by ricks
7. February 2010 23:00
Why does the book of Acts include all the number statements about the growth of the church? Here are my thoughts.
First, we are encouraged by the fact that Jesus builds His church. Jesus said, "I will build My church" (Matthew 16). Jesus said, "All authority is given to Me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus said, "You will be My witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Get it? We should be encouraged. The Lord is at work! He builds His church!
Second, we are challenged by the example of these early believers. They engaged their communities and world with the good news and with the love of Christ. People want the kind of Jesus that moves people like that! Are you challenged? Are you ready to engage?
Third, we are reminded to tell the story. Luke told the story of the early church multiplication because others (like us) need to be encouraged and challenged. Will you tell your story of what Jesus is doing? Not because you are great but because Jesus is great and does great things through us! So let us not balk at telling the story, recording the numbers, praising the Lord for lives transformed. But let's do it to the glory of Jesus.
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