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How to Receive Baptism in The Holy Spirit
A devotional on Acts 2 and how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people with extraordinary power.
📧 In today’s email..
📕 Today’s reading
🙏 The SOAP Devotional of the day
📕 TODAY’S READING
Genesis 12-15; Psalm 148; Mark 5
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🙏 SOAP DEVOTIONAL
SOAP: scripture, observation, application, prayer.
Today’s SOAP Devotional by Jacob Coyne
What really happened in Acts 2? And what does it mean for you today?
The moment recorded in Acts chapter 2 is not just history — it is the very blueprint for a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Too many Christians admire the early church like it’s a museum exhibit. But the same fire that fell in that upper room is the fire God still wants to ignite in your life today.
If you’re feeling stuck in your faith, spiritually dry, or wondering how to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in your everyday life — this is for you.
Let’s dive in.
The Upper Room: Waiting for Power
Before the fire fell, there was waiting.
Jesus had told His followers:
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised… in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:4-5)
They obeyed.
For ten days, 120 believers gathered together in prayer and expectation. And then, suddenly — heaven broke in.
“Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.” (Acts 2:2)
This wasn’t quiet. This wasn’t normal. It was a supernatural invasion of the Spirit of God.
What Is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
Here’s the short answer:
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is the empowering presence of God filling believers to live boldly for Jesus.
It’s not about hype. It’s not about emotionalism. It’s about power — divine power to do what you could never do in your own strength.
When the Holy Spirit filled the believers in Acts 2:
They spoke in new tongues.
They prophesied.
They boldly preached Jesus.
Thousands were saved.
The church exploded with life.
This wasn’t a one-time event for a select few. It was the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Helper — the Holy Spirit — to empower His followers for life and mission.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8)
Why You Need the Baptism in the Holy Spirit Today
Let’s be honest: many believers today feel powerless.
We try to follow Jesus in our own strength. We go to church, we read the Bible, we pray… but there’s a gap between what we read in Acts and what we experience.
Here’s the good news: the power of the Holy Spirit is still available today.
If you’re feeling weak, discouraged, or spiritually dry, you are exactly the kind of person the Holy Spirit wants to fill.
He fills hungry hearts. He empowers everyday believers. He ignites boldness and courage that transcends fear.
You don’t have to muster up the strength to live for Jesus. You just need to surrender and receive the fire of the Holy Spirit.
How to Receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
If you’re wondering how do I receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit? — it’s simple, but it’s supernatural.
Ask.
Jesus said, “How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13). Start by asking God to fill you.Wait expectantly.
Just like the disciples, posture your heart in prayer and worship. Make room for Him.Surrender fully.
Empty hands receive the most. Lay down your fears, control, and expectations. Welcome the Spirit’s presence.Receive by faith.
The Holy Spirit is a gift. Receive Him, believing that God is faithful to His promises.
A Prayer to Be Baptized in the Holy Spirit
Pray this right now, wherever you are:
Holy Spirit, I need You. I’m tired of trying to follow Jesus in my own strength. Fill me with Your power. Baptize me with Your fire. Burn away fear, complacency, and compromise. Empower me to be a bold witness for Jesus. I open my heart fully to You. Fall fresh on me today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Don’t Settle for a Powerless Life
The story of Acts 2 is still being written — in your life.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not a historical artifact. It’s a present invitation. Right now, the Spirit of God is longing to fill you, empower you, and send you into the world with the fire of heaven burning in your heart.
So don’t settle for less than the fullness of God.
Ask. Wait. Receive.
And watch as the Holy Spirit empowers you to live a life that points the world to Jesus.
What is a SOAP?
For each day of Bible reading, we do a SOAP devotional to go deeper into the word of God. We always provide an example SOAP from one of our authors, but we highly encourage you to do your own SOAP with today’s reading. God wants to speak to you personally, and will highlight a passage of today’s reading that’s just for you.
Here’s how it works:
S – SCRIPTURE
Physically write out the Bible verse
You’ll be amazed at what God will reveal to you when you
slow down to write or meditate on what you are reading!
O – OBSERVATION
What do you see in the verses you’re reading?
Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? What words stand out to you? What is the main lesson or theme?
A – APPLICATION
When God’s Word becomes personal
What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my life? Are there any changes I need to make?
P – PRAYER
Pray God’s Word back to Him
If He has revealed something to you during this time in His
Word, pray about it. Confess if He has revealed some sin that is in your life. Take time to thank Him for His goodness in your life.
✨ Share This Devotional!
If this Acts 2 devotional encouraged you, share it with a friend who is hungry for the power of the Holy Spirit! Let’s spread the fire of revival together.
And if you want more Spirit-filled devotionals like this, subscribe to the Bible Collective newsletter for weekly encouragement straight to your inbox.
Let’s see Jesus move in and through us,
-Jacob Coyne and Colby Maier
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