Daily Devotional
Is Your Church Spiritually Healthy?
“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
Acts 5:42
August 21, 2024
Ponder This
I heard of an artist commissioned to paint a picture of a dead church. The expectation was he would show a church with the roof sagging and weeds in the yard. They thought he would show a church with the upholstery tattered and the carpet unraveled, but he didn’t. He showed a gorgeous building, fresh paint, sparkling windows, wonderful carpet, and an elegant-looking crowd. They looked so well-fed; everything was just right. One person said, “That doesn’t look like a dead church to me.” The artist said, “Look closer.” As the man looked closer, he could see cobwebs in the baptistery. That is the portrait of a dead church—one that is not multiplying. A church will glow and grow, or it will dry and die; it will evangelize or it will fossilize, but it will not stand still.
Growth is not easy or automatic. To have growth, you have to plan for it, you have to pray for it, you have to work for it, and you have to cultivate and water that which you want to grow. But God must give the increase. Spiritual growth is the product of spiritual life and numerical growth is the product of spiritual growth.
- How are you seeking growth as an individual and as part of your church?
- Who are some people you are praying will come to faith in Jesus?
Practice This
Pray for God to grow your church for His glory.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
What is the mission of the Church?
Love Worth Finding's newest book, "A Final Charge to the Church, "is based on the final series of messages Pastor Rogers preached before retiring in 2005. Pastor Rogers wanted to prepare his congregation for the future. In doing so, he provided a biblically sound blueprint that applies to all Christians on topics including unity among believers, standing strong in opposition to the enemy (Satan), the power of the Holy Spirit to change lives, steadfastness in prayer, true worship, faithfulness to God's Word, caring for others, and the kingdom authority given to believers in Jesus Christ. The book is a great read for all believers who want to become better prepared, as the bride of Christ, to be radiant, pure, and faithful to Jesus, the living Word of God.
