Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Promise of the Holy Spirit

Acts 11:19-26

 
After Jesus was resurrected and left Earth to be with the Father, the Holy Spirit was among us and still is today. The Holy Spirit was given to us by God to help guide us in this world. Ever wonder how Christians came to be? ​​It was the power of the Holy Spirit that helped form the first Christians back in the city of Antioch. Acts 11:19-26 tells us how the gospel of Jesus Christ reached the city of Antioch, where the followers of Jesus were first called Christians. This passage shows us the promise of the Holy Spirit. 
 
The Holy Spirit was with the first Christians who helped spread the word of God among different people including the Jews and Greeks. It was the Holy Spirit that helped people believe and turn to God (Acts 11:21). It is the Holy Spirit that guided Barnabas and many leaders today to speak about the word of God. The Holy Spirit has been and will continue to help transform hearts of stone (Ezekiel 11:19). We can not see the Holy Spirit but He lives among us and guides us into truth amidst the lies and chaos of this world. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that baptizes us (Acts 11:16). God gave us the Holy Spirit as our friend and comforter. 
 
As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves: How can we be faithful witnesses of Jesus in our context? How can we encourage other believers in their faith journey? How can we live out our identity as Christians in our words and actions?

Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your amazing grace that saves us and transforms us. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins and to rise again for our hope. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to empower us and guide us. Lord, we pray that You would help us to be faithful witnesses of Jesus in our context. We pray that the Holy Spirit helps transform our hearts and leads us in the walk of faith. Amen. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge and my job to love.” 
― Billy Graham


Ms. Stacey Jacob
Long Island Mar Thoma Church

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