Scripture: Acts 9:31

Devotion

Growing churches should be multiplying churches. The early church is an incredible example of what God can do through changed lives and motivated hearts. We see the gospel transforming God’s people, and that compels them to share that same life-changing power with those around them. When churches truly grow in faith, they often grow in number, and Acts 9 is a great example of this.

Notice who is really growing and guiding the church in this passage. In a difficult early season, the church experienced peace, was supernaturally strengthened, matured in their fear of the Lord, and was encouraged by the Holy Spirit. It is God Himself building and emboldening His church. His strength and encouragement were not only for their sake; there was a purpose beyond themselves. The Spirit encouraged them, which led them to engage their city, which led to evangelism, which the Spirit used to multiply their spiritual family.

Our own church family is growing deeper in our relationships with God and with one another. However, remember that our growth also serves a purpose beyond the walls of Brentwood Baptist. We want to see congregations planted, neighborhoods engaged, and Middle Tennessee transformed by Christ. So be at peace, be strengthened, be humble, and be encouraged by what the Spirit is doing in you and in us. Then be joyfully sent into a world in desperate need of Jesus as bearers of His gospel. May we watch as the Spirit multiplies our efforts and His church.

A Personal Prayer

Pray that the Spirit strengthens and encourages the churches of Middle Tennessee. Pray that we grow in our fear of the Lord. Ask the Spirit to show you where you can join His work in multiplying His church.

Pray for Our Neighbors: Eternal Rock Evangelical Church

Eternal Rock Evangelical Church, led by Pastor Wael Sous in Antioch, Tennessee, partners with Brentwood Baptist in the mission to establish 100+ healthy churches across Middle Tennessee. With a passion for sharing the gospel and making disciples, Eternal Rock seeks to be a beacon of light and hope in its community.

• Pray for Pastor Wael Sous and the church leadership to lead with wisdom, strength, and encouragement as they guide the congregation.
• Ask God to deepen the faith of Eternal Rock’s members so they grow as committed disciples of Christ.
• Pray for the church’s outreach efforts in Antioch to bear fruit and lead many to the hope of the gospel.

Pray for the Nations: IMB SCARA Team – South Asia

In a South Asian city with a population of more than 21 million people, ten times that of metro Nashville, a remarkable discipleship movement is unfolding through the IMB’s SCARA Team (Slum Community and Redlight Area). Brentwood Baptist partners with these missionaries who are equipping local leaders to make disciples in some of the world’s hardest places.

• Pray for strength and encouragement for the global workers and local church planters serving in these difficult areas.
• Ask God to give believers boldness to share the gospel and perseverance as new churches multiply.
• Pray for unity and collaboration among local churches to sustain this growing movement of disciple-making.