In the early church the ministry of the word had a central place in its life. In Acts we read that, " They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42
Because they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles, the little church became strong. When persecution came, the little church endured. When famine arose the little church knew how to respond. When false teachers stood in their pulpits, the little church knew how to recognise them. The Scriptures nourished and sustained the church in spite of the hostile environment that she was planted in.
In the New Testament we have the Apostolic teaching. The Church today needs to devote itself to reading, obeying and upholding the teaching of the New Testament. If the Church is to grow (numerically and Maturely) it needs a strong diet of the Word.
It is possible for us to be a church without buildings, ordained ministers, music and even without the sacraments. But it is impossible to be a church without the preaching of the gospel. The gospel tunes us into the presence of Jesus among us, "You were included in Christ whenever you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation." Eph 1:13
Because they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles, the little church became strong. When persecution came, the little church endured. When famine arose the little church knew how to respond. When false teachers stood in their pulpits, the little church knew how to recognise them. The Scriptures nourished and sustained the church in spite of the hostile environment that she was planted in.
In the New Testament we have the Apostolic teaching. The Church today needs to devote itself to reading, obeying and upholding the teaching of the New Testament. If the Church is to grow (numerically and Maturely) it needs a strong diet of the Word.
It is possible for us to be a church without buildings, ordained ministers, music and even without the sacraments. But it is impossible to be a church without the preaching of the gospel. The gospel tunes us into the presence of Jesus among us, "You were included in Christ whenever you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation." Eph 1:13
The Scriptures must be central in all that we do whenever we come together. John Calvin said, "The Church is seen where Christ appears and his word is heard."
2 comments:
"It is possible for us to be a church without buildings, ordained ministers, music and even without the sacraments."
Whilst not disagreeing with your key point, indeed arguing for the importance of the preaching and teaching of the word of God in the church, the above statement, particularly the reference to the sacraments, cannot be substantiated from the quote in Acts 2: 42... indeed it would argue for the breaking of bread (in whatever form) being a central feature of the New Testament church.
The context of this comment was an overflow point from last nights sermon. The point that I was making was not trying to down play fellowship, prayer or the sacraments, but to play up the ministry of the Word.
This was the first point on the subject of how God ministers undo us, the second point was the sacraments. Which allowed me to explain that the sacraments and Word go alongside each other giving expression to the saving actions og God among us.
Stott writes, " The ministry of the Word and sacrament is a sigle ministry, the Word proclaiming and sacrament dramatizing, God's promises. Yet the word is primary, since without it the sign becomes dark in meaning, if not actually dumb."
Sorry the context was not clear, but it was only srgment of last night's sermon.
Post a Comment