February 12

Acts 19:2 (NIV)
2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.

It is so significant that we see that the first question Paul asked these believers was about the filling or baptism with the Holy Spirit. The significance is this – Paul wanted to make sure that they were properly equipped to be a witness. Paul was a veteran missionary and minister of the gospel and he knew well the great importance of the “power” that comes with the Holy Spirit’s filling. Should we just leave that to pastors and missionaries? NO! This has got to be a question that we ask as well. There is no doubt that you will need to get your theology straight so you can answer any questions, but what needs to get straight is priority! Get saved and get baptized with the Holy Spirit! That is what happened here (along with speaking of tongues) and that is how we should operate as believers as well. Don’t leave this for professionals – you are priests of the Most High God. You have what it takes!

I must include this; Have you received the Holy Spirit? If you are saved you have the Holy Spirit living inside you as the disciples did (John 20:22), previous to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Jesus baptizing them with the Holy Spirit – Acts 2). If you have not received that baptism, then ask for it and begin to praise and thank Jesus for giving you the fullness of the Spirit! Claim the promise!