The early church’s strategy for spiritual growth and community impact centered on four fundamental practices: devoted attention to biblical teaching, genuine fellowship, regular communion, and consistent prayer. While these may seem ordinary, they serve as divine channels through which God’s extraordinary power flows into and through His church.
Many Christians today seek dramatic experiences or innovative methods, yet God intentionally works through these simple means to showcase His glory. When faithfully practiced, these ordinary means produce profound results in the life of the church. They cultivate reverent awe toward God, foster deep unity among believers, and inspire sacrificial service and generosity. Like steady drip irrigation that consistently nourishes crops, regular participation in these practices leads to lasting spiritual transformation rather than temporary excitement.
The faithful implementation of these ordinary means creates an environment where genuine joy flourishes, effective witness to non-believers emerges naturally, and numerical growth through salvation occurs organically.
Discussion Questions:​
- What are the four ‘ordinary means’ mentioned in Acts 2:42, and why do you think each one is important?
- How has regular church attendance and participation in these ordinary means impacted your spiritual growth?
- Why do you think people sometimes seek extraordinary experiences instead of trusting in God’s ordinary means of grace?
- How does the concept of ‘putting yourself in the path of grace’ apply to your daily spiritual life?
- What role does fellowship play in your spiritual growth, and how can we better support one another as a church family?
- How does regular participation in communion and baptism help us remember and celebrate our union with Christ?
- What does it mean to have our teaching ‘baptized in the Spirit,’ and why is this important?
- How can we maintain ‘glad and generous hearts’ in our daily walk with Christ?