The Pastor’s Pen

Lincoln writes to encourage and build up God’s people with God’s Word.

Apollos the willing

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

Apollos is one of those New Testament characters who gets my attention for all the right reasons. He was a Jewish believer from Alexandria who first appears to us in Ephesus. Acts 18:24-25 tells us that Apollos was an eloquent speaker who knew the Scriptures well… He had been taught the way of the Lord, and he taught others about Jesus with an enthusiastic spirit and with accuracy (NLT).

Whoever taught Apollos was thorough in passing on the teachings of John the Baptist, which he learnt well. But instead of keeping these truths to himself, Apollos gave himself to teaching others in Ephesus. Without fear or hesitation, he taught boldly in the synagogue… which was where Priscilla and Aquila heard him (Acts 18:26). They recognised his genuine belief yet also observed that he was lacking a full understanding of Jesus Christ as he knew only the baptism of John the Baptist (Acts 18:25). So, Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26).

Wasn’t that great, rather than criticise Apollos or shrug him off as naive, they discipled him with a more expansive understanding of God. This husband and wife team, Priscilla and Aquila, had the gracious perception and willingness to act, stepping into Apollos’ life at this critical time of learning. They recognised what was obviously the Holy Spirit’s activity in Apollos and acted with grace, not only for Apollos’ benefit, but for the blessing of many who would come under his teaching in the future.

Apollos was a doer! From the outset, he shared with others his existing knowledge of God. Therefore, when his time of instruction in Ephesus concluded, he moved to the area of Achaia. The church in Ephesus encouraged him in this and provided a letter of commendation to the believers of that area. Again, Apollos settled into his new surroundings and soon helped the believers by publicly refuting fellow Jews with Scripture, proving Jesus was the Messiah.

Settling for a time in Corinth, Apollos’ influence in the church was significant enough to be mentioned by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:12. Despite divisions in the Corinth’ church, the relationship between Apollos and Paul was marked by mutual respect. Paul acknowledges Apollos’ contributions to the ministry and emphasizes the unity of their work in advancing the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul writes, I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. Here, Paul highlighted the complementary nature of their ministries, with Paul initiating the work and Apollos nurturing it for a time before moving on.

Concluding his letter, Paul explains that he had adviced Apollos to revisit Corinth for further ministry (1Co 16:12). Paul obviously recognised Apollos’ teaching skills, his ability to fit in and get along with the church as a leader, and the collaborative spirit that existed between he and Apollos. It’s apparent that Paul recognised Apollos was a unifying influence upon the church. His eloquent style of teaching and his deep understanding of God’s Word made him a formidable advocate for the faith. Plus, his willingness to learn and grow underscored his humility and commitment to truth.

These are not only wonderful qualities for anyone to possess, but they are qualities which God uses to build up His church. Instead of weakening and dividing the church, Apollos was a willing instrument in unifying believers, in advancing the gospel to the unsaved, and in maturing believers in their faith. May God grant that each of us develop these Christ honouring characteristics for His glory and the blessing of others.

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Jesus’ words changes lives

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well of John chapter 4, gives us a uniquely compact view into Jesus’ character. While Jesus is obviously the centrepiece of this story, credit must go to this lady for her open willingness to engage with Jesus, and then to become an effective ambassador for Him.

According to the biased customs of that time, Jesus should not have spoken with this lady. First, a Jewish man was frowned upon for speaking with a woman who was a stranger. Second, this lady was a Samaritan, and there was a longstanding tension between Jews and Samaritans. Everything about this encounter went against the norms of both Jewish and Samaritan societies of that time. But as we know, Jesus is not restrained by the world’s cultural boundaries.

The discussion began with four simple words, a simple question by Jesus, that changed this lady’s life, “Give me a drink” (Jn 4:7). Ignoring the question, she expresses her shock at Jesus’ speaking with her (:9). Bypassing all human barriers, Jesus targets this lady’s greatest spiritual need, although she didn’t realise it in that moment. Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water” (Jn 4:10). Well, this mind blowing revelation was just as confusing for this lady as it would have been to us if we were there.

Jesus continues calmly, explaining that He is the living water that gives satisfying eternal life to whoever will receive Him. Not fully understanding the depth of Jesus’ words, this enthusiastic lady responds, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water” (Jn 4:15). Embracing her passionate, yet shallow understanding, Jesus moves the conversation to revealing His ultimate knowledge of her life and need. “Go, call your husband, and come here” (Jn 4:16). Well, that turned out to be awkward, as she had 5 previous husbands and was presently living in a de facto relationship with another man (Jn 4:18).

Shocked by Jesus’ knowledge of her life, she blurts out, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet…” (Jn 4:19). Quickly moving the conversation to the subject of worship, Jesus informs her that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth (Jn 4:23). Catching up, this lady says that she believes Messiah, the Christ is coming. Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he” (Jn 4:26).

Jesus’ disciples return, and interrupt by challenging Jesus for talking with this lady, so she rushes into town announcing, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” (Jn 4:29). Returning to the well with a crowd of equally curious people, Jesus continues His teaching. Consequently, many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony…  they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. …we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world” (Jn 4:39-42).

Never underestimate what God can do with just a few simple words that point a nonbeliever to Jesus. Without realising it, unbelieving hearts long for eternal life, and only the Lord Jesus Christ can fulfill that need as Saviour. Take courage Christian, speak for Jesus, and with Jesus’ words, watching and praying to see what He does with our simple efforts.

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Build up one another

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

Paul’s instructions in Romans 14 addresses judging others and the actions that often cause others to struggle in their faith. He then introduces a practical tool to handle these damaging issues which are far too common. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding (Romans 14:19). Reading this chapter, it’s easy to see that this is not an isolated or standalone instruction. Rather, this is a tool which is used best by those who have Christ centered motives for the strong health of the church.

As believers in Jesus Christ, Paul argues that our priorities have changed, which our great enemy wants us to either forget or ignore. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s (Romans 14:8). Overruling all personal desires and motives is the fact that we belong to the Lord first and foremost. Evidence of Christ’s ownership is seen when we decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother (Romans 14:13).

The body of Christ demonstrates Christ’s character best when we put others first, serving others before self-interest, just as Jesus Christ does for us. Fueling our daily motivation for peaceful living should be attitudes and actions that encourage, refresh, and strengthen others. Personal wants or preferences should never be permitted to destroy the work of God (Romans 14:20). Because causing damage or stunting the growth of other believers is not of God, we strive to excel in building up the church (1 Corinthians 14:12).

Paul was not shy in identifying fleshly behaviour that diminishes God’s glory in the church. He even labeled a few sinfully destructive activities in 2 Corinthians 12:20; quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. While these toxic attitudes and behaviours are celebrated by the devil, they are to be hated and rejected by God’s people. Yet, it’s ironic how often those who have been damaged by these dishonouring traits go on to become the perpetrators of them.

Paul’s rationale is clearly seen in Ephesians 5:1-2; be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. This is the truest heart desire of those living in Christ. Building up others in the faith is how we invest God’s resources into one another’s lives for God’s glory! Obviously, this requires some thought. Reformatting personal values and priorities to become God’s values and priorities is essential. This is an internal work which the Holy Spirit is invested in because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:5).

Jesus’ younger half brother Jude, when writing to protect the purity of the church from worldly people who sneak in, speaks to this matter. Amongst other things, Jude writes, but you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God (Jude :20-21). We cannot separate God’s love, Holy Spirit permeated prayer, and building up each other in the faith. These are essentials for the growth and health of the church. These express God’s mercy, God’s holiness, God’s purpose, and God’s glory.

May we worship the Lord as Paul encouraged the Corinthian church, let all things be done for building up (1 Corinthians 14:26). And may we follow Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

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Jesus’ appeal through us

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

Romans 15:3 states that Christ did not please himself. This defies worldly wisdom; Jesus, the Son of God, the Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords didn’t even please Himself. Paul makes this observation while exhorting Christians; we who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves (Rom 15:1). An authentic relationship with Jesus Christ directly impacts our relationships with one another. Obviously, it was Paul’s intension that believers should mirror the character of Jesus in the matter of relationships.

Jesus’ ultimate expression of selflessness is seen in Romans 15:3, the insults of those who insult you (God) have fallen on me (Jesus). The world’s entire sin against God, with all their disbelief and animosity against Him was vented upon Jesus by the world at the cross. But God also lay on Jesus the full judgment for the world’s sin, disbelief, and animosity. Jesus took the wrath from both God and humanity.

This spectacular truth of Jesus is presented by Paul in the middle of his exhortation for Christians to treat each other as Christ treats us. Bear with the failings of the weak (15:1), and let each of us please his neighbour for his good, to build him up (15:2). This is the most foundational principle we Christians must put into practice if we have any hope of serving others as Jesus serves us.

Paul then shares a prayer, seeking God’s blessing on those who live sacrificially on behalf of Christ in the lives of others. Recognising God as the source of spiritual endurance and encouragement he asks God to grant that his readers would live in harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus (Rom 15:5). Paul is not hoping believers will get along, learning to tolerate each other. No, he envisions  harmony which aligns with the harmony that exists between God the Father and Son, would also be experience in the church.

Now, the result of such Christlike character, sacrificially building up others and doing good is worship. It’s remarkable how the Holy Spirit produces His fruit in believers’ lives when Christ is  genuinely lived through us. Verse 6 speaks of it, together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In its simplest form, unity through the combined words of the church will be heard glorifying God. This speaks of reborn lives who do not speak for the sake of being heard, but speak as expression of the life transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Galatians 2:20). The blessing of this is unmistakable when practiced.

Paul closes out of this short prayer with an  instruction pulling all his previous words together. Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you (Rom 15:7). When individuals exhibit Christlike character, engage in unified worship, and maintain genuine harmony, they extend a warm welcome to each other and visitors, reflecting Christ’s gracious acceptance of us. For Christ to be experienced in this manner, there can be no pretense, no fake smiles, no bias, no preferential treatment, no demands, no gossip, no division, no segregation, and no exceptions.

Why is all the above so important to the apostle Paul? Because, as verse 7 concludes, this is for the glory of God. The overarching purpose for God’s people, no matter who or where they are, is to glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 15:6). May Christ be Lord of our characters, and our church relationships, for God’s glory!

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Blind for glory

By / The Pastor's Pen / 3 minutes of reading

There was nothing unusual about Jesus observing a blind man begging on the side of the street (John 9:1). John records that somehow Jesus’ disciples knew this man had been blind from birth. So, they ask Jesus what seems a foolish question; who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? (Jn 9:2). For the disciples, someone had to be responsible for this man’s blindness from birth.

Popular theories of the time included sin in the womb, even though there is no such thing. Another was reincarnation, but as Scripture states,  man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment (Heb 9:27). A third favoured option was that it could have been a curse of generational sin. In other words, this man was blind as punishment for the sins of an ancestor. This belief came from misinterpreting Exodus 20:5 and 34:7. However, God categorically states that the soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son (Ezekiel 18:20).

Jesus then sets the record straight in John 9:3, it was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. In this one statement, Jesus undoes centuries of error and released those trapped in false guilt because they suffered illness or disability. Jesus then exercises sovereign prerogative by healing the man’s blind eyes without even asking permission (Jn 9:6-7).

Well, as was often the case when Jesus exercised mercy and power, the Pharisees went to battle against Him. They interrogated the healed man, they challenged the man’s parents, they denied and rejected Jesus, and they successfully made fools of themselves. No amount of unbelief or hatred towards Jesus could change the facts. Jesus had healed the man born blind, with God being glorified through His Son, which was the whole point of this encounter (Jn 9:3).

However, the best was yet to come. I’m sure the healed man appreciated receiving his sight that day. But Jesus went on to give him spiritual sight which proved to be of even greater value. Following the  dispersal of all concerned parties, Jesus seeks the healed man out who had been condemned by the Pharisees and kicked out of their presence. Jesus asks him, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” (Jn 9:35). To which the man answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him (Jn 9:36-38).

What a brilliant end to a turbulent day. That morning, this man awoke blind and would have expected another day of darkness. He didn’t go out seeking or believing for a healing, but he graciously received it anyway. As was typical of Jesus, He was interested in far more than eyes that couldn’t see. The man understood that Jesus was claiming to be God in human flesh, plus, he obviously wasn’t going to deny the healing power of Jesus. So he responded by believing in Jesus. Having been awakened to Jesus’ divine identity and authority, he worshipped his Healer. There could be no better response!

Once again, Jesus’ life changing words were proven accurate. I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life (Jn 5:24). May our lives respond to Jesus in belief and worship as with this man who was born blind.

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