The Multiplication Factor

FRESH Official Podcast

According to the press, the church is dying. That has many a vested interest group shouting for joy. What’s rarely mentioned though, is that in many parts of the world, the church is thriving, indeed multiplying.

So, what do you think? Are you happy to see more people become Christians, or do you perhaps see it as the clock being wound back to the bad old days? Whatever camp you’re in, know this: that orphanages, hospitals, schools, universities, care for the poor and marginalised – all of those things have historically been initiated by Christians around the globe.

The problem is though, that down through the centuries, Christians have also behaved badly. The Crusades – terrible! The inquisitions – appalling! Modern day financial and child abuse scandals – unconscionable! Even though, also down through the centuries, God’s people have done so much good, as they are still today – largely unseen.

So what causes one church to grow, while the next wilts on the vine? Here it is, we looked at this passage yesterday:

Acts 9:31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. (ESV)

In modern day parlance, some would say that the church back then was in revival. So what caused it to multiply? Well, they lived in peace, they honoured and obeyed God and so, were blessed and empowered by the His Holy Spirit.

It seems that revival happens when Christians start obeying God’s Word!

And that is His Word. Fresh … for you … today.