1.19.25 Willisburg Bulletin
GROWTH
The Hebrews church had grown “dull of hearing” (Heb 5:11) leading to a congregation of Christians who were failing to grow. They had failed to take advantage of learning opportunities, failed to make application of the Word in their lives, and failed to continue to feed from the Word (Heb 5:12-14). Since they were immature spiritually, their numbers were not growing and issues were happening. In order to grow spiritually, the church must FIRST grow spiritually. Therefore, a church must…
- HAVE A DESIRE TO GROW & GROW THE RIGHT WAY
Willisburg must seek to grow how God instructed, not just by whatever means to get the people. God’s way ALWAYS works. 1 Cor 15:58 promises us that if we’re steadfast in His work, our labor is valuable. In Acts 9:31, the churches in several areas multiplied because they worked God’s plan with all their might (Eccl 9:10). Do you desire growth for Willisburg? Would it bother you to find Willisburg’s name pronounced as the dead church like Sardis (Rev 3:1)?
2. DEVELOP IN THE FAITH
God determined a church would grow by the spreading of the gospel. And God is on our side, so who can be against us (Rom 8:31)? We can’t hesitate to learn His word and actively apply it. When we are strong in the Lord (Rom 4:20), we will grow more. Division will not stand when we stand firm in the faith (Mt 12:25). We must remain together – there’s a common bond that should link us together (Eph 4:16) – the faith. No just any! To have a real, rewarding relationship with God we must abide in His teachings by holding fast to our conviction of the gospel! All other seeds will be uprooted (Matt 15:13). A united congregation, serving the Lord correctly is an attraction to those searching for salvation. If we are dedicated to the cause of Christ, it will attract, but we must first know and FULLY believe in the faith we’re trying to grow.
3. BE WILLING TO WORK – SOWING THE SEED
The Hebrews were told not to be slothful; their desires had depleted (Heb 6:11-12). We must be willing to sow the seed (Rom 1:15-16) for the church to grow. There will be no harvest for the unwilling, lazy, unfaithful Christians. Everyone is subject to God’s love, grace, and justice. No matter if you’re the richest or poorest, the lowliest individual, outcasted, or wretched. God is willing to save them, but it’s our job to get people to see Christ’s love and how they can receive the gift of salvation. Paul had a complete understanding of God’s love and he presented that love to the world through his life. He showed how Christ’s love can effect even the most “unworthy” (according to the world) (Rom 8:35-39). So when others grasp the greatest expression of love (the sacrifice of His only beloved Son (Rom 5:8)), it will draw others to Him. He has given us immeasurable amounts of love and grace and it’s our job to dispense (Eph 4:7) by being obedient servants of His (Jn 14:21). True greatness is found in serving others, imitating Christ (seeking and saving the lost) (Matt 20:26-28). Jesus was a worker; He sowed the seed, no matter the cost! We need to look at how hard we’re working on our part in the growth process.
4. GO THROUGH ADVERSITY; WATERING THE SEED
Sometimes working for Christ means suffering (2 Tim 3:12), just as He suffered crucifixion for us. Paul suffered a WHOLE list of perils because of his “deep concern for all the churches” (2 Cor 11:24-28), but he grew spiritually. Yet, He exalted God through his sufferings. How we handle adversity determines whether we grow as a group. Sometimes the devil uses adversities to distract us from our goal, but we MUST remain steadfast! People are watching Willisburg seeing what will we give up for the faith. In order to exceed still more, we must water the seed. If not, it won’t last through the droughts of adversity, the world will choke out the seed. Watering includes continual love from your brethren, visiting the elderly/sick/weak members, teaching the kids/teens/lost world, praying without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17), and bestowing whatever else is needed to get through the storms of life. Only the living water of God (Rev 22:17) will get us through challenges, trials, etc.
6. INCREASE OUR SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS
Truthfully, talking about sports, possessions, and careers will not exalt Christ before men. It’s not wrong to discuss those things, but it will not lead others to Him. It will only lead them to the topic. What are you making disciples of? You never know what one conversation with one person could lead to. We must speak more of God if we want to grow. We have to sow seeds of the faith. We will reap what we sow (Gen 1:12); so, we should be careful to plant seeds of God’s kingdom (His Word – Lk 8:11). We ought to find ways to draw every talk to His Word. When someone is upset, comfort them with His Word. When a soul needs saving, only His Word can provide. When community is being sought after, turn them to the unity of His church. When we make a spiritual connection in every situation, the more likely others will be drawn to Him and made into disciples of Christ; therefore, growing the church.
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In conclusion, church growth is a BLESSING from God that’s conditional on our obedience of sowing and watering. Only through prayer, teaching the truth, proper planning, hard work, and sacrifice will a congregation enjoy the blessing of God giving the increase. It may be that a soul is drawn to Christ by a timely word spoken. It may be that Christ is exalted by a kind deed of service done. It could be that by observing the way we suffer for Christ’s sake, that Jesus uses these occasions to draw men unto Him. Work together in the plan and purpose of God! Believe in His power (Eph 3:20) by obeying. God said there will be growth if we labor, and God cannot lie; therefore it will happen if we follow suit. Why would we not trust in God for the growth of Willisburg? Let us be laborers with Christ in the kingdom work and let us not be enemies of God (James 4:4). Do you want to be a soul winner for Jesus?