WHATEVER IS NEXT!

 

Saturday, August 26, 2023

 

WHATEVER IS NEXT!

 

Acts 2:41-47

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

 

          Thousands of dollars and hours are spent each year trying to discover the newest secret of church health and growth. Perhaps the “secrets” have been hidden in the Bible right under our noses. I think the above section might just be a model for the healthy and growing church.

 

          Verse 41: The dazzling numbers have nearly blinded us to the simple fact that healthy church life always begins with a glad reception of the gospel. Salvation is the starting point, and it is glorious and glad. This is followed immediately with “whatever is next” which is baptism. Healthy and growing believers are always asking and submitting to “whatever is next!”

 

          Verse 42: Healthy and growing churches are populated with members who are consistent in their participation in church life. They do not consider the events on the church calendar as items on a buffet from which they pick and choose but items of a full course meal. It does not say “teaching or fellowship” but teaching AND fellowship AND communion AND prayer meeting AND whatever is next. Unhealthy churches are populated by inconsistent members.

 

          Verse 44: In the healthy and growing church there is a generous sharing of resources. Once, at a local restaurant, our waitress told us that someone from a few tables over secretly picked up our tab. I think I know who the generous person is but I’m sure they prefer to remain anonymous. The point is that, within the healthy church, resources are shared, and nobody feels that he has suffered any loss by giving. Verse 45 explains that the membership felt that resources belonged to “us” instead of “me.”

 

          As church life continued, in verse 46, God added to the church. Outreach and evangelism was simply an outgrowth of healthy church life. As we live the Christian life in community and harmony with others, God gives numerical increase. In the numbers game, there was no guilt and no pride for it was God who produced numerical growth. Our job is healthy and harmonious community with other believers. Members who are part of a church like this just can’t keep from talking about it. The members publically were praising God and the result was that they won the admiration of their city.

 

Dear Lord, let me improve the health of my church by being an active and excited member of it. Let me share generously while feeling no sense of loss in sharing. Add to your church as you see fit. AMEN