I think that all followers of Jesus who take the great commission seriously, long to see growth and more of the Holy Spirit’s power at work. One of the purposes with reading Acts with ‘pneumatological’ glasses (1) is to identify the preconditions for it to come true. I think that there is such information in this verse:
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. Acts 9:31I cannot guarantee that to live in the fear of the Lord is the only ingredients in the recipe, but I am convinced that it is important. When awe of the Lord is present, I show respect for all that belongs to the Lord – that concerns all life, but as Paul points out: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal 6:10).
This in addition to the encouragement of the Holy Spirit will create an atmosphere of peace. When there is peace in the church, it adds to the credibility of the message, which again leads to growth.
Magna and I are far into our 39th years of marriage. In our marital covenant we promised to love and honour one another. I believe that many marriages fail because it is so easy to forget the latter part of the promise: To honour! That which we honour we treat with awe and respect. When it happens in a marriage, the relationship is strengthened and love grows. When God is honoured in the church, the church grows in love and is strengthened in the Holy Spirit. This recipe is worth a try!
‘Manna’ for today:
Respect has a great effect!
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(1) In this context pneumatology is the Christian doctrine ot the Holy Spirit.
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