THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH GREW
Over the years numerous books have been written about why churches grow (or fail to grow). Most say that
churches grow because: They have bigger church buildings--better location--good publicity--plenty of parking--
and a better qualified staff. All of these are good, and if possible, churches need to have them. But when we look
at the book of Acts, we see that the New Testament church grew because of other reasons. We want to consider
some of them.
1. They preached the simple message of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:22-28). Their efforts were not directed at preach-
ing social reform or some revolutionary new gimmick to try on people. Salvation was (and still is) man’s greatest
need, and they preached the message of the Lord Who could provide it.
2. They enjoyed one another’s fellowship (Acts 2:42-46). They spent a lot of time together even when they
were not in the public assembly. They ate, prayed and studied together. They even shared their possessions.
3. They had a common purpose (Acts 4:32). Here we read, “And the multitude of them that believed were of
one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they
had all things common.” When people are held together by like-mindedness and common purpose, they will
grow and be successful.
4. They were respected by outsiders (Acts 5:13). There was something about that group of Christians that
commanded the respect of non-Christians. Their work, morality, zeal, dedication and spirituality seemed to make
them much better than those outside of Christ.
5. They were committed (Acts 5:29). After being put in jail and being threatened, Peter said, “We must obey
God rather than men.” Christianity is not a practice based on convenience or the mood of the one claiming to be
a Christian. It depends wholly on giving ourselves totally to obeying God’s will--whatever the cost!
6. They practiced evangelism everywhere--every day (Acts 8:1-4). Those who were scattered as a result of the
persecution “went about preaching the word.” Preaching and teaching Jesus was not limited to just the apostles,
but all taught as they had opportunity.
We can see that growth in the New Testament church was not the result of church staff, bigger buildings, better location or plenty of parking. It came about because every Christian was dedicated to the cause of Christ
and an unswerving desire to serve as he or she had the ability and opportunity.
All this sure gives us something to think about, doesn’t it?
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Life is a cup to be filled, not drained!
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
churches grow because: They have bigger church buildings--better location--good publicity--plenty of parking--
and a better qualified staff. All of these are good, and if possible, churches need to have them. But when we look
at the book of Acts, we see that the New Testament church grew because of other reasons. We want to consider
some of them.
1. They preached the simple message of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:22-28). Their efforts were not directed at preach-
ing social reform or some revolutionary new gimmick to try on people. Salvation was (and still is) man’s greatest
need, and they preached the message of the Lord Who could provide it.
2. They enjoyed one another’s fellowship (Acts 2:42-46). They spent a lot of time together even when they
were not in the public assembly. They ate, prayed and studied together. They even shared their possessions.
3. They had a common purpose (Acts 4:32). Here we read, “And the multitude of them that believed were of
one heart and soul: and not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own; but they
had all things common.” When people are held together by like-mindedness and common purpose, they will
grow and be successful.
4. They were respected by outsiders (Acts 5:13). There was something about that group of Christians that
commanded the respect of non-Christians. Their work, morality, zeal, dedication and spirituality seemed to make
them much better than those outside of Christ.
5. They were committed (Acts 5:29). After being put in jail and being threatened, Peter said, “We must obey
God rather than men.” Christianity is not a practice based on convenience or the mood of the one claiming to be
a Christian. It depends wholly on giving ourselves totally to obeying God’s will--whatever the cost!
6. They practiced evangelism everywhere--every day (Acts 8:1-4). Those who were scattered as a result of the
persecution “went about preaching the word.” Preaching and teaching Jesus was not limited to just the apostles,
but all taught as they had opportunity.
We can see that growth in the New Testament church was not the result of church staff, bigger buildings, better location or plenty of parking. It came about because every Christian was dedicated to the cause of Christ
and an unswerving desire to serve as he or she had the ability and opportunity.
All this sure gives us something to think about, doesn’t it?
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Life is a cup to be filled, not drained!
Have a great week!
Love ya,
Jesse
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