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[Acts 14:21-26 KJV] “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, [22] Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. [23] And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. [24] And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. [25] And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: [26] And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled”.
I want to speak to you today about how Apostle Paul and his team planted a network of churches. I must say that planting a network of churches is so important to the releasing of power and blessing. In the realms of the spirit there are three things that God measures of every church:
- The temple
- The altar: The size and type of altar determine what kind of sacrifice it can take.
- The worshippers
- The missionaries: The missionaries we send out and what power they have.
These four things are so important, they determine the spiritual placement and potency of a church.
[Revelation 11:1-6 KJV] “And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. [2] But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months”.
[3] “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth. [4] These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. [5] And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. [6] These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will”.
Remember that our temple, altar, worshippers, and missionaries will determine our position and significance in God’s agenda and program. We cannot sleep; we must arise to build, sacrifice, worship, and reach-out. This is the time to increase the potency of our work by planting a network of churches.
Remember, not everybody wishes you well. Not everyone wishes you well in god-given endeavours; the Bible says the nations were angry but we shall not fear because the Lord has promised to build His church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. There are times when people rejoice over your persecution and struggle but don’t be dismayed, just keep obeying, and in the fullness of time, your fruits shall show.
[Matthew 16:17-19 KJV] “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar–jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. [18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [19] And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven”.
How then was Apostle Paul able to plant a network of churches? They prayed, planned, prepared, travelled to cities, towns, villages and did the following;
- Preached the gospel
- Taught many
- Confirmed the souls of the disciples
- Exhorted the disciples to continue in the faith
- Ordained elders
- Prayed with fasting
- Commended the church to God on whom they have believed
And the Bible tells us that after doing these things, the Lord went with them wherever they went, working with them, and confirming their word with signs following.
I know with all my heart that planting a network of churches like the Apostle Paul did is possible for us today. We only need to partner with God as we put the keys from this study into practice, and we shall all see the fruits of our labour.
God bless you, I love you!
Kofi Simpe Bediako
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