Acts 1:1-8. In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
The filling of the Holy Spirit is being filled with Christ—being filled with what Jesus began to do and teach as the Christ (Acts 1:1). A Spirit-filled life is not about emotional excitement or outward experiences alone. It is a life deeply rooted in Christ’s victory over the enemy (1 John 3:8), the joy of freedom from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2), and the peace of God in every circumstance (Hebrews 10:20).
A person filled with the Holy Spirit lives in the resurrection power of Christ and daily discovers the riches of every spiritual blessing in the kingdom of God. That life becomes a witness for Christ—to the ends of the earth. This is not a burden; it is the natural result of being filled with the life of Christ Himself.
It is God’s good and pleasing will to fill you with the Holy Spirit. He promised this gift to all who believe. You do not need to perform religious rituals or wait for a special atmosphere. Simply ask in faith. Right where you are. Right now.
Devote yourself to the Word about Christ. Let your mind and heart be saturated with the gospel that Jesus is the Christ—the only answer to all sin, Satan, and separation from God. Fill yourself with this gospel through prayer, embracing your identity in Christ and the authority He has given you as a citizen of His kingdom.
As you pray, remember who lives in you—the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). Remember who is guiding you—your Advocate and Teacher (John 14:26–27). And remember who is empowering you—the Spirit who came with power to send you into your mission field (Acts 1:8). When you pray this way, you will be filled with assurance, peace, and strength that surpass all understanding.
Use your spiritual authority in prayer. Resist the devil in the name of Jesus, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). Call upon God’s angel armies to move into your field and prepare the way for the gospel (Hebrews 1:14). Exercise your full rights as a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20). Keep dreaming about the day when the gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed in the whole world as a testimony to all nations (Matthew 24:14). Let your life align completely with God’s heart—His will, His desires, His purpose.
Enjoy your gospel through worship. The early disciples in Mark’s upper room gathered, holding onto Jesus’ promise, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). They did not gather out of duty, but in expectation. Every time they met, they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer (Acts 2:42). Worship was their lifestyle, and the Spirit filled them continually.
Receive the Word of God as if your life depends on it—because it does. Meditate on the power of the blood of Christ and His resurrection. Confirm the promises of God personally. Listen carefully to what the Lord is saying to you through His Word and His Spirit. Align your life with His direction and purpose.
In your relationships, do not lose the blessing of the gospel. See others through the lens of Christ. Discover God’s messages through people around you. Choose faith, not suspicion or bitterness. Be patient with others just as God has been patient with you. Let your words carry faith, hope, and love—the overflow of the gospel in your life.
When you face hardships, enjoy victories, or wrestle with uncertainty in the world, let the gospel rule over your heart and mind. Do not let worldly standards or labels define you. Remember who you are in Christ. Nothing can stand against you. Nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). Nothing in your life is accidental—God has a perfect plan in all things, and the Spirit will help you discern it.
Finally, set your focus on God’s kingdom and His righteousness. This is the purpose of your life—to enjoy and share the gospel, to live for evangelism and world missions. Whether in your home, your workplace, or your city, this is your field. This is the reason God promised to fill you with the Holy Spirit—so that your life would be a living testimony of Christ.
And He will fill you. Just ask.
Prayer. Father, fill me with Your Spirit so that I may stand as a witness for Christ to the ends of the earth. Let every area of my life testify to the power of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.