WEDNESDAY November 9, 2022 

Remain a Steadfast Disciple

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
Acts 2:42-45

In the early church, a key principle to notice was the importance placed on the Apostles teaching the Word of God. This was the main emphasis. The very first thing the Apostles did was to make sure there was a healthy, systematic teaching throughout the entire Word of God. 

The word steadfastly in Greek means “persevering or enduring, in the Apostles doctrine.” They word doctrine in Greek means “a particular principle or position taught.” Some people will complain about sitting for an hour listening to God’s Word on Sunday mornings. I wish I could teach two hours! I love teaching God’s Word. 

Notice, there was not a big out-of-control Holy Spirit revival. There was order in the Church. If there is a lot of emotion and entertainment in any church, what happens when all the emotions and the hype is gone? If there is only a five to twenty minute devotional taught from the Word of God, what will happen? People will not become grounded in God’s Word. The Word of God is the most important part of our Christian growth. Be in the Book! The Word of God needs to abide in our hearts. Everything else will fade away, but the Word of God abides––forever (1 Peter 1:25). 

The Word of God must sink way down in our hearts and take root. My concern as a pastor is that every believer is growing in God’s grace and knowledge. How are you developing and overcoming temptation? How are you being victorious during the week? John Bunyan had written on the inside of his Bible: “Either, this book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.” What statement correctly describes your life? 

It is an undoubted truth that every doctrine that comes from God, leads to God; and that which doth not tend to promote holiness is not of God.
~George Whitefield~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!