42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42)

When I was in college there was a man in our church who would soon be ordained as a gospel minister. He spoke on Sunday morning for three weeks in a row. Each time he preached from the first part of Romans chapter 8.

After the third sermon on the same portion of Scripture, a dear elderly sister in the church questioned the young preacher:

SISTER: How long are you going to preach from Romans 8?

PREACHER: Well sister, can you tell me what these verses mean?

SISTER: Of course not, that's your job!

PREACHER: I guess I'll preach it at least one more time.

That conversation really stuck with me and has influenced the way I try to or preach/teach the word of God.

The early church continued stedfastly in the Apostles' doctrine. Yes, the Apostles did the teaching and they taught what had been taught to them by Jesus. But the entire CHURCH continued in the doctrine not just the preachers. They all continued to learn.

I believe The Lord has given us ministers of His word to guide our learning just like Philip with the Ethiopian. However, the preacher is not there just to entertain us, to build up our egos, or even just to talk about the Bible.

They are to be apt to teach. That means we need to be ready to learn!

When we grow in grace and knowledge, we will rejoice more in sound doctrine because that is where we find proof of our eternal hope and joy!