J.O.Y. - the secret to a Mega-Church

Acts 4:32-34     (32) "And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.  (35) And with great ("Mega") power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant ("Mega") grace was upon them all.  (36) For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales..."

I want my church to be a "Mega-Church", full of "Mega-Christians".  Not "Mega" by the world's standard, but "Mega" like the early church.... like what verse 35 describes... full of "mega-power" and "mega-grace".  You can go to any Christian bookstore and find scores of "how to" books that claim the secret of building a successful church, but save your money.... I'll show You God's plan.

I remember learning in Sunday School as a young boy, that the secret to a joyful life was keeping my priorities straight.  Our teacher taught us an acronym for joy: Jesus, Others, Yourself.  He said that if we live each day with those things in the right order, God will fill us with joy and with a sense of His Presence.

When I look carefully at the context in Acts 4, the description of the "mega-church" in verse 35 is sandwiched by J.O.Y.  The Believers had given themselves completely to Jesus and also to each other.  They were truly living out Paul's words in Philippians 2:2-5  "... make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,.."

So, how do I build a "mega-church"?  It starts with me and my priorities.  If I wholeheartedly give myself to the "J.O.Y. Principle", God will work in and through me to impact other people with His grace and mercy.  He will transform them and they, too, will become propagators of J.O.Y.  Before too long, we will resemble the church in Acts 4.

Dear Lord, I fully embrace the concept of J.O.Y.  Please, Holy Spirit, make it a reality in my experience today.  Live through me and let me be an example of Your power and grace.  Help me to be a "Mega-Christian" today.
Amen.