Lessons from the book of Acts

 The book of Acts serves as a bridge between the four Gospel books and the rest of the New Testament. It tells of the early progress of the gospel as Jesus' disciples took it from Jerusalem, throughout Judea, Samaria, and the rest of the Mediterranean world. It starts with the Gentiles responding to the Gospel and then shifts to Paul and his missionary journeys. Acts is a second book written by Doctor Luke (as I like to call him since he is presumed to have been a form of medical doctor), and was written as a letter to his friend Theophilus.
     In verse 4 we read of Christ telling the disciples to not depart from Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." In this passage Christ is pointing to Pentecost (chapter 2 of Acts)  as well as contrasting his 'repentance' baptism with Jesus' "Holy Spirit" baptism (Mark 1:8). Baptism and the gift of the Spirit are closely related within the book of Acts. But we must be careful to note that water baptism is not necessary for conversion yet baptism with the Holy Spirit is. Baptism of the Holy Spirit is complete conversion, submission of your heart and life to the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Implications:
How do I respond when I am made to "wait" by Christ? Do I understand that waiting is part of the sanctification process? 
The disciples were often told to "wait" by Jesus. In this passage they are so close to the end (of Christ's time on earth) and again, they are told to wait. Christ's goal in this passage may not have been sanctification for the disciples, rather possibly a simple act of obedience but application for us could look like being a person of patience while the Lord responds to our prayers.

Have I truly been baptized by the Holy Spirit and converted my life and heart for the Gospel?