Unstoppable! 'The Three Moves in Conversion' — Acts 8:14-17

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Our Donation Drive Ends Tomorrow!

We deeply appreciate your support.

Donate Now
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God's message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.
— Acts 8:14-17 NLT

Key Thought

Notice three key moves that occur in conversion. We find these moves repeatedly in Acts:*
  1. Turning in faith to follow Jesus.
  2. Submitting to baptism in Jesus.
  3. Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit from Jesus.
Today, missionaries and evangelist see these three steps as an indication that a person has committed to following Jesus. While each of the three is rooted in faith, each is actually a gift of grace given to or done for the one coming to Jesus as Lord.

* See the examples in the first set of Related Scripture Readings.

Today's Prayer

O Father, may I be an instrument you use to bless and bring others to faith in Jesus as your Spirit works to open their hearts, cleanse them of sin, and make each of them your child. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 2:38-41, 16:13-15, 22-34; 22:6-16
  • Galatians 3:26-29; Titus 3:3-7

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 17:27
"A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Greatly Encouraged by Strong Faith' (1 Th. 3:7-8)
"So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Just 12 Men' (Mt. 10:1-4)
"Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. Here are..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Qualities of Love' (1 Co. 13:4-7)
"Dear Father, give me love! May I one day possess fully all the qualities of love, as did your son, Jesus, the Messiah! May I be patient and kind, not..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 8:14-17 NLT — When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God's message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!