A Learning Church

By Dr. Ron Jones

Acts 2:42 says, "They devoted themselves to the apostle's teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The grammar in the Greek sentence suggests the early Christians gave themselves primarily to two things: Teaching and fellowship. The two must happen simultaneously in the church. Teaching without fellowship results in a dry, academic exercise; fellowship without teaching is merely a social club.

The early church was first a learning church. What they believed and taught about Jesus defined the rich sense of community they enjoyed. Doctrine and theology mattered to them. In fact, the apostle Paul often warned about false teachers creeping into the church and leading people astray. For example, as Timothy was getting ready to assume the role of senior pastor in Ephesus, Paul writes,

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrine any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work―which is by faith. The goal of our instruction is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:3-6

Paul also urged Timothy to "preach the Word" (2 Timothy 4:2). A church that drifts away from the centrality of Scripture is destined for shipwreck. Over the years, I've seen too many of my colleagues abandon the teaching of Scripture for the sake of relevance, replacing the meaty exposition of God's Word for milky substitutes that barely nourish the soul. I've also seen churches walk away from a view of Scripture that affirms its Divine authorship.

For the record, I believe in the infallibility of Holy Scripture, meaning it is totally inspired by the Holy Spirit from Genesis to Revelation. Because "all Scripture is God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16), it is also authoritative. It tells us who we are as a church, why we exist, where we are going, and how we must live. Man is not the originator of Scripture. Rather, "men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:21).

The church I've always wanted is at least devoted to the teaching of God's Word. What about you?

 

Comments

Pastor Jon Vermilion says:
Hello Ron, Well put. I am a pastor in Maine and have seen exactly what you are talking about. It seems the tendency in the evangelical church is an overemphasis on relevance and the expense of truth. I also find that any pastor who has experienced difficulty or persecution (God forbid) is looked down upon as if a scandal has taken place. What is interesting is that nearly every page of the NT is filled with the Apostles and Jesus stirring things up through the preaching of the Word and the ministry that followed. Sometimes I wonder if the Christianity of today is the same faith as first century Jesus Christianity. Keep up the great work. I am praying for you and your family. In Christ, Pastor Jon Vermilion
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