New Testament Norms Part 3: The Word

We continue our series on norms in the early church with "The Word." The Word (or a synonym for the Word) is mentioned at least once in every chapter in Acts 1-20. The Word was increasing; the Word was preached boldly, broadly, and consistently; preaching the Word was the main work of sent-out-ones. Whatever we are doing, let's saturate it with the Word.

Three Themes on the Word in Acts:

• The Word of God increased and multiplied – in and out of Jerusalem, Samaria, Ephesus, and surrounding regions. The Word is powerful and has a power of its own, almost like the HS. Examples:

Acts 6:7: And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem . . . (Jerusalem)

Acts 12:24: But the word of God increased and multiplied. (Samaria and beyond)

Acts 19:20: So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. (Ephesus)

This should encourage us and build up our faith in the inherent power of the Word, apart from our own abilities!

• The Word went out broadly and boldly, publicly, and consistently. Many examples of public, bold proclamation (4:13, 29, 31; 9:27, 28; 13:46; 14:3; 18:26; 19:8; 26:26; 28:31).
• Paul and his teammates (missionaries) had an extremely high level of commitment to preaching and explaining the Word. This is what Paul did in every place, day after day, for hours, in different contexts. It's very clear in Acts 13-20 – preaching the Word was the work that Paul did. He was persuading and proving that Christ was Lord. He explained the Word with the goal of people responding.

3 Suggestions for application:

• Make sure everything we do is saturated with the Word.
• Always make the Word of God your main content! Not your own experience. Yes, you need to connect with your audience and teach in a way that they understand, but you don’t have to be super creative. Get them connected to God’s Word.
• Tools: We have tools now that put God’s Word into people’s hands more easily than at any other time in history.
• Do a heart check. Paul’s heart was very involved. Is my goal to just share the gospel so I can feel like I’m doing my job? Or is my heart’s desire to see people believe? To convince them to completely change their minds? Am I content to just walk away after a 3-minute conversation? When I have the opportunity, am I willing to share with a nonbeliever daily? Or for a complete hour?
• How do we get the gospel out more? We must always be asking this question. This is not only or even mainly a pulpit ministry. How do we get the gospel out boldly, broadly, publicly, and consistently? How many people in my city are hearing the gospel today? How often am I preaching the Word? What opportunities are right in front of me? Spirit-filling results in bold proclamation. If you want Spirit-filling, then put yourself in positions of preaching the Word, and the Holy Spirit will be more likely to show up!
  
  Book referenced in this episode: Paul's Understanding of the Church's Mission by Robert L. Plummer.

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