TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all. Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.
Acts 19:1–10
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
John the baptist’s message was about repentance. Jesus’ first recorded message was about repentance. Even the disciples’ message during the time of “Acts” is about repentance, too. Repentance is necessary. Repentance is not just feeling sorry because you were caught. Repentance means you acknowledge the sins you have committed and want to change the direction of your life. However, it is not enough. After repenting, one must turn to God, believe that Christ died for our sins, surrender to Him, and allow the Holy Spirit to access and transform one’s life entirely. The good news is God is always faithful to forgive us.
While some are bewildered about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it may be defined as when the Spirit of God places the believer into union with Jesus and with other believers. We need to obey this baptism in the name of Jesus, so like in His death, we might be raised into new life. Only then will the Holy Spirit indwell in us to enable us to live our lives for God’s glory, empowering believers for witnessing and ministries.
The Holy Spirit is our source of power; without Him, we can do nothing. He empowers us to live holy lives that are pleasing to God. He ensures we are all connected to the Holy Spirit, our source of power. He dwells in every person who receives Christ as their Lord and Savior.
PRAYER
Gracious God, please teach us the importance of encountering Your Holy Spirit. Like Paul, guide us to seek a deeper relationship with You. Transform us through Your Word and Spirit, and ignite in us a hunger for Your presence. May our lives testify to the power of Your transformative work. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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