Acts of the Holy Spirit: A Study in ActsSample

What does it say?

The Holy Spirit came upon believers on the day of Pentecost. Afterward, Peter preached the good news of Jesus to the crowd, and about 3,000 people believed.

What does it mean?

It’s not coincidental that God waited until Pentecost to send the Holy Spirit. Jews from every nation were in Jerusalem to celebrate the harvest, but the spiritual harvest would far outweigh any other. A fundamental change occurred when the Holy Spirit settled upon each believer. The new life He created within them gave power and clarity to their message and unity in their purpose. Peter, a simple fisherman, was emboldened to speak with authority, and listeners were convicted of their sins. A new age had begun; believers would always have His indwelling presence with them (John 14:16). The gospel story traveled back to each nation with those who heard and believed.

How should I respond?

For over 2,000 years, the Holy Spirit has empowered followers of Christ to accomplish extraordinary things for the Lord. You may wonder, “What exactly does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?” The initial work of God’s Spirit is the conviction of your sinful state outside of Christ. When you place your faith in Jesus, His presence enters your life. You then access the Spirit’s power by yielding to His prompting and continuing conviction of individual sins. What area do you need to yield to the Holy Spirit right now? Pay attention to His leading today – you might be part of something extraordinary.