It Starts with Repentance
This power came because the apostles chose to walk the path of obedience, repent, and surrender their lives to Jesus.
Acts 2:38 (ESV)
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Reflection
In this passage, a question had been asked, and Peter, one of the twelve followers of Jesus, responded to the crowd and gave direction. This question was asked after the people in Jerusalem had just witnessed the unbelievable miracle of the twelve disciples speaking in various languages. Those who were dwelling in the town at the time were from every nation under heaven and could not understand how they were hearing about the mighty works of God in their own languages. The bewildered people wanted to know what was going on and from where this power had come. This power caused the people to want to know more about Jesus.
This power came from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the earth. This power had come from God after Jesus had ascended to heaven. This power came because the apostles chose to walk the path of obedience, repent, and surrender their lives to Jesus.
Our God is a God of order. He gave us a plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus. He provided a way for our sins to be forgiven, enabling us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We have been given steps to take in obedience. It starts with repentance - the turning away from our sins to go instead in the opposite direction toward a right relationship with God Almighty. By repenting and accepting Jesus Christ into our lives, we are being obedient to God’s plan. We are then given the gift of His Holy Spirit. Start with full repentance, then check your heart and your life to ensure you are being obedient to all God has asked of you. Then watch what amazing things God will begin doing in your life!
Action Steps
God wants to fill you with His presence through the power of His Holy Spirit. It all starts with repentance. Begin that process now. Take some time to ask God to show you any areas of sin or disobedience in your life. Don’t miss out on all God has for you! His free gift is waiting for you to receive it.
Prayer
Lord, I know that my walk with You starts with being repentant. Help me to search my heart and turn away from anything that is hindering my relationship with You. I want to be obedient to Your direction for my life. I want the power of Your Holy Spirit to give me the ability to boldly share Your plan of salvation with others and to empower me to do great things for You. Thank You for allowing me to ask for forgiveness as I repent and turn back to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Reflection
In this passage, a question had been asked, and Peter, one of the twelve followers of Jesus, responded to the crowd and gave direction. This question was asked after the people in Jerusalem had just witnessed the unbelievable miracle of the twelve disciples speaking in various languages. Those who were dwelling in the town at the time were from every nation under heaven and could not understand how they were hearing about the mighty works of God in their own languages. The bewildered people wanted to know what was going on and from where this power had come. This power caused the people to want to know more about Jesus.
This power came from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the earth. This power had come from God after Jesus had ascended to heaven. This power came because the apostles chose to walk the path of obedience, repent, and surrender their lives to Jesus.
Our God is a God of order. He gave us a plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus. He provided a way for our sins to be forgiven, enabling us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We have been given steps to take in obedience. It starts with repentance - the turning away from our sins to go instead in the opposite direction toward a right relationship with God Almighty. By repenting and accepting Jesus Christ into our lives, we are being obedient to God’s plan. We are then given the gift of His Holy Spirit. Start with full repentance, then check your heart and your life to ensure you are being obedient to all God has asked of you. Then watch what amazing things God will begin doing in your life!
Action Steps
God wants to fill you with His presence through the power of His Holy Spirit. It all starts with repentance. Begin that process now. Take some time to ask God to show you any areas of sin or disobedience in your life. Don’t miss out on all God has for you! His free gift is waiting for you to receive it.
Prayer
Lord, I know that my walk with You starts with being repentant. Help me to search my heart and turn away from anything that is hindering my relationship with You. I want to be obedient to Your direction for my life. I want the power of Your Holy Spirit to give me the ability to boldly share Your plan of salvation with others and to empower me to do great things for You. Thank You for allowing me to ask for forgiveness as I repent and turn back to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
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