FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-4

[They] were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:4

One of the best strategies the devil uses to distract Christians is to get them involved in fruitless theological squabbles. One of those discussions concerns signs that can accompany being filled with the Holy Spirit. Some argue that all Christians filled with the Holy Spirit must speak in tongues. Others argue that speaking in tongues is just one of the many gifts that the Spirit gives to believers.

But what is the main message of Acts 2:1-4? Our reading for today speaks of the faithful followers of Christ who stayed where he wanted them to stay and received whom he said they would receive. As a result of their obedience to the command Jesus had given them--"Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised" (Acts 1:4)--they all were filled with the Holy Spirit.

The question for each of us is whether we live daily in obedience to Jesus Christ: Have I received the fullness of the Holy Spirit so that I may become a powerful witness of the gospel?

We will not tire of saying that effective Christian living and ministry are impossible if believers are not filled with the Holy Spirit.

Have you been filled with the Holy Spirit? Does that filling reveal itself through your obedience?

Prayer

Lord, please, forgive all my sins. Come into my life and fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may become a powerful witness of your good news in this world. Amen.

Paul M’pindi