Tuesday July 25, 2023
Theme: “Characteristics of Christian Community Growth” Text: Acts 2:41-47
41. Those who accepted his word were baptized; and on that day the number of the disciples increased to about three thousand souls. 42. They persevered in the teaching of the apostles, in fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43. Fear seized everyone, and many wonders and miracles were done by the apostles. 44. All who believed were in the same place, and they had everything in common. 45. They sold their properties and their goods, and they divided the product among all, according to the needs of each. 46. They were daily together assiduous in the temple, they broke bread in the houses, and took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47. praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added daily to the Church those who were being saved.
Let's remember:
Growing communities are recognized by their ability to empower themselves in the spiritual life. They take a big leap from their old life to one based on the fear of God. Within the communities that are experiencing a dazzling evolution, there is first of all a real eagerness to read, listen to and put into practice the Word of God. There are often new souls who come to the Lord and who pass through the waters of baptism in order to enter the community of saints, the Church body of Christ. It is because there are members who are zealous in sharing the Word outside the four walls that making new disciples becomes a matter of course. The growth within such communities is always double or even triple digits, it is both qualitative and quantitative. The members prefer to gather around the Word of God than to pour into trivialities which do not grow them. Prayer becomes a way of life, something so legitimate that it does not force itself, it does not ask itself. Selfishness has no place in such communities, on the contrary, the members live the breaking of the bread, they share the little that is available. They stick together and leave none of them on the side of the road. Life becomes common or almost. Everything is accentuated by the fear of God. Each member trembles before his God, knowing that he is seen by him and that he must obey him in everything. No false fear of God is practiced but the real fear, that of always following the Master Jesus Christ in all situations, even the most perilous. Members do not put obstacles in the way, they do not fight for positions and other responsibilities. Cohesion is essential and love of neighbor a common ideal. With humility and determination, they praise God. Excellent Tuesday. Amen Alain Louz.-
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