early Christians received the blessing as narrated by Paul, “And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied” (Acts 19:1-6). Lesson: Christians should understand what baptism of the Holy Spirit mean. It means an empowerment of God’s power through the Holy Spirit. Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not the same as “Entrance of the Holy Spirit.” Entrance of the Holy Spirit comes to all Christians, but baptism of the Holy Spirit is specially given to Christians who seek to have him. Meanwhile, all Christians need the baptism of the Holy Spirit to faithfully serve God in this wicked world. The baptism of the Holy Spirit gives special strength to stand uprightly if when someone would have fallen flat. Therefore, all believers should seek baptism of the Holy Spirit like the early apostles during Pentecost (Acts 2:1-3). We can pray in church and/or solicit prayers from church elders (like Paul prayed for Ephesus brethren – Acts 19:6). We can also individually wait on God through prayer and fasting to receive baptism of the Holy Spirit. A dedicated prayer is needed to secure baptism of the Holy Spirit; therefore, believers should pray to have it. Prayer: Dear God, I want to receive the baptism of your Holy Spirit. To qualify for this treasured gift, I confess my sins and repent from them. Please baptize me with your Holy Spirit to be empowered to walk before you in righteousness. Let your Spirit turn me to a giant Christian who will live a triumphant life on earth. Let him enable me with ability to effectively serve you to bear fruits for your kingdom. Let your divine Spirit guide me in every aspect of life to enjoy your benefits. For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen. Subscribe Daily Email | Get Bible Devotion App This content article is allowed for non-commercial redistribution only. Copyright © James Taiwo. (Download Bible Devotion mobile app: TRUMPETMEDIA.org) dlvr.it/7dg4ZN
Posted on: Wed, 26 Nov 2014 06:40:35 +0000
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