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Growth

Day 271

Reading: Acts 5:1 - Acts 8:40

Only 120 disciples encountered the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Day. By the time Peter had preached the Word of God 3000 souls were added to them. The Bible records that daily the church saw an increase. As I read this statement my heart was stirred to ask what does God use to increase a church?

  • The Holy Spirit. Without the aid of the Holy Spirit, we cannot see growth in church or personally. The power of God is released by the Holy Spirit and this draws people to God. The Holy Spirit is not pointing people to the vessels being used. His role is to point people to Jesus and no one else. When we take the glory the move of God stops. Many believers have seen the power of God. Even more, can tell you of how it used to be but now cannot see the power of God. The main reason being that the fire needed to maintain the move of God is lost because we give the honour due to God to a man. Simon thought he could buy the gift of the Holy Spirit and discovered that money cannot buy God's gifts.
  • Persecution: In the Book of Exodus we are told how the children of Israel were persecuted by Pharaoh. One thing that Moses pointed out is that the children of Israel multiplied and grew during this season even more than before Exodus 1:12. The early church also had a scenario where they were persecuted and the result was an increase in numbers. The brethren were all concentrated in Jerusalem and for the gospel to spread persecution was a driving force as it forced many believers to flee Jerusalem and seek refuge in different cities. Learn that trouble will cause you to grow when embraced.
  • The Fear of God. Many times we see this statement in the Book of Acts. What is this fear of God? It is a holy awe of God. This holy awe makes one hate anything God hates and love only what God loves. The fear of God makes one hate sin. The fear of God helps protect the believer. 
There are many other factors that lead to church growth however this three were highlighted to me to encourage me. I pray that my heart is a throne for the fear of God.

Memory Verse: Acts 5:12

Decree: 

Acts 6:10
And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. (italics mine)
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