Transforming Power of the Holy Spirit

They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire… All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit. — Acts 2:3-4

Within fifty days of Jesus’ death and the apparent collapse of His cause, the city of Jerusalem rang with the cries of those who boldly declared that God had raised Jesus from the dead, and that they were eyewitnesses to that truth. Hundreds had seen the resurrected Jesus!

As the Holy Spirit descended on the day of Pentecost, craven cowards were changed into courageous confessors. Humble fishermen became heralds of the King. All who saw and heard them were compelled to acknowledge that something had utterly transformed their lives. When questioned by their critics, the apostles did not hesitate to reply: they accounted for their boldness by pointing to the risen Christ.

On that day of Pentecost, the Resurrection was the keynote of Peter’s sermon, causing three thousand people to confess Jesus as Lord (Acts 2:14-41). The Resurrection was the dominant theme in Paul’s preaching. The earthshaking fact that God had raised Jesus from the dead was the axle and wheels of the early Christian church.

What difference will the Resurrection and the Holy Spirit’s power make in your life today?

Excerpted with permission from Wisdom for Each Day by Dr. Billy Graham, copyright The Billy Graham Literary Trust.

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Your Turn

The Holy Spirit radically changes lives — He makes 180 degree changes! How has He changed your life or the lives of those you love? Come share with us on our blog! We want to hear from you! ~ Devotionals Daily