Apostolic Doctrine 2

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (Acts 2:42-43)

Yesterday  I started a series on the above topic,  being the theme of the Apostolic Summit of Love Revival Lrm ministry, which rounded off yesterday in Sokoto, Nigeria. Apostle Courage Eghosasere Ode is the President of the ministry and Senior Pastor of Love Family  Church. He's been a great inspiration to me in almost every aspect of my life and I thank God for what He is doing through the man of God in our generation. 

I started off by highlighting the five key points on which I intend to espouse the topic,  namely: 1. Anatomization of the doctrine 2. The atmosphere of the doctrine 3. The audience of the doctrine  4. Attitude for the doctrine and 5. Augmentation of the doctrine.

I classified the anatomization of the Apostolic doctrine into the content, subject, and the object of the doctrine. 

Today, let's see how far we can go. I appreciate the comments of some of my friends who took the time to read and let me know they are following the series.  I'm tagging you on this post. May we profit by the illumination of truth in our lives...

The atmosphere of the doctrine

First, we need to reckon that the teaching of the apostles was birthed under the atmosphere of the Spirit’s power and influence. You recall that at the Pentecost there was an outpouring of the Spirit. There was an endowment and empowerment of the disciples by the Holy Spirit. And it was after that experience that Peter caught the boldness to speak and about three thousand were added to the number of the disciples that day. We saw the power of the Spirit upon the apostles and we saw the influence of the Spirit upon those who received the Word because they couldn’t have been able to receive it except by the outworking of the Holy Spirit. 

This is very significant, because you can teach and preach,  and the power and influence of the Spirit could be absent. People may get excited, yell and get into hysteria, and yet there’s no impact; people can get informed and they aren’t transformed, because of the absence of the Spirit’s influence and impact. 

As leaders who communicate God’s word, we must acknowledge that our work is fruitless unless the Holy Spirit is involved.  The Spirit is the author and preserver of Scripture, the teacher and guide of the preacher and, through the words and meaning of Scripture, the power and presence of God at work in the listening congregation. With the help of the Holy Spirit, the minister of the Word correctly handles the word of truth, to keep the pattern of sound teaching and guard the good deposit, which brings about an enduring impact in the lives of the hearers. 

The apostolic teaching thrives in the atmosphere of the Spirit’s power and influence. The Illumination, the insight of the Word is by the outworking of the Spirit. The move upon people’s heart to be open and yielded to the word is by the Spirit’s influence. 

An extension of the atmosphere of the Spirit is the atmosphere of unity. Of course, wherever the Spirit of God is there’s bound to be unity, there’s bound to be love. The truth is spoken in love as people respond in love to receive the word of truth. It finds expression in their lives as they begin to transform. When the Holy Spirit activates love in the hearts of people, hope comes alive and they are not offended or frustrated (Rom. 5:5).  Where love abounds, the Spirit helps us to receive with meekness the implanted word as we put away all moral filth and every expression of evil, so that our souls are saved (James 1:21). Where love abounds, truth gains ground and holds sway. We read in Act chapter 6, when the discord between the Jewish and Greek Christians was neutralized and unity was restored, the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith (verse7).  Where unity is the word of truth will prevail.

I believe you have picked something from today's part of the series. Let your heart be inspired in the place of meditation. We'll meet again tomorrow on this same platform.  Stay blessed!