Gift of the Holy Spirit

"So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!" Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?" Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God." Acts 2:36-39 NLT

 

When was the last time you received a gift? Your birthday or maybe Christmas? Today is God’s special day for you. Unwrap His gift! It is the Holy Spirit, given by the Heavenly Father to everyone who believes in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. What a perfect gift! No strings attached—and no reciprocal gift expected.  Some people just feel unworthy to accept a totally free gift—without feeling that they have to do something to earn it…or pay someone back for it. Salvation and the Holy Spirit cannot be “earned” or bought. Jesus already paid the price on the cross. The Holy Spirit is ours for the asking. Just as Peter said, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:38 NLT. So you don’t have to be a Jew to have Jesus as your Savior. Do you feel that you have the need of a “Savior?” A Savior is one who can take away your sin. Do you feel that you have sinned at some time in your life? Paul tells us… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God….Romans 3:23. Even if we feel righteous, we aren’t. We’re human and everyone makes mistakes. I have…and still do even though I’ve been a Christian for more than 40 years. The thing is, I’m forgiven. Jesus took my sin to the cross. I’ve received the gift of the Holy Spirit…and day by day I seek to be more like Jesus—though I know I’ll never be perfect like Jesus. I just want to be holy and acceptable to God. How about you? Where do you stand with the Lord? Remember that Salvation and the Holy Spirit living in you isn’t something you can earn or buy…you just have to humbly accept it for the gift that it is.

 

Prayer ~ (sample prayer for the new believer) Heavenly Father, I admit to You that I am a sinner…and I am sorry for my past attitude, sins, and inappropriate behavior. Please forgive me. All I want is Your forgiveness and Jesus to be in my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I thank you and praise You for Your love and mercy.

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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