May 6, 2022 (Friday)
Theme: Growth of the Church
Beyond the Book of Acts
The Book of Acts ends when Paul reaches Rome and spends two years under house arrest. But traditions tell us that he was released and conducted mission trips, one of them to Spain.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem and the scholars tell us the calendar folks intended the year of Christ’s birthday to be the year that became 1 A.D. but when they were corrected, His birthday seemed to be about 4 B.C.
The world into which Jesus was born was quite different from the world as it became after people gave their hearts to Jesus and committed their lives to His service. Churches as we know them were non-existent in 4 B.C. But when the first century ended, churches were in many places in the known world. Today there are many Christians around the world.
Christianity is the largest religion in the world with two billion followers: Roman Catholic 50%; Protestant 40%; Orthodox 10%. Protestants include 500 million Pentecostals, 100 million Baptists, 77 million Anglicans, and 40 million Methodists.
The Family of God
Words: Gloria Gaither
Music: Bill Gaither
1960s
(1) You will notice we say “brother
and sister” ’round here-
It’s because we’re a family
and these folks are so near;
When one has a heartache
we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory
In this family so dear.
Related
Chorus:
I’m so glad I’m a part
of the family of God-
I’ve been washed in the fountain,
cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus
as we travel this sod,
For I’m part of the family,
the family of God.
(2) From the door of an orphanage
to the house of the King-
No longer an outcast,
a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches,
from the weak to the strong,
I’m not worthy to be here,
But, praise God, I belong!
Chorus
I think you may enjoy this song as presented by the original Gaither Trio, recorded many years ago. Please watch in full screen:
There are about 8 billion people in the world, and the number is growing fast as we write this. Here is an illustration of how different religions compare in numbers around the world:
Jews: About 15 million
(less than 1% of world population).
The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ (all varieties) constitute
about 15% of the world’s population.
We are taking a very optimistic view if we say the the church
is still advancing in 2022.
Growth of the Church
Based on the Bible Book of Acts.
1. Monday, May 2: Growth of the Church – Beginnings (Acts 1-2)
2. Tuesday, May 3: Growth of the Church – Jerusalem (Acts 3-7)
3. Wednesday, May 4: Growth of the Church – Palestine and Syria (Acts 8-13)
4. Thursday, May 5: Growth of the Church – Advancing (Acts 14-28)
5. Friday, May 6: Growth of the Church – Advancing Still (Acts Unfinished)