There are seven vital ingredients for growing and maturing churches.  Without them the body of Christ withers and languishes.  With them the body Christ accomplishes its purpose for God.  As we study the church in the book of Acts, we find that these element are available, duplicatable, and sustainable.

1. Devotion to the Word of God

Acts 2:42 states that they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings.”  This is the first habit which anyone seeking to grow in their faith must diligently cultivate.  It is important to realize that they did not have the bible in the first century, what they had was the verbal instruction of the apostles who had been with Jesus.  They knew that their growth depended upon the cultivation of this essential habit.  I ask you to consider carefully weather of not you have been cultivating this habit of devotion to God’s Word?  No Christian can hope to grow spiritually apart from the Word of God.

2. Commitment to Fellowship

The 42^nd verse goes on to say “that they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and to fellowship.”  They not only knew the value of the word, but they knew the value of being with other members of the body.  As I stated a few Sundays ago, “we need each other.”  It has been famously said that “no man is an island.”  One of the great benefits of the new birth is that it grafts us into a new family, and grants us entrance into the fellowship of the redeemed.

3. “And in breaking of Bread”

The third habit of the early church was the observance of the Lords Supper.  They understood that the Lords Supper represented their identification as believers under a new covenant.  A New Covenant not built on works, but rather the grace of God.  We must always remember the awesome value and privilege it is to participate in the Lords Supper and delight in its deep significance.

4. “And in Prayer”

The fourth habit earnestly cultivated in the 1^st century church was that of Prayer.  If anything defined the life of the church, it was their steadfast commitment to communion with God.  The Book of Acts recounts countless prayer meetings, and the miracles which followed.  One of the greatest events which followed the prayers of the early church was the deliverance of Peter form a locked prison cell.  Peter had been thrown into the depth of prison, awaiting a sure death, but then the Angel arrived and opened the doors. (Acts 12)  One scholar has aptly said “it was the angel who brought out Peter, but it was prayer which brought out the angel.”

5. Uncommon Generosity

Acts records that “Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.  And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.”  The early church was known for an “uncommon generosity.”  Living in the Roman Empire was to live in the height of selfish indulgence, yet they shared all that they possessed out of an uncommon commitment to the needs of others.  They did so because they understood that all that they had was the Lords.

6. Commitment to the Local Church

“Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.”

We see in the early church a commitment to the assembly of the saints.  In our day the Local church remains as important to the growth of believers as it did in the first century.  To live without a local church is to live without a family.  If you are a member of the Monte Del Olivar church family, I urge you to continue steadfastly seeking any opportunity to worship in God’s house.  If you are a guest, I hope that you will feel at home among us, and join us as often as you may have opportunity.

7. A Lifestyle of Worship

The final habit of a growing church is “a lifestyle of worship.”  They lived to praise God, and to make his name known among the nations.  They understood that worship to God was not limited to the church house, but must transcend every part of our lives.  We must never reduce worship to merely singing songs.  For true worship is a lifestyle, adoration expressed as much in our songs as in our deeds.