Inspired by Acts 19:1-7
“[Paul] said to [the disciples he found in Ephesus], ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?’ They replied, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’” Acts 19:2-3
It seems a little odd to think of believers having never heard of the Holy Spirit. However such an idea isn’t all that farfetched. The number of people who call themselves Christian believers today who don’t understand the basic tenets of their own faith is staggering.
Baptism is an initiation. It does not signify the beginning of God’s work in our lives, because God can and does work in us before we are baptized. Neither is it merely a formal recognition of an existing relationship, because such a recognition suggests some sort of completion. Rather, baptism initiates us into Body of Christ, the community of believers that continues to live in active relationship with the Triune God. And as with any relationship, we must continue to interact with and learn about the one with whom we’ve been joined.
God has given us his whole creation, his has given us his written Word, he has sent us his Son, and he has sent us the Holy Spirit, all of which can help us to know him better. It’s up to us to engage with all those resources so that we can grow in our relationship with him, and enjoy all the benefits that come with a mature understanding of the One in whom we believe.
Let us pray. Living God, you created us to be in relationship with you. Encourage us to learn about you and grow in our faith, that we may enjoy the fullness of your grace and love. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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