Podcasts about while apollos

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples

John 14:26 — But the Helper will teach you everything and cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name.   God wants to HELP you!        "The Holy Spirit can rejuvenate a tired Christian, captivate an indifferent believer and empower a dry church."  — Billy Graham        Stubborn    Acts 7:51 — You stubborn and hardheaded people! You are always fighting against the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors did.     Grieve    Ephesians 4:30 — Don't cause grief to God's Ruach HaKodesh, for he has stamped you as his property until the day of final redemption.   Ephesians 4:30 — Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.     Quench    1 Thessalonians 5:19 — Quench not the Spirit.     Blaspheme    Mark 3:28-30   “Listen to this carefully. I'm warning you. There's nothing done or said that can't be forgiven. But if you persist in your slanders against God's Holy Spirit, you are repudiating the very One who forgives, sawing off the branch on which you're sitting, severing by your own perversity all connection with the One who forgives.” He gave this warning because they were accusing him of being in league with Evil.     Receive   Receive: To take, to be a recipient of, to permit to enter.      John 7   38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”   39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.       Acts 2:38 — Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.     Baptized into Christ  Water Baptism  Baptism in the Holy Spirit      Acts 8   14 When word reached the apostles in Jerusalem that Samaria had accepted God's word, they commissioned Peter and John to go to Samaria.    15 Peter and John went down to Samaria where they prayed that the new believers would receive the Holy Spirit.    (16 This was because the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen on any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)   17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.       Acts 10   1 In the city of Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a Roman army officer in what was called the Italian Unit.    2 He was a religious man. He and all the others who lived in his house were worshipers of the true God. He gave much of his money to help the poor people and always prayed to God.    3 One afternoon about three o'clock, Cornelius had a vision. He clearly saw an angel from God coming to him and saying, “Cornelius!”   4 Staring at the angel and feeling afraid, Cornelius said, “What do you want, sir?” The angel said to him, “God has heard your prayers and has seen your gifts to the poor. He remembers you and all you have done.    5 Send some men now to the city of Joppa to get a man named Simon, who is also called Peter.     24 They arrived in Caesarea the following day. Anticipating their arrival, Cornelius had gathered his relatives and close friends.    25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in order to honor him.    26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Get up! Like you, I'm just a human.”    27 As they continued to talk, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people.    28 He said to them, “You all realize that it is forbidden for a Jew to associate or visit with outsiders. However, God has shown me that I should never call a person impure or unclean.    29 For this reason, when you sent for me, I came without objection. I want to know, then, why you sent for me.”   30 Cornelius answered, “Four days ago at this same time, three o'clock in the afternoon, I was praying at home. Suddenly a man in radiant clothing stood before me.    31 He said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayers, and your compassionate acts are like a memorial offering to him.    32 Therefore, send someone to Joppa and summon Simon, who is known as Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, located near the seacoast.'    33 I sent for you right away, and you were kind enough to come. Now, here we are, gathered in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has directed you to say.”   34 Peter said, “I really am learning that God doesn't show partiality to one group of people over another.    35 Rather, in every nation, whoever worships him and does what is right is acceptable to him.    36 This is the message of peace he sent to the Israelites by proclaiming the good news through Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all!    37 You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism John preached.    38 You know about Jesus of Nazareth, whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit and endowed with power. Jesus traveled around doing good and healing everyone oppressed by the devil because God was with him.    39 We are witnesses of everything he did, both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree,    40 but God raised him up on the third day and allowed him to be seen,    41 not by everyone but by us. We are witnesses whom God chose beforehand, who ate and drank with him after God raised him from the dead.    42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.    43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”   44 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on everyone who heard the word.    45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.    46 They heard them speaking in other languages and praising God. Peter asked,    47 “These people have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. Surely no one can stop them from being baptized with water, can they?”    48 He directed that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited Peter to stay for several days.       Acts 19   1 While Apollos was in the city of Corinth, Paul was visiting some places on his way to Ephesus. In Ephesus he found some other followers of the Lord.    2 He asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” These followers said to him, “We have never even heard of a Holy Spirit!”   3 Paul asked them, “So what kind of baptism did you have?” They said, “It was the baptism that John taught.”   4 Paul said, “John told people to be baptized to show they wanted to change their lives. He told people to believe in the one who would come after him, and that one is Jesus.”   5 When these followers heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.    6 Then Paul laid his hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came on them. They began speaking different languages and prophesying.       How will I respond to the Holy Spirit?       Stubborn  Grieve Quench  Blaspheme  Receive      I want God's Spirit in my life.     

Fresh Pentecost Lesson 4. Did you receive the Holy Spirit? Fresh Pentecost Lesson 4. Did you receive the Holy Spirit? Acts 19:1-20 Paul’s Ministry at Ephesus 1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then […]

Brendan McClenahan and Nancy Kloosterman read and reflect on Acts 19:1-7. Please make sure to subscribe to this podcast! For the full Bible Reading Plan, head to victorypoint.org. To find out more about the context of Acts 19:1-7 head to https://thebibleproject.com/explore/acts. We would love to include your input on this podcast. Send us an email at brendanmcclenahan@victorypoint.org or leave a voice message by clicking the link below. There is more going on at VictoryPoint! (head to victorypoint.org for more trainings, events, worship gatherings, discipleship opportunities, giving, and ways to get connected). Here's the full text from today's scripture: 19:1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. 19:2 He said to them, ""Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?"" They replied, ""No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."" 19:3 Then he said, ""Into what then were you baptized?"" They answered, ""Into John's baptism."" 19:4 Paul said, ""John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus."" 19:5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 19:6 When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied-- 19:7 altogether there were about twelve of them." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biblereadingplanvp/message

Based on the following reading: “Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well, had arrived in Ephesus from Alexandria in Egypt. He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy. However, he knew only about John's baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately. Apollos had been thinking about going to Achaia, and the brothers and sisters in Ephesus encouraged him to go. They wrote to the believers in Achaia, asking them to welcome him. When he arrived there, he proved to be of great benefit to those who, by God's grace, had believed. He refuted the Jews with powerful arguments in public debate. Using the Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah.” Acts of the Apostles 18:24-28 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/act.18.24-28.nlt “While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers. “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “we haven't even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John.” Paul said, “John's baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.” As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.” Acts of the Apostles 19:1-7 NLT https://www.bible.com/116/act.19.1-7.nlt

Acts 19:1-10While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the interior regions and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. 2 He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 Then he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied— 7 altogether there were about twelve of them.8 He entered the synagogue and for three months spoke out boldly, and argued persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 When some stubbornly refused to believe and spoke evil of the Way before the congregation, he left them, taking the disciples with him, and argued daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.[a] 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.

Hello and welcome to season 2 episode 94 of The Berean Manifesto brought to you by The Ekklesian House.  This is Pastor Bill and over the next 10 minutes, or so, we are going to continue our series on the elementary teachings of Christianity with this, our fourth installment. I would encourage you to start at the beginning of this series in season 2 episode 91 about baptism.  The topics in this series are the milk of Christian theology.  These are the things we understand to be the very first basics that you should teach a new Christian you are discipling.  Something we don't see a lot of these days, discipling, so a lot of Christians haven't been taught this stuff.  This list comes straight from Hebrews 6:1-2 CSB, “[1] Therefore, let us leave the elementary teaching about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, faith in God, [2] teaching about ritual washings, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.”  In this installment we'll be taking about the laying on of hands.  There are three major uses of the laying on of hands recorded in the New Testament.  These are for healing, for ordination to official positions of ministry, and the infilling or baptism of the Holy Spirit.  There is also reference to Paul using the laying on of hands to stir up the gifts of the Spirit in Timothy, but this probably took place at Timothy's ordination and with lack of any other mention doesn't make it to our list. The most common instance of the laying on of hands in the Bible is for healing.  Jesus did a lot of commanding people to be healed, but He also did a fair amount of touching people and they were healed.  In Mark 16:18 Jesus tells the disciples that believers in Christ will lay hands on the sick and they will get well.  We only have one recorded instance after that point in the Bible that clearly tells us that someone laid hands on someone else and they were healed.  Acts 28:7-9 CSB, it says, “[7] Now in the area around that place was an estate belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days. [8] Publius's father was in bed suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, and praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him. [9] After this, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.”  We shouldn't be too concerned at the lack of recorded instances of the laying on of hands for healing in the New Testament.  Given the prevalence of healings that were recorded as being performed by Christ and the fact that Jesus gave the laying of hands for the sick for their healing as one of the key identifier of believers, it was probably such common place that it's likely that the New Testament authors didn't give a second thought to writing down every time someone was healed after the laying on of hands. So, as a Christian, should you lay hands on the sick in prayer and expect them to be healed?  Absolutely!  Will it always end in the person being miraculously healed?  In my experience, no.  Also in my experience, sometimes.  Being a human, and therefore imperfect, unless the Holy Spirit imparts you with special knowledge you can't know what is going on in someone's life or their heart.  Most of the time when Jesus healed people He credited their faith for the miracle, not His power.  It's your job to obey the Holy Spirit and minister love to others, sometimes that means praying for someone and they're healed.  Sometimes that means praying over someone and sticking with them through their struggle if that healing doesn't happen. Let's talk about ordination.  Ordination in the Christian church is similar to the passing of blessing or mantle of ministry from the Old Testament, like Moses to Joshua or Elijah to Elisha.  However, with ordination both the ordained and the one ordaining walk away with a full portion of anointing.  The first time we see this amongst the church is in Acts 6:1-7 CSB, “[1] In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. [2] The Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, "It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables. [3] Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. [4] But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." [5] This proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a convert from Antioch. [6] They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. [7] So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.” The care of orphans and widows were a big deal in the Jewish community and for the early church.  The Hellenistic believers had a complaint against the Hebraic believers about the care of widows.  I've dropped the redundant term of Jew here because there were no gentile believers yet.  The difference between these two parties are that the Hebraic Jews grew up in Israel and preferred to speak Aramaic, while the Hellenistic Jews had moved away from Israel and returned to Jerusalem and preferred to speak Greek.  Likely these Hellenistic Jews were comprised mainly of the three thousand men who were led to salvation on the Day of Pentecost.  So, the twelve apostles call a meeting to appoint seven men to serve as basically deacons who could oversee the day to day operations of the church community while the Apostles dedicated themselves to ministry.  They laid hands on them to ordain them into their new positions and as a result of the Apostles being freed up to do ministry, there was a huge influx of believers even from amongst the Jewish priests.  That's a big deal, drawing Jewish priests away from Judaism and into Christianity.  That's no small feat. For our final instance of laying on of hands were looking at the laying on of hands for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.  In Acts 19:1-6 CSB it says, “[1] While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions and came to Ephesus. He found some disciples [2] and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" "No," they told him, "we haven't even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." [3] "Into what then were you baptized?" he asked them. "Into John's baptism," they replied. [4] Paul said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus." [5] When they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began to speak in other tongues and to prophesy. [7] Now there were about twelve men in all.” So Paul comes across these twelve men who were recent converts and were still being discipled.  Paul seemingly wants to make sure they are receiving full training and asks them if they've received the Holy Spirit.  Not only had they not, but they've never even heard of the Holy Spirit and the baptism they received was one of water for the repentance of sins instead of the spiritual baptism of grace into Jesus.  Paul lays hands on them and they are filled with the Holy Spirit and begin to move in the gifts of the Spirit. In closing, let's look at one more excerpt of scripture to add some perspective.  Acts 8:4-25 CSB “[4] So those who were scattered went on their way preaching the word. [5] Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. [6] The crowds were all paying attention to what Philip said, as they listened and saw the signs he was performing. [7] For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. [8] So there was great joy in that city. [9] A man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in that city and amazed the Samaritan people, while claiming to be somebody great. [10] They all paid attention to him, from the least of them to the greatest, and they said, "This man is called the Great Power of God." [11] They were attentive to him because he had amazed them with his sorceries for a long time. [12] But when they believed Philip, as he proclaimed the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. [13] Even Simon himself believed. And after he was baptized, he followed Philip everywhere and was amazed as he observed the signs and great miracles that were being performed. [14] When the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. [15] After they went down there, they prayed for them so the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit because he had not yet come down on any of them. [16] (They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) [17] Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. [18] When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, [19] saying, "Give me this power also so that anyone I lay hands on may receive the Holy Spirit." [20] But Peter told him, "May your silver be destroyed with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! [21] You have no part or share in this matter, because your heart is not right before God. [22] Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, your heart's intent may be forgiven. [23] For I see you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by wickedness." [24] "Pray to the Lord for me," Simon replied, "so that nothing you have said may happen to me." [25] So, after they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they traveled back to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.” Just a side note: in the first entry in this series we talked about baptism and the difference between water baptism and spiritual baptism and the journey of Peter on his revelation about baptism.  Here we have Phillip.  Phillip is the only of all the New Testament ministers that when we track his journey of ministry he didn't lead people to the Lord and then baptize them, part of his leading people to the Lord was water baptism.  He considered it all to be one event.  It wasn't like today where you go to a church and you say a prayer and then later you sign up for baptism.  Phillip believed that dipping them in the water was part of their spiritual baptism into Jesus and that it all occurred at the exact same time.  As far as how that lays out in theology, it really doesn't.  If Phillip felt that was the way ministry was to be done was the he need to go down into the water with people and dip them in the water while they made their decision of belief then that's great for him.  We've talked about if you feel like you should get water baptized, then you should, but it's not a requirement of salvation.  I don't want to have any confusion, in the scripture when it talks about Phillip baptized them.  Every time it talks about Phillip doing baptism, it is talking about literal water baptism.  Make sure keep that in mind while you're reading scripture.  Not every time it says baptism is actually water baptism unless Phillip is involved, then it's water baptism.  The main reason we brought in this last bit of scripture here is because I do want you to feel confident and assured in laying hands on others for healing, the infilling or baptism of the Holy Spirit, and, if it comes to it, the ordination of others to ministry positions adjacent to or under your authority.  In this last scripture we see there are those who have tried to manipulate the Holy Spirit and abuse the laying on of hands.  If you're going to be doing ministry, and laying on of hands is ministry, then you must do so with your heart right before the Lord.  The laying on of hands shouldn't be a part of a fundraiser.  Ministry is free, you impart the healing to those who need it for free.  And those who aren't healed, you have a responsibility to stick with those people as they move forward.  It's not something you go around doing willy nilly, and if it doesn't work then they're on their own.  That's not responsible ministry.  You should feel confident in laying hands on others, and listening to the Lord and following the Holy Spirit.  If your heart is right, and if you're sensitive to the holy spirit, then you're going to do just fine. This is Pastor Bill saying, “Until next time…”

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions and came to Ephesus.

What is it? Father, Son, Spirit Creator, Savior, Helper John 16:7  //  But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. Jesus was God WITH us. The Holy Spirit is God IN us. Paraclete Acts 2:12-16  //  Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel. We REJECT what we don't UNDERSTAND. Acts 19:1-2  //  While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” Huh? Who wouldn't want that? 5 Things We Love About the Holy Spirit 1. He COMFORTS Me. John 14:26  //  But the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Condemnation & Conviction 2 Corinthians 1:4  NLT  //  He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2. He CONVICTS Me. John 16:8 //  When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment. 2 Corinthians 7:10 //  Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. Psalm 32:3-5  //  When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. 3. He LEADS Me. John 16:13  //  But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 4. He REMINDS Me. John 14:26  //  But the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 5. He EMPOWERS Me. Acts 1:8  //  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Who wouldn't want that?

“What Does This Mean?” Acts 2:1-12 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontusand Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”   It Means Power   Everyone who has accepted Christ as their Savior has the Holy Spirit within them.   John 20:22 tells us “Then Jesus breathed on them and said, "receive the Holy Spirit.”   The Pentecostal experience comes aftera Salvation experience.   Acts 19:1, “While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the interior and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers ?”” “No,they answered, “we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”    Power in Life, Miracles.   Power & Passion in Sharing Your Story   The location of Peter’s greatest failure became the location of Peter’s greatest success.   Power in Prayer   It Means Persecution The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is going to make many uncomfortable.   After the display of power at Pentecost everyone had to make a decision.   It Means God Cares for People   Why was this power given? To Bless the Church and Bless the Lost.   God gave the Holy Spirit to the Church, not just the Apostles.   God wants to give you His Baptism of Power!   There is no real place one has to be in order to receive the Baptism, but in everycase there was an expression of Faith by the person receiving.   Ask, pray, believe, and receive.   Get more resources to live a life of faith at RiversChurch.org

How will I respond? Brent Phillips – Encounter Houston 2 timothy 1:6 "This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you." When did he receive the gift? When he had hands laid on him, the laying of hands is something that is very important. Something special happens when we lay hands on others like God has told us to. Is there something you have let go of or have forgotten that needs to be fanned into flames again? Maybe it was missions, sharing the Gospel with loved ones, healing, prophecy etc.. God wants to use you we just need to have our flames fanned once again. It is amazing what we allow ourselves to get use to once we live with it for a while. We have become to use to living like normal human beings that we’ve forgotten that we are sons and daughters oh the most high God. What is considered normal behavior in the Kingdom of God isn’t normal behavior on earth. We need to realize where it is that we really come from and not conform to a world that is telling us to go another way. Where are we today when it comes to the word of God? Does God’s word still have the authority to change our lives or do we hear a sermon that stretches us and we think twice about it because we just aren’t sure. Acts 19:1-6 "While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions until he reached Ephesus, on the coast, where he found several believers. “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” he asked them. “No,” they replied, “We haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” “Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John.” Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.” As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied." When we come to Christ we are sealed with the Holy Spirit for all of eternity, but God has so much more for us to encounter and to pull out of heaven that we didn’t know was there. God’s word has laid it out for us so clearly if we would just read it with fresh eyes and an open heart instead of depending on commentary to do it for us. Are we willing to experience the things of God that we have not heard of with the chance of going to even greater places that we have not yet experienced or will we allow our unwillingness to to stop us at the door? The video to this Podcast @ http://www.neverjustexist.org/how-will-i-respond-by-brent-phillips/

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.