04 September 2010
SEVEN SECRETS OF A GROWING CHURCH
TEXT: Acts 2:42-47, 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
INTRODUCTION: Seven ways in which the church of God will grow:
I. PERSEVERANCE
1. “I press toward the mark..,” (Philippians 3:13-14). 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
2. “I have fought a good fight..is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
3. A runner’s sole aim is to reach the goal post before the others. Should not that be our aim as Christians?
II. PRAYER
The warrior’s resource (Ephesians 6:18). 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Praying always, “The fire must always be burning on the altar.” (Leviticus 6:13). 13 A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out.
III. PROCLAMATION
“He that believeth shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 10:9-11). 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” (Romans 1:16). 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
IV. PERUSAL
Search the Scriptures. The Bereans studied the word. (Acts 17:11). 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Study to show thyself approved unto God.” (2 Timothy 2:15). 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
V. PRAISE
1. Paul and Silas praised Him in prison. Praise is the fruit of our lips.
2. “Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands.” Psalms 66 and 100. 1 (Psalms 66) 1 Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!
2 Sing out the honor of His name;
Make His praise glorious.
3 Say to God,
“How awesome are Your works!
Through the greatness of Your power
Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.
4 All the earth shall worship You
And sing praises to You;
They shall sing praises to Your name.” Selah
5 Come and see the works of God;
He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.
6 He turned the sea into dry land;
They went through the river on foot.
There we will rejoice in Him.
7 He rules by His power forever;
His eyes observe the nations;
Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
8 Oh, bless our God, you peoples!
And make the voice of His praise to be heard,
9 Who keeps our soul among the living,
And does not allow our feet to be moved.
10 For You, O God, have tested us;
You have refined us as silver is refined.
11 You brought us into the net;
You laid affliction on our backs.
12 You have caused men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
13 I will go into Your house with burnt offerings;
I will pay You my vows,
14 Which my lips have uttered
And my mouth has spoken when I was in trouble.
15 I will offer You burnt sacrifices of fat animals,
With the sweet aroma of rams;
I will offer bulls with goats. Selah
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God,
And I will declare what He has done for my soul.
17 I cried to Him with my mouth,
And He was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart,
The Lord will not hear.
19 But certainly God has heard me;
He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God,
Who has not turned away my prayer,
Nor His mercy from me!
(Psalms 100) 1 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.
VI. PAY
Not altogether interesting to some: “Freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8; Malachi 3:10). Blessing proclaimed on those who tithe. (Matthew 10:8). 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. (Malachi 3:10). 10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing, That there will not be room enough to receive it.
VII. PARTICIPATE
1. “Forget not the assembling of yourselves.” (Hebrews 10:25). 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
2. Let us get stirred up and see that the church rows spiritually. It must not forever by a child but must grow up into manhood and maturity.
