As Christian believers, we believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God. Because of that, we believe that everything God said He would do, He will do. Thus, we become the recipients and benefactors of all that God has declared for His followers.
The statements found at the end of Peter’s great sermon on the Day of Pentecost describes several benefits for the Spirit-filled believer.
In Acts 2:42, the Bible tells us, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Then when you drop down to Acts 2:46-47, the same words are almost repeated, “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
Let us look at some of the great truths in this section of Holy Scripture, whereby we can enjoy and be blessed by “the benefits of sound doctrine.” Notice with me, the following:
- Together they held on to their beliefs.
- Together they assembled daily in the temple.
- Together they ate.
- Together they prayed.
- Together they rejoiced as one.
- Together they praised God.
- Together they had a good testimony – a good report with others.
There are several words in these verses that seem to jump out at the reader. One of those words is “fellowship.” Doris Akers used to sing a song which embraced the word: “Fellowship divine, I am His and He is mine.” One of our own denominational speakers said years ago, “Fellowship is more than two men sitting in a boat.”
I think if we can learn any one thing from the truths of “sound doctrine,” it is the fact that we can get along “together,” we can be of one mind, and we can be of one accord. Someone once said, “Together we stand, divided we fall.” The beautiful part about being “together” is that the Holy Spirit can knit us and keep us together as one– One in heart, one in truth, and one in belief. This, and many other things, easily causes us to “enjoy the benefits of sound doctrine.”
One additional word that seems to stand out is the word “continually.” It is not enough to start out together, we must continue together if we are to constantly “enjoy all of the benefits of sound doctrine.”
Let us not turn to the right or to the left, but let us continue to follow the great truth of “sound doctrine” expressed in I John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Is this not one of the many enjoyable blessings that we can experience as we
“enjoy the benefits of sound doctrine?” May we “continue” in the many truths of
“sound doctrine” that are derived from God’s Holy Word!
