From
the Heart of Bill
A couple of months ago I opened up a
dialogue on what made the early church so EFFECTIVE in reaching people for
Jesus Christ. We looked at Acts 2:42-47
and talked about FELLOWSHIP and PRAYER. This month I want us to focus on
the importance of the APOSTLE’S DOCTRINE
Acts 2:42–47 (NKJV) — 42 And they continued steadfastly in the APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
What does it mean when it says that the church continued steadfastly in the APOSTLE’S DOCTRINE? This is referring to the inspired teachings of the apostles which was delivered orally at first and is now preserved in the New Testament. They were eager to learn everything they could about the Lord.
Notice this was something they CONTINUED STEADFASTLY in. Just as they continued with FELLOWSHIP and PRAYER. They also continued in the APOSTLE’S DOCTRINE.
I love the fact that Medina United Methodist Church has always been hungry for the whole counsel of God. That’s one of the reasons we are very intentional about studying the Bible expositionally. That is, book by book; chapter by chapter; verse by verse not skipping over the uncomfortable portions of Scripture.
No, the original apostle’s are no longer with us, but they left us the inspired written word that we can have access at any time. That is HUGE!
I encourage us to CONTINUE STEADFASTLY in the word of God.
Remember my challenge as we work through the book of Ephesians? There are six chapters in Ephesians. Let’s read through the book (a chapter a day) every week in preparation of our Sunday Study. Then let’s reread it and reread it; over and over again with the goal of not just knowing it, but OWNING IT and letting it be a part of it.
Ephesians has been called, “The Grand Canyon of Scripture,” it is as DEEP as it is WIDE and it (through the Holy Spirit) will change your life.
See you in Church as we continue to BE THE CHURCH!
Grace
and Peace,
Pastor Bill