ESOCS Devotional 10 September 2022
TEXT: ACTS 1: 1-14
MEMORY VERSE: “For John indeed baptized with water but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
In Mark 1: 4-5, John the forerunner of Jesus Christ, went out to preach the message of repentance. Those who believed, he baptized with water by immersion at River Jordan. More so, this baptism followed the wholehearted confession of their sins.
Without doubt, the first person to experience the baptism with the Holy Spirit was Jesus Himself. This took place immediately following His water baptism by John the Baptist at River Jordan (Mark 1: 9-12). Clearly speaking, water baptism is for cleansing and remission of sins. But baptism with the Holy Spirit is for a different purpose. The aim is for believers to be endued with power from on high. (Acts 2:2-4, Acts 19:1-7).
Even in contemporary times, the baptism of the Holy Spirit paves the way for the Spirit of the living Christ to enrich, empower and use believers in every generation. Baptism with the Holy Spirit, which was first made manifest in the lives of the apostles at Pentecost, brings about the following:
- Makes people to speak in other tongues (Acts 17:5)
- Empowers people to prophesy (Acts 17:5)
- Enables people to speak the Word of God with boldness (Acts 2: 14-16).
- Equips people to perform wonders (Acts 2:19)
- Empowers people to dream dreams and see visions (Joel 2:28)
- Makes people to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 10: 44-46)
- Causes people to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9)
- Makes people to be born of the Spirit (into eternal life) (John 3: 3-8).
Holy Spirit Baptism is a major aspect of the initial work of the Holy Spirit which takes place at the time of salvation. Baptism of the Holy Spirit empowers people to embark on the work of ministry. It gives people authority to overcome the devil and his temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). Mainly, and amongst other means, baptism with the Holy Spirit is carried out by the laying of hands. In Acts 19:6, when Paul laid his hands on some believers, the Holy Spirit came on them. The result was that they began to prophesy, and spoke in diverse tongues.
Child of God, therefore, have you yet received the Holy Spirit since you believed? If not, go for the second baptism – the Baptism with the Holy Spirit. Welcome on board.
CHALLENGES: Many believers – even today, are yet to hear of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Advise them.
PRAYER POINTS: Holy Spirit Divine, may the reality of the Pentecost become real in my life, Amen.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Judges 2: 11-23; Ezra 1: 1-11; Matthew 9: 9-17
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ESOCS Devotional 10 September 2022
