[Peter, addressing the apostles and elders at the Council in Jerusalem:] "God knows people's hearts, and he confirmed that he accepts Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us."
—Acts 15:8 NLT
These words come from Peter's defense for taking the good news of Jesus to Gentiles — Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:1-48). From the moment that the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and the other believers in his household, Peter and his companions were convicted that God had shown he approved of their conversion (Acts 10:44-48; Acts 11:15-18). The Holy Spirit is God's way of showing that we are part of his family (Romans 8:9). The unity, the bond, the family connection that we share is precious and to be rigorously protected (Ephesians 4:3). The Spirit is our assurance that we belong to God and are family with each other!
O Father, tear down the walls that keep your children apart. Thank you for confirming by the presence of the Holy Spirit within me that I am your child. May I deeply value each of your children, my brothers and sisters, for whom Christ died and in whom the Holy Spirit lives. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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—Acts 15:8 NLT
Key Thought
These words come from Peter's defense for taking the good news of Jesus to Gentiles — Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:1-48). From the moment that the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and the other believers in his household, Peter and his companions were convicted that God had shown he approved of their conversion (Acts 10:44-48; Acts 11:15-18). The Holy Spirit is God's way of showing that we are part of his family (Romans 8:9). The unity, the bond, the family connection that we share is precious and to be rigorously protected (Ephesians 4:3). The Spirit is our assurance that we belong to God and are family with each other!
Today's Prayer
O Father, tear down the walls that keep your children apart. Thank you for confirming by the presence of the Holy Spirit within me that I am your child. May I deeply value each of your children, my brothers and sisters, for whom Christ died and in whom the Holy Spirit lives. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Continue reading...
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