DEPTH STUDY

To do Christian work well, we need to know the full gospel.

Apollos was a Christian, passionate and eloquent, but his knowledge of Christ only went as far as John the Baptist’s teachings. Priscilla and Aquila heard him preach and recognized this shortcoming.

They saw that he didn’t yet know about Christ’s death and resurrection. After they taught him the full gospel, he became a much more powerful preacher.

One of the best things we can do for others is to encourage them. More than half the people we meet on any given day need encouragement. One of the worst things we can do is to be a discourager.

Perhaps the problem with many Christians is similar to what Paul found in a group of men at Ephesus—they hadn’t even heard that the Holy Spirit had come. We can only have power in witnessing for Christ when we are filled with the Spirit.

Paul was a man of strong habits. It was his custom to always attend church.

It’s a good habit to have. Many people become careless about going to church, but those who follow Christ should join His community.

Some people believe in Christ but stay hidden among the world, never openly showing their faith. But Christ calls us to stand with Him.

Sometimes, the right thing to do during persecution is to leave. The missionaries left Thessalonica at night, and there was no reason for them to stay. They went on to Berea, where the people were more noble. They received Paul’s words eagerly and searched the Scriptures to verify his teaching.

It’s a sign of a narrow mind to reject something without first examining it.

Religious arguments often arise over insignificant issues. People agree on the essentials but then quarrel over trivial matters.

Many conflicts could be avoided if people sought counsel and found common ground. If peace hadn't been pursued in this ancient disagreement, the Christian Church could have been divided, leading to disastrous consequences.

Christians should always be willing to set aside their own preferences to avoid strife. "Blessed are the peacemakers."

There's a story of two monks who had never argued. Wanting to experience it, one suggested they argue over a stone. One monk said, "This stone is mine." The other replied, "Very well—you may have it."

With Trevor Sheatz – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

It's hard to let go of old beliefs. The Jews had always been taught to stay separate from the Gentiles, so it was difficult for them to accept that Peter had stayed with a Roman. Even for Peter, it took a divine vision to help him understand that the old law had changed, and now everyone was to be seen as a brother.

We must keep our minds and hearts open to the truth, even when it challenges our long-held beliefs.

Peter shows us the way forward. There's no room for distinctions among people anymore—Christ's love is for everyone. While it's easier to love and help some more than others, when someone needs us, we shouldn't ask who they are. They're our neighbor, and we are called to love them.