Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

When was the last time you marveled at a spectacular fireworks display? The night sky illuminated with bursts of color, the awe-inspiring sounds echoing around you, and the thrill of wondering what will come next encapsulates an experience that can leave us breathless. This kind of excitement is akin to the explosive power that comes from a deep connection to faith and understanding the teachings found in the Word of God.
In this blog post, we will dive into the teachings from the Bible, particularly focusing on Acts 2:38, John 10:10, and Matthew 28:18-20. Together, these verses unveil the powerful potential available to us when we embrace the principles rooted in faith. So, let’s jump into this spiritual exploration and discover how we can live an explosive life filled with passion, purpose, love, and transformative power.

The Power of Transformation and the Call to Go All In

Growing up, my father would often travel to a neighboring state just to experience the thrill of watching official fireworks displays. In our state, they were illegal. One memorable occasion nearly took a painful turn when a firework he had set down unexpectedly exploded, leaving him with scars on his hand—a shocking reminder of the inherent power of explosions.
This incident serves as a fitting metaphor for what it means to embrace the explosive power of God in our lives. To harness this power, we must be willing to go against the grain of the world and dig deep into the teachings of the scriptures. Acts 2:42 acts as a guiding light, reminding us that the first believers were devoted to the apostles’ teachings. Their lives were subsequently forever changed.

The Promise of Power

In Acts 1:8, Jesus spoke of a promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” The Greek term “dunamis” is where we derive the word “dynamite.” This idea of explosive power is intrinsically linked to the teachings found within the Scriptures.
Imagine the impact of surrounding ourselves with the teachings of the apostles—their words are like C4 explosives ready to create a significant transformation in our lives. Interestingly, the apostles were preaching prior to the existence of the New Testament. Their teaching was centered solely on God’s Word, revealing the powerful and simple truth that embracing the Holy Spirit empowers us to lead the abundant life Jesus promised in John 10:10.
So, what comprises this C4 of the apostles’ teaching? Let’s break it down.

The C4 Components of Apostolic Teaching

1. The Cross: In Acts 2:23-24, Peter proclaims the profound message about the cross. Our sins nailed Jesus to that cross, yet He willingly, intentionally chose to die a criminal’s death out of undying love for us. The cross embodies the power of passion for our salvation—reminding us to never let its significance become commonplace in our lives. Embracing the cross can ignite a heart that fervently pursues a deeper relationship with Christ.
2. Confession: In Acts 2:38, Peter challenges the people to “repent and be baptized.” This idea of repentance is rooted in confessing our sins and turning away from them to wholeheartedly follow Christ. Baptism symbolizes our identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Our commitment to confession unlocks the power of purpose—offering us a life that follows a divine calling that the world else struggles to understand.
3. Commandments: In Matthew 22, Jesus sums up the greatest commandments into two pillars: loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind while loving your neighbor as yourself. This encapsulates the very essence of devotion. By dedicating ourselves to these commandments, we unleash the power of love into our lives, transforming how we interact with everyone around us.
4. Commission: Finally, in one of His last conversations with the apostles, Jesus gave the profound Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20. This call extends to all believers to share the gospel and make disciples. Our connection and devotion to the transformative message of the gospel allow its power to ignite and spread like wildfire.

Going Against the Status Quo

If you find yourself weary of merely existing at a certain level, blending into the status quo, it might be time for a change. God’s Word calls us to seek Him first; when we do, He provides for all of our needs. It encourages us to jump into the explosive life that awaits through a deep commitment to His teachings.
Imagine transforming your life into a firework display of passion, purpose, love, and transformation—all fueled by your devotion to the teachings of the apostles.

Embracing the Explosive Life

The vibrant beauty of a fireworks display mirrors the life God calls us to live. Just like each explosion lights up the night, each aspect of our faith can illuminate our paths and those around us.
Being passionate about the cross illustrates how love manifests even amidst our struggles. Our confessions signify vulnerability, recognition of our flaws, and a genuine desire for redemption. Embracing the commandments channels love that not only fills our hearts but spills over into relationships with others. Lastly, our commitment to the Great Commission ensures that the gospel’s transformative message extends beyond our lives to impact others as well.

Conclusion