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)
For the past three days, we've been discussing this topic under the following points: 1. Anatomization of the doctrine 2. Atmosphere of the doctrine 3. Audience of the doctrine 4. Attitude for the doctrine
Today, we are concluding the series with the last point:
Augmentation of the doctrine
Finally we come to the augmentation of the apostolic doctrine. Here, I mean the reinforcement of the teaching of the apostles. What were those factors that bolstered or reinforced the teaching, with regards to its effect in the lives of the people?
First, they were in fellowship. This obviously was an extension of the atmosphere of unity and love that abound. And because there was fellowship, they looked out for one another in their walk of faith. They were one another’s keeper. This is very significant. We must understand and emphasise the ‘community’ in the community of faith. We can’t afford to be on a solo run in the race of faith. Let’s take a cue from Paul’s admonition to the Thessalonians, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…” (5:11) The writer of Hebrew, harps on the same point more extensively, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, … And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Heb. 10:23-25)
Second, they prayed. Prayer propels the heart to respond rightly to truth. Prayer was expressed in supplications to God for an increase of grace and life in their own souls; for establishment in the truth which they had received, and for the extension of the kingdom of Christ in the lives of people. Prayer is very key in bringing about the kind of response required for the apostolic doctrine.
Lastly, there was the miraculous. Many miraculous signs and wonders were performed by the apostles. The wonders were miracles that evoked a deep sense of awe in the people and the signs were miracles pointing to a divine truth, which authenticated the veracity of the apostles. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you” (2 Cor 12:12). Similarly, we read from Hebrews 2:3 that God confirmed the message of truth— the apostolic doctrine, by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose. The miraculous was a signpost that the things that were being taught were real. Paul said, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Cor 4:20.) Further, he reminded the Thessalonians, “…our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction” (1 Thess 1:5). Wherever the truth is there is power.
#Conclusion
Today, churches are filled with biblical illiterates. Biblical illiteracy may be expected in secular society, but not in the church. However, it is not surprising that Christians lack biblical knowledge because churches marginalize the apostolic teaching with lmpunity. Strange teachings and practices have crept into the fold, debilitating the faith and fervour of Christians and the power and influence of the church in the society. A healthy church should be filled with faith-filled, Spirit-filed and Kingdom-minded people, who exhibit the vital signs of new life in Christ and flow in the miraculous. It’s time we got back on our tracks and begin to take urgent and apt action in letting the word of Christ (apostolic doctrine), in all its richness, fill our lives, as we teach and counsel one another in all wisdom.
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