Meaning of BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

It is different from baptism with water. John's baptism is also contrasted with this (Acts 11:16; Mt. 3:11).

It is different from baptism with water. John's baptism is also contrasted with this (Acts 11:16; Mt. 3:11).

Christian baptism, although distinct, was for the reception of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), but does not confer it (Acts 19:5, 6).

The baptism of the Holy Spirit took place on Pentecost. The Lord said to his disciples: "In not many days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 1:5).
At Pentecost the saints were all baptized by Him, one Spirit in one body (1 Cor. 12:13).

This agrees with the beginning of the church at Pentecost, and tells us that no one can become part of the body of Christ unless the Holy Spirit dwells in him, thus being initiated into a body formed and characterized by the baptism of the Holy Spirit once and for all.

We were created to come close to a Father who has made himself vulnerable to the longings of his people and to absorb his desires as he cares for and works through ours.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

God’s Heart and Ours

Chris Tiegreen

One of the primary ways God accomplishes his purposes on earth is through the prayers of his people. And one of our primary motivations for prayer is the desires in our hearts.

God’s Word gives us the resilience of a tree with a source of living water that will never dry up.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Secret of Strength and Happiness

Timothy Keller

Psalm 1 is the gateway to the rest of the psalms. The “law” is all Scripture, to “meditate” is to think out its implications for all life, and to “delight” in it means not merely to comply but to love what God commands.

The new heavens and new earth are perfect because everyone and everything is glorifying God fully and therefore enjoying him forever.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

A Glimpse into the Future of Eternal Praise

Timothy Keller

Every possible experience, if prayed to the God who is really there, is destined to end in praise. Confession leads to the joy of forgiveness. Laments lead to a deeper resting in him for our happiness. If we could praise God perfectly, we would love him completely and then our joy would be full.

Gospel joy, knowing how honored and loved we are in Christ (verse 5), makes us ready for this mission.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Poetry of Praise and Redemptive Mission

Timothy Keller

The praise of the redeemed. His people praise him because he has made them his people and because he honors and delights in them —though they don’t deserve it. Gospel joy, knowing how honored and loved we are in Christ, makes us ready for this mission.

Praise unites us also with one another. Here is “the only potential bond between the extremes of mankind: joyful preoccupation with God.” Praise the Lord!

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Praise that Unites All

Timothy Keller

Praise Those Unites. We see extremes brought together in praise: wild animals and kings, old and young. Young men and maids, old men and babes. How can humans be brought into the music? He has raised up for his people a horn, a strong deliverer.