Podcasts about Apollos

What happens when Christians start choosing sides?In this episode of Corinth Conversations, Dr. T. Michael W. Halcomb and Dr. Fredrick J. Long explore one of the earliest leadership crises in the church.Why were believers saying, "I follow Paul," "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas"? Was this simply a disagreement—or something deeper?Together they unpack 1 Corinthians 1:12–13 and discuss church division, leadership, baptism, status, Christian celebrity culture, and why Paul's response remains surprisingly relevant today.

Pastor Troy Dobbs' sermon from Acts 18 focused on how God helps His people stay the course when they are weary, discouraged, or tempted to quit. After years of hardship, opposition, and exhausting travel, Paul arrived in Corinth worn down, yet God strengthened him through five key means: community (Aquila and Priscilla), timely encouragement (new believers coming to faith), divine assurance ("Do not be afraid, for I am with you"), unexpected provision (Gallio protecting the church), and a renewed sense of mission. The sermon emphasized that God often sustains us through relationships, small victories, His Word, and circumstances we never would have planned ourselves. Pastor Troy reminded the church not to overlook the importance of deep spiritual friendships and godly partnerships that help us endure difficult seasons. He also highlighted that God's work continues beyond any one person, as seen when leaders like Apollos carried forward the ministry Paul began. The central takeaway was that endurance in the Christian life comes from trusting that God's mission belongs to Him, not us — and He always provides what we need to keep moving forward.

'So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether someone is a good servant or not. When the Lord comes, he will turn on the light so that everyone can see exactly what each one of us is really like, deep down in our hearts. Then everyone will know why we have been doing the Lord's work. At that time God will give to each one whatever praise is coming to him. 'I have used Apollos and myself as examples to illustrate what I have been saying: that you must not have favorites. You must not be proud of one of God's teachers more than another. What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you are so great, and as though you have accomplished something on your own? 'You seem to think you already have all the spiritual food you need. You are full and spiritually contented, rich kings on your thrones, leaving us far behind! I wish you really were already on your thrones, for when that time comes you can be sure that we will be there, too, reigning with you. Sometimes I think God has put us apostles at the very end of the line, like prisoners soon to be killed, put on display at the end of a victor's parade, to be stared at by men and angels alike,' (1 Corinthians 4.5-9, TLB). In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul addresses the issues of pride, division, and spiritual arrogance within the Corinthian church. He reminds believers that church leaders are not celebrities to be ranked or compared, but servants of Christ and stewards of God's truth. The primary requirement for a steward is not popularity or human approval, but faithfulness. Paul urges the Corinthians to think of him, Peter and Apollos as mere servants of Christ entrusted with the secret things of God. A servant does what his master tells him to do. We must do what God tells us to do. We must do what God tells us to do in the Bible and through His Holy Spirit. Each day God presents us with needs and opportunities that challenge us to do what we know is right. Watch the YouTube version: https://youtu.be/1B7z2hNDz88  For more information on the Ministry of David Hathaway https://www.eurovision.org.uk 

In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul addresses the issues of pride, division, and spiritual arrogance within the Corinthian church. He reminds believers that church leaders are not celebrities to be ranked or compared, but servants of Christ and stewards of God's truth. The primary requirement for a steward is not popularity or human approval, but faithfulness. Paul urges the Corinthians to think of him, Peter and Apollos as mere servants of Christ entrusted with the secret things of God. A servant does what his master tells him to do. We must do what God tells us to do. We must do what God tells us to do in the Bible and through His Holy Spirit. Each day God presents us with needs and opportunities that challenge us to do what we know is right. 'So Apollos and I should be looked upon as Christ's servants who distribute God's blessings by explaining God's secrets. Now the most important thing about a servant is that he does just what his master tells him to. What about me? Have I been a good servant? Well, I don't worry over what you think about this or what anyone else thinks. I don't even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but even that isn't final proof. It is the Lord himself who must examine me and decide. 'So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether someone is a good servant or not. When the Lord comes, he will turn on the light so that everyone can see exactly what each one of us is really like, deep down in our hearts. Then everyone will know why we have been doing the Lord's work. At that time God will give to each one whatever praise is coming to him. 'I have used Apollos and myself as examples to illustrate what I have been saying: that you must not have favorites. You must not be proud of one of God's teachers more than another. What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you are so great, and as though you have accomplished something on your own? (1 Corinthians 4.1-7, TLB.) Watch the YouTube version: https://youtu.be/a7-urqU8gmI?si=OIiMou5zt-EgCaZ3  For more information on David Hathaway's Ministry https://www.eurovision.org.uk 

God Will Bring the Increase Corinthians 3:6-8: 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. Meditated scriptures 1 Corinthians 3:6-8, John 14-15, Galatians 3-5, Colossians 1-3, Ephesians 1-2. Press play to be encouraged by God's word and be reminded of His faithfulness so that you can move forward with faith and determination in this new season. To support this podcast and our ministry, you're welcome to give via:  CashApp: $JLPNetwork  PayPal: paypal.me/JLPNetwork WebsiteIf you've been listening to our podcast ove the years and have been blessed by our content and want to book a one-on-one session with me, visit our website, JLPNetwork.com

※20:21 で音声が一部途切れています、途切れていた部分は以下の通りです： "お話ししましたように、このことは私たちの間で普通に起きていることですから、それに従うのなら私たちは「普通の人間」なのです。" Website ホームページ - https://www.sdjcc.net

When you come to Christ, you leave behind worldly things to live in a ‘Christ dimension' - a dimension so distinct and different from the world we grew up in. That's why Jesus said you've got to be ‘born again' - come on! You've got to die to the old, and, like a new-born, you've got to start and learn the basics. That's why Paul says in v2, “I gave you milk and not meat, because you were not able, and you're still are not able. You still behave like worldly people do…” Even today we too easily follow men, rather than Christ! I don't follow men, even though I grew up in the days of some very great Pentecostal leaders in Britain - among them Evangelist George Jeffreys, Smith Wigglesworth. I don't look to those men, even though when I was born Jeffreys wanted to adopt me as his son. I don't want to follow any man. I want to follow Jesus. Come on! I want to do what Jesus said, I want to do what He told his disciples to do - preach the Gospel, heal the sick. My power doesn't come because somebody laid hands on me; my power comes because God touched me! The evidence is there, in my life. So v7, it's neither Paul who planted, nor Apollos who watered, it's God Himself who gives the increase! The Power comes from Him! Paul says, v8, “He that plants and he that waters are one, and every man shall receive his own reward according to his work, what he has done.” Now this is a very important point.There is a reward in the Kingdom, but the reward depends on what you do for Christ.  Paul explains, v9ff, “We are labourers together with God… you are God's building.” It's God who makes us who we are, it's God who builds us. “According to the Grace of God given to me, I am the masterbuilder, I laid the foundation, and another builds on it.” Very simple. The evangelist lays the foundation which is Christ, but then you need another to build on that foundation. But if the foundation isn't right - and this is what Jesus taught - if you build your house on sand, it will collapse. You've got to build on rock!  Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/LaE-35rM5aE  For more information on the Ministry of David Hathaway https://www.eurovision.org.uk 

Send us Fan MailGoeiemôre aan al ons VARS-vriende. Ek is Jokkie Gauché en hier is VARSVANDAG se Eerste Nuusbrief vir die Junie. Ag nee, hier kom dit! Hulle vra seker vir geld...  Vandag is 'n bietjie anders. Ons wil jou vandag uitnooi na 'n dieper vennootskap met die VARS-familie — 'n vennootskap waar jou gebede, bemoediging en ondersteuning help om die hoop van Jesus elke dag oor die luggolwe te dra. Hierdie bediening word nie deur een stem alleen gebou nie.  In 1 Korintiërs 3:6-7 lees ons:Ek het geplant, Apollos het natgegooi, maar dit is God wat laat groei het. Elkeen van ons het 'n rol om te speel. Sommige plant, sommige gooi nat, sommige bid, sommige bemoedig, en sommige gee - maar uiteindelik is dit God wat die transformasie in mense se harte teweegbring. Deur die radio en media het ons die voorreg om die Evangelie te deel met mense wat dalk nooit by 'n kerk sal instap nie, maar wat die hoop, bemoediging en waarheid van God se Woord desperaat nodig het. Ons het onlangs hierdie boodskap van 'n lojale luisteraar ontvang: “Ek het my werk verloor en ontvang net 'n pensioen. Ek kan nie met 'n finansiële bydrae help nie, maar ek sal voortgaan om te bid vir seën en uitbreiding van VARS.”  Wat 'n pragtige herinnering dat hierdie vennootskap nie slegs finansieel gemeet word nie. Gebed is kragtig. Bemoediging maak ‘n verskil. Getrouheid is deurslaggewend. Ons is opgewonde om Bianca De Sousa by die VARS-familie te verwelkom. Bianca sluit by ons aan om ons verhoudings met radiostasies uit te bou en nog meer luisteraars met Jesus se boodskap te bereik. Bid asseblief saam vir die Here Jesus se wysheid, krag en guns oor haar lewe en hierdie nuwe taak. Wil Jy 'n Vennoot van VARS Word? As die Here dit op jou hart lê om die bediening finansieel te ondersteun; sal jou bydrae ons help om voort te gaan om inspirerende, praktiese Bybelwaarhede oor die luggolwe te deel. Ons bankbesonderhede verskyn hieronder. Ons wil jou veral bedank vir jou getroue gebede en bemoediging. Dit is 'n voorreg om hierdie reis saam met jou aan te pak. Saam dra ons die hoop van Jesus oor die luggolwe, een luisteraar op 'n slag. Seënwense en mooi loopVan Jokkie, Annelie en die VARS-spanSupport the showEnjoying The Content?For the price of a cup of coffee each month, you can enable Christianityworks to reach 10,000+ people with a message about the love of Jesus!DONATE R50 MONTHLY

Aquila and Priscilla are introduced to the reader in Acts 18. Though they appear only a few times in the bible, their influence was one to consider for us today. This is due to at least three reasons: The first is that they labored and served the Apostle Paul in a point of time where he was likely lonely and facing discouragement. Second, they were responsible for bringing the great preacher Apollos to a proper and complete understanding of the gospel, thus unleashing him to do a good work himself. Third, because Priscilla becomes one of the key lightening rods for the egalitarian movement. This message seeks to develop all three of these points.

What does it truly mean to welcome others the way Christ welcomed us? This powerful exploration of Romans 15 challenges us to examine how we receive people into our faith communities. We discover that the 'strong' believers aren't necessarily those who've been Christians the longest, but those who understand their freedom in Christ without the baggage of religious tradition. The early church faced a profound struggle: Jewish believers steeped in 1,500 years of ceremonial law had to embrace Gentile believers who came with no religious background whatsoever. The message is clear—when Jesus said 'It is finished' on the cross, He wasn't just paying for our sins; He was tearing down every barrier that separates us from God and from each other. The beautiful Greek word 'proslambano' paints a vivid picture of taking someone by the arm, walking shoulder to shoulder through their journey. This isn't casual acquaintance—it's intimate, intentional discipleship. We're reminded of Jesus washing His disciples' feet after receiving all authority in heaven and earth, choosing humility over power. The three parables in Luke 15—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son—all culminate in the same response: rejoicing and celebration. Heaven throws a party over every single person who comes home to God. When we fail to welcome others with the same joy and grace that Christ showed us, we're not just being unfriendly—we're sinning against the very heart of the Gospel.**SERMON NOTES – Romans 15:1–13****1. Strong & Weak Believers (Rom 15:1–3)**  - In Romans, “strong” = mainly Gentile believers who understand they are free from OT ceremonial law (Sabbaths, food laws, feasts).  - “Weak” = mainly Jewish believers still bound in conscience to OT ceremonies; they lack faith to enjoy their freedom.  - Obligation of the strong: bear with the weak, not please themselves; build others up.  - Christ is the example: He did not please Himself but bore reproach for others (Ps 69).**2. Scripture, Endurance, and Hope (Rom 15:4–6)**  - OT was written “for our instruction” so that through endurance and encouragement of Scripture we might have hope.  - Old Testament stories (e.g., Israel in wilderness, Shadrach/Meshach/Abednego, Balaam) show God's faithfulness despite human failure.  - Goal: harmony, accord, one voice glorifying God—hence corporate worship and unified praise.**3. Welcoming Like Christ (Rom 15:7)**  - Command: “Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”  - Greek *proslambanō*: to take by the arm, draw close, walk with; intimate, committed welcome.  - Seen in:   - Peter taking Jesus aside (Mt 16:22),   - Priscilla & Aquila taking Apollos aside to teach more accurately (Acts 18),   - The people of Malta welcoming shipwrecked Paul (Acts 28).  - To add extra requirements for belonging (like Pharisees' added laws) is near blasphemy.**4. God's Heart for Sinners (Luke 15)**  - Three parables (lost sheep, coin, son): all end in rejoicing.  - Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents; God receives sinners with joy.  - If we refuse to welcome those Christ welcomes, we sin against His heart.**5. Dispensations & “It Is Finished”**  - Jesus lived and obeyed under the Law to fulfill it perfectly, then declared, “It is finished.”  - Veil torn: access to God opened; we now live in the age of grace.  - We approach God by faith, not ceremony; no more sacrifices—just bold access.**6. The God of Hope (Rom 15:13)**  - God of hope fills us with joy and peace in believing.  - By the Spirit we “abound in hope”: assurance that sin's penalty is paid and God is not angry with us.  - Our assignment: carry this hope to our generation; God placed us in this time and place (Acts 17:24–27).---**PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS**1. Identify where you're “strong” and tempted to look down on “weaker” believers. Choose to bear with and build up instead.  2. Practice *proslambanō*: literally take someone new or struggling by the arm—sit with them, listen to them, walk with them.  3. Repent of any “extra rules” you expect from others that Jesus did not.  4. Use your testimony as your primary evangelism tool: “I was… but Christ…”  5. This week, ask God for one open door to share the hope you have and step through it in dependence on the Spirit.---**DISCUSSION QUESTIONS**1. In what areas of Christian freedom do you see yourself as “strong”? Where might that make you impatient with others?  2. Have you ever felt like a “weak” believer bound by conscience? What helped you grow?  3. What does “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you” practically look like in our church?  4. Where have you added expectations for people that Jesus doesn't require?  5. Which OT story especially encourages your hope right now, and why?  6. Who is one person God may be asking you to “proslambanō” this month? What's your next step with them?

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Paul had a problem with the church in Corinth. They were still ‘babes in Christ' - 1 Cor 3.1. Anyone who has been a parent knows the struggle it is to bring children to maturity - to potty-train them, to train them to eat nicely, to share, and everything else…  When you come to Christ, you leave behind worldly things to live in a ‘Christ dimension' - a dimension so distinct and different from the world we grew up in. That's why Jesus said you've got to be ‘born again' - come on! You've got to die to the old, and, like a new-born, you've got to start and learn the basics. That's why Paul says in v2, “I gave you milk and not meat, because you were not able, and you're still are not able. You still behave like worldly people do…” Let's face it - there are many in the church who live and speak like the world, like they did before they became a Christian… No difference. The biggest problem in Corinth was the strife, envy and division. That's not Christ. Christ is one. In Him is no division. But some of the people in Corinth were saying, v4, “I follow Paul”, and others were saying, “I follow Apollos.” That's not of God! Paul founded the church. His conversion from the life of a fanatical but highly educated Pharisee, opposed to Christ and persecuting Christians, was dramatic - the Lord Himself appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Apollos was different. An ‘eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures', he believed in Jesus, and spoke and taught diligently about the things of the Lord, but only knew ‘the baptism of John' - water baptism for the forgiveness of sin. It seems he didn't know the Baptism of the Holy Spirit; it was two of Paul's co-workers, Priscillla and Aquila, who instructed him ‘in the Way of God more perfectly' - Acts 18.24-28 - before recommending him to the church in Achaia, where Corinth was. The different experiences of these men are not what matter. Paul says in v5, “Who is Paul? Who is Apollos? Simply ministers by whom you believed!” -  ‘men who brought you to Christ'! V6, “I planted, Apollos watered - but it's GOD who gives the increase.” It's not Paul, it's not Apollos! It's not men. It's God. Even today we too easily follow men, rather than Christ! I don't follow men, even though I grew up in the days of some very great Pentecostal leaders in Britain - among them Evangelist George Jeffreys, Smith Wigglesworth. I don't look to those men, even though when I was born Jeffreys wanted to adopt me as his son. I don't want to follow any man. I want to follow Jesus. Come on! I want to do what Jesus said, I want to do what He told his disciples to do - preach the Gospel, heal the sick. My power doesn't come because somebody laid hands on me; my power comes because God touched me! The evidence is there, in my life. To make a donation to support David's ministry: https://www.eurovision.org.uk/donation To watch the message: https://youtu.be/70ImKZZgKNY?si=RyCFNDqad8CsZjiY 

If you've ever wondered what the best way might be to share your faith and defend it in the modern world, it might help to look at past examples.In the Bible, the husband-and-wife team of Priscilla and Aquila shared Christ with Apollos, who would become a famous early evangelist. In colonial England, the abolitionist William Wilberforce shamed his own government into freeing slaves.Jude 1:3 says, “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.”Today more than ever, it's truly important that Christians prepare to defend our faith. The world is hurting and dying. People the world over desperately need the love of Christ, and they will have questions. They might wonder about the divinity of Jesus, or ask you specifically how to be saved.You should be ready to answer, and do so with a heart full of love and compassion. And don't be afraid to be bold!Let's pray.Lord, give us a spirit of courage in this chaotic world. Help us to love as you love. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

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While the unity of believers is stressed throughout the New Testament, division has often stymied the growth of the church and the fellowship of Christians, and the beginning verses of I Corinthians chapter three tell us of two areas that fueled those divisions. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he looks at carnal Christianity and whether some believers are “more saved” than others. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/581/29?v=20251111

Paul, a called apostle of Jesus Christ, through the will of God, and Sosthenes the brother,1COR.1:2 to the assembly of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all those calling upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place - both theirs and ours:1COR.1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!1COR.1:4 I give thanks to my God always concerning you for the grace of God that was given to you in Christ Jesus,1COR.1:5 that in every thing ye were enriched in him, in all discourse and all knowledge,1COR.1:6 according as the testimony of the Christ was confirmed in you,1COR.1:7 so that ye are not behind in any gift, waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,1COR.1:8 who also shall confirm you unto the end - unblamable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ;1COR.1:9 faithful [is] God, through whom ye were called to the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.1COR.1:10 And I call upon you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that the same thing ye may all say, and there may not be divisions among you, and ye may be perfected in the same mind, and in the same judgment,1COR.1:11 for it was signified to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe, that contentions are among you;1COR.1:12 and I say this, that each one of you saith, ‘I, indeed, am of Paul' - ‘and I of Apollos,' - ‘and I of Cephas,' - ‘and I of Christ.'1COR.1:13 Hath the Christ been divided? was Paul crucified for you? or to the name of Paul were ye baptized;1COR.1:14 I give thanks to God that no one of you did I baptize, except Crispus and Gaius -1COR.1:15 that no one may say that to my own name I did baptize;1COR.1:16 and I did baptize also Stephanas' household - further, I have not known if I did baptize any other.1COR.1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but - to proclaim good news; not in wisdom of discourse, that the cross of the Christ may not be made of none effect;1COR.1:18 for the word of the cross to those indeed perishing is foolishness, and to us - those being saved - it is the power of God,1COR.1:19 for it hath been written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the intelligence of the intelligent I will bring to nought;'1COR.1:20 where [is] the wise? where the scribe? where a disputer of this age? did not God make foolish the wisdom of this world?1COR.1:21 for, seeing in the wisdom of God the world through the wisdom knew not God, it did please God through the foolishness of the preaching to save those believing.PAYPAL:spiritforce01@gmail.comBITCOIN:3H4Z2X22DuVUjWPsXKPEsWZmT9c4hDmYvyVENMO:@faithbucksCASHAPP:$spiritforcebucksZelle:faithbucks@proton.mePATREON:Michael BashamHOME BASE SITE:faithbucks.com

While the unity of believers is stressed throughout the New Testament, division has often stymied the growth of the church and the fellowship of Christians, and the beginning verses of I Corinthians chapter three tell us of two areas that fueled those divisions. Join Dr. James Boice next time on The Bible Study Hour as he looks at carnal Christianity and whether some believers are “more saved” than others. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

1 Corinthians 3:1-23 While the unity of believers is stressed throughout the New Testament, division has often stymied the growth of the church and the fellowship of Christians, and the beginning verses of I Corinthians chapter three tell us of two areas that fueled those divisions. Join Dr. James Boice on The Bible Study Hour as he looks at carnal Christianity and whether some believers are “more saved” than others.

This exploration of 1 Corinthians 1:1-2:5 challenges us to examine who/what we're truly following as Christians. The message confronts our human tendency to create factions and follow charismatic leaders rather than Christ himself. Paul's words to the Corinthian church echo loudly today: some say 'I follow Paul,' others 'I follow Apollos,' but the critical question remains—is Christ divided? We learn that true freedom comes from realizing that any goodness flowing through us results from God's grace, not our own merit. This liberates us from the exhausting performance of trying to impress others and allows us to live for an audience of One. The concept of progressive sanctification reminds us that while we're made holy at salvation, we continue growing in holiness as we follow Jesus more closely. Perhaps most striking is the call to embrace the foolishness of the cross—a message that makes no sense to the world's wisdom but contains the very power of God for those being saved.

Today's Gospel testimony 05-24-2036 Text: 1 Corinthians 3 Sermon Title: God gives the increase 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 (NKJV) 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.

Paul is continuing to expose the Corinthians for their division in the church. They were choosing favourite ministers and putting themselves into different camps. Paul clears up this controversy by showing that all ministers are simply building on the same foundation!All are servants, "Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's

The first 4 chapters of 1st Corinthians covers one basic topic. The church was dividing over Paul, Apollos, and Cephas... or Christ. They were misunderstanding the beauty and diversity of body of Christ! The church is not like one person. God is not using one man to build his body or temple. He wants to use all of us!

Faith doesn't just maintain what is — it steps into what could be. Emmy Roberts brings Legacy Week 2 with a message on what it means to pioneer for the Kingdom, built around the story of Apollos and the surprising people God used to shape him.

Brother Sam opens tonight's service by discussing watering a message. Paul wrote: “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6).  The Apostle completed the thought this way: “He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.” (v. 8, Paraphrased). Brother Singh admits that, in his early years, his zeal to preach often led him to develop a critical spirit. Over time, however, and through the application of God's word, he has become more compassionate—not due to his own goodness, but as a reflection of the mercy and grace of Christ Jesus upon him.

Getting older is weird, but it does not have to mean getting dull, cynical, or stuck. We lean into a surprising promise from Scripture: even as we age physically, we can be renewed spiritually day by day. That theme sets the stage for a walk through Acts 18 and Acts 19, where Luke keeps circling three anchors: the way of the Lord, the word of the Lord, and the name of Jesus.  We follow the Apostle Paul as he begins his third missionary journey and heads back toward Ephesus, then we meet Apollos, a gifted teacher who is “mighty in the Scriptures” but still missing key clarity about the gospel. Watching Priscilla and Aquila take him aside is a masterclass in discipleship, humility, and biblical accuracy. The goal is not winning arguments. The goal is helping people see Jesus as the Christ and shaping a life around the truth of God's word.  Next comes a sharp diagnostic moment: disciples who seem sincere but have never heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul's questions cut through surface-level religion and point to the reality that we cannot walk in the way of the Lord by effort alone. We also tackle the darker side of spiritual counterfeits in Ephesus, including the sons of Sceva and the danger of treating Jesus' name like magic.Video available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6JBb01KrBg

Apollos speaks authentically about Jesus, but he humbly accepts further instruction from Priscilla and Aquila. (Lectionary #296) May 16, 2026 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Acts 18:23-28 · (Apollos showed by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.)

Dear brothers, I beg you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to stop arguing among yourselves. Let there be real harmony so that there won't be splits in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some of those who live at Chloe's house have told me of your arguments and quarrels, dear brothers. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul”; and others say that they are for Apollos or for Peter; and some that they alone are the true followers of Christ. And so, in effect, you have broken Christ into many pieces. But did I, Paul, die for your sins? Were any of you baptised in my name? I am so thankful now that I didn't baptise any of you except Crispus and Gaius. For now no one can think that I have been trying to start something new, beginning a “Church of Paul.” Oh, yes, and I baptized the family of Stephanas. I don't remember ever baptising anyone else. For Christ didn't send me to baptise, but to preach the Gospel; and even my preaching sounds poor, for I do not fill my sermons with profound words and high-sounding ideas, for fear of diluting the mighty power there is in the simple message of the cross of Christ. I know very well how foolish it sounds to those who are lost, when they hear that Jesus died to save them. But we who are saved recognize this message as the very power of God. For God says, “I will destroy all human plans of salvation no matter how wise they seem to be, and ignore the best ideas of men, even the most brilliant of them.” For it is from God alone that you have your life through Christ Jesus. He showed us God's plan of salvation; he was the one who made us acceptable to God; he made us pure and holy and gave himself to purchase our salvation. As it says in the Scriptures, “If anyone is going to boast, let him boast only of what the Lord has done.” (1 Corinthians 1.10-18, 30-31, TLB)

Topic: Testing the Spirits: Biblical Discernment in an Age of Media Lies, Tribal Echo Chambers, and “Christian” Extremes   Whiskey Review: New Riff Bottle in Bond Connect: Instagram: @manhoodneat X: Manhood Neat (@ManhoodNeat) / X Youtube: Manhood, Neat Podcast - YouTube  email: manhood.neat@gmail.com Show Notes: Zionism- “Zionism is the belief that the Jewish people have a rightful claim to a national homeland in the land of Israel, historically and politically.” Reformed Bro- “Reformed Theology is a stream of Protestant Christianity that emphasizes God's sovereignty, the authority of Scripture, and salvation by grace alone.” -But the Bro's take it to the extreme - Reformed Reformed Reformed Dispensational- “Dispensationalism is a theological system that teaches God works through distinct periods (‘dispensations') and maintains a clear distinction between Israel and the Church.” - 2 roads to one God “We've watched brothers and generations swing from naive Zionism to reactionary antisemitism. Both fail the test.” I'm reformed, I'm evangelical, I'm catholic, I am Baptist, I am a Calvinist…why not Christian Reminds me - I am of Paul; I am of Apollos.  1 Corinthians 3:4-9:  4For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human? 5What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. Fellow Christians (regardless of denomination) - Let us come reason together Unity of the Body of Christ for His work The enemy loves to divide. “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity” - Rupertus Meldenius Key Text: 1 John 4  Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit[a] of truth and the spirit of falsehood. God's Love and Ours.7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. How do Christian men discern truth without becoming tools of deception or hatred? God demands we test the spirits (v.1) Confess Christ rightly (v.2-3 Listen to apostolic truth (v.6) Love as evidence of knowing God (v.7-21). Confronting the two ditches History (Brief Overview) Early Church: Mixed – some respect for Jewish roots, but supersessionism/replacement theology grew No longer Jew nor Gentile, but the Church and the world  Justin Martyr, later hardened replacement theology Led to disdain, pogroms (violent, mob-driven attacks—typically riots involving looting, assault, rape, murder, and destruction of property—targeted at a specific ethnic or religious groups.)  Martin Luther's later writings (On the Jews and Their Lies) exemplify tragic failure of love. Reformation/ Puritans: Varied; some future hope for Jewish people (pre-Darby).  John Nelson Darby (1800s, Plymouth Brethren) systematized dispensationalism:  distinct Israel/Church track  pre-trib rapture  literal futurist readings  Popularized via Scofield Reference Bible (1909). Fueled 20th-century evangelical support for Israel. Zionist movement: Jewish political nationalism (Theodor Herzl, late 1800s) responded to European antisemitism. Christian Zionism often overlapped but with eschatological motives. Scofield influence: Shaped views of unconditional land promises. Post-Holocaust: Shifts toward Philo-Semitism (the admiration, respect, or obsession with Jewish people, culture, or history, often by non-Jews) in reaction to Church failures, but some swung to uncritical political allegiance. Modern swing: Newly Reformed / postmillennial / reconstructionist circles reacting against shallow dispensationalism by over-correcting into ethnic suspicion or outright antisemitism.  Examples:  Holocaust minimization “Zionist Occupied Government" echoes Treating all Jewish influence as cabal-like.  This is not discernment – it's another false spirit. Practical tests for Discerning information from 1 John 4 (This is the point): Does the source confess Christ preeminent - Love the Lord your God with everything  or push fear/hate/nationalism as gospel? Does it promote love for neighbors?  Prayer for enemies? Cross-reference history, primary sources, multiple views – not echo chambers. To "Reformed" Bros: Opposition to dispensational errors is fine; becoming ethnic scoffers is apostasy from apostolic love. To Zionists: Israel's existence isn't carte blanche; critique policies Biblically. This is one area - lots of other ditches  Women's role / value Poet and Warrior Both: Media profits from division. Web algorithms radicalize.  (1 Thess 5:21). but test everything; hold fast what is good.

Group Guide Use this guide to help your group discussion as you meet this week. 1 Corinthians 1:10-2:5 Isaac Hill Download TranscriptWell, good morning again. If you have been with us on Sunday mornings, you'll know that we have been working our way through the book of Second Samuel. But we are actually going to take a pause this morning. It just so happened to be that in terms of calendaring, if we had stayed in 2 Samuel today, it would have been a rather emotionally heavy and difficult topic to discuss. And on Mother's Day, we figured that maybe wasn't the best approach. And so with Chet and Spencer out of town, they asked if I would preach. And they said the choice is yours. You get to choose, which is great for me. So for those that maybe don't know, we have been in the process of sending and planting a church out in Lexington. And as somebody who is committed to going and to serving in a leadership capacity, we over there, that has kind of been where my mental space and where my heart has been drawn as of late. And so what I wanted to do is share some encouragement with you that I have been receiving from the opening chapters of First Corinthians. And so that's where we're going to be this morning. As we're gearing up as a church to enter into this time, in this season of transition, there's going to be a lot of change. And change can kind of be frightening and scary. If you don't like change, I'm sorry, but it's coming to us. And whether or not you're going or whether or not you are staying, things will look different and there'll be a lot of things that have to be done and there'll be a lot of little tasks and a lot of little stuff that we're trying to work at. There's a way that in the middle of all of that, we could start to forget what is essential and we could start to focus too much of our attention on what is non essential. In the letter of First Corinthians, right out of the gate, Paul is helping point out to this church some ways that they specifically have been getting caught up in non essentials. And he wants to remind them of what is the main thing. And so that's what I want to remind us of this morning. What is the main thing. So let me pray and then we'll dive in.Father, we, we thank youk for your word, the way that it instructs us. And would you'd be instructing us this morning, would you'd word not return void in Jesus name. Amen.If you will open up your Bibles and turn To First Corinthians, Chapter one. I actually don't have any on the slides behind me. There won't be any text there. We're trying out some new stuff. Instead of having the text on the screen, you can open up a physical Bible. We are blessed to live in a time and a space where we have physical Bibles available to us. So if you didn't bring yours with you, you can grab one that is provided in the seat racks in front of you. If you're using one of those Bibles, it's going to be on page 1102. And as you're turning there, since we're jumping right into the middle of a book, I figure I'd give a little bit of context to help position us. First Corinthians is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. And what we read in Acts 18 is that Paul actually was at the forefront of spreading the gospel and helping start the church in Corinth. And so this letter is written about three to five years after his time there. Now, a little bit of brief context on the city itself. Corinth was a port city, which really, the only reason that's important to know is that port cities often grow and become prosperous because there's a lot of trade that's going through there. If you can kind of visualize the setting of what this church was started in, in this city, if you think maybe like a Charleston or a Savannah or maybe Virginia beach area, that's kind of the space where the church is in. That's the culture that is around them. Paul, he's writing to them, and at the beginning, he's trying to remind them of what he preached to them when he first came. We're going to pick up in chapter one, verse ten and the first six verses that we read, we're kind of. We're going to go kind of quickly through them because they're also still just helping build some context for us. So verse 10.> I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.> For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.> What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ."> Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?> I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,> lest anyone should say that you were baptized in my name.> (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)> For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.Paul, he's concerned about some quarreling, about some bickering that's coming up in the church. He's received a report about this Chloe, we don't know her. We don't know what it means to be Chloe's people, but we assume it means something to the people at Corinth. This is the report that is given to Paul about the issue, the quarreling that's showing up.What I mean is that each one of you says, I follow Paul, or I follow Apollos, which he was a teacher that came after Paul in Corinth, or, I follow Cephas, that would be the apostle Peter, or I follow Christ. The picture that we get here is that it appears that the people in the church have almost kind of like been forming factions where they're grabbing on to kind of important figureheads in the church at the time, and they're claiming them as some sort of way for, like, status and position. You're like, paul, Paul is my guy. And as if that's supposed to communicate something about my importance, my intellect, my ability to know what's going on. It's a very interesting one as well. The very last one where he says, I follow Christ. Because you might think, well, that's the good crowd. They're the ones figuring it out. You're supposed to follow Christ. But it doesn't seem that he's really saying that because he's batched them in with the rest of this group. And it seems that there's a way in which the people have even started to say, I follow Christ as some kind of way to try to jockey for position and kind of power and strength in the church. And so that's the situation that Paul is finding himself riding into here, is that the people are beginning to miss the main point because they're needing in their own cells to try to hold on to some kind of strength.> For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.> For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart."> Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?> For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.> For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,> but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,> but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.> For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.When you're reading Scripture, paying attention to repetition is a good hint at what's being pointed, pointed out as important. You have this idea of wisdom and its opposite folly coming up over and over again in a very short time. The image that we're getting here is that we have the wisdom of the world and we have it stacked up against God. That's what Paul is beginning to do here, building these ideas.> For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.> But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;> God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,> so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.> And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,> so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."If you can use your imaginations, with Paul here, you would consider a spectrum where on one end you had wisdom and power, wisdom and strength, and then on the other side of the spectrum, you had weakness and foolishness. Paul says, wherever you put the message of the cross, he's been talking about it as weakness and foolishness. He said, wherever you put it, it's wiser and it's stronger than you and I. Consider for a moment what is the message of Christ crucified? It begins with Jesus coming to us, condescending to us, taking on flesh, like you and I. I would assume that all of us here in the room know the limitations of your body. You know the weakness that we are. And that's all just before we even get close to what is the cross, and you start to approach it, and you have the night before Jesus is betrayed, he's stabbed in the back by a friend, and then he's turned over to be arrested. When he's arrested, all of his close friends now leave him and he's left on his own. Then he goes. The crowds who once just a couple days earlier were shouting his name are now scorning him. They're saying, release for us a guy who we know, he's rotten, he's a criminal, but we'd rather have him than this Jesus guy. Then he's handed over to random soldiers who beat him within an inch of his life. Then he's taken out to the entrance of the city and he's hung on a tree next to common thieves. This is the message of Christ crucified. Such weakness, such foolishness. How weak and foolish we must be. But deep in this truth is precisely where we find the wisdom and where we find the power.> And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.> For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.> And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling.> My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,> so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.This is the same as us here, unless some of you have a kingly line that I didn't know about. God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not to bring to nothing, things that are so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. This is the wisdom. That it would be such a way where you and I couldn't boast in ourselves. We're torn. We have two sets of desires. On one hand, we really want to boast in ourselves. We really want to be able to tell you, I've got it figured out. But on the other hand, deep within you, your soul aches for what is true in Jesus, the message of this cross. Because do you really want to boast in yourself? Do you know what kind of weight that is that you have to carry to boast in yourself? You don't have to. You get to boast in Christ. You get to boast in his weakness, in his foolishness at the cross. And the weight can be lifted because it's about him, it's not about us.And because of him, you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that as it is written, let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.Now, it's not been until recently, in the last several months of sitting in and meditating on this passage, that I've come to understand what I think Paul is actually getting it here when he says the phrase demonstration of spirit and of power. Every time I've read this passage, I've just assumed that as a great apostle, at the birth of the church, he's talking about some kind of sign, some kind of miraculous work. I mean, it happens all over the book of Acts as the church is getting going. And it even happens now and today that you can go to something like Acts 3. You can see Peter and John, they heal a lame man. Or maybe in Acts 9, where Peter raises Tabitha from the dead. Or Paul himself, he does miraculous work. He exercises a demonic spirit out of a man, and then he's thrown in prison for it. And then there's this miraculous work of him being broken out of jail. That's in Acts 16. And so I've always just assumed that, well, this is what he means here. And then that's always created a disconnect between me and Paul because that's not really what my lived experience is. I wrote it off and just continued on. But if you go and read Acts 18, which gives the account of his time in Corinth, not one time is there an instance of a mention of some miraculous work. There's not some big sign. If we just stayed inside of 1 Corinthians, he said that Jews demand signs. Why would he go and flip what he was saying? He just said, I decided to only know Christ and him crucified. Why would he turn around and start talking about something different? This is what I've come to understand. Paul hasn't changed the subject at all. He's still saying the same thing he's been saying the whole time, that the power of God, the demonstration of the Spirit, is Christ crucified at work in you. That's power, us coming to life in him. Paul says in verse five why he wanted to stay out of the way of the message so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Paul didn't want to come and try to sound intelligent and eloquent. He simply wanted to share the message of Christ crucified because he had tasted the power of God in his life. He knew he didn't want people saying, I follow Paul. He wanted people to say, how great is God, that his power would be at work within me to bring me new life. I boast in him and him alone. That's what he wants.Now, I want to share some encouragement for us as a church, specifically as it relates to the season that we're in, as we're about to send a church, and some of us are about to go and begin a new work out in Lexington. One of the reasons that we're doing this work, aside from the fact that we think God has said, go, so we're going to go, but it's because we want to create more seats at the table. We use that language all the time when our groups multiply. What we're trying to accomplish is create more seats at the table. We want to see others welcomed in and joined in to what we are doing. Very specifically, we want to see those who do not know the hope of Christ join us at the table. The reality is those people come to join us because we, as his people, are faithful to share the message. Just like Paul. The church in Corinth is the church at Corinth because Paul went and he declared the message.The specific encouragement is that Paul says he was in weakness and in fear and in trembling. If I had to guess, when we talk about the idea of evangelism or sharing the message that for all those believers in the room here now, myself included, if you have ever been at that precipice of sharing the message of Christ crucified, you've been afraid. You, like Paul, have trembled. As I've reflected on my own life, I've thought, why is it. Why is it that we can stand here in this room and say, oh, the cross of Jesus Christ, it's the reason that I am alive. And then I'm there in that moment where a friend, a neighbor, who doesn't know Christ, and there's a part of me that wants to. It's terrifying. I think the reason why is exactly what Paul has been saying here in First Corinthians, that the message of the cross is a stumbling block and it's foolishness. If I'm going to share the message of Christ, it's not about pointing to me and how great I am. If I do that, then I've emptied the cross of its power. When you're in that moment, what you're afraid of is exactly what Paul has come to experience. There are some people, oh, they get tripped up. That's pretty tense, awkward conversation. When you're in that moment, somebody gets tripped up like that and we don't want to be there. Or maybe you just get written off as a silly, foolish person. You're one of those weird Christians. The encouragement is that what Paul offers to us is not that we have to go and hone our skill into perfection, to be able to say it just right, to make it work, that we can be just like Paul. You can be weak, you can be afraid, you can tremble. Because it might be getting tense when I talk about this. But the message is not just foolishness and not just weakness, but for those who are called, those who the Lord is working in their heart. This message is power. Christ crucified is power and wisdom for new life. Some of us in the room here, you're already in the position. You already have the relationship with a neighbor or a co worker or a friend. You've been in Paul's spot, you know exactly, you've heard them talk about their life and you have in your head thought, if you only knew the gospel of Jesus. But you stopped at fear and trembling. My encouragement to you is take the next step of faith and share the message of Christ crucified. Your fears might be realized, but this message that while I was an enemy in my disobedience in love, Christ came to go to the cross to absolve the guilt of my rebellion and to give to me the right standing with the Father. That's a message that has power and wisdom to bring about new life. And that is worth it. It's worth it to share. That's what Paul has found to be true. May we find it to be true as well as a church. Whether you are somebody who is staying and going, those of us who are going, or whether you're packing it up and you're going. May we share this message. May we share in fear and in weakness and in trembling. And may we not use eloquent words of wisdom so that the cross would be empty. But may we simply share.Father, we thank you for the cross of Jesus that though it is weakness, though it is foolishness, it is power and it is wisdom. We have felt it because our eyes have been opened and we have been made alive in you. Father, you know us and where we are at. You know the fear and the trembling we that we feel and we face as we consider the notion of sharing this weak, foolish message with those around us. Would you'd empower us in the middle of that weakness and fear to simply say, christ crucified, we love you, praise you. Amen.I'm going to transition into a time of taking the Lord's Supper. Matt's going to come up and prepare to sing for us. In a moment when we have a moment of reflection, I want you to consider, take a moment to consider the cross of Christ. Specifically. Think about the power and the wisdom that it has been for you. Remember the work that the Lord has done in your life. And then when you're up and you're at the table, look around, look around this table and see your brothers and sisters. Remember, the power of the cross has been at work in them too. What joy. And then for a moment, just consider that there are people in this city that the Lord right now is working in their heart and in their life. And when they hear the message of Christ crucified out of our mouths, they will join us at the table and the cross will become power and wisdom.> For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,> and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."> In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."> For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.When you're ready, come to the table and proclaim the Lord's death. Need gluten free bread? It'll be in the back corner as well in the balcony.

Once again we have some interesting and, to quite a degree, challenging chapters today.  Our Deuteronomy chapter (24) caused us to meditate on the nature of life without banks, or any money as we have it today, so that there is no situation in which it can be borrowed!   What will be the nature of any “money” in the kingdom age?  Real gold and silver?  The Israelites, as God's people, were told by Moses in his final message, they are to “purge the evil from your midst” [Deut. 24 v.7] How much purging will be needed in the kingdom when all peoples will be expected to serve the one real God and “out of Zion shall go the law, and  …. he shall judge between the nations …” [Isa. 2 v.3,4]?The Songs of Solomon are usually understood as a spiritual ‘parable' of the bride of Christ, and Christ says to her, “You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you … You have captivated my heart … my bride … how beautiful is your love … my bride!” ” [4 v.7,9,10]  With this perspective on the meaning of this ‘parable' to what extent are we today, “captivating” the heart of our Saviour?  How can we live so that we do so?Our chapters in Acts show how the message of the gospel captivated the hearts of some of the converts so that they were really committed in serving Christ; “a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria … was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. (the Old Testament of course) … being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus …” [18 v.24,25] When he came to Achaia ” he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,  for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.” [v.27,28]He was showing, in practice “how beautiful” his “love” was for Christ!  “How beautiful is (y)our love?”  There are many ways of showing it!  Let us try harder to live so that “Christ is formed in you” [Gal. 4 v.19] which was what Paul was agonising in his heart about – concerning the believers in Galatia. As we live day after day, absorbing the real spirit of God's word so that “Christ is formed” in you and I, realising more and more fully that we do this by serving one another in the spirit of Christ – as parts of “the body of Christ.”  Let us meditate on Paul's words to the Colossians in ch. 1 v.28,29.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. We are about to begin our next study in 5 days. We will begin with the book of Hosea. Hosea exposes what happens when leadership fails, and hearts drift from covenant loyalty. This means it is time to get your next Scripture Journal from our website for this study. If you are a Project23 partner giving $35/month or more, we have already sent this to you by mail. Our shout-out today goes to Doug & Jena Martin from East Earl, PA. Thanks for your partnership in Project23. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 16:10-12. When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity. — 1 Corinthians 16:10-12 Paul closes his letter with another reminder: "When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you… for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am." Timothy was much younger. More timid than Paul. Not flashy, as educated, smooth, and a master of debate like Paul. And this is critical to note because Corinth loved impressive leaders. Knowing this, Paul commands something that goes against the culture of Corinth: Do not despise him. For "seasoned" believers, spiritual maturity shows up in how you treat those coming behind you—especially young, aspiring leaders who are still finding their footing. They may not be as charismatic. They may not yet carry influence. They may not speak with polished confidence. But if they are faithful, they need older believers who will steady them, defend them, and invest in them. Timothy was one of those younger workers who was "doing the work of the Lord." Not much is ever said about his style or the strength of his personality. But he was known for being faithful. Then Paul mentions Apollos. Apollos was different. Eloquent. Strong. Capable. And Paul leaned on him differently: "I strongly urged him… but it was not at all his will to come now." Notice Paul's strong will and humility combined as the "seasoned" leader. There is no rivalry. No insecurity. No control. Just mutual respect in the work of Christ, with the strong encouragement for him to return to Corinth. The Corinthians had a history of dividing over leaders because of their immaturity. Remember, this is one of the first issues Paul addressed in this letter. "Some follow Paul." "Some follow Apollos." But Paul ends the letter by modeling something better. Honor faithful servants. Refuse personality cults. Reject leader worship. Here's why. The church does not need more celebrity. It already has a risen Lord. What it needs are older believers who will refuse cynicism, reject comparison, and actively champion the next generation of faithful workers. DO THIS: Identify one younger believer or leader in your church and intentionally encourage them this week. Speak specific words of affirmation and, if appropriate, offer your guidance and support. ASK THIS: Am I investing in the next generation—or merely critiquing it? Have I withheld encouragement because someone does not lead the way I would? Am I actively strengthening younger leaders who quietly labor in the Lord? PRAY THIS: Lord, guard my heart from cynicism and comparison. Teach me to champion younger leaders with wisdom and humility, strengthening those who are doing your work. Amen. PLAY THIS: "The Servant King"

It has never been easier to consume someone else's faith. With a podcast in our ears, a devotional feed on our phones, and a favorite teacher's voice filling our commute, we can absorb an enormous amount of Christian content without ever spending quiet, personal time with God ourselves. And slowly, almost imperceptibly, our spiritual lives begin to look less like deep-rooted plants and more like transplanted flowers — imported from someone else's garden, struggling to survive in soil that was never their own. Paul saw this same tendency in the church at Corinth. Believers were forming camps around their favorite teachers — Paul, Apollos, Cephas — as though the worker was responsible for the growth. Paul was quick to correct them: the teachers were only servants. God was the One making things grow. And the only foundation that could ever truly hold was Jesus Christ Himself. That warning speaks directly into our age of faith influencers, online pastors, and Christian celebrities. Their insights can be genuinely helpful — but they cannot replace what only a personal relationship with Jesus can give. Second-hand faith will only take us so far. If we want to thrive rather than wither, we need roots that go all the way down into Christ Himself — the One who died to give us life, and in whom alone we are invited to truly boast. Interested in creating something new with us!? Take Our Newsletter Survey! Bible Verse "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." — 1 Corinthians 3:11, NIV Ponder Today Consuming Christian content is not the same as communing with Christ — no teacher, pastor, or influencer, however gifted, can substitute for a personal and growing relationship with Jesus. Paul's warning to the Corinthians applies directly to us today — when we align ourselves too closely with a human worker, we risk placing our trust in the servant rather than the One who causes all growth. Second-hand faith — borrowed from the experiences and practices of those we admire — will eventually begin to wither, because it was never rooted in our own encounter with the living God. Teachers, authors, and pastors can be genuinely helpful tools in our growth, but they are only ever planting seeds or watering — God alone is the One who makes things grow. Jesus Christ is the only foundation that can hold — His death and resurrection are not just the starting point of our faith, they are the center around which everything else must be built. Today's Prayer Lord, I confess that I sometimes spend more time listening to what others say about You than I do communing with You personally. As helpful as many teachers and pastors are, their words are not what bring true growth — only You deserve that glory. When I am tempted to build my faith around a favorite voice rather than around You, redirect my heart. Remind me that You are the reason I am saved, the foundation that cannot be moved, and the only One in whom I should boast. Deepen my roots in You, Lord, so that my faith is my own — grown in the soil of a real and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

James Waters, founder of Kingdom Impact and leader in development of the Christian Impact Framework, joins Cody and Kealan to share how God reshaped his life from personal loss and restless success into a calling at the intersection of research, mission, and stewardship. After encountering Christ during university and later witnessing both the beauty and brokenness of global development work, James began asking deeper questions about how Christians can pursue meaningful impact without losing dependence on the Holy Spirit. Through his work, James now helps ministries, businesses, and givers think more clearly about spiritual and social impact, building frameworks that bring clarity without replacing prayerful discernment. He explores the tension between faithfulness and fruitfulness, showing how wise measurement can strengthen stewardship, deepen relationships, and ultimately give glory to God. At the same time, he acknowledges the challenges of pride, misplaced identity, and over-reliance on systems, pointing back to humility and obedience as the foundation for Kingdom impact. Consider how combining prayerful discernment with thoughtful strategy could reshape the way you pursue lasting Kingdom impact. Major Topics Include: Balancing faithfulness and measurable fruitfulness Stewardship through thoughtful impact measurement Tension between strategy and Holy Spirit dependence Defining and clarifying spiritual impact outcomes Avoiding noise by focusing measurement priorities Humility and teachability in Kingdom work Relational generosity versus transactional giving Identity, pride, and the savior mindset in giving Integrating prayer with strategic decision-making Diversity of callings in Kingdom impact QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Measure the impact and give Him all the glory.” “If you measure everything, you kind of measure nothing.” “We're called to be accountable for our faithfulness, but true fruit comes from abiding in Jesus.” “There's a tension between faithfulness and fruitfulness, and that tension should lead us to humility.” “We need to be on our knees, and thinking, planning, and being diligent.” “The bigger trap for the giver is the savior mindset, which is ultimately rooted in pride.” “If an organization is not willing to learn, that's a bigger red flag than not having impact.” “There are Kingdom principles that can lead to a hundredfold return.” “I also believe that God celebrates wild sacrifice that looks like a complete waste.” “Success is just being obedient to what God has told you to do.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Kingdom Impact Christian Impact Framework Accord Network EIDO Research Eagle Venture Fund (see our interview with General Partner Wes Lyons) Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 1 Corinthians 3:6 | God Gives the Growth I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. John 15:5 | Abiding Bears Fruit I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Ephesians 3:10 | Manifold Wisdom Displayed So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Matthew 22:37 | Love God Fully And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 26:7–13 | The Alabaster Jar John 15:8 | Fruit That Glorifies God By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. TAKE A STEP DEEPER On the Finish Line podcast, we are all about stories, seeing how God draws us into generosity over a lifetime.   But sometimes these stories can leave us thinking, “What's that next step look like for me?” That's exactly why we've launched a whole new podcast called Applied Generosity which explores the full landscape of the generous life across 7 different dimensions of generosity. Applied Generosity helps make sense of the hundreds of stories we've shared on the Finish Line Podcast to help you find that best next step. If you've been inspired by these stories and want to take things to the next level, check out Applied Generosity anywhere you listen to podcasts or at appliedgenerosity.com.

The writer to the Hebrews was, as Martin Luther suggested, probably Apollos. He was a man skilled in his knowledge of the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings (Psalms and wisdom literature) who was also trained in rhetoric (the art of persuasive communication) and wrote to the beleagured Jewish Christians in Rome about the need to endure and remain faithful. He demonstrated through this message that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah, the "anointed one" ('the Christ'), and that Christ was the fulfilment of the tabernacle/temple, the priesthood, the sacrifices and the ceremonies and rituals prescribed in the Old Testament. His sermonic letter to this first century Christian Hebrew community is a model of how to structure a persuasive sermon. This is why his conclusion is worthy of our admiration and deper consideration. A sermon is not merely the impartation of information or even a hyped-up moment of inspiration. A sermon should make a compelling case and lead to an achievable call-to-action. This is precisely how the closing two chapters of Hebrews reads. Chapter 12 lays the theological summary of what has been presented throughout this sermon and chapter 13 gives a very practical and short list of all of the immediate consequences of this theology. The original audience were called to continue in brotherly love (Heb. 13:1), care for those fellow believers who have been imprisoned, be sexually faithful to the one they are married to, and to be honouring and respectful toward those leaders God had called to care for their souls. Watch today's daily Bible reading in the Journey Through the Entire Bible in One Year: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtlWLsHwjdASfAM2VBzPgdSpXJaE4B2ra For more Biblical teaching via podcast subscribe to Messages That Matters with Dr. Andrew Corbett on iTunes, Soundcloud or Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/messages-that-matter-by-dr-andrew-corbett/id1059252114 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3GuYKpgiAyKiF56LCekRSS Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/DrAndrewC Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/u/0/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zb3VuZGNsb3VkLmNvbS91c2Vycy9zb3VuZGNsb3VkOnVzZXJzOjY5NjkzNjY5L3NvdW5kcy5yc3M For Biblical Thinking Resources - https://www.andrewcorbett.net/ Read “The Most Embarrassing Book in the Bible -understanding the Book of Revelation” on Kindle https://www.amazon.com/MOST-EMBARRASSING-BOOK-BIBLE-ebook/dp/B0081RZ91O/ Read “Authentic Apostolic Leadership - Structure For the Church” https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Apostolic-Leadership-Structure-Church-ebook/dp/B003GIRESO/

Acts 18:18-28

The book of Genesis explains to us that it was God’s plan to create two sexes, male and female, both created equally in his image, both finding the other attractive, both needing each other, and different in many ways from each other. It was a good plan, and it is still good today, one that has brought a great deal of joy, happiness, and fulfillment into our lives, for both women and men. True, the plan has been misused and abused through the ages, and relationships between men and women certainly have caused many problems and heartaches. But that results from our lack of understanding of each other and our unwillingness to allow these relationships to be controlled by God’s principles. Often, we have close working relationships with the opposite sex, spending many hours each day working together, physically near each other, and communicating frequently. And sometimes we are not aware of the dynamics of these male/female relationships; many of us are in unfamiliar territory. I remember when I began my career as a sales representative for IBM. I was the only female sales rep in my office at first, and I can still see that large office, jammed with desks to accommodate about 40 salespeople, and there I was in the middle, surrounded by men on every side. Sounds like a dream come true for a single woman. While I certainly enjoyed the attention that my unique situation afforded me, I discovered quite quickly that I was not prepared to deal with the many diverse complications that arose from the male/female aspect of it. Having made some mistakes in this area of my business life, I think it is important to address this subject very directly and candidly, because many of you are struggling with male/female relationships on the job. Let me begin by talking about the friendships that can develop between male and female coworkers. It’s inevitable we will find some coworkers of the opposite sex with whom we share many experiences, whom we respect and enjoy, and a friendship develops. I can think of several men I’ve worked with whom I consider good friends, even years later. Friendships are good things, and I’m always grateful for a friend, wherever I find them. However, we must put up the caution flag and beware of the pitfalls that we can fall into with any friend of the opposite sex. I was a single woman and most of my male coworker friends were married. That's probably pretty common. That should send up a flag that says it is our responsibility as single women to make certain their wives are comfortable with our friendship with their husbands and understand the nature of our relationships. I made it a practice, as these friendships developed, to become very good friends with their wives and families. They were invited to my home and I to theirs. I made certain they were not concerned in any way about my working relationship with their husbands. Had I sensed it bothered them in any way, I would have backed away from that relationship, even though their concerns would have been totally unfounded. A young man once asked my opinion about having a business luncheon with a woman alone, and he went on to explain that this seemed to bother his new wife. My advice was if it bothered her, regardless of how innocent or how convenient that business lunch might be, he should do everything possible to schedule those meetings in the office rather than at lunch. I think he should do everything he can to allay his wife’s concern, even though they may be unfounded. Some might say we should never have a business lunch alone with someone of the opposite sex, but I honestly don’t see this as a black and white situation. The business lunch has become a way of life, and it can be a convenient way to conduct business. There is nothing immoral or questionable about it. But each situation is different and requires wisdom and insight on our part. I think the rule of thumb should be, if in doubt, don’t. Or if it bothers your conscience, don’t. We know from Romans 14 there are some disputable matters where sincere Christians will have differing convictions; the important thing for us is not to condemn others, but to be certain we follow what we believe is right for us to do. A suggestion is to bring a third party along. That’s usually possible to do, and that solves the question of how it might look to others. Most of my peers while working in corporate America were men, which meant if I went to lunch with my friends, I usually went to lunch with men. But rarely was it alone. Now, let me address another issue with male/female relationships in the workplace, and that is women in management with men reporting to them. This is fairly common now. But it still can present problems for these women managers in knowing just how to relate to their subordinates and for the men who often have to adjust their mindsets and attitudes toward women in authority. I’ve encountered many who are struggling with a very basic question in this regard, and that is: Should a Christian woman hold a position of leadership over men? As I look at Scripture, I can find no directive that would prohibit women from holding management positions in business. To the contrary, I can think of many women within Scripture who did hold leadership positions over men. Deborah was a judge over her nation, and she led an army of men into battle (Judges 3 and 4). The Proverbs Woman (Proverbs 31) had both a manufacturing and a real estate business, which easily could have put her in a position of directing male subordinates. We know she managed her household of many servants, and presumably that would include male servants. Lydia was a seller of purple (Acts 16), which was a most prestigious position. She must have interacted with men and directed them at times. We know she had a large household under her management, and this household would most likely have included men. And Priscilla was one of the two instructors at the first Bible school, as she and her husband taught Apollos about Jesus Christ. I believe a Christian woman is free to hold management positions with male subordinates, if she has the desire and the opportunity. However, we need to be aware of some common pitfalls. In wanting to make it clear that they are qualified for their positions, many female managers overreact by trying to be too assertive and working too hard at establishing their authority. Some women are a little insecure in these roles, and it is easy to overcompensate by being too rigid and demanding. On the other hand, some women bend over too far backward to keep from intimidating male subordinates and to avoid coming on too strong, and this can cause a weak manager who lacks proper control. Our challenge is to find that natural, happy medium that allows us to manage effectively in our own style, treat everyone fairly and equally, and not allow ourselves to be intimidated by the male/female aspects of management. It is true there are sometimes double standards concerning acceptable behavior for women and men in leadership roles. A woman manager who does her job well may be viewed by some as being a “pushy broad,” whereas male managers who demonstrate the same style of leadership and assertiveness are considered “up and coming” and admired. I know how irritating that is, but I want to encourage you, if you’re in that kind of situation, not to react to people’s prejudices. I think the smartest thing we can do, as well as the kindest thing, is to rise above their attitudes, and focus on doing our job well, managing effectively, and trusting the consequences to the Lord. It’s a fine line we walk between not being intimidated by the prejudices of others and not becoming militant or vindictive, but I believe, with God’s help, we can do it. As a female manager, you may encounter male subordinates who resent you. This is certainly an appropriate time to ask for special wisdom from God, as he has promised us in James 1:5. In fact, this is a situation that should cause you to pray a lot more. That’s where you’ll find answers. Any kind of management or leadership position comes with its own set of mine fields, and as Christians, it is only in prayer and seeking God’s wisdom that we can walk through those mine fields without harm. A verse God has again and again brought to my attention in these difficult situations is Proverbs 16:21: sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness. Find ways to make your directions and your ideas easy to handle. It won’t diminish your stature, as a female manager, to do your best to ease the tension for the men you manage. And it will increase your persuasiveness. I have found praying specifically for the people who are giving me the most trouble is the smartest thing I can do. Asking God to help me understand them; praying daily that I’ll be able to care about them and do the right thing for them. When I do that, without fail my attitude changes and I find the relationships start to improve. Instead of getting angry at them or vindictive, ask God to give you compassion and tolerance. It is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Difficult relationships are often God’s way of helping us to grow in faith and learn to trust Jesus more. If you will pray daily about those sensitive male/female relationships on your job, I can assure you God will give you guidance and wisdom. And when they see that you do not behave in a defensive, aggressive manner, but rather with patience and gentleness, they will be at a loss to explain it. It may well give you an opportunity to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence, as we read in 1 Peter 3:15.

Luke offers two stories of disciples who needed more: Apollos, who needed a better education in the word, and the Ephesian disciples, who needed the full baptism of the Spirit. We look at how these two stories offer images of the Word and Spirit and why it's the power of both at work in our lives that guides us into a better faith. 

In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul addresses a struggling church that had knowledge but lacked spiritual maturity, calling them out for remaining “babes in Christ” instead of growing into spiritual people. Though they had received the Holy Spirit, their lives were still marked by envy, strife, and division—clear signs of a carnal, flesh-driven faith rather than one shaped by God's Spirit. Paul reminds them that growth doesn't come from personalities or leaders like Paul or Apollos, but from God alone, who gives the increase as believers faithfully plant and water. The message challenges us to examine our own lives—our spiritual “diet” and our relationships—to see whether we are maturing or remaining stuck, and calls us back to a simple, surrendered walk with God where He does the transforming work within us. - Ed Rea - Sunday, April 26, 2026

In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul addresses a struggling church that had knowledge but lacked spiritual maturity, calling them out for remaining “babes in Christ” instead of growing into spiritual people. Though they had received the Holy Spirit, their lives were still marked by envy, strife, and division—clear signs of a carnal, flesh-driven faith rather than one shaped by God's Spirit. Paul reminds them that growth doesn't come from personalities or leaders like Paul or Apollos, but from God alone, who gives the increase as believers faithfully plant and water. The message challenges us to examine our own lives—our spiritual “diet” and our relationships—to see whether we are maturing or remaining stuck, and calls us back to a simple, surrendered walk with God where He does the transforming work within us. - Ed Rea - Sunday, April 26, 2026

Throughout Christian history, believers have wrestled with disagreements on biblical interpretation, from women in ministry to church practices and theological positions. These differences can feel deeply personal and divisive, yet they have existed since the earliest days of the church. The challenge lies not in eliminating disagreements but in learning how to maintain unity despite our differences.Many Christians approach Scripture with biblical literalism, believing interpretation should be straightforward. However, this becomes complicated when encountering seemingly contradictory passages, such as Paul's restrictions on women teaching in 1 Timothy while simultaneously empowering female leaders like Phoebe and Lydia. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral offers a framework for interpretation using Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience, recognizing that while Scripture is authoritative and inspired, reading and applying it always involves interpretation.The Corinthian church faced similar divisions when factions developed around different leaders like Paul and Apollos. Paul's response was direct: both he and Apollos were simply servants with different roles, but God made everything grow. As Christians mature, it's tempting to create categories of right and wrong believers based on theological differences, leading to the countless denominational splits throughout history. However, Jesus consistently connected with people across all theological and social boundaries. True Christian maturity involves holding convictions both tightly and loosely, growing in knowledge while simultaneously growing in the fruits of the Spirit. Our unity comes from one Lord, one faith, one baptism, reminding us that we are one body even when we disagree on specific points of doctrine.Why do Christians disagree on biblical interpretation and church practices? This comprehensive exploration examines the roots of Christian disagreements from the early church to today, covering topics like women in ministry, biblical literalism, and theological differences that divide believers. Learn about the Wesleyan Quadrilateral approach to Scripture interpretation using tradition, reason, and experience alongside biblical text. Discover how the Corinthian church dealt with factions and divisions, and what the Apostle Paul taught about unity in diversity. This message addresses common questions about biblical interpretation methods, denominational differences, church unity, and Christian maturity. Whether you're struggling with theological disagreements in your church, wondering how to interpret difficult Bible passages, or seeking to understand different Christian perspectives, this teaching provides practical wisdom for navigating faith differences with love and humility. Topics covered include biblical hermeneutics, church history, denominational splits, spiritual maturity, fruits of the Spirit, and maintaining Christian fellowship despite doctrinal differences. Perfect for anyone interested in biblical studies, church leadership, Christian apologetics, or understanding how to build unity in diverse faith communities. Learn how to hold your convictions passionately while growing in love, gentleness, and humility toward fellow believers who interpret Scripture differently.

Your calling is supposed to shift. Your purpose never does. Misty shares the testimony that will free the Christian mom striving in the wrong season. Have you ever felt on fire for God — heart so full it needed somewhere to go — and then had Him redirect that fire somewhere you weren't expecting? Somewhere smaller, quieter, and far less visible than you had in mind?   In episode 99 of Mom2Mom Mentoring, I get honest about one of the most significant redirects of my life. In the mid-nineties, in the middle of a genuine community revival, I experienced an awakening to the love of God that lit me on fire. I was wired to build, to connect, to pour — and I was ready. But God's answer to my fire wasn't a platform. It was a kitchen table and four kids.   What followed was decades of faithfulness in unsexy, unglamorous, often invisible assignments — a homeschool co-op, teenagers at church, a children's ministry, people always around the table. And when the bottom fell out in 1998, and my marriage ended, I had to find her footing all over again. It was in that broken season that God gave me the longer vision: give it twenty years.   This episode is for the Christian mom who can't see evidence that her faithfulness is doing anything. The one asking God to show her He's working — and almost missing the answer because it comes in the form of a little boy quietly singing a worship song while playing with his toy cars on the floor.   In this episode: The difference between purpose (your why) and calling (your how) — and why your calling is supposed to keep shifting Why staying faithful in a hard, slow season costs something real — and why that's worth naming The exponential math God showed Misty about faithfulness in her own home What Isaiah 61:3 says about oaks of righteousness — and why some plantings take decades The harvest belongs to God, not to you — and why that is the most freeing truth you'll ever stand on A direct invitation to the BECOMING Cohort for women ready to stop striving and start living from purpose   Key Scripture Jeremiah 20:9 — His word like fire shut up in my bones Isaiah 55:8–9 — My thoughts are not your thoughts Isaiah 61:3 — Oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord 1 Corinthians 3:6–7 — I planted, Apollos watered, God made it grow Philippians 1:6 — He who began a good work will complete it   Free Resource Grab the Rhythms of Renewal Mini-Guide — a free workbook walking you through rest, restoration, and relationship, with a Discovery Bible Study through Matthew 11:28–30. Download free at https://mistyhughes.myflodesk.com/discoverrhythms   Ready for More? The BECOMING Cohort begins May 5th — a 12-week small-group coaching experience for the Christian mom who is ready to stop striving and start becoming. Only 11 spots. mistyhughes.com/cohort   Don't Miss Episode 100 Craig Hughes joins Misty for the very first time — and they're talking about connection. Subscribe now so you don't miss it.

What does it really mean to build a church that reflects the heart of God? Romans 12:9-13 gives us a blueprint that has nothing to do with buildings, budgets, or branding, and everything to do with the condition of our hearts. We're challenged to examine whether our love is genuine or hypocritical, whether we're truly hating evil while clinging to what is good. The early Roman Christians faced persecution for refusing to participate in the violent entertainment of the Colosseum, willing to die rather than compromise their convictions about the sanctity of human life. Their example forces us to ask uncomfortable questions about our own entertainment choices and cultural compromises. The passage moves outward from personal character to how we treat one another in the church, calling us to outdo each other in showing honor rather than seeking it for ourselves. We're reminded that discipleship isn't complicated—it's simply showing someone who doesn't know what we do how to do what we do. The triplet of rejoicing in hope, being patient in affliction, and being constant in prayer reminds us that God hears every prayer offered according to His will, even when we're crying out from our own dark caves like David did. The most comforting songs ever written came from the darkest places, teaching us that our afflictions may have purposes beyond what we can see.**SERMON NOTES – Romans 12:9–12 – “How to Build a Church, Part 1”**---### I. The Flow of Romans 12 - Chapters 1–11: Doctrine. - Chapter 12: Practice—radiating outward:  - v9 – Character (heart)  - vv10–13 – Church  - vv14–21 – Culture  - ch.13 – Civics ---### II. Triplet #1 – v9: Heart Posture **“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”** 1. **Let love be genuine (without hypocrisy)**   - No fake “churchy” love (“I love them in the Lord” but actually resent them).   - Jesus and Judas: a kiss of betrayal as a picture of hypocritical love.   - God's love to us is genuine; ours toward others must reflect that.2. **Abhor what is evil**   - Love and hate are connected:    - Love my wife → hate what harms the marriage.    - Love truth → hate lies.   - Evil = what is anti-God; Scripture defines what God hates (e.g., Prov 6).   - Romans believers refused violent “entertainment” of the Coliseum; were persecuted for it.3. **Hold fast to what is good**   - “Koleo” – glue yourself to good; active pursuit, not just passive avoidance.   - Culture desensitizes (pumpkin/duck & frog/boiling water illustrations).   - Early Christians chose costly conviction over easy compromise.---### III. Triplet #2 – v10–11: Church Life **“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”** - Honor = lead in preferring others, pushing them forward. - Model: leaders who serve (Ezek 34 – God rebukes shepherds who feed themselves). - Jesus hates “Nicolaitan” spirit: overbearing leaders/laity (Rev 2:6). - True leadership: elders serving meals, men of high status doing lowly tasks. - Discipleship = show others how to do what you do, then release them (Apollos & Priscilla/Aquila; Paul's attitude toward Apollos). **“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”** - Never lazy; work hard; serve enthusiastically. - “Sunday comes whether you're ready or not” – faithfulness in preparation. - Every “small” task (coffee, parking, kids' ministry) is a spiritual service when done unto the Lord. - Warning: don't serve in a controlling, joyless way that repels helpers.---### IV. Triplet #3 – v12: Suffering & Prayer **“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”** 1. **Rejoice in hope** – confidence in God's promises not yet seen (Heb 11:1). 2. **Patient in tribulation** – Bible assumes suffering, doesn't erase it.   - Roman believers faced lions and fires; ours may be different but real. 3. **Constant in prayer** – steady, honest pouring out of the heart (Psalms as model).   - Many Psalms (e.g., David in caves) birthed from deep affliction.   - Prodigal son: father doesn't follow into sin, but never stops praying and watching.---## PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS1. Identify one relationship where your “love” has been hypocritical; confess and seek a step toward genuine love. 2. Audit your media/entertainment: what are you being desensitized to? Choose one concrete change this week. 3. Look for one person in church to honor publicly or privately—email, text, or conversation that pushes them forward. 4. If you serve, invite someone to do it with you and intentionally show them how. Move from “worker” to “discipler.” 5. Name one ongoing affliction; commit to a simple daily prayer rhythm (e.g., morning & night) for it for 30 days. ---## DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Where are you most tempted to show “polite hypocrisy” instead of genuine love? 2. How do you practically distinguish between loving people and hating evil? 3. What forms of entertainment do you think most dull our hatred of evil today? 4. Who has honored or discipled you in the church, and how did it shape you? 5. Are you more prone to laziness or to over-controlling in service? Why? 6. What “cave” season have you walked through, and how did God meet you there? 7. What long-term prayer have you nearly given up on, and how might Romans 12:12 call you to persevere?

Click here to WATCH LIVE STREAM Worship Service on our Youtube Channel. That You May Believe, Part 9 John 4:31-4 John 4:29-30 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him. John 4:31-45 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.' 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” 39 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” 43 After the two days he departed for Galilee. 44 (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) 45 So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast. · The example. Illustration: Picture of map John 4:31-34 Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. Matthew 4:4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” John 17:4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. John 19:30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Psalm 40:8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” Acts 20:24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Psalm 119:37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. · The reminder. John 4:35-38 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.' 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.” Amos 9:13 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when the plowman shall overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed; the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and all the hills shall flow with it.” Matthew 9:36-38 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Psalm 126:5-6 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! 6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. Luke 15:7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. · The reason. John 4:39-42 Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” Romans 10:14-17 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 1 Peter 3:15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” John 4:43-45 After the two days he departed for Galilee. 44 (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) 45 So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast. 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As we serve the Lord in our various ministries, patience is required. Like a farmer, we till the soil, we plant the seed, and we water the seed. We get excited when we see a little shoot begin to appear. Yet, we must wait for the harvest.Main Points:1. Let me remind you of an important principle about the work of God: The harvest belongs to God. You and I have no power over the harvest. We are called to serve, love, work, obey, and use our gifts, talents, and time for God. He is the one who makes things grow. He is the one who produces the fruit.2. We are responsible for our own obedience to God. We must do what he asks us to do, but then leave the results to Him. Only the Holy Spirit can produce growth. 3. So, if you are serving God, if you are working hard, if you have been obedient, and the results still haven't come, it may be a matter of waiting on the right time and the right season. Be patient and remember the harvest is in God's hands. Today's Scripture Verses:1 Corinthians 3:6-8 - “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.”Galatians 6:9 - “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Welcome to the TFC Biblecast! Start your day off right and join us as we take the next 10 minutes to dive into God's word. If we can pray for you, email us at biblecast@tfc.org.