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Hmm, a Checklist for Growth?
From Acts 2:42-47: They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
How awesome would it be for your church to have people added to your number "those who were being saved." Here's what I think was the formula:
1) Start with an outpouring of God's Holy Spirit. See the first part of chapter two. 2) May the messages of those who preach and teach, speak the truth about God's love through Jesus Christ. 3) Devote yourself to whatever is being taught. 4) Enjoy the fellowship with each other. That commandment about loving one another helps. 5) Approach church life with awe. You'd be surprised what seeing things with awe will reveal! 6) Believe. 7) Hold things in common, even the hymnal you use. Thanks, sheep, for your comic! 8) Don't let your possessions possess you; share! Give things away! 9) Take care of each other's needs. 10) Spend time in worship and prayer. Hint: Go to church! 11) Break bread together in your homes and at church. 12) Eat your food with "glad and generous hearts." 13) Praise God. Hint: Worship again! 14) Be nice to others; don't be known as the __________* church (*Usually not a nice thing).
Review the list above and see which one is missing from your life and the life of your church. If you find something that has been challenging, prayerfully correct it. The key to all of the above is the powerful presence of God through His Holy Spirit. A second key is the presence of love. Love for God, love for self, love for others as yourself.
And above all, be known as a person who smiles because you're in on the greatest gift of all time, Christ Jesus' love!
PRAYER: Loving God who brings smiles to those who love You, bring one to this dear reader. Yes, the challenges and obstacles that life sometimes brings has made it hard for some to smile at all times, but with the knowledge and power of Your presence and love, we can indeed smile. May that smile lead us to prayer and to service. We pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
