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Daily Devotions

It Is Written

It Is Written 
Day 
Day 40

"To prayer and to the ministry of the word."

Text: Acts 6:4

ESTABLISHING THE CHURCH

The tasks of the Apostles were quite clear and straightforward. Right from the start they began to establish the following things: –

1. Preaching of the word of God

a) For evangelism.
b) For instruction.
c) The teachings were called “the apostles’ doctrines” (Acts 2:42).
i) It was evident that the disciples had learned well from the Lord Jesus Christ.
ii) They were able to teach others what they had learned (Matthew 28:19-20).

2. Baptising the new believers

a) Baptism was a clear sign of believing and belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ.
b) This was taught by the Lord Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20).
c) They were being taught how to become disciples.

3. Fellowship

a) The new believers continued steadfastly in the studying of the Word of God.
b) Fellowship included the discussion of the Lord’s word.

4. Care and concern

a) The new church developed a ministry of practical care and concern for each other.
b) They ministered to each other in very practical ways, especially with reference to the poor.

5. Worship

a) There was much joy and gladness of heart as they worshipped God.
b) They were well thought of by people.

MINISTRY OF THE WORD AND PRAYER

The Apostles never forgot their primary tasks. This was well articulated by the Apostle Peter.

“But we will give ourselves continually to prayer
and to the ministry of the word.”
Acts 6:4

1. There were many things to look into as the Church kept growing.

2. But the primary ministry of the Word of God must never be compromised.

The focus on prayer and the Word of God was reminiscent of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Himself!