" Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers."(Acts 9:31)
Part of my "job" is to build up the church. That is not an easy task in our culture this day. There are many for whom church is not even on their radar screen as something to value or incorporate into their lives. We aren't quite in the same place as the early church, but there are similarities.
This passage seems to me to put some aspects of what can lead to an increase in numbers possibly or at least build up the church in other ways. Peace, fear, and comfort.
Peace doesn't always mean an absence of conflict, but for me does point us away from being in a place of constant conflict and certainly non productive conflict. Fear of the Lord is not being scared but having an awe and reverence for God. For me that means putting our energies into the worship of God that can energize us to ministry to the world during the week. Comfort of the Holy Spirit for me means being open to potentially new directions while still utilizing things from the past that can act as that foundation to continue to build upon.
Will all this lead to huge attendance on Sundays or whatever day we choose? Maybe, maybe not. Could it lead us to a deeper, more assured faith, probably.
Blessings,
Ed
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