What is the key to growing a church amid challenges?

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Fortress Cathedral
Fortress Cathedral (Photo credit: Stuck in Customs)
“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.” Acts 9:31

What is the key to growing a church? How does a church remain healthy amid various challenges? We have learned in the book of Acts that the church had to endure various forms of persecution: Peter and John were beaten for preaching. Stephen was stoned to death. Paul was dragged off to prison.

The church was “being built up.” How could that have happened in light of such circumstances?

The text gives us two clues: it says that they were walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. 
  • Why do you think those two things would cause them to grow in spite of all these challenges?
Walking in the fear of the Lord means that they feared God more than they feared their attackers. This gave them immense power to endure whatever came their way. In addition, they were comforted by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was alive in them, and he brought to mind all of God’s promises about a future resurrection and their hope beyond this life.

In light of these truths, they could be fearless, and this fearlessness pro- duced in them a willingness to speak and to serve. Usually, when this happens among God’s people, the church multiplies. This is what happened in the book of Acts. We should pray that it happens among us today as well.

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:28–31
  • How do these verses remind you of the people in the book of Acts?
  • Identify the warning and the promise in these verses.
  • Why do the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit grow the church?

Father, may we fear you and know your comfort by the power of your Holy Spirit. When we face trials of various kinds, may we count it all joy to endure for the glory of your name. May you grow your church through our testimony. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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