Breathing

Spiritual Growth – When the early church was born, it continued in breathing – prayer. – Acts 2:42

It is to be without ceasing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you

Paul did it on his convention. – Acts 9:11

And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 

We have to do it also. – Colossians 4:2

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Nourishment

The new-born believers continued in the nourishment of the Word – Acts 2:42

The Word of God is food – Jeremiah 15:16

Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

Milk food is for babes – 1 Peter 2:2

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—

Solid food is for the mature – Hebrews 5:14

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

A Ministry of Suffering

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.

1 Corinthians 4:9

For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.

Philippians 3:10

That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,