Daily Reading: Acts 18
Scripture Focus: [Apollos] had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. (Acts 18.25b)
Devotional Thought: Is it time for a little more fervency and accuracy in the house of the Lord? Then, we need more people like Apollos.
Apollos was instructed in the way of the Lord. We need to know the Bible, but beyond that we must "rightly handle the word of truth." Great error comes when people know just enough of the Bible "to be dangerous." Apollos had apparently undergone the discipline of careful study and training. When I was an aspiring minister, an older pastor told me, "The call to preach is a call to prepare." Theology does matter!
Apollos was fervent in spirit. He believed what he preached. He had experienced it firsthand. He knew Jesus. That changed his life! Can people tell that you know Jesus? A little excitement is called for among the people of God.
Apollos spoke and taught accurately. Is it enough to know the Truth and be animated by the Truth? Do we not need to speak the Truth? Apollos fed the flock of God and fostered a feeling of excitement by what he said. Keeping it to himself would have been unacceptable.
Apollos seemed to be the perfect pastor. But, something was missing. Human wisdom (instruction) and enthusiasm (fervency) and dynamic preaching could only take him so far. What was missing? Apollos knew only the baptism of John. That was the baptism of repentance. John had said there was another baptism, a baptism administered by Jesus himself. It was the baptism with the Holy Spirit!
I am convinced that is what we need in our churches and in our lives today. It changed Apollos. It changed the church he served (Ephesus in Acts 19). "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?"
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have saved me. Thank you! Now, I pray that you would baptize me with the Holy Spirit and fire! Purge the dross from my life that I may shine with your glory. Fill me with your Spirit that I may have power to serve you. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 1 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. 5 They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them as a garment. 7 Their eyes swell out through fatness; their hearts overflow with follies. 8 They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression. 9 They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth. 10 Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them. 11 And they say, "How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?" (Psalms 73:1-11)
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