Peter replied, "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. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call."
—Acts 2:38-39 NIV
The first Pentecost after Jesus' death and resurrection was the birthday of Jesus' church. The Holy Spirit moved in Jesus' apostles; they proclaimed the good news to people from many parts of the Mediterranean area (Acts 2:8-11). Thousands were baptized, forgiven of their sins, and given the Holy Spirit as God's gift. But even in the greatness of that day, there was the promise of more great days to come. The promise of God's forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit are for all whom the Lord calls, including us and others he will call. By the power of the Holy Spirit, have you shared this message of promise, forgiveness, and power with others?
Father in heaven, I look back to the day that I confessed Jesus as Lord, called on him to be my Savior, and shared in his death, burial, and resurrection through baptism. Please show me how I can thank you for this gift of grace. Please open my eyes to those around me who need to know of this promised gift! In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by ###. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of ###. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by ###. Used by permission of ###. All rights reserved. Represented by ###.
Continue reading...
—Acts 2:38-39 NIV
Key Thought
The first Pentecost after Jesus' death and resurrection was the birthday of Jesus' church. The Holy Spirit moved in Jesus' apostles; they proclaimed the good news to people from many parts of the Mediterranean area (Acts 2:8-11). Thousands were baptized, forgiven of their sins, and given the Holy Spirit as God's gift. But even in the greatness of that day, there was the promise of more great days to come. The promise of God's forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit are for all whom the Lord calls, including us and others he will call. By the power of the Holy Spirit, have you shared this message of promise, forgiveness, and power with others?
Today's Prayer
Father in heaven, I look back to the day that I confessed Jesus as Lord, called on him to be my Savior, and shared in his death, burial, and resurrection through baptism. Please show me how I can thank you for this gift of grace. Please open my eyes to those around me who need to know of this promised gift! In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by ###. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of ###. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by ###. Used by permission of ###. All rights reserved. Represented by ###.
Continue reading...
