40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Four types of growth

        Spiritual    

        Unity

        Favor

        Numbers

How often do we just look at the numerical growth?

It is perfectly clear from what we have previously looked at that God expects numerical growth.  But, it is the result of the first three types of growth in Acts 2. 

Why were the 3000 added?

                Because the disciples had prayed and obeyed

                The witness was strong and united

                Their witness resulted in the favor of those around them

As we look at each of these four areas, we’re also going to look at how this body has, is and will continue to grow – what we must work at, and how we will move ahead.

Before we do, though, let’s re-visit the NLWC Mission Statement:

NLWC is a body of believers following Jesus by embracing the Great Commission as we live out the Great Commandment

The Great Commandment is what we live out –love God with our all – heart, soul, mind and strength while we love our neighbor as ourselves.

The Great Commission is the passionate response of loving God with all – we go and make disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey.

First, we have to ask ourselves if this type of radical growth is what we really want.

          I believe it is.

Then we need to ask ourselves if we are going to move ahead focused on what we think might happen here, or if we want to ask God to do the math in Mecca.

          I’m believing God wants to do the math here.

So, if we want the miraculous growth – the increase 10 fold like God did before the Day of Pentecost, then the increase 25 fold like He did on the Day of Pentecost, then we must be positioned for this to happen.

The bulk of growth which happens in the Church in American is transfer growth – sheep stealing or church hopping. It is not new-birth or based in reconciliation of those who have walked away from God.

That’s not going to cut it here.

Of course we need to be a place where those who believe are welcome.  We need to reach out and welcome those who are wounded or weary.

And we need to be a place where wounding does not happen – or if it does, every effort is made to reconcile.

Simple transfer growth cannot satisfy us.  That is not our heart, that is not our vision, that is not our purpose in the Kingdom. 

At the same time, it is obvious from Acts that God prepares a body to be ready for the growth He is sending their way. He is preparing us for a time of “God math” in Mecca.

What is “God math?”

        One death as substitute for all 1= infinity

        2 loaves and five fish = 5,000 meals

        12 + obedient faith = 120

        120 + obedient faith = 3000

        3000 + obedient faith = new believers daily for 2000 years

If we are doing what it is obvious He intends us to do, we should be anticipating that “God math” to happen.  We should be living in faith that it will.

The American church has been so preoccupied with focusing on using the world’s promotional tactics for how to grow a church that a close look at Scripture seems too simple. 

But if we must choose between the wisdom of the world or the “simplistic” pattern of Scripture – we’re choosing Scripture as the path we’re on.  God’s been preparing us all along for this path.

So, in order for that numerical growth to happen, according to Acts 2, growth first occurs in spiritual maturity, unity, and favor.

Let’s look at how Acts 2 specifies spiritual growth:

Spiritual

        Steadfast in doctrine

                Two elements

                        Steadfast – unshakable, unwavering

                        Doctrine – knew why they believe what they believe

        Fellowship

                The way it is worded, implies “apostle’s fellowship”

                Spent time with those who could spiritually mentor them

                        Once again, lending strength to the witness

                        Modeling spiritually mature behavior

                Breaking of bread and prayers

                        Times of spiritual intimacy

Personal intimacy

        Prayer

                Evidenced by

Fear

        Of what?

                Holiness of God

                Power of God

Wonders and signs

        We don’t seek, but we welcome

                Seek the blessor, not the blessing

Unity

        Spent time together

                Without this it is superficial

                People you live with know you

        Common belongings

                What am I willing to share?

                What if there is a real crisis?

        Met each other’s needs

                Are we willing to help each other?

                Are we willing to receive help as well?

        One in worship, communion

                This is great, but cannot be enough on its own

        One in spirit and demeanor

                We must be united in our love and purpose

        One in praise

                Do we turn each other toward praising God?

Favor

        With each other

                The most awesome church family on the planet

        With those around them

                “I like this little town.”

                Others support what God is doing through us here

                God grants us favor with others

                        Our reputation is His to uphold

                        Our position is His to elevate

Numerical

        Steady growth

                        Daily

        Manageable growth

So, please pray for how God wants you to:

        Grow in spiritual maturity

                Membership

                SS – BATL/FORGE

                Prayer time

        Grow in unity

                Fellowship opportunities

                Pray for one another

                Pray for opportunities to strengthen body

        Grow in favor

                Pray for God to position us and uphold us

                Pray for upcoming ministry events

                        ROCK Thanksgiving

                        ROCK Christmas

                        Christmas Candlelight

        Grow in number

                Ask for God’s Math for Mecca