Praying, Preaching and Practicing the Word
The book of Acts gives to us a beautiful story of our resurrected Jesus revealing Himself to many people. He instructed 500 at once not to leave Jerusalem but to “wait for the promise of the Father…ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost…ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…" (Acts 1:4,5,&8). Jesus ascended to the Father and ten days later, (the fullness of 50 days—Jubilee; see v.3 – Jesus walked on the earth 40 days following His resurrection) 120 people that were “waiting for the promise” were filled with the Holy Spirit.
What was the purpose of this glorious event? Jesus said that they would become “witnesses”; providing evidence that Jesus was alive and still moving among man. We see the confirmation of this promise throughout the book of Acts. Notice a general theme throughout this great book was the importance of prayer, preaching, and practicing the Word. The results were multitudes coming to Jesus; miracles, and healings were done in Jesus’ name; and Jesus was glorified. The church suffered great persecution, but notice the joy that they experienced in their “call” to the world (Mark 16:15-20).
The church today should be a continuing “act” of God’s demonstration of power. Are there some ingredients missing? Are we praying--Eph. 6:18; teaching and preaching the Word (how about in the highways and hedges—Luke 14:23); and practicing the Word—James 1:22? Let us focus on the power of the Word. Acts 6:7 says, “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priest were obedient to the faith.” Acts 19:20 says, “So mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed.” Why is the Word so powerful? …Because It is Jesus (Jn. 1:1-5; 14). We read in 2 Timothy 3:17 that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God”. The Word is God breathed. This is the character of the Word, Jesus. The Word is the breathing out of God; the expiration of God’s life, Who is the Holy Spirit! As man receives the Word (Jesus), the human vessel inbreathes or breathes in God (inspiration). That person shares the Word (Jesus) with others (breathing out--expiration); and the hearer is inspired (breathing in the Lord; the Life). Well, praise be unto God. Do you desire Him today; then let us pray; preach and teach; and practice the Word. Amen!