Acts 2:37-47
Numbers are important in the kingdom of God or the Bible would not have recorded them. It is obvious that God is pleased when His children serve in ways that help His kingdom come on earth. Numerical growth means increases in all areas of the church. Also, numerical growth means any size church can grow. There is nothing wrong with seeing numbers as evidence of God at work. The danger is in seeing the numbers as statistics rather that people and in using numbers as the only measure of growth.
A great commitment to the great commandments and the great commission will build a great church.
Acts 4:32b … The whole congregation of believers was united as one – one heart – one mind!
The Six marks of a Great Church
A great church displays great power.
And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33a
A great church has the evidence of great grace.
…And great grace was upon them all…Acts 4:33b
A great church has great fear.
Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things…So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.
Acts 5:5, 11
A great church will experience great persecution.
Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Acts 8:1
A great church will display great joy.
And there was great joy in that city…Acts 8:8
A great church will be blessed with great numbers.
And the hand of the Lord was with them, and great number believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 11:21
A great commitment to the great commandment and the great commission will build a great church.
