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God’s Plan to Build Churches

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.”
Luke 5:1–3
There are a lot of “experts” who have advice for different methods to build churches. They can tell you what kind of music will be most effective in drawing a crowd, how long the sermon should be, how bright the lights ought to be, and many other things. Yet far too often, they and those who listen to their advice forget the most important thing. God’s plan to build churches is the plan that we find in the Scriptures—the preaching of His Word.
The crowds who came to hear Jesus were impressed by His miracles of healing and casting out demons, but most of all, they wanted to hear Him declare what God had to say. More important than our décor, our lighting, or our service times is the content of our message. Everything we do and say to reach people must be founded on the Bible.
This was the directive Paul gave Timothy in his final letter to his young protégé: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). We must allow the Bible to fill our hearts and minds, and then we must share what God has to say with the world.

Today’s Growth Principle: 

The ministry to which God has called us must be based on the Bible if it is to change lives.

Today’s Scripture “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” (Psalm 20:4, NIV) SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS Make the Right Plans The Bible tells us that faith has action with it. A lot of times people say they believe something, but with their actions, they’re doing just the opposite. For example, some people make plans to get the flu. They believe it and speak it. They say, “Every year I get the flu.” Or, “It’s going to be bad this year.” They expect it, and a few months later, they’ve got it. Their faith worked! Instead of making plans for the worst, why don’t you make plans for the best? Why don’t you make plans for the Word of God to come to pass in your life? The scripture says, “No weapon formed against me is going to prosper...a thousand may fall at my side, ten thousand at my right hand; but it will not come near my dwelling!” Today, make plans according to the Word of God. As you make right plans, you’ll see right things come to pass in your life. You’ll rise up in victory and enjoy the blessings God has in store for you! A Prayer for Today “Father, search my heart. Help me see any area where my faith is working in the wrong direction. Let my plans be Your plans so I can walk and live in the abundant life You have prepared for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.”