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“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said , It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.” Acts 6:1-7
“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report , full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:1-7
“And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.” Acts 6:1-7
“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:1-7
“waiting-man" 'through the dust' "servant" "minister" “Diakonos” "messenger" Acts 6:1-7
1. The Church Had Grown Rapidly. • “…in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied…” –Acts 6:1
2. With Growth comes Problems. • “…there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration…” –Acts 6:1
3. Along with problems comes the need for leaders/servants. • “…look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business…” –Acts 6:3
My Deacon Covenant I will protect the unity of my church by Acting in love toward other members, By refusing to gossip, and By following the leadership. I will share the responsibility of my church by praying for its growth, inviting the unchurched to attend, and warmly welcoming those who visit. I will serve the ministry of my church by discovering my gifts and talents, by being equipped to serve by my pastor, and by developing a servant’s heart. I will support the testimony of my church by attending faithfully, by Living a Godly Life, and by giving regularly of my tithe and offerings.
4. Pastoral Priorities • “…we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” • –Acts 6:4
5. Church Harmony • “…the saying pleased the whole multitude. Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.” –Acts 6:5-6
6. And the church continued to grow. • “…the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly…” –Acts 6:7
I Am in ChristBy the work of God, I am no longer in Adam: I am in Christ, through a union that is both living and representative.
BElive: Ephesians 2:8We are saved not by works but by faith in Jesus!