“DEVOTING” TO READ GOD’S WORD

Lent has come and gone, and we had a great time reading the Word of God together (during Lenten meditations); however, the discipline to read and study God’s word is never seasonal. If we are to grow as a church in worship, fellowship, and outreach, we must take the reading and studying God’s word seriously. This is what the scripture says about the early church in Acts 2: 42-43, “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.”

We have been faithful in our task of devoting ourselves in prayer during the weekdays. I am grateful for the time you give to pray for the families, the ministries of the church and the communities that we are a part of. Prayer is integral to the life of the church but there is more to the overall health of the church. Acts of the Apostles mentions that the early church devoted themselves to “apostles’ teaching,” which directed studying and dwelling deeply on the word of God.

“The word devoted in Greek is “Proskartereō, meaning “to remain strong, to endure,” with an extra emphasis on the time element involved.” It is doing that one task over a period. It is about consistency and perseverance. This Greek word can be divided into 2 parts, Kartereo is being steadfast, and by adding Pros, it provides the time element. “It describes more than just a momentary push in a crisis; it portrays the kind of strength that is ready for action over the long haul.” And that’s what the early church did, and that’s exactly what the church today must do if we are to become a living witness in the world.

There is a very interesting Bible study series developed and facilitated by the Rev. Dr. David Jeremiah with this title, Overcomer. This study is based on Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus. In chapter 6, the apostle talks about putting on the armor of God. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

In this Overcomer study guide, David Jeremiah uses Paul’s description of spiritual armor as an outline for exploring the Christian’s call to be an overcomer. This is not a technical description of Roman armor, but an applicational study of what it means to stand firm and overcome sin, the world, and the evil one. When we “put on” Christ, we are putting on all the spiritual armor we need not only to stand, but to overcome!

We can meet every Wednesday or Thursday during the week via zoom or in person and engage in a deep study of this theme. I believe God will do greater things as we devote ourselves to drinking deep from the Word of God. Let’s not be seasonal in our study of the Word but be consistent and persistent. Consider this as an invitation to Feasting on the Word.

In Christ,