42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Verse 47 tells us that the church grew in number: And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” But what led to the growth? Verse 42 contains the three critical factors: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Thank God for giving all of us the joy of moving to a new place. But for this place is to be meaningful, you must make a strenuous effort to grow spiritually.
First, God’s Word: if the church is to grow, we must have an appetite for God’s Word. Your growth will be slow if you do not study God’s Word in depth. Your attitude should be: I want to learn how to interpret this passage; I want to know what God wants me to do. Then when you are often filled with God’s Word, and hence by the Holy Spirit, you will have a good Christian character. God will then use you to lead people to Christ. Your life will also attract unbelievers to Christ.
Second, fellowship: if the church is to grow, you must be amongst God’s people regularly. The early church shared lovingly with those who were in need, including food as in “breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42). If this church is to grow in number, there must be fervent and practical love for each other. Then we can encourage each other to continue to press on in life for the Lord. People who come into our midst will find true love and comfort here. Please make effort to come for cell group and fellowship meetings. As Paul urged Timothy, “flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim 2:22).
Third, prayer: if the church is to grow, we must be always praying for each other, that is, the church. Spiritual things including church growth can only be accomplished by spiritual methods, and one of them is prayer. Please come for the Tuesday church prayer meeting. Do not just pray for your needs. A large portion of your prayer items should be about the people in church and church matters. Are you concerned for God’s house? If you are, then you should be praying regularly for God’s business. Jesus says, “My house will be called a house of prayer” (Matt 21:13). Then, “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). Then we can enlarge our gospel tent.