While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul took a route through the interior and came to Ephesus, where he found some disciples. 2 He asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you came to believe?” They replied, “We’ve not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 Then he said, “What baptism did you receive, then?” They answered, “John’s baptism.” 4 Paul explained, “John baptized with a baptism by which people showed they were changing their hearts and lives. It was a baptism that told people about the one who was coming after him. This is the one in whom they were to believe. This one is Jesus.” 5 After they listened to Paul, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in other languages and prophesying. 7 Altogether, there were about twelve people. 8 Paul went to the synagogue and spoke confidently for the next three months. He interacted with those present and offered convincing arguments concerning the nature of God’s kingdom. 9 Some people had closed their minds, though. They refused to believe and publicly slandered the Way. As a result, Paul left them, took the disciples with him, and continued his daily interactions in Tyrannus’ lecture hall. 10 This went on for two years, so that everyone living in the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the Lord’s word. (Acts 19:1-10,CEB)
Here is another look at baptism. These believers were baptized into John’s baptism, which is different than the baptism we as Christians do. So Paul told them about Jesus and they were baptized and then received the Holy Spirit. But some had closed their minds because they knew the best way and that this new thing could not possibly be what God wants us to do.
If we are not open to new things then we have closed our minds and are unwilling to be moved, changed, or grow. We all need to grow into the faith and trust of God and follow where God leads us.
So always be open minded.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 