Supporter’s Extra: A Second Blessing!
Friends, I do thank you for your kind donations and support of my work. I love doing this - these devotions and all the music I do - and it's your kindness that enables me to do it. Thank you!
I love Philip, in the book of Acts! Now, remember, he went off to Samaria to do God's work, breaking boundaries by reaching out to the people the Jews so despised. But something interesting happens during his time there. People are brought to faith, but they somehow missed the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Let's read it:
"When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." (Acts 8:14-17)
What Is the Second Blessing?
This is one of the reasons that we Nazarenes - and a host of other denominations - teach what we call the second blessing. The phrase comes from John Wesley himself, who encouraged people to seek this second blessing… read or listen to this full devotion on my Patreon page here – for a monthly amount of your choice.
Lazarus feasted with Jesus but also had to deal with persecution. This is the Christian life!
Lazarus walked out of the tomb alive - but still wrapped in grave clothes. Is there more freedom available to you than you've ever claimed?
"Lazarus, come out!" Jesus spoke, and a dead man walked out of his tomb. That is what the new birth looks like.
Forgiveness of past sin is only part of the story - the Holy Spirit's indwelling power is what keeps you walking in freedom every day. Receive Him today, and live the cured, healthy, free life God has always intended for you.
Changing moods and emotions are a normal part of being human, and holiness doesn't make you immune to them. Fix your eyes on Jesus through your ups and downs, and be patient with yourself and others.
The church can run on external programmes and human energy, or it can run on the Spirit's power from within - and only one of those produces lasting fruit. Ask God today to fill you and your church with the inner fire of the Holy Spirit.
The baptism of the Spirit requires deep desire, earnest seeking, and complete consecration - but the Spirit is ready and willing, so don't keep putting it off.
Receiving the baptism of the Spirit requires complete consecration of your life to God and genuine faith in His power to transform you. Lay it all before Him today and ask Him to fill you completely.
The Holy Spirit is not a force or a ghost, but a person - the third member of the Trinity - who longs to soak into every part of who you are and transform you into the likeness of Christ. Open yourself fully to His work today.
Phoebe Palmer's life of service, hospitality, and teaching helped birth the holiness movement - proof that one ordinary woman's faithfulness to God's call can change history. Give thanks today for those who went before you, and ask God how He is calling you to do the same.
Paul's conversion didn't just make him bold - it gave him a deep, tender compassion for people that marks every page of his writings. Go into the world today as a Spirit-filled person, and let that same compassion shape how you treat those around you.
Paul's encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road converted him from a self-righteous persecutor into a humble follower of Christ. Have you truly been converted, or are you carrying on as you always have?
Barnabas didn't just open doors for others - he walked alongside them, investing in their growth and keeping them true to the Lord. Who in your life could grow deeper in faith with your encouragement?
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is available to every believer - not just the apostles, not just the early church. Ask God today whether you have truly been filled with His Spirit, and seek that fullness if you haven't.
Many people believed on Jesus because of Lazarus. Your testimony of what Christ has done is the most powerful evangelism tool you possess. Read or listen to this extra devotion here - thank you for your support!