What steps can we take to strengthen our church community today? The Verse in Focus “Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women.” (Acts 5:14) What We Learn at a Glance A healthy church in Jerusalem kept drawing people to Christ. The text highlights: • Continuous growth (“more and more”) • Genuine conversions (“believers were brought to the Lord”) • Broad inclusion (“both men and women”) These details guide us in strengthening our own church family. Keep the Gospel Front and Center • The apostles never stopped speaking “the word of life” (Acts 5:20). • When Jesus is clearly proclaimed, the Spirit draws hearts (Romans 10:17). Practical steps: – Open the Bible in every gathering—sermon, class, small group. – Train members to share a simple, personal gospel testimony. – Make sure announcements and programs never drown out the message of the cross. Pursue Visible Holiness • Acts 5:1-11 shows God judging hypocrisy; verse 14 follows immediately, proving purity attracts, not repels. • “Be holy in all you do” (1 Peter 1:15). Practical steps: – Encourage accountability relationships. – Address sin lovingly and promptly (Matthew 18:15-17). – Celebrate repentance stories—make grace tangible. Pray Together, Boldly • After prayer, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:31). Growth in 5:14 is fruit of that fullness. • “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). Practical steps: – Schedule congregational prayer each week; guard the time. – Form prayer triads that meet or text daily. – Keep a visible board of answered prayers to build faith. Equip Every Believer to Serve • Leaders equip “the saints for works of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11-12). • In Acts, even ordinary believers performed signs (Acts 6:8). Practical steps: – Offer spiritual-gift discovery classes. – Rotate volunteers so no ministry depends on one person. – Affirm unseen service from the platform. Practice Open-Hearted Hospitality • The church broke bread “from house to house” and found favor with all (Acts 2:46-47). • “Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). Practical steps: – Launch monthly “open-table” Sundays where families invite guests home. – Keep coffee areas welcoming, staffed by greeters trained to notice newcomers. – Follow up first-time visitors within 24 hours. Guard and Grow Unity • “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1). • Jesus prayed “that they may all be one… so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). Practical steps: – Address gossip swiftly; redirect to face-to-face conversation. – Regularly celebrate diverse ages and backgrounds in worship elements. – Use annual covenant renewals to reaffirm shared beliefs and mission. Maintain an Atmosphere of Expectant Faith • Miracles in Acts fostered awe; faith kept rising (Acts 5:12-16). • “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Practical steps: – Share testimonies of answered prayer every service. – Teach on God’s power and promises, not just principles. – Encourage members to pray for healing and restoration in everyday settings. Putting It All Together When the gospel is clear, holiness is honored, prayer is prioritized, believers are equipped, hospitality is practiced, unity is protected, and faith is expected, the result will echo Acts 5:14: “Yet more and more believers” added to the Lord. A church that lives this pattern invites heaven’s blessing and meets today’s deepest needs. |
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