Apollos captured my attention after reading from my popular daily devotion, Our Daily Bread. It says it so well, therefore I quote: "I admire people who can articulate their beliefs and persuade others with their rhetoric. Some call it 'the gift of gab' or 'having a way with words.' Others call it 'eloquence.'
Apollos had that gift. We are told that he was 'an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). But although he taught accurately about Christ, he preached only of the baptism of John which was a baptism of repentance from sin (v.25; 19:4).
Apollos knew about Jesus' teaching but may not have known about His death and resurrection and that the Spirit had now come (Acts 2). His teaching was incomplete because he didn't know about being filled with the Spirit for daily empowerment. So Priscilla and Aquila, a wife and husband who were friends of Paul, invited Apollos into their home to correct his teaching. Although he was highly educated and knew the Scriptures well, Apollos humbly accepted their instruction. As a result, Apollos was able to continue his ministry, but with newfound understanding.
Psalm 25:9 reminds us that God 'guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way' (NIV). If we have a spirit of humility, we can be taught by God and be used to touch the lives of others.---Cindy Hess Kasper"
I spent quite some time contemplating what might be my favorite scripture since we are asked on occasion to give our "favorite" passage from the Bible. After thinking HARD, I settled on Hebrews 11:6 "So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that there is a God and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him." (NLB)
After reading the above devotional passage and being in a study through the book of Acts with our Pastor, plus teaching on the subject of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, I have concluded that the BOOK of ACTS is my FAVORITE Book of the BIBLE!!!!
It captures the true beginning of the Church of which, if we've believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior (as opposed to good works) and repented of past sins and a life of sin in the present and future with the Holy Spirit's help, then we are and can look forward to an exciting life as described in ACTS! We must not ignore the command from Jesus, Himself...to those who knew Him even in the flesh...to wait for the empowerment of the Holy Spirt and how upon each person and later throughout the Gentiles it was evidenced He showed up with "tongues."
Even their shadows were bringing about miraculous healings. I'm convinced that if God did it through them then...He still wishes to do it through believers...(Spirit-filled) ones today! His word declares "He is the same yesterday, today and forever." Heb. 13:8
Apollos knew about Jesus' teaching but may not have known about His death and resurrection and that the Spirit had now come (Acts 2). His teaching was incomplete because he didn't know about being filled with the Spirit for daily empowerment. So Priscilla and Aquila, a wife and husband who were friends of Paul, invited Apollos into their home to correct his teaching. Although he was highly educated and knew the Scriptures well, Apollos humbly accepted their instruction. As a result, Apollos was able to continue his ministry, but with newfound understanding.
Psalm 25:9 reminds us that God 'guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way' (NIV). If we have a spirit of humility, we can be taught by God and be used to touch the lives of others.---Cindy Hess Kasper"
I spent quite some time contemplating what might be my favorite scripture since we are asked on occasion to give our "favorite" passage from the Bible. After thinking HARD, I settled on Hebrews 11:6 "So, you see, it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that there is a God and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him." (NLB)
After reading the above devotional passage and being in a study through the book of Acts with our Pastor, plus teaching on the subject of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, I have concluded that the BOOK of ACTS is my FAVORITE Book of the BIBLE!!!!
It captures the true beginning of the Church of which, if we've believed on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior (as opposed to good works) and repented of past sins and a life of sin in the present and future with the Holy Spirit's help, then we are and can look forward to an exciting life as described in ACTS! We must not ignore the command from Jesus, Himself...to those who knew Him even in the flesh...to wait for the empowerment of the Holy Spirt and how upon each person and later throughout the Gentiles it was evidenced He showed up with "tongues."
Even their shadows were bringing about miraculous healings. I'm convinced that if God did it through them then...He still wishes to do it through believers...(Spirit-filled) ones today! His word declares "He is the same yesterday, today and forever." Heb. 13:8
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