An Appetite for God’s Word

When we read about the church of the first century, the church in revival, the church that changed its world, we read that "they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42). "Continued steadfastly" speaks of real passion. These believers were living in a first-love relationship with Jesus Christ. They applied themselves to what was taught from the Word.

The Apostle Paul said that his goal was to warn believers and teach them with all of the wisdom God had given (see Colossians 1:28).

That is why we give such a prominent place to biblical teaching at the church where I pastor. I am not there to be a cheerleader or a life coach or a motivational speaker. I am not there to be a psychologist or a political pundit. I am there for one reason: to teach the Word of God. That is my job. We want to open up the Word of God and see what it has to say.

In a church where this isn’t happening, I have to wonder what the point is. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

I think we need anointed preaching and teaching today, but I also think we need anointed listening. This means that we come to church with our Bibles, and we give our attention with intention.

In fact, we are told in 1 Peter 2:2, "As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby." That is how we should hunger for the Word of God.