[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″ _i=”0″ _address=”0″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” _i=”0″ _address=”0.0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” _i=”0″ _address=”0.0.0″ custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.29.3″ hover_enabled=”0″ _i=”0″ _address=”0.0.0.0″]
“And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.” (Acts 8:1-6 KJV)
Every believer who can share his or her faith can plant and grow another church of the same kind in this city or another city in the world.
The life of Philip teaches that every believer can plant and grow another church of the same kind. Don’t wait till you recieve a special call before you attempt great things for God. The very call to accept Christ as your Lord and personal savoiur is a call to share your faith and to help others find faith. The Bible tells us that when the church scattered, the believers went everywhere preaching the word. They were committed to sharing their faith, testimony and gospel with others.
This is the first step in the three stage cycle to plant and grow a church. They began to preach the word and that is the first step to plant and grow another church of the same kind. When the church scattered the apostles did not scatter. They remained in Jerusalem and continued there. Those who scartted were not apostles. They were ordinary everyday people.
These were the people who preached the word everywhere. We are the people who must preach the gospel everywhere. When we travel to any city where we may spend half a year or more, we must plant and grow another church of the same kind.
There are three simple steps to plant and grow another church of the same kind; and you don’t need a special calling or training to plant and grow a church. Training will enhance your ability to make greater impact but it’s not necessarily a requirement as long as you can share your faith with others.
The three stage cycle to church planting and growth it are:
- Planting
- Watering
- Believing
We must develop a creative mechanism to publish and preach the truth, the word, the gospel and our testimony to the people in our cycle of influence. This may include personal evangelism, tract distribution, radio and televison outreaches, internet and social media evangelism. Every one of us must be involved in the sharing of the faith and gospel. Bill board evangelism, internet outreach, person to person, and even mass evangelism.
We must also create an atmosphere of fellowship in which we can share the whole counsel with them that believe. God wants us to gather fruits unto eternal life. We must find a meeting place and time to meet to further exhort each other till we begin to grow.
Finally, you must believe and trust God that as you share your faith with your community, and fellowship with the brethren, God will add unto us such as are being saved.
Indeed, everyone of us who can share his or faith can plant and grow another church of the same kind. You can and I can, so put your hands to the plough and don’t look back.
Stay blessed; I love you!
Today’ s Prayer
Dear God,
I believe in church growth and the salvation of the world. Give me the courage and boldness to preach your word and share my faith.
I pray that your Holy Spirit will help me to get results and be more fruitful in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
