“You also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 1:13-14
The prophet Joel foretold a terrible day of God’s judgment on Israel and called his countrymen to repent. The Lord took pity and spared them. More than merely sparing them, He restored what they’d already lost. Additionally, He promised security from enemies and plentiful harvests. Then the Lord did even more: He promised to pour out His Holy Spirit. He had given His Spirit before (to Moses, David, Joel, and the other prophets), but in this instance the Lord promised to pour out His Spirit on all of His people—men and women, young and old, rich and poor. This promise was fulfilled in the New Testament at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples. The people of all nations heard God being praised. Since it is a work of the Holy Spirit that our hearts are renewed and we can confess Christ, the Spirit is indeed evident in all who believe. How might it change our daily lives to know the Holy Spirit lives in us? We can love and hope and obey in ways that would be impossible in our own strength.



Scripture Focus

Joel 2:28-29

Insight

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Corinthians 13:14)

Bible In A Year

  • 1 Chronicles 1
  • Proverbs 24
  • Revelation 1-2

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