Thursday, June 28

THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2018

4 Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues [or other languages] and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all. (Ephesians 19:4-7)

As Paul comes to Ephesus, he encounters a group  that has received a baptism of repentance—similar to that from John the Baptist.  After pointing these folks to Christ, they receive the Holy Spirt, as evidenced by speaking in other languages and prophesying.  This filling of the Spirit marked other New Testament conversions and prepared the local church for fruitful ministry.

Paul demonstrated a beautiful balance of the fullness of the Word and the fullness of the Spirit in his ministry, a template that we may copy.  He understood that the Word would reveal the truth and that the Spirit would draw God's people to that truth and empower them for ministry.  These realities underlay Paul's work in each city, and he adapted to reach either Jews or Gentiles.

How may you rely more on the the Word and the Spirit in your life?  How may we do so more as a modern-day church?  How could God move through a small group of committed Christ-followers?

Lord God, thank You for sending Your truth through Your Word and for giving us Your Spirit.  Help us to hunger and thirst for righteousness so that we might be filled.  Place the details of life in proper perspective so that we may honor You above all else.  We love You and wish to glorify You.  In Jesus's Name, amen.