Sermon Archive

In closing out this Acts2Basics sermon series, taken from the second chapter of Acts, the pastor focused on prayer, an essential component of the early church and therefore today’s church. A church devoted to prayer is necessary and non-negotiable. Prayer affirms our need and dependence on God. Thankfully for us, the first church established the specifics of prayer.

In all relationships, the experience of being with someone face-to-face takes the connection to a deeper level. One-on-one time allows for greater intimacy and understanding. Private prayer, prayer in our quiet place in our home, accomplishes the same. In seclusion, without life’s noise and constant diversions, we can deepen our bond with the Lord. Just as a newborn baby bonds with his parents in the tranquil, wee hours of the night, creating a foundation of trust and love, private prayer helps set the foundation for an everlasting, faithful relationship with God.

It is also crucial to pray collectively in the house of worship. When we gather around the altar, participate in prayer meetings or intercessory prayer, we are sending up powerful prayers. These prayers have holy ghost power capable of healing and transformation. He is touched in a special way. Praying to God with other believers assures us that he will be in our midst. And finally, praying publicly outside of church is responding to our immediate needs, whenever and wherever the spirit moves us. Sweet, idyllic chapels or magnificent church edifices, filled with stained glass windows and cushioned pews, are not a requirement for prayer. Any place we pray becomes consecrated space. The enduring spiritual reminds us, “Every time I feel the spirit moving in my heart, I will pray”.

Whether you pray privately in your home, petition him in collective worship, or pray in public places, pray without ceasing. Prayer is always pertinent, and a robust, constant prayer life sustains and acknowledges that you need him every minute, every hour, and every day.

In the second chapter of Acts, the early church’s devotion to the word reminds us of the wisdom and benefits of looking to God’s word as our moral compass. In the word there is not only power, but the source of vitality to see us through. His word is what we need to stay steady in this tumultuous world. God’s word has the power to counter injustice, loss, pain and strife.

To grow in our knowledge of the word we need to assume the posture of an eager pupil, acknowledging that we are lacking and have much to learn. The best students enthusiastically soak up the Master’s teachings. Just as the early church studied the word, we should show up with joyful eagerness to absorb and learn more.

Students of the word have no fear of following a pathway that is counter to the culture in which we live. The word is the student’s guide and not those who surround them. They have willingness to walk in an alternative direction than the mainstream. Seek not earthly affirmation but live for heaven’s rewards. When we walk down his path, others will recognize that we belong to him.

Those devoted to studying the word assume a perspective of victory. They keep the faith amid hopelessness, sickness, financial crisis, insanity and chaos. No matter the current circumstance or situation, victory awaits. The word tells us through the risen Christ, and it is so.

Devote yourselves to the word. Let it dwell in your head and your heart. Keep on studying and learn all you can, and surely the word will lead you down the path of victory.

Authors of today’s best-selling self-help books fail to acknowledge that the true path to success lies in obedience to God. The authors’ formula for success is setting a vision, identifying goals, persevering and overcoming failure. They fail to mention the wisdom God shares with Joshua as he takes on the mantle of Israelite leader upon Moses’ death. Instead of filling up the libraries with volumes of advice from numerous know-it-all authors, the road to success that never fails is obeying God’s word. God guarantees Joshua that he need not fear failure as long as he adheres to His word.

Adherence to the word gives us power even when the world seeks to marginalize and persecute us. The power of the word will bring us through the loneliest nights, the darkest days and conquer all of our weaknesses. The word will give us the courage we need to be successful.

Secondly, when we mediate on His word with constancy, the word will become part of our essence. We will no longer be swayed by the distractions and antics going on in the world that surrounds us. We will grow in our relationship with God. When you hold the word into your heart it will see you through.

Lastly, success is not attained, and failure overcome if we simply obey and meditate on the word. We must take the next step and activate the word. Words without action are meaningless, they are empty. Holding the word in your heart and reflecting on His word is not enough. Our behavior must also reflect the power of the word. Achieving success requires His word being reflected in our behavior. We are to love the unlovable, embrace our enemies and live so that God can use us. Our formula for success is to obey His word, meditate on His word and activate His word. Therefore, your life will be filled with peace, abundance and a clear path to success.