READ ACTS 1:1–5
Major League Baseball is known as a sport that values tradition. Very few rules have changed since the late 1800s. There are established norms in the game that fans and players can count on.
In the New Testament church there were norms established that could be counted on as well. It was expected that all believers would have three things in common. They would all have accepted Jesus as Savior, would have been baptized in water, and would have been baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Some of Jesus’ last recorded words were about being baptized in the Holy Spirit. He knew His followers would need additional power to carry out His mission.
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5).
Much like Major League Baseball, the norms of Christianity have not changed over time. Jesus desires that all Christians be baptized in the Holy Spirit as a normal part of their spiritual lives. If you have not been baptized in the Holy Spirit, ask Jesus for this gift and believe He will give it to you.
Challenge for Today: Desire the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to expand God’s kingdom.
Quicklook: Acts 1:4–5
