Holy Spirit Come

Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Denying self means surrendering personal desires, ambitions, and sin to make Christ the center of our lives. It requires humility and recognizing that we cannot save ourselves but need God’s grace.

Repentance

Repentance is the foundation of restoration. Peter’s boldness in Acts 2 came after he repented of his denial of Christ and experienced forgiveness. Repentance involves a genuine turning away from sin, a change of mind, and a heartfelt sorrow that leads to action. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”

Receiving the Holy Spirit

In Acts 2, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached with boldness to thousands. This empowerment is available to all believers who repent, believe in Jesus, and yield to God. The Holy Spirit equips us to live holy lives, understand God’s Word, and share the Gospel with courage and conviction.

Boldness for Christ

Peter’s transformation shows us that no matter our past, God can use us. Boldness for Christ is not arrogance but a Spirit-filled confidence to stand firm in faith, even in the face of opposition. Acts 4:31 says, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”

Restoration Through Christ

Like Peter, we are restored through repentance and surrender. Christ forgives and restores us to fulfill His purpose. Restoration involves a renewed relationship with God, peace, and the empowerment to walk in His ways.

Application:

1. Spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you need repentance.

2. Be intentional in surrender, asking God to guide your life.

3. Step out in faith, sharing Christ’s love with boldness.

Prayer

Dear Abba,

We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging our need for Your grace and mercy. Lord, we confess our sins to You, repenting of anything that has separated us from Your presence. Cleanse us, renew our minds, and restore us through the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Help us to deny ourselves, laying down our desires and picking up our cross to follow You wholeheartedly. Teach us to live lives that are pleasing to You, surrendered to Your will and obedient to Your Word.

Fill us with the boldness that comes from Your Spirit, the same boldness that transformed Peter into a fearless witness for Christ. Equip us to stand firm in our faith, to proclaim Your Gospel with courage, and to love others as You have loved us.

Lord, we ask for Your Spirit to dwell richly in us, empowering us to walk in righteousness and truth. Restore us to the joy of our salvation and use us as vessels to bring Your light to a world in need.

May our lives glorify You in all we do. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray.

Amen.