More Than Forgiveness

Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.  

Reading: Acts 2:1-4, 37-39

Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.  
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.

The cross secured forgiveness, but the story did not end at the tomb. Jesus rose and ascended precisely so that the Holy Spirit could be poured out on all who believe. The disciples in the upper room were not simply informed about the Spirit; they were overwhelmed by Him.

What happened in that room was undeniably real, undeniably felt, and undeniably transforming. Peter stood and preached with a boldness he had not possessed days before. The promise declared in Acts 2:39 extends to every generation of believers. God’s plan of redemption was always meant to include an ongoing, living encounter with His Spirit.

Have I reduced my faith to receiving forgiveness, or am I also living in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit?

Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…  

1. Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).  
2. Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Father, thank You that salvation includes more than forgiveness—it includes the gift of Your Spirit living and working within me. Fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit. Replace fear with boldness, passivity with obedience, and spiritual dryness with a renewed awareness of Your presence and power. Amen.
   
3. Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.  

Faith Steps:

1. Read Acts 2 in its entirety and note every action, sound, or physical experience connected to the Holy Spirit’s arrival. 
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you boldness to encourage someone, share your faith, or obey something God has placed on your heart.