HOW DOES THE CHURCH GROW?

Did you know that Jesus was the original visionary of church growth?  Oh I know, you thought church growth was a modern concept but that is just not so -- it began with Jesus.  "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.,"  Matthew 16:18.  The rock that Jesus was speaking of was the divine revelation of who He is.  He asked Peter, "Who do you think I am?"  I ask you that question today -- WHO DO YOU SAY THAT HE IS?  Jesus wants His church to grow because He wants all of humanity to know Who He Is!  The Lord builds His church upon that mystery that has been revealed to us --  that is --  CHRIST IN US THE HOPE OF GLORY!

​How does He build His church upon this revelation?  By using the hands and feet of His people.  Church growth doesn't just happen because someone prophecies that it will happen or just because you have a good business plan -- your result will only then be customers for Christ!  Jesus did not say "Go ye therefore into all the world and make customers,"  HE SAID "GO MAKE DISCIPLES!"

​"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, praising God, and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved!"  Acts 2:46-47.  If the Apostle Paul had written this in our day and time, it might say something like this:  "And they stayed connected every day, inviting each other over for supper, enjoyed spending time together chilling, praising God together in worship, serving in the church with one heart and vision whether that is holding babies or cleaning the church, finding favor in their community even with leaders of the city, and the Lord built His church!"  (My modern paraphrase:)  IT'S ALL ABOUT JESUS.  IT'S ALL ABOUT HOW MANY MORE WE CAN REACH WITH THE REVELATION OF OUR SAVIOR.  HE USES YOU!