As we continue to ponder the idea of “church renewal” we look specifically at the things mentioned in Acts 2:41, as what the Apostles and the 1st century Church saw as important every day practices. In this sermon we focus on “Prayer & Sctipture”. We find in Acts 6:1 the major trait of distinction for those who are going to serve is that they are given to understanding the Word of God and to prayer.
SCRIPTURE
“Let the man who would hear God speak, read Holy Scriptures.” – Martin Luther
Dr. Gene Getz says, “Without Scriptural guidelines, Christians can get sidetracked onto periphary issues and even depart from the will of God. In fact, we do not even know how to pray in the “will of God” without access to the “Word of God”.
“Word of God” is not the Scriptures, but the very essence of God, most notably made known in and through Jesus Christ.
The “Word of God” is how we know & obtain eternal life. cf. John 17:3;
The Scriptures help us to know the “Word of God”.
cf. Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17
Without the Spirit the Scriptures are impossible to discern (cf. Ephesians 1:17-18; 1 Cor. 2:10-12) = Divine Illimination
Individual & Corporate ideas for engaging Scripture.
- SOAP & HEARTS
- Sermon Review
- Google – Bible Reading Plans (Lingonier Bible Reading Plans for 2025; BibleProject.com Bible reading plans; b90x, parshat studies with Zion’s Fire, etc)
Pastor Mike also mentioned the importance of;
- Seek, search, study, & prove mentality
- “Zeal empowered by knowledge”
- The apologetic of Narrative Theology (versus the confusion of proof texting)
- Sola Scriptura but not solo Scriptura
PRAYER
Hightlighted Bible texts: Acts 1:1; 1 Thess. 5:17; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; Matthew 6:9 – 13
What does it mean to ‘prayer about something’ and/or how do we go about it?
(This is an offering of ideas, not necessarily a formula);
– A time of ‘Be still and know that He is God’ by honoring His sovereignty and providence.
– Consider what has been made known regarding the presence & purpose of God – personally, Scripturally, etc.
– Meditate upon the Scripture, if need be, wrestle, – seek, search, study, and prove.
– Pursue wise, loving, trusted counsel
– After all of the thinking and fellowshipping, ‘Be still and know that He is God’, again.
– walk in wisdom in line with the ‘goal of our instruction’.
Prayer is one of those extra-personal, Spiritually-discerned realities that can only be known and felt by those who acknowledge its power and ‘renew their minds’ regularly.
“The Psalms confirm that we know God’s presence at all times only if we set aside certain times of prayer”. – Paul Boers
“Prayer is not an old woman’s idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action”. Mohandas Ghandi
Martin Luther used biblical models to suggest structures for prayer. In his lectures on Genesis, commenting on Lot’s request while fleeing Sodom (Gen 19:17–22), Luther gave a short lesson on how to structure a prayer. “The three parts of Lot’s petition showed “all the requirements of a good prayer.” The first requirement of a good prayer is that it give thanks to God and recall in the heart and in words the benefits you have received from God.…In the rules of rhetoric this is called gaining good will, which is best brought about by praise and giving thanks. In the second place, there is either the complaint or the mention of the need. Lot says: “I am in the greatest dangers if I go up into the hills.…” In the third place, Lot states what he wants granted to him. He says: “I shall flee to the city which is close at hand, and there I shall be saved.” Moreover, he enlarges on this request in an excellent manner by giving particulars.”
Individual & Corporate ideas for engaging prayer;
- ACTS Model
- Common Prayer
- Fulfilled Our Father
- Google – Catholic Collect
- Seek to commune with that still small voice
- Pray everywhere, unceasing; be creative, go on prayer walks, pray while working, pray by the water, pray with others
Conclusion
Reformation is not something of the past, rather Reformation NOW
Reformation begins with prayer and the Scriptures.