God Still Speaks

With the early believers being filled with the Spirit, we can see the effect that it has in the early church. I see two things, one is that the people were being added to the church and the number of disciples were multiplying. These are signs of a healthy Spirit filled church, numerical growth and mulitiplication of leaders. We also see that the early church had its problems as well. A church without problems is a church that is basically dead. There arose a need for organized servanthood, or people to serve those in need. As a result of this organization, the word of God spread and the disciples mulitplied in Jerusalem. God help us to see this kind of growth again. To see people saved and leaders raised up. We also see the cost for effective leaders. Steven was committed, bold and doing the work when he ended up paying the ulitimate price, his life. Are we willing to give our life for the expansion of the Kingdom? Are we willing to die to self so that others can find life? We don't have to literally die, but be willing to be available when opportunities arise to minister to others that have needs.