Labor Correctly

 ~ Characteristics of Effective Labor for God ~

 

Scripture  ~  “Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.  This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:24-25).

 

Apollos Is A Good Example  ~  Notice four key aspects of his ministry:

First, notice that he was “an eloquent man” – he used language effectively.

Second, he was “mighty in the Scriptures” – he knew the Word of God. 

Third, “instructed in the way of the Lord” – he had received good mentoring. 

Fourth, “fervent in spirit” – he was proactive rather than laid back.   

 

Summary  ~  These four factors will go a long way towards the goal of being “a good minister of Jesus Christ.”

“If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed” (1 Timothy 4:6-7). 

 

Comment  ~  This post is about serving God effectively in whatever role He has given you.  These factors are not limited to Pastors, Preachers, or Teachers. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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God Is My… (Psalms), 70

 ~ God Is My Redeemer, 2 ~

 

Introduction  ~  Previously from July 16, 2017 through January 6, 2019 ALN posted a series of 60 posts of “Jesus is…,” and now we look exclusively at who “God is…” from the Book of Psalms.  While not a complete list these posts occur are in the same order they are in the Psalms.  

 

Passage  ~  “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1-5).  

 

Other Passage  ~  “For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.  Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength.  Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth” (Psalm 31:3-5).   

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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Myth, 108

 ~ You Need To Know The Original Languages to Understand the Bible ~ 

 

Myth  ~  Some have been led to believe that they cannot understand the true meaning of the Bible if they don’t read and understand the original languages which the Bible was written in. 

 

Reality  ~  It is true that scholars can sometimes pickup nuances because of their knowledge of the original manuscripts but that does not alter the fact that anyone with a desire can understand all the important aspects of the Bible.  The Holy Spirit of God is our teacher – and no one can do better than that.  

 

Scripture  ~  Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:25-26).

The Apostle Paul wrote, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). 

 

Comments  ~  In our day we possess numerous faithful Bible translations which will enable any true seeker of understanding the truth. 

Knowing the original languages is certainly a great tool for Bible study.  However, they are far from essential.  Studying without the original languages but with the Holy Spirit is FAR superior to knowing the original languages without the Spirit’s guidance. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

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