AM Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6.10-18

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

WHAT THE CHURCH NEEDS:

“Strengthened in the Faith & Increased in Number”

Acts 16.5

Introduction:

1. Luke records, “So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily” (Acts 16.5; cf., 15.41).
2. Strong congregations obviously respect the authority of God’s inspired word, and also pray for guidance. (Eph. 6.10-18)
   1. The church needs to be properly armed. (Vs. 13-17)
   2. Fervent prayer is a must! (V. 18)
3. Please consider six biblical principles of strength and growth…

EDUCATION

1. A good solid diet! (Heb. 5.12-14; Acts 20.28-32)
2. Carefully handling God’s word. (1 Tim. 4.13; 2 Tim. 2.15)

COMMUNICATION

1. Shepherding: communication & information. (1 Pet. 5.2-3)
2. Matters facing the church. (Eph. 4.11-15; Matt. 7.15)

ORGANIZATION

1. The need of effective leadership. (Acts 20.28; Heb. 13.7)
2. Faithful, dependable stewards… (1 Cor. 4.2; 2 Tim. 2.2)

INTEGRATION

1. There is something we all can do! (Rom. 12.3-8; Eph. 4.16)
2. Unity – no class distinctions. (Gal. 3.26-28; 1 Cor. 1.10-13)

VISITATION

1. Having “all things in common” (Acts 2.44-46).
2. “Pure and undefiled religion…” (James 1.27; Rom. 12.13)

PARTICIPATION

1. Beware! The death of a church… (Rev. 3.1-6, 14-19)
2. Is our candle burning bright? (Matt. 5.16; cf., Heb. 10.24-25; 2 Cor. 8.5; Prov. 11.30; etc.)

Conclusion: Each of us must ask, “What can I do to promote strength in the church?”