A Systematic Expository Study of the Word of God
GROWING WITH THE GROWING GLORIOUS CHURCH
1 Corinthians 13:11; 14:20
Christs church is growing. As the church grows, it is imperative for believers and leaders to grow with it. Paul the apostle revealed how he grew from childhood to adulthood as a Christian and minister. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child.... Though he became an apostle almost at the time when he became a Christian and was commissioned almost at the same time when he became converted, he affirmed that he was once a child in understanding, in speech and in thought. His understanding of the gospel as well as his plans and methods of execution were childish. Moving from childhood to adulthood, he declared: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. Christians need to grow in understanding, attitude and comportment. Putting away childish things requires that we avoid being rude to our leaders; that we identify the peculiarity of our audience and address them accordingly. In approach, message and human relations, believers need to grow into maturity. Ministers need to improve on their skills and make positive changes that will advance the gospel of Christ. The doctrines of Christ are constant and must not be changed but we can grow to become pillars in the church.
THE GLOWING STATE OF A GROWING CHURCH
Acts 1:8; 6:7; 8:25,40; 15:3; 17:4,6; Revelation 7:9,10
The early church grew. Its growth was (1) numerical different kinds of people got converted; (2) spiritual there was a deepening of members intimacy with the Lord; (3) local multitudes in their neighbourhood received the gospel; (4) national people from different cities in Israel received the gospel; (5) social highly placed people were also won to the Lord; (6) international the gospel spread from Jerusalem to the uttermost part of the earth; (7) universal children, youth, women and men from all sections of the society came to know the Lord. When the church is growing, its leadership must grow to match the growth. To remain stagnant at any stage of the churchs growth creates imbalance and ineffectiveness in ministry. Where there is a balance between the growth of the leadership and the growing church, different sections are taken care of. There will be a sense of belonging as equal opportunities are created for all. Absence of partiality or favouritism in appointments and privileges will make the church to be devoid of internal rancour. The growth of the early church from Jerusalem to the uttermost part of the earth was phenomenal. The leaders showed evidence of growth in the way they related with the priests and Pharisees. Their messages reflected the depth of their understanding and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. John also preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans whom he had earlier desired to consume with fire. Philip preached in all the cities around Caesarea. They also witnessed the conversion of the Gentiles, devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. Like they did, we need to concentrate on the spread of the gospel and not on traditions that hinder growth. Though Peter and other apostles in Jerusalem were filled with the Holy Ghost, they could not spread the gospel outside their territory. After his conversion, Paul discarded the customs of the Jews to be able to spread the gospel to the gentile world. The church consequently grew to be international and universal, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands. Believers must make all necessary adjustments to match the level of growth of Christs church.
THE GREAT SIGNS OF A GLORIOUS CHURCH
Ephesians5:25-27;1Thessalonians1:3,6-8; 2:13;3:6-8; 4:9,10; 5:11-24;2Thessalonians1:3,4; 2:13; 3:1,4.
When the church grows, there are indisputable signs to show that its growth is healthy. It becomes a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Its members engage in works of faith, labour of love and patience of hope. They are evangelistic, carrying the message of the gospel across to other people. They receive the word wholeheartedly with great desire and affection for one another. Their love banishes criticism and fault-finding. They edify, encourage and challenge one another to continue in the faith. They believe and accept the truth and strive to help others maintain godly virtues and attitudes. And, these gracious attitudes make their leaders confident that they will obey the word of God at all times.
THE GROWING SHEPHERDS OF A GLORIOUS CHURCH
Job 17:9; Psalm 119:98; Lamentations 4:7; Isaiah 56:4,5; Psalm 89:27,28; 61:2; Ezekiel 3:8,9; Matthew 11:11.
As the church grows and becomes glorious, its shepherds must be people who are growing and glowing with it. The expected state of the shepherd of a growing church is stated: The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. He grows stronger and wiser as he relates with everyone who comes into the kingdom. The shepherd must become purer, whiter and better in every area of his life and ministry. The prayer of every believer for a deeper personal experience should be: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. The necessity of growth therefore requires that we move up higher as God is willing to turn us around to match the growth of His church.
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