A Prayer for Every Church
Introduction: What is our MISSION? What is our VISION? The book of Acts records the experience of the early Church. Whereas, it is not necessarily a total model for every single event in the book, it is an historical record of what the Holy Spirit did thru the disciples. There are patterns that are applicable for today. Let’s glean several truths that will transform any Church.
1. Edified! (Acts 9:31) – “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”
Interesting to note, the word “edified” is οἰκοδομέω: (oy-kod-om-eh’-o), which has to do with the building up of character. It also means to encourage. Wow! This is greatly needed!! Encouragement is not the same thing as flattery. Today there is a lot of flattery along with encouragement. To edify means to lift up, or to build up. Are you building up those around you? So often in Churches people are tearing down each other because of jealousy. Instead, we need
to be led by the Spirit in edifying.
Lord help us!!
2. Multiplied! (Acts 9:31) – “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”
The word “multiplied” is πληθύνω: (play-thoo’-no). Its definition is to increase, to be increased, or to multiply. This should be both spiritually as well as numerically. A Church can be growing numerically but not spiritually, but it cannot grow spiritually without growing numerically. Are you reaching others?
3. Unified! (Acts 9:31) – “Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.”
Did you notice two other key words? “Rest” and “Peace.” That speaks of being UNIFIED! The fear of God kept them walking together.
Conclusion: These three areas are crucial when it comes to God’s blessings on the Church. Furthermore, this is a prescription for a Church-wide revival.
Love y’all,