Baby Christians
Today’s Passages – 1 Corinthians 1 – 5; Proverbs 30
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 146 – 150; Memorize – Colossians 3:15)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 34:6
Today’s Passage – 1 Corinthians 1 – 5
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. (1 Corinthians 3:1 & 2)
The church at Corinth was a church that had many issues which we could sum up into one main category, carnality. They were a very carnal church. Paul says here in the verses above that they were babes. The symptoms of their carnality can be seen throughout these chapters. For instance, they had a problem with unity; they were divided. Some of them were following Paul; some Apollos; some Peter. They ought to have been following the Lord; this way they could also get behind anybody else that was also going the same direction. Man worship seems to be a symptom of the carnality in our churches today as well. We love to pick out a spiritual guru who will do all of the work for us. He will get to know God and study for us, and he will tell us what we need to know. You see, this way we won’t have to get to know God ourselves. I praise God for the many different men that God has used in my life, but they were all just men. I still needed to follow God on my own, just in case one of these men ahead of men decide to take a detour away from God.
Another symptom of the church in Corinth which revealed their lack of spiritual maturity, and their carnality, was immorality. There were many within the body of Christ there that could not control their passions. They were committing some of the worst types of sin including fornication, and unfortunately, it did not appear that the church was dealing with it. They did not seem to be too upset about it. Our churches today are much the same way. It is almost as if we have given up trying to fight immorality anymore. The world we live in has certainly become a cesspool of immorality, so we figure that as long as we are not as bad as they are, we are doing ok. I don’t think God sees it the same way.
How can we reverse this trend? How can we try to conduct our churches in a way where we are still loving and reaching people with problems, yet we are maintaining a mature, separated walk with the Lord. I believe if a church is going to be able to pull its people away from the world, and lead them into a separated lifestyle of service, it will have to have these three ingredients:
1 There must be some shining examples – The leadership of the church, beginning with the pastors, must be men of God that are excited and passionate about serving the Lord. These men and women do not see separation as something to endure, but rather a lifestyle that they enjoy. These people don’t have to do what they do, they love it.
2 There also needs to be strong exhortation – Bible principle must be preached and taught with a conviction that can only come through the power of the Spirit of God. Messages need to be flooded, not with the philosophies of men, but with the principles contained in the Word of God. The people need to hear, “Thus saith the Lord”.
3 There also needs to be service exercise – People need to have a purpose, and they need to be busy serving the Lord. Let’s plug people in to some type of service that enables them to use their gifts for the glory of God.
4 There also needs to be a spiritual excitement – We get beaten down by the world enough. Our people need to see God working. They need to be convinced that this is real, that we are really on the wining team. There needs to be some spiritual victories that will motivate the people to keep going. Nothing is more motivational than seeing people saved, and seeing peoples lives changed.
Carnality will be less of a problem in a healthy, vibrant, excited, motivated, and growing church. People will be able to resist the pull of the world if there is a stronger pull coming from within the walls of the church.
Posted in Thoughts from 1 Corinthians by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Just One More Thing
Today’s Passages – Romans 14 – 16; Proverbs 29
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 141 – 145)
“For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.” – (Romans 16:19)
Have you ever noticed that the Book of Romans has a strange ending. Notice the last verse of chapter 15:
“Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” – (Romans 15:33)
It almost seems that Romans 15:33 would be the last verse of the letter; but then we turn the page and see that God has more to say. In chapter 16, however, we mostly see Paul’s acknowledgement of some of his friends and co-laborers both in Rome and in Corinth. This letter to the Romans was written from Corinth. There is, however, a little tidbit of instruction in middle of all the salutations in chapter 16. Notice vv. 17 – 20:
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” – (Romans 16:17-20)
It is almost as if Paul had thought of one more important thing to tell these Christians in Rome. He wants them to be “simple”, which literally means pure or unmixed, to that which is evil; and wise to that which is good. God wanted them to be unlearned or ignorant to evil. We often think about ignorance as a bad thing, but ignorance concerning evil is a good thing. It seems that Paul was particularly concerned in this context with the evil involving false doctrine.
The world that we are living in is full of all kinds of evil. It takes a good deal of effort on our part to keep all of the evil out of our minds and homes, but it is important that we strive to do so. There is so much evil information bombarding our brains these days, it is difficult to keep it from coming in. When I think about the television in my home, I am reminded that much of what comes through it is evil, in that it floods my home with a worldly philosophy that actually fights against the mind of Christ; and the TV is just one of many avenues the devil uses today to bring evil doctrine into our lives. If the truth be told, we would have to confess that most of us who claim to be Christians today are wise to evil, but simple concerning the things of God. What a shame. Maybe we should cut off some of the sources of evil that are flowing into our homes, and instead open up our Bibles and receive wisdom regarding the goodness of God.
Posted in Thoughts from Romans by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Be Ye Transformed
Today’s Passages – Romans 11 – 13; Proverbs 28
(Second Milers also read – Psalm 136 – 140)
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – (Romans 12:1-2)
In the Greek language, the word that is translated into the English word “transformed” is the word metamorphoo, which is the same word root word that names the process of metamorphosis. You may remember from high school biology that metamorphosis is the biological process by which a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. By the way, isn’t amazing that our God can take a something as “creepy-crawly” as a caterpillar and completely change it into a beautiful butterfly. God transforms the Christian in much the same way. He takes the worldly child of Adam and forms him into the image of Christ.
Notice from our text above that this transformation process comes through the “renewing of your mind”. God has to change the way we think. You see, the transformed Christian has the mind of Christ. How do we renew our mind? Through the transforming power of the Word of God. As we spend time daily in the Word, God gradually changes our whole mindset. Instead of thinking the way men think, we begin to see and understand things through the eyes of God. However, this process is dependent upon the fact that we take the time to read and study the Bible. It would seem to me then that we have the power within us to speed up, or hinder this process. It just makes sense that the Christian that does not open his Bible, will not be transformed as quickly as the one that takes the time daily to meditate upon the truths of God’s Word. We need to make our walk with God a priority if we are going to grow the way God wants us to.
Posted in Thoughts from Romans by Phil Erickson with 1 comment.
Paul’s Motivation – Love
Today’s Passages – Romans 8 – 10; Proverbs 27
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 131 – 135)
“I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:” – (Romans 9:1-3)
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” – (Romans 10:1)
Did you ever think about the reason why people like the Apostle had such passion and motivation for preaching the gospel? Did they do simply out of obedience to the call of God? Or, perhaps was there an underlying cause that pushed men like Paul. I believe the answer to that question for Paul can be seen in the verses above. Paul loved his people, Israel. I do not believe that he was just “blowing smoke” when he said that he was willing to give up his own salvation if that were possible in order that Israel be saved. Paul was not acting out of mere duty and obedience. There is no way that Paul could have endured all of the beatings and imprisonments unless there was a burning desire within him to see his nation saved. In fact, I believe Paul’s love for his people caused him at one point to disobey God. If you carefully study Paul’s last trip to Jerusalem in the Book of Acts you will find that God warned Paul twice not to go to Jerusalem (see Acts 21:4 & 11); and we he got there Jesus told him to leave (see Acts 22:17 & 18). Paul actually argued with the Lord about it. Now I do not believe God ever wants us to be disobedient, but at least Paul’s contention with the Lord was because of his desire to see the Jews saved.
How much do you and I love the people around us? How much do we care about their salvation? What sacrifices will we be willing to make in order that the people that we love receive the truth? We have very few Apostle Pauls on the scene today who are pouring themselves out in the work of God. Perhaps it is because we are too self-centered, loving ourselves far more than we love others. Whatever the reason, we can certainly see that our evangelistic efforts today are not reaping the same type of results that Paul saw in his day. Maybe this is what the Psalmist was trying to tell us in Psalm 126:
“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” – (Psalm 126:5-6)
Our lack of tears is indicative of our lack of love for the people around us. We need more people today who will be willing to lay their own lives on the line in order to reach their world with the Gospel. Paul literally laid his life down as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). We could use a few more living sacrifices in our world today.
Posted in Thoughts from Romans by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Are You Glorying? – The Saturday Morning Post by Pastor Ted Stahl
Today’s Passages – Romans 4 – 7; Proverbs 26
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 126 – 130; Memorize – Romans 1:21)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 18:3 & 46
Romans 5:1-5 says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Good Morning! Are you glorying this morning? Do you have Jesus as your own personal Saviour? Then you have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. And you also have access by faith to His grace. But what I really want to focus on is verses 3 through 5: we can glory in tribulations. From tribulation we get patience, from patience comes experience. From experience we get hope. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Are you glorying yet?
If you want to see a good illustration of how we glory in tribulation, go to www.lancasterbaptist.org and look for a video sermon called ‘Stewarding Trials.’ What it boils down to is that we keep God’s good gifts, and throw away those we perceive as being bad. But according to this passage, what we believe to be bad things are actually good: we can glory in tribulations. We get patience, experience, and hope.
Let me give you the three points I gave on Wednesday night. The first was what Bro. Gerald always says: “God is good all the time and all the time God is good.” God is perfect, so His goodness is perfect. And that brings us to the second point. James 1:17 tells us that: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” The gifts, or blessings we get from Him are good and perfect. The third point came from Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
So, God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.
God’s gifts are good and perfect.
And we know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
And adding Romans 5:3 to this list: we can glory in our tribulations: they are good and perfect gifts from God.
When we get to a point where we fully understand the sovereignty of God, that He is in control of everything, it will motivate us to look for God’s purpose in everything. It will be easier for us to submit to His will. These “good” gifts will remind us of our dependence on God. They will get our focus back on the Lord and off our circumstances. Remember Peter walking on the water: he took his eyes of Jesus, and started to sink. But the Lord was there to keep him from drowning. All our anxiety, and worry can be placed on the Lord. Just know that…
God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.
God’s gifts are good and perfect.
And we know that ALL things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Are you glorying yet?
Peace (Romans 5:1)
Posted in Guest Posts, Thoughts from Romans by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Amazing Love – How Can It Be?
Today’s Passages – Romans 1 – 3; Proverbs 25
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 120 – 125; Memorize – Romans 1:21)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Joshua 1:8
“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:” – (Romans 3:21-22)
Years ago, Pastor Wedemeyer was preaching from this portion of Scripture, and he asked the question: “How many of you believe that because of salvation, you are positionally as righteous as Jesus is?” I was not too surprised to see that nobody’s hand went up. However, Pastor Rick pointed out from the Scriptures that because of the blood of Christ, we that have trusted Jesus are seen in the sight of God just as holy and righteous as the Son of God. That is an amazing truth. I know who I am, and I know what Ive done. How could God just write off all of the debt that I have accumulated and continue to accumulate in my life? It’s only because of what Jesus did for me (and you) on the cross. What a wonderful and awesome God we serve!
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” – (Psalm 103:12)
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” – (Isaiah 1:18)
“Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” – (Romans 4:7-8)
My sin is gone. Jesus took all of it upon Himself on the cross; and in exchange He gave me a robe of pure righteousness. Amazing love – how can it be?
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Posted in Thoughts from Romans by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Truly Blessed
Today’s Passages – Acts 26 – 28; Proverbs 24
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 116 – 118; Memorize – Romans 1:21)
Click here to read “Three Expressions of a Thankful Heart” by Pastor Paul Chappell
I am writing this post from my daughter and son-in-law’s house in Paradise, Texas. Everyone is still asleep here, except my son-in-law who left earlier to go hunting. My son, Phil is on a plane right now, and should arrive here a little later this morning. The only child we are missing this year is Samantha who is out at college in California and is spending the holiday with our dear friends, Dan and Carla Owens. This is the first Thanksgiving in 47 years where I will not be spending it at my parent’s home in New Jersey.
In the quietness of the hour, I am thinking about all of the ways that I have beeen blessed by the Lord. God has been wonderful to me throughout my life, and this year has certainly not been an exception. I have been provided for in every way possible. I got to thinking, however, about what I was thankful for more than anything else in life. Did you ever think about that? What would be at the top of your list? I guess, we would all have to say that the greatest blessing that God has given to us who are saved is the gift of His marvelous salvation. But apart from my relationship with Christ, what am I the most thankful for? The answer to that question is easy for me: I am the most thankful for the people that God has placed in my life. God has given me a wonderful wife and family. I cannot imagine what life would be like without them. I am not just referring to my immediate family, either. I include all of my extended family as well. I even enjoy being around my daughter-in-law’s, and son-in-law’s families down here in Texas. In fact, a strange thought occurred to me while writing this: I don’t have any family members that I have anything against, or that (to my knowledge) have anything against me. I not only love them all – I like them all. That’s bizarre if you think about it.
I need to broaden the list a little further. God has also given me a number of good friends that have been as close to me as my family is. I believe that I have some friends that would take a bullet for me. God has been very good to me in many ways, but this Thanksgiving, I am the most thankful for the family and friends that God has brought into my life. I am truly blessed. If you think about it, people are much better than possessions because they are eternal. I will be able to enjoy the friends and family members that are also saved for all eternity. Houses and cars won’t be with us in heaven, but people will. A little later today, I will be sitting down to a meal with some of my friends and family. It will be just a little slice of what Heaven will be like.
To all of my family and friends who I won’t see today, have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Posted in Devotions by Phil Erickson with 2 comments.
What Are You Waiting For?
Today’s Passages – Acts 23 – 25; Proverbs 23
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 111 – 115; Memorize – Romans 1:21)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Deuteronomy 32:4
Click here to read “The Thanksgiving Box” by Pastor Paul Chappell
“And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.” (Acts 24:24 & 25)
In the passage that we have read today, Paul, after having been arrested for allegedly inciting a riot at the temple in Jerusalem, has been brought to Caesarea for his own protection. The Jews at Jerusalem wanted him dead, so in order to protect Paul who was a Roman citizen, the chief captain secretly brought him out of the city. While in Caesarea, Paul had the opportunity to proclaim the Christian faith to the governor, Felix, and his wife, Drusilla. The Bible tells us that Felix trembled, which means that he was under conviction, he believed at least partially what Paul had testified to him about the Lord Jesus, and about the consequences of rejecting Christ, yet he postponed a decision for Christ until he had a “convenient season”. I wonder if that convenient season ever came for Felix or his wife. I hope he did, but somehow I doubt it. History teaches that Felix’ wife Drusilla was tragically killed when Mt. Vesuvius, a volcano near Pompeii, erupted in 79 AD. Imagine dying in such a way, only to spend eternity in a much worse state.
It has been my observation throughout the years since my salvation that people need to decide for Christ when they are being invited to receive Him. Many times that convenient season never comes. I strongly urge you who are reading this post, if you are not sure about your eternal destiny, please open your heart to the Lord today. Don’t put it off, tomorrow is not guaranteed. Salvation is simple:
First, you must recognize your need – you are a sinner, and the wages (payment) for sin is death (eternal separation from God in Hell). (Romans 3:10; 23; 6:23)
Second, you must believe that Jesus Christ, God the Son, came to earth and died to satisfy the debt that you and I owed for our sins. The Bible tells us that without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sins. Somebody has to pay for your sins. Jesus already did, so you don’t have to.
Third, you must receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. The Bible is clear that if you call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, placing your faith in Him, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9 – 13)
You can call upon the Lord today and be assured that He not only will hear you, but He will also save you! You don’t have to worry about eternity ever again.
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13)
By the way, if you are a Christian, now is also a convenient season for submitting to the will of God for your life. God expects our full obedience to Him. It is our reasonable service.
“(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Posted in Thoughts from Acts by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
Farewell
Today’s Passages – Acts 20 – 22; Proverbs 22
(Second Milers also read – Psalms 106 – 110; Memorize – Romans 1:21)
Click here to read “Leadership is Influence – You Can Make A Difference”
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – 1 Timothy 1:17
“And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.” (Acts 20:25)
In Acts chapter 20 we have the account of the Apostle Paul on his way back to Jerusalem from his third recorded missionary journey. He wants to make it to Jerusalem for Pentecost so he doesn’t have time to visit Ephesus personally. However, he knows that there is great potential for problems in Jerusalem, and that he will most likely not be able to get back to Ephesus, so he wants to say good-bye to them. So this is a farewell visit with people who he loved dearly, and had ministered to for almost three years.
While reading this passage I was intrigued by four reflections that Paul had regarding his ministry to the Ephesians. The interesting part about these remembrances is that they refer to what Paul did not do rather than what he did.
1 He didn’t withhold from them anything that was profitable.
Paul was a giver. He gave all that he had in order to meet their need. There was no part of his time, talent, or treasure that was hoarded for himself.
“And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 20:20 & 21)
2 He didn’t walk away from the will of God when the pressure was on.
He didn’t move. Too many men of God jump ship whenever the going gets tough. I know how it feels as I have been close to throwing in the towel myself. We must learn to endure hardship as a good soldier. We must learn to be steadfast and unmoveable, always abounding in the work; in season and out of season.
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24)
3 He didn’t wait to declare all the counsel of God.
Previously, we mentioned Paul’s time, talent, and treasure. Here we see that Paul held nothing back as far as doctrine was concerned. He showed them from the Scriptures how to be saved; but he also declared unto them all the counsel of God, so that they could completely fulfill God’s will for their lives. Paul wasn’t lazy.
“Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:26 &27)
4 He didn’t want any of their money or stuff.
Paul was a giver, not a taker. He didn’t demand that others meet his needs, he worked so that, not only his need, but also the needs of others were met.
“I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:33 – 35)
These four reflections would be good “don’ts” for all of us who are in the battle trying to serve the Lord.
Posted in Thoughts from Acts by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.
The Scriptures
Sorry for the late post. Cindy, Hannah, and I left early this morning for the airport, and we finally arrived at my daughter and son-in-law’s home in Paradise, Texas at 2:30. I am re-posting the blog article from last year. I am slowly figuring out that I need to get at least a day or two ahead of the blog so that it will always be ready early in the morning.
Today’s Passages – Acts 17 – 19; Proverbs 21 (Second Milers also read – Psalms 101 – 105; Memorize – Romans 1:21) Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – 1 Timothy 1:17
“For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” (Acts 18:28)
Just a quick thought this morning to wet your appetite for the Bible preaching that we will here at our churches today. Here in the latter part of verse 18, we read about Apollos. The Bible tells us that Apollos was eloquent and knew something about the doctrines of Christ, and he certainly was proficient in the Old Testament Scriptures; but he had a lot to learn. He had been baptized by John, but being perhaps because he was geographically away from the area where Christ was preaching and teaching, he was limited in his knowledge. Aquila and Priscilla took him under their way, and discipled him, causing him to become more grounded in the Word.
The Bible then goes on to explain that Apollos, after being trained, went into Achaia and there took the Word of God and boldly preached to the Jews there. Apollos was mightily used of God for two reasons. First is that he was Spirit-filled, proven by the boldness of his preaching. He had a power (Acts 1:8), and a passion that can only come from the Holy Spirit. Secondly, he used the Bible. He didn’t need the wisdom and philosophy of man when he had the most powerful tool in the world for reaching people, the Word of God.
Many of our churches today are sadly lacking and limiting Bible preaching. Many have eliminated services from their schedule where the Bible was taught. And even in the remaining services, the Bible is almost an afterthought. Preachers and teachers, God’s people do not need your philosophies and opinions; but they desperately need God’s Word. Let’s keep the Bible at the very center of our soul winning, and our church services. The preaching of the Word of God must be preeminent. Our people are starving spiritually, and the Bible has just what they need to give them health.
Posted in Thoughts from Acts by Phil Erickson with no comments yet.