JUN 2

Acts 1:8
Memorise Zechariah 4:6
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you”

HOW DID THE BP CHURCHES GROW? (I)

Today’s verse comes from the Book of Acts, which some people also call “The Acts of the Holy Spirit”! So we have the answer to our question, “how did the BP churches grow” – by the power of the Holy Spirit!

If you read the history of the BP church, you’ll see that during its initial years, its remarkable expansion is unparalleled – starting from a small church (Life BP) in 1950, to more than 50 churches, not only in Singapore, but also in Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma, Australia etc over just 20-30 years! You can see the work of Rev Timothy Tow, our founding pastor, and his many students and disciples. But look beyond the people, and you see the Holy Spirit.

However, sadly, many of the BP churches have fallen away. At the beginning, all the BP churches were united in a “BP Synod”. But some pastors became neo-evangelicals (eg. associating with Charismatics, diluting other aspects of the faith), and the disagreement was so profound that the Synod was dissolved in 1988.

Does this surprise you? You shouldn’t be. Throughout history, we see many churches which began well, but departed from the faith over time.

The important thing is not growth in number, but holding on to the true faith. If God wills, the number will increase. It will not be because of our human ability and endeavor, but by the power of the Holy Spirit who will bring souls out of darkness and into the light of God’s truth.

Dear Teen, do you think you have a role in the growth of the church? Don’t you wish to witness to your non-Christian friends? Then remember Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me….” May we all be filled with the Holy Ghost, that we will be able to go out and preach the gospel to our friends and loved ones around us.

Thought: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Prayer: Pray that our church will remain faithful and depend solely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.