13 January 2021 – Acts 19:4 (NIV)

13 January 2021 – Acts 19:4 (NIV)

Scripture

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.”

Reflection

When Paul visited the disciples in Ephesus and learned that they have been baptized, he re-affirmed to those believers that they should believe in the One who is to come. Paul then baptized these believers again in the name of the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit fell upon those followers (vvs 5-6).

That sounded just like me when I first accepted Christ. Knowing a Savior who could forgive every wrong that I had ever done, I didn’t know about the Holy Spirit, or rather, I didn’t recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in me. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit as helper to all those who believe in him (John 14:26). Yet, for years after I accepted Christ as a baptized believer, things stopped there. I thought that going to church and occasionally reading the bible would be enough. I lived my life not too differently than people who don’t know Christ, doing things in my understanding and in my way.

Thankfully, God promised to give us the whole package when we accept His Son. Eventually, I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to want to be more like Jesus. I began to recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in me, to know that He is in me and with me to impart wisdom, power, sanctification, and so much more. We receive a new life and identity wholly in the Father, Son, Holy Spirit. “…He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.” (Titus 3:4-6)

Thoughts for the day

  • What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
  • What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
  • What do you know about the Holy Spirit?(Whatever you wish to know, ASK Him!

Prayer

Pray this prayer throughout the day, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)

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By |2021-01-12T19:03:08+08:00January 13th, 2021|Categories: Week 2|Comments Off on 13 January 2021 – Acts 19:4 (NIV)

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About the Author:

Answering God's call to move to Shanghai in 2006, Eileen did not know that God was calling her into full-time ministry. Having served as the SCF administrator since 2007, it has been a hugely rewarding journey to be part of such a dynamic, discipling making community.