Sunday School by Pastor Biakson
Before the pastor begins with sermon, he talks about the Battle at Waterloo. Moral of the little anecdote was when a message is not complete and unclear. Then it can be dangerous.
Acts 18: 24 (Apollo’s story)
John Baptist - his baptism was only heard about but not his reason for baptism. Apollos was also like Paul in terms of knowledge and articulation in speech but he did not have the spiritual fullness like Paul. He only knew of John’s baptism. He preached of John’s baptism but not why he got baptized. But his faith was not strong like Paul which was why his words even with his eloquence were not as effective as Paul’s.
Instead of publicly reprimanding Apollos for his incomplete information in his speech at the synagogue and ruining the atmosphere of the fellowship. Priscilla and Aquila invited him to their home to explain to him the way of God adequately.
Acts 19:11
Since Paul’s words were according to God’s will. God blessed him and made miracles happen through him. Those who touched him even his cloak were healed. He was eloquent in speech, intelligent in his ways and was highly knowledgeable too. He was deeply interested in making the words of God be heard to unknown lands and gave his life in service to God.
Acts 19
Paul gave proper counseling to the people at Ephesus without using harsh words but gentle reminders of God’s mercy and grace.
Acts 19:11
The people became mesmerized by this healing power. And then there came many who tried to ape Paul but were in vain because they did not have the spiritual connection Paul had with God. These people who tried to imitate Paul without faith were brought down with shame.
Paul’s determination and his journey to far off lands in order to spread the Gospel proved how much he loved the Lord. Instead of merely getting baptized in the name of the Lord. Our true baptism happens when we become renewed in our lives through our words and actions. When we accept Jesus as our saviour and live our lives according to the will of God and seeking His ways. Whether we are suffering through our darkest moments or living the best times. We should continue to always praise God and remember Him in every step of our lives.
Let us renew our minds and our ways and become Christians not just in theory but in practice. We may be having all the riches, power and success of the world but without God those are all meaningless. One cannot admire and proclaim that they are inspired by a person of God if one does not truly work on their relationship with God. Not only in reading the Bible and having theoretical knowledge about the Bible will one become a Christian but in prayer, fellowship in Christ and seeking the ways of God will lead to a prosperous life.
