The word "church" is used in different senses in the New Testament:
one is to refer to the universal church (all the saved in all the world, see Matthew 16:18), and another is to refer to the
local congregation (like the church at Corinth, see I Corinthians 1:1-2).
The Lord's church grows universally as it grows locally!
For the local congregation to grow, individual dedication is
essential. That begins with genuine conversion (John 3:3-7) and seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). We must desire
growth (Ephesians 4:14-16) as we seek to save others (1 Timothy 4:17).
What is necessary for church growth?
1. BIBLE KNOWLEDGE. Knowledge of the truth is necessary for
salvation (John 8:31-36) as well as personal spiritual growth. We must abide in Jesus' word! We have many opportunities for
gaining knowledge (personal Bible study, class study, tracts and other sources of information), and we must utilize those
opportunities. That which we know we must also teach to other faithful individuals (2 Timothy 2:2). Failing to grow in our
knowledge of God and His will is a great cause of concern (read Hebrews 5:12-14).
2. PERSONAL COMMITMENT. If we want the church to grow, we must
have a personal, individual commitment to the cause of Christ. We recall what the Lord said about lukewarmness (Revelation
3: 14-16). Some have just enough religion to be miserable (through feelings of guilt), but not enough to really enjoy it.
Determine to put God first and all else will fall into it proper perspective.
3. EVANGELISM. We recall the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20;
Mark 16: 15-16), and ask, if we aren't about the business of teaching the gospel to the lost, who will be? Those who do not
even recognize or teach God's plan of salvation certainly can't be expected to teach it to others. The task falls upon us.
Rather than seeing this as a "chore" or mere "duty," let us rejoice in our opportunities to teach the lost. There are those
who will listen if we will be busy talking!
What a marvelous thought that we can be workers together
with God!
