Luke began Acts by reminding Theophilus what he had written in his former account: “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach [emp. BB]” (Acts 1:1). That phrase beautifully summarizes the life of Jesus. He did not merely speak truth; He lived it. He did not merely perform works; He taught the will of God behind them. His life was the perfect union of faithful action and faithful instruction.

That same principle must be seen among us at 9th and Main. We need to increase both our doing and our teaching—not activity without doctrine, and not doctrine without labor. A strong church is built when God’s people learn, live, serve, sacrifice, and teach.

First, this must begin in the home.

Parents have the first responsibility to teach and train their children. The church cannot raise our children for us, and neither can schools or outside institutions. God gave children to parents, and parents must take seriously the charge to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Moses taught Israel to keep God’s words in the heart and teach them diligently in daily life (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

Bible classes at the church building are a needed supplement. They reinforce what is taught at home and provide another setting for children to learn Scripture and see faithful examples. But Bible classes are not a substitute for parental responsibility.

If Bible classes are needed, then parents and faithful members must be willing to help. You may not feel like a polished teacher or think you have every answer. But if you love the Lord, the Scriptures, and the souls of children, you can grow into that work. Please try. Jesus “began both to do and teach” (Acts 1:1). Our homes, classrooms, and children need that.            

Second, we need men preparing themselves to serve.

The New Testament shows local congregations organized with saints, bishops, and deacons (Philippians 1:1). Elders were appointed in every church (Acts 14:23) and charged to shepherd, oversee, and protect the flock (Acts 20:28–31). Peter likewise exhorted elders to feed the flock of God, take oversight willingly, and be examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:1–4).

Such leadership does not happen accidentally. Men do not become qualified overnight. The qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 require proven character, spiritual maturity, family leadership, self-control, hospitality, soundness in the faith, and a good reputation. These qualities must be developed over time.

Therefore, men at 9th and Main need to prepare now. Young men should think seriously about the kind of men they are becoming. Fathers must lead their homes with eternity in view. Husbands must love their wives and manage their households well. Men need to grow in Bible knowledge, prayer, service, courage, and humility. We need men who are not merely present, but prepared—not merely willing someday but working now.

The church needs deacons who serve faithfully and elders who shepherd wisely. Leadership in the Lord’s church is not about status, control, or preference. It is about service, sacrifice, responsibility, and example. Jesus led by doing and teaching, and those who lead among God’s people must follow that pattern.

Third, we need a congregation that finds joy in giving and serving.

Paul reminded the Ephesian elders of the Lord’s words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). That is more than a pleasant saying; it is a kingdom principle. Giving includes money, but it also includes time, effort, encouragement, teaching, hospitality, mercy, attention, and service.

A selfish congregation will never be great, and a passive congregation will never be strong. But a doing and teaching congregation will be blessed. When parents teach at home, children are grounded. When members volunteer, classes are supported. When men prepare for leadership, the future grows stronger. When Christians serve one another and reach outward, the Lord is glorified.

Jesus said His people are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13–16). Salt must influence. Light must shine. The world needs to see Christians who do more than claim faith. They need to see Christians who live it, teach it, and share it. When we increase our doing and teaching, people will be served, souls will be reached, and God will receive the glory.

Acts 1:1 says Jesus began both to do and teach. The work He began continued through the apostles in Acts, and that work must continue through us today. Let us increase our doing in the home, in the church, and in the world. Let us increase our teaching among our children, our brethren, and the lost. Let us prepare ourselves to serve, lead, give, and sacrifice. A doing and teaching church will be a blessed church. And more importantly, it will be a church that honors the Lord.