Receiving the Gift
Acts 2:36-39
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”
Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Peter's first sermon in the church age ended with a powerful invitation: "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." Notice the progression—belief, repentance, baptism, and then the gift of the Spirit.
This gift isn't just for biblical times; Peter declared it was "for you and your children and for all who are far off." The same power that transformed frightened disciples into bold witnesses is available today. This isn't just about feeling better; it's about receiving supernatural power to overcome addictions, break destructive patterns, and live victoriously.
Christmas reminds us that God gives good gifts. The greatest gift isn't under a tree—it's the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering you for the life God has called you to live.
Reflection: Have you received the gift of the Holy Spirit? If not, will you ask God to fill you today? If so, are you walking in His power?
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.”
Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Peter's first sermon in the church age ended with a powerful invitation: "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." Notice the progression—belief, repentance, baptism, and then the gift of the Spirit.
This gift isn't just for biblical times; Peter declared it was "for you and your children and for all who are far off." The same power that transformed frightened disciples into bold witnesses is available today. This isn't just about feeling better; it's about receiving supernatural power to overcome addictions, break destructive patterns, and live victoriously.
Christmas reminds us that God gives good gifts. The greatest gift isn't under a tree—it's the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, empowering you for the life God has called you to live.
Reflection: Have you received the gift of the Holy Spirit? If not, will you ask God to fill you today? If so, are you walking in His power?
Posted in Daily Devotions
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