A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity — all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. (Acts 2:43-47 NLT)The early church didn’t grow by study. They grew by association.
And there is a power that comes from association.
When the kids were growing up, we had supper every night except Wednesday at 5:30. The kids were expected to be there and dressed. We sat at the table and had dinner. We would talk and visit and laugh and, in general, have a fun time.
Today, when the kids come back to visit, we always sit around the table, sometimes for a couple of hours. It was our association time, that which made us a family.
A church that hangs around together and spends time together is a stronger church than one that doesn’t. that is a fact.
The church that doesn’t associate with itself much may have great Bible teaching and the members may have a lot of spiritual and biblical knowledge, but they have no inner strength.
Inner strength comes from association. Just as a family can never be very strong if it doesn’t spend time together, so a church needs that association.
The early church grew by leaps and bounds. It was because they associated with each other.
There was a sense of excitement in the church and the members took advantage of it to strengthen themselves.
In growing churches there is a sense of excitement. People want to be there, they want to not miss anything. Potlucks are frequent and well-attended. People don’t want to miss services for fear that something will happen and they will not be a part of it. Members meet during the week and strengthen each other. Prayer and praise are frequent.
It is not until a church begins to do this that it will grow. After all, no one wants to be a part of a group they do not know or care about.
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