September 26, 2006

Filled With the Spirit

Acts 19:1-7

When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them ... Acts 19:6

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During his third missionary journey, the apostle Paul met a group of disciples in Ephesus who knew more about John the Baptist than about Christ or the Holy Spirit. Paul challenged them to put their trust in Christ, for whom John had prepared the way. So they were baptized in the name of Jesus. Then, as Paul prayed over them, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, "and they spoke in tongues and prophesied."

In some ways, we too are like those disciples. We may know a lot about church doctrines. But can we honestly say that our lives have been profoundly touched and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit? Do we lead victorious lives over sin in our daily walk with the Lord? If our answer is no, then we need to listen to the apostle Paul speaking to us today.

We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Let us open ourselves to the Holy Spirit. Let us open our hearts and invite the Spirit to fill us with his presence and power.

Only Spirit-filled Christians are powerful witnesses of the gospel of Christ. As with all the blessings of God, fullness in the Holy Spirit can be received only through repentance and faith in Christ. If you've acknowledged and repented of your sins, join together with many thousands of Christians in the following prayer today.

Lord Jesus, I open my heart to you, please fill me with your Spirit, so that I may love you and become your powerful witness. O Spirit, please guide me each day. Amen.

About the author — Paul M'pindi

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