Things usually slow down during the summer at Acton Faith (after VBS, that is!), but for us it’s been a busy summer. Rested or not, I am excited to be gearing up for the fall when church ministries start up in earnest. God’s work in His church must be done well for His glory. We have two great tasks: Equip the saints for ministry and reach the lost. That’s it. That happens when we all do our part.
In studying Matthew’s Gospel, I am reminded of how difficult it was for the Lord Jesus to break through to the culture of the day with the truth. Yet, he hammered away, day after day, driven by His love and compassion to bring the Good News (the Gospel) to everyone He could.
I am determined to do the same.
I know you join me in this desire. But I also want to challenge you to hear well when at church or a Bible study. Learn the Word… grow in it. Never take the opportunity to learn the Word of God for granted. You cannot overestimate the importance of knowing the Bible in your growth and in sharing Christ with others.
The great J. C. Ryle, upon reflecting on the Lord’s words, “Take heed how ye hear,” wrote the following:
Would any one know how to hear aright? Then let him lay to heart three simple rules.
For one thing, we must hear with faith, believing implicitly that every word of God is true, and shall stand. The word in old time did not profit the Jews, “not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” (Heb 6:2) —
For another thing, we must hear with reverence, remembering constantly that the Bible is the book of God. This was the habit of the Thessalonians. They received Paul’s message, “not as the word of men, but the word of God.” (I Thess 2:13) —
Above all, we must hear with prayer, praying for God’s blessing before the sermon is preached, praying for God’s blessing again when the sermon is over. Here lies the grand defect of the hearing of many. They ask no blessing, and so they have none. The sermon passes through their minds like water through a leaky vessel, and leaves nothing behind.Let us bear these rules in mind every Sunday morning, before we go to hear the Word of God preached. Let us not rush into God’s presence careless, reckless, and unprepared, as if it mattered not in what way such work was done. Let us carry with us faith, reverence, and prayer. If these three are our companions, we shall hear with profit, and return with praise
— J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels
These qualities of faith, reverence and prayer will keep you focused when your mind wants to wander. Don’t let it. And don’t give up. “Oh, I tried that once. Didn’t work.” Few worthwhile things in life work when you try them “once.” Most things take practice. There is a reason godliness is said to be the fruit of “spiritual disciplines.” Disciplines? Yes, like learning an instrument or mastering a sport or creating worthwhile art. The good stuff seldom just appears. Usually, a lot of work leads in to a good result. So work on hearing the Word of God. It will bless you. More than that… it will bless others. Hear it, learn it, practice it, and share it.
Yours in Christ,
Originally printed in The AFBC Pony Express. Vol. XI, No. 8, August 2018.