TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:47b
Read: Acts 2:46–47
Listen: Acts 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The early church never stays the same. It grew miraculously by continually looked upward toward God and then outward toward non-believers. Luke records in Acts the story of the Holy Spirit changing lives and drawing more and more people to the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus. God loves to grow his church.
Pastor John Dickson shared the two mistakes churches make today. One is making growth more important than people by focusing on finances. The other is committing not to grow because there are already too many people. Luke wants us to see that Christianity is always about adding new believers—and has been since the beginning.
God’s love for people and his power are what causes growth. We follow the early believers’ lead by becoming students of our faith and family with each other, committing to prayer, awe, and praise and displaying Christ-like character leading to favor with all people.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Which of the above ideals in Acts 2:42-47 do you need to focus on in this season of your life? Choose one and ask God to help you take action and grow. Share and ask for support from your small group leader, spouse, mentor or a close friend.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Acts 21.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
