On Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m., we meet for prayer and Bible study, alternating prayer meetings with Bible study. These meetings are generally not well attended, but are essential to the life of the church, for it’s as we pray and study God’s word together that we connect to God, hear His voice and learn from His manual, the Bible. We can, of course, pray anywhere and at any time and can (and should) read the Bible individually, but there is great encouragement from doing this with other Christians on a committed and regular basis.
In 2019, we shall we starting to study the book of Acts, that second part of Luke’s contribution to the New Testament. In his gospel, he writes of all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven (Acts 1:1-2); in Acts, the story of Jesus continues, even after His ascension to heaven, as He continues to work through His Holy Spirit by means of His church. It’s a book, therefore, which not only gives us a historical record of the birth of the church and its early years but also acts as ‘contemporary inspiration’ (in the words of John Stott) for every believer and local church.
The church does not exist simply to encourage and build up believers; it is the instrument through which God reaches out to the world. We have a mission to make disciples of all nations, baptising people in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teaching everyone to obey all Jesus commanded. (Matt 28:18-20) The book of Acts gives us insights into how to do this, and for every church, we need to understand more of the ways and power of the Holy Spirit if we are to fulfil the mission Jesus gave to us.
Come along to the Bible study on Thursday 10th January at 7:30 p.m. as we begin to explore this book and learn more of the plans, purposes and strategies of God.