Each week we gather on Sunday evenings for a time of worship, fellowship, discipleship and prayer designed to develop the core team that will launch Eastside Christian Church. While we work to build both the people and practices that will enable us to launch well, we are studying through the New Testament book of Acts. This record of the early church provides powerful insight into the theology and strategy that led to the most successful and impactful church launch in history.
From the very beginning the believers implemented several practices that perfectly positioned them to experience the power of God at Pentecost. They embraced their mission (Acts 1:8), devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 1:14) and placed leaders in position (Acts 1:23-26).
At the same time they prioritized God’s word as paramount…
In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled… (Acts 1:15-16)
As I read this passage I couldn’t help but wonder if we still view scripture the same way today? Does our understanding echo Peter’s exhortation that the scripture had to be fulfilled or do we instead view God’s word as a collection of holy suggestions?
While there are certainly scores of differing opinions, there is no doubt God’s word is just as relevant and applicable today as it was two thousand years ago when Peter stood up among the believers and confidently proclaimed, “Brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled…”
The writer of Hebrews assures us…
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Hebrews 4:12–13 ESV)
God’s word never fails nor should it fade into the periphery or our priorities. Instead, the scripture remains powerful to pierce the depths of our soul, revealing and shaping the motivations of our heart. We will give an account for how we adhere to its authority.
As Paul pleaded with Timothy…
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:14–15 ESV)
God’s word makes us wise for salvation. Through scripture, he reveals the truth about Jesus and the power of a life lived through him! If we desire to experience the power of God in a profound way today, perhaps like Peter we should say, “Brothers the scripture had to be fulfilled…”
If you would like to learn more we would love to invite you to join our Sunday evening gatherings as we make our way through this study and prayerfully plead for God’s power!