A New BeginningSample

Inner renewal

“I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8)

Many people who came to listen to John were deeply touched by his words. They wanted to make a new beginning in their lives. To reinforce that step and make it visible, they were baptized by John. They were immersed in the river to be cleansed of their sins. They washed off their old lives, as it were.

But once again, John pointed to Jesus. Being baptized with water was a powerful symbol. But the Lord Jesus would “baptize people with the Holy Spirit.” Because He is God, He has the power to pour out the Spirit into people's hearts. That brings about true renewal. Jesus compares this process to a second birth. When you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, it is like dying and coming back to life. You become a different person.

Very specifically, we see this at Pentecost, just after Jesus returned to heaven. His disciples then received the Holy Spirit in abundance. Filled with His power, they began to tell everyone about the Gospel. They had witnessed Jesus' new beginning, they had experienced the renewal of their hearts, and now they wanted to share this amazing truth with others.

Have you been “born again” yet? How has that changed your life?

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