There is a big difference between power tools and hand tools. With a powered drill, you can get the job done in a fraction of time and often cleaner than you can with a manual drill. The same can be said for your Spiritual life. There is a big difference between life under the power of the Holy Spirit and one that operates under its own power.
Acts 8:15-16
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
A New Work
God started working in others areas of the region besides Jerusalem. Samaria and Antioch were such places. Phillip went to Samaria, and many of them received Jesus. The church in Jerusalem heard about this and sent Peter and John to minister to them. When they got there, they found that the people had received salvation but not the baptism of the Holy Spirit. They prayed for them, and the Spirit fell on them.
Every Believer Needs This
Peter and John knew the importance of walking in the power of the Spirit. Salvation will remove your sin and get you into heaven, but every believer needs the power of the Holy Spirit to live for Jesus every day. We are filled with the Spirit at salvation which then pours the love of Christ into our hearts (Rom 5:5), but there needs to be that time where the Spirit comes upon us in power.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
This power isn’t a weapon or magic wand but is a presence that guides you in your daily walk. The Spirit manifests the gifts through you and makes you aware of what is on God’s heart. Peter and John saw that the Samaritans were missing this. Are you missing the power of the Spirit in your life?