Acts 19 - Praying God's Word

 

Please read Acts 19.

www.blueletterbible.org/nasb/act/19/1/s_1037001

Meditate on verses 2-3.

 

He said to them, "Did you receive the

Holy Spirit when you believed?"

And they said to him, "No, we have not even

heard whether there is a Holy Spirit."

And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?"

 And they said, "Into John's baptism."

 

Paul met twelve disciples of John the Baptist in Ephesus, and he wisely built on their beliefs and experiences.  Paul used the start of their faith to finish their faith.  Consider Paul’s witnessing approach when you share Christ with others.

 

People sincerely believe they are right in their religiosity, not needing anything else for salvation.  Many religions think works make you worthy, and Jesus was a great prophet and a good man who was not resurrected from the dead.  These beliefs seem reasonable; however, Jesus is God, the crucified Christ, and the risen Savior.  Faith in Jesus makes us holy and good. 

 

In addition, Jesus is with you, journeying with you for the rest of your life.  Bonus Round—you have the Holy Spirit inside of you.  Super Bonus Round—because of Jesus and through the Holy Spirit, you can come into the presence of the Creator of the universe all of the time, saying, “Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4:6).  The men at Ephesus were religious, but when they heard the rest of the story and believed, they received the Holy Spirit, making them children of God.

 

Pray Acts 19:4-6 and 20 over those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

 

“LORD, let _______ repent and believe in You, Jesus. 

Let them be baptized in Your name, LORD Jesus,

and receive Your Holy Spirit.

Let Your Word grow mightily and prevail.

Because of Your name, Jesus~”

 

The WATCHMAN on the WALL, 4 – Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell