God's Holy Fire: 'The Promised Gift'

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call."
— Acts 2:38-39 NIV

Key Thought

The first Pentecost after Jesus' death and resurrection was the birthday of Jesus' church. The Holy Spirit moved in Jesus' apostles; they proclaimed the good news to people from many parts of the Mediterranean area (Acts 2:8-11). Thousands were baptized, forgiven of their sins, and given the Holy Spirit as God's gift. But even in the greatness of that day, there was the promise of more great days to come. The promise of God's forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit are for all whom the Lord calls, including us and others he will call. By the power of the Holy Spirit, have you shared this message of promise, forgiveness, and power with others?

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, I look back to the day that I confessed Jesus as Lord, called on him to be my Savior, and shared in his death, burial, and resurrection through baptism. Please show me how I can thank you for this gift of grace. Please open my eyes to those around me who need to know of this promised gift! In Jesus' name, I ask this. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

44 Related Resources by Heartlight

The Gift
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"And Peter said to [the crowd on Pentecost], "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will...."
Acts 2:38
Devo: Today's Verse
"Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the..."
God's Universal Promise!
Devo: Unstoppable!
"[Peter's sermon on Pentecost led the people to ask what they should do.] Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be...."
Repent and Be Baptized!
Illustration of Acts 2:38
Inspirational illustration of Acts 2:38 -- Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children a
See All 44 Related Resources about Acts 2:38-39

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 2:38-39 NIV — "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, January 11, 2026

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Cry for Jerusalem'
"Dear Friend, What will you do when you see death closing in on you? Will you fight it? Will you resent it? Will you fear it? Will you resign..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Father Is Looking for Us' (Jn. 4:23)
"[Jesus continued his response about worship,] "But the time is coming — indeed it's here now — when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Phillips Brooks:
"The Bible is like a telescope. If a man looks through his telescope, then he sees worlds beyond; but if he looks at his telescope, then he does not see anything..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Job 14:1
"It may be of great service to us, before we fall asleep, to remember this mournful fact, for it may lead us to set loose by earthly things. There is....."

About This Devotional

God's Holy Fire is a daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

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.

More God's Holy Fire

Translations