By  REV. DR. RICHARD SHAW, Pastor
      Peter, I Peter 2:1-2, gives a negative and a positive call to the church- negatively- rid yourselves of all malice- hypocrisy- envy- and slander of every kind.”  Positively-  Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation…”.  God’s consistent call to his people is for growth.  We are not to be satisfied with mediocrity, certainly not with stagnation.  Many of Jesus’ parables have to do with growth.  What are some areas where growth is possible and imperative if we are to be faithful as a church?  Prayer- the soil and seed for all spiritual growth.  It is the one thing we are called to do constantly to do, I Thessalonians 5:17.  It was the life-blood of the early church, Acts 1:14.  After the church prayed came miracles, wonders, and signs, Acts 2:22.  See Acts 4:24, 31, etc.  The early church was propelled by the power of prayer.  Giving- a praying church is a passionate church and a giving church.  St. Paul commends the Macedonian church in II Corinthians 8:1-3 “In the midst of a very severe trial their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  For I testify that they gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability!”  Gathering together- to pray, hear God’s word, learn, encourage-  …” Every day they continued to meet together…” Acts 2:46.  “Not giving up meeting together as some were in the habit of doing…” .   Hebrews 10:25.  Going forth-  we meet- then we go- with power and passion to win others to Jesus- Matthew 28:18-20.  The result- Acts 2:47b “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”  We don’t need to wonder how we can grow as a church- the Bible makes it abundantly clear.