The church doesn’t really grow successfully if we only increase in numbers. We must also strengthen and build each other up.

Factors that cause the church to grow:

• Loyal to divine authority

  • Romans 1:16; Acts 8:4

  • Acts 4:18-19; 5:19 – Peter and John were loyal to divine authority.

  • Colossians 3:19

  • II John 1:9

• Diligent in teaching

  • Acts 2:42

  • Acts 7 – Stephen was so steadfast in preaching that he was stoned to death.

  • Acts 8:5, 12 – Philip was steadfast in preaching.

  • Paul suffered and worked much to grow the church through teaching.

• Consistent in practice

  • Acts 2:42; 8:4

  • II Thessalonians 2:13

• Purity in life

  • Without purity, others will see our hypocrisy and we will accomplish nothing toward God.

  • Romans 6:4

  • I Timothy 5:22

  • II Corinthians 6:14-16

  • I Corinthians 6:19-20

  • Ephesians 5:25

• Unity in service

  • Acts 2:46; 4:32

  • The apostles were of different backgrounds, but they all loved the same God. We are all one in Christ Jesus.

  • Galatians 3:29

• Liberal in giving

  • II Corinthians 8