Don’t these few verses from Acts 2:38-41a (NIV) [excerpt from the verses set for reading and meditation], say a lot: “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.”
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, … “
Those called by God, are able (with God’s continuous help) to distance themselves from their sinful past because they become more aware of their separation from God’s righteousness when dying from sin. In the name of Jesus, they receive the forgiveness of sins – and through baptism (when declaring their belief in Jesus) they receive the gift of God’s Spirit.
Selwyn writes: “Peter talks about the Holy Spirit being the gift. He is the Gift of gifts, and when He is with us and in us, He supplies us with the gifts that enhance our spiritual effectiveness.”
Some people can get a bit lop-sided about the role of the Holy Spirit – and; as Selwyn mentions in today’s study – can focus too much on the gifts (or fruits) of the Holy Spirit. Our new life starts, with Jesus calling us, that results in us falling in love with our amazing God. This new relationship with God, is a relationship, that grows with the increasing depth of our love. The gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit flows from the spring of this relationship of love. I think, it’s important to understand that we demonstrate our love by obeying God’s commandments – once, we have this firm foundation – then, the gifts of the Holy Spirit can become effective tools in our hands and enable us to produce much fruit.
Do you agree?
Don’t these few verses from Acts 2:38-41a (NIV) [excerpt from the verses set for reading and meditation], say a lot: “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.”
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, … “
Those called by God, are able (with God’s continuous help) to distance themselves from their sinful past because they become more aware of their separation from God’s righteousness when dying from sin. In the name of Jesus, they receive the forgiveness of sins – and through baptism (when declaring their belief in Jesus) they receive the gift of God’s Spirit.
Selwyn writes: “Peter talks about the Holy Spirit being the gift. He is the Gift of gifts, and when He is with us and in us, He supplies us with the gifts that enhance our spiritual effectiveness.”
Some people can get a bit lop-sided about the role of the Holy Spirit – and; as Selwyn mentions in today’s study – can focus too much on the gifts (or fruits) of the Holy Spirit. Our new life starts, with Jesus calling us, that results in us falling in love with our amazing God. This new relationship with God, is a relationship, that grows with the increasing depth of our love. The gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit flows from the spring of this relationship of love. I think, it’s important to understand that we demonstrate our love by obeying God’s commandments – once, we have this firm foundation – then, the gifts of the Holy Spirit can become effective tools in our hands and enable us to produce much fruit.
Do you agree?