There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. … But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. … And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. … Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way - 1 Corinthians 12:4, 7, 28, 30—31 The Lord Jesus Christ had come and gone. The church—newly birthed—was in a transition time. The new covenant was seen as a threat to the Jewish leaders; therefore, there was persecution for those who had chosen to follow Christ. The new religion, in its infant stages, had no Bible, few leaders, and absolutely no support from the government. Astounding that it survived, isn’t it? How in the world did it survive with so little going for it? Power. Not just a force, but mighty, visible power. This new church
Image via WikipediaAccording to a recent Christian Post article there is some good news for the mission of Jesus in the United States. In an article titled, Total U.S. Churches No Longer In Decline it points out that every year there are now 4,000 churches being planted in the U.S. while 3500 churches will close their doors. This bottom line is this: we are seeing a net gain of 500 new churches every year in the United States.
