Jun 25 - Acts 5:32

What does it take to be open to the Holy Spirit?

Peter said,

we are witnesses to these things,

and so is the Holy Spirit

whom God has given

to those who obey him."

Acts 5:32

There are several steps to receiving the Holy Spirit.

·         The first steps include the initial encounters that lead us into faith: Paul says, “Did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law or by believing what you heard?” Gal 3:2

·         The second is drawing nearer by hearing the word and learning more: “While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word.” Acts 10:44

·         The third and fourth are baptism and repentance: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

·         The fifth is the laying on of hands: Acts says, “Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands …” Acts 8:18.

Let’s summarize … The normative steps – after the Spirit’s wooing and our initially coming to faith – are …

·         Scripture

·         Baptism

·         Repentance

·         Laying on of Hand

… and one more step:

·         Obedience.

That’s our lesson for today: “the Holy Spirit [is] given to those who obey him." Acts 5:32

Chances are that you’ve done most of the first steps already. That means that the Holy Spirit has always been given to you. So why don’t we see more of it? We leak.

Obedience stops the leaks.

In Christ’s Love,

a guy who wants more love, joy, and peace

(therefore, I ought to obey so I quit leaking)