GROWTH

Acts 2:40-47

This passage gives an account of the recorded Church Growth in the New Testament. This is the beginning of the fulfilment of the prophecy in Matthew 16:13-20 where Jesus declared that “..I will build My church…”. The word Church comes from the Greek word – “ecclesia” which means the ‘gathering of those who are called’.

Peter testified and exhorted his listeners by the Word of God and those who received his message were baptized. This was the beginning of the New Testament Church. As with everything God created, the Church was birthed by the Word of God – Psalm 33:6 | 1 Thessalonians 2:13. In the main passage, we can deduce the characters of the New Testament Church, if there will be spiritual and numerical growth.

1. Repentance from a penitent heart – Acts 2:37-38
2. Forgiveness and Cleansing of sins through Jesus Christ – Acts 2:38
3. Baptism by Water and of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:38-40
4. Identification and Commitment – Acts 2:41-42
5. Signs and Wonders – Acts 2:43 | Isaiah 11:3
6. Unity of Purpose – Acts 2:44-46 | Romans 12:5 | 1 Corinthians 12:13
7. Increase and Growth – Acts 2:41, 47

The Word of God is living and powerful and has the power to create – Hebrews 4:12. Faith in God’s word produces the promises – Hebrews 4:2. Unbelief or doubt can shut out the effective works of God’s word in the life of a believer – James 1:5-8. The believer must be bold to speak God’s word and act on divine instructions if the person expects to see a change and please God – Hebrews 11:6 | Jeremiah 7:23.

Let us identify the important tools for growth and revival from this passage and other verses of the scripture:

1. They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship in the breaking of bread, and in prayers – Acts 2:42 | Acts 1:14 | Romans 12:12 | Ephesians 6:18 | Colossians 4:2 | Hebrews 10:25
2. Fear of God – Acts 2:43 | Acts 9:31 | Psalm 34:9
3. Benevolence – Acts 2:44-45 | Acts 4:32, 34, 37
4. Unity – Acts 2:46 | Acts 1:14 | Psalm 133:3
5. Favour – Acts 2:47 | Psalm 127:1 | Psalm 5:12

As the believers were blessed, they became a blessing to others, opening up more space for others to receive the Word and they began to impact others around them.

Discussion:

1. What limits growth in Christians?
2. What hinders revival in the Church?
3. What can cause someone to lack consistency in participating in prayers with the Church?
4. How can you distinguish ‘faith without works’ and ‘works without faith’?
5. What stops people from joining the Church even though they are called to the Church?
6. How can growth and revival happen in the Church?
7. Why is it important to persevere and pray ceaselessly?

Prayer.