GOD CAUSES INCREASE "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God GAVE THE INCREASE. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that GIVETH THE INCREASE. " (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) The Way It Was It is refreshing to read of the early church. They had not yet been invaded by religious hucksters, and yet they grew in a remarkable way. They had been reconciled to God, and they knew it! "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:46-47). -- Tomorrow:
How grand and glorious the record of the expansion of believers in early times! I never tire of reading of that period! But, they were not unique to the first century. This was the manner of the Kingdom of God! Something was "planted" that God could "increase," and it was "watered" in a manner that brought the blessing of God. Let us again rehearse some of those early times, when preaching was focused and the blessing of God was poured out.
The proclaimed Gospel wrought a radical change in the hearts of believers! They no longer had an "hour of prayer," as did the Jews (Acts 3:1), or a "worship service," like those of our time. Their hearts were so ravished with the truth that they "continued" in the temple, single-mindedly devoting themselves to the Lord who bought them. From "house to house" they went, "breaking bread" in remembrance of the Lord Jesus, and eating together "with gladness and sincerity of heart." While "praising God" with zeal and insight, their offensive manners melted away, and God gave them favor "with all the people."
I can tell you, they were not speaking with one another about the athletic events of the day, or the needs of their families, or the status of the government. The "seed of the kingdom" was growing in their hearts, and they were distancing themselves from "this present evil world." The "seed" that they planted at Pentecost was being "watered," and God was giving the increase! What a marvelous increase it was! The Lord "was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."
This so radically differs from the experience of professed believers today that men have chosen to treat the events like museum pieces--something that occurred in the past alone. How do those early awakenings compare with the brevity and infrequency of current day gatherings?
PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus name, grant a period of refreshing to our generation by restoring the spiritual climate of the early church.