The Greatest Gift from God

The book of Joel in the Bible is a call to repentance. God shook the nation awake from its spiritual sleep, helping the people realize that their suffering was connected to their turning away from Him.

No one wants God’s back turned to them, yet they had turned their backs on Him.

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Acts 2:38

Repentance is not a feeling; it is not shown with a simple prayer, promises or just words. Repentance is only shown with change, action, and attitude. God is not expecting perfection, but He wants to see you doing better. He is not expecting you to be perfect, but He expects you to walk away from what is wrong and do what is right. He gives you the ability and power to do that.

Before baptism, repentance must come first. Peter taught that those who repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is God's gift to His people. For you to receive the gift, you need to please God. Because you don’t give a gift to someone who is always angry, upset, disobedient and doesn’t consider you.

God wants to give you the gift of the Holy Spirit—the greatest gift He has to give you; but to receive this gift, you need to please Him through your obedience. For God feel disrespected and dishonored when people don’t obey Him.

If you want to restore your life, to have peace and joy, you need to recognize your sins, repent and turn to God.