Untitled Sermon

How would you envision a growing Church?

prospering (The Church was growing)

Acts 6:1 (NKJV) 1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

Luke didn’t use the number of members.

Learners, followers, committed to become more Christ like.

Didn’t have

o a beautiful building

o padded pews

o a big parking lot

o a state of the art sound system

o Didn’t even have air conditioning

What it did have was:

o Leaders being arrested, beaten, and jailed

o Liars in the Church

o Problems

It grew because of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Holy Spirit)

Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

How I got involved in Church

Member

o came to see us and invited us to church

o carried us to church

o taught me in Sunday school (Bible)

The Holy Spirit of God called me through the words of the Preacher.

o that I was a sinner

o that I needed a Savior

o Hell

Called forward by the Holy Spirit

Walked forward and asked God to save me.

Been involved pretty much ever since.

problem (the church had a problem)

Acts 6:1 (NKJV) 1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

The growth created a problem.

Hebrews: Native Jewish Christians (locals)

Hellenists: Jews from other lands (converted at Pentecost)

When we read the descriptions of the early church—the miracles, the sharing and generosity, the fellowship—we may wish we could have been a part of this “perfect” church

But, the early church had problems just as we do today.

No church ever has been or ever will be perfect until Christ returns.

All churches have problems.

If your church’s shortcomings bother you, ask yourself:

“Would a perfect church allow me to be a member?”

Probably not.

So therefore, do what you can to make your church better.

A church does not have to be perfect to be a powerful and effective witness for Christ.

Proposal (Proposed solution) 2-4

Couldn’t sweep it under the rug (ignore it, it will go away)

If we are going to go forward in God’s work, we must address problems

Needed unity. [unity of purpose]

a. Worship

b. 📷Fellowship

c. Ministry

d. Discipleship

e. Evangelism

§ Keep the main thing the main thing.

Needed honesty.

§ Transparency

James 1:27(NKJV) 27Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Acts 6:2-4 (NKJV) 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of goodreputation, full of the Holy Spiritand wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

Knew that they couldn’t do it all

Recognized a need for organization

1. The apostles kept their priorities straight (not above, but their responsibility)

Knew that they had been called to preach and teach the Word of God, and that had to be their priority

2. Realized that both tasks were important

o Needed someone to take care of the spiritual and the physical

Qualifications

3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven menof good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

They picked the godliest men they could find!

A. Good reputation

o integrity

o faithful and trustworthy

o moral and upright

o trusted by all

B. Full of the Spirit

o Spirit-following lifestyle

o not an elitist position (tongues, shouting, jumping, etc)

o a mature, healthy Christian life

C. Full of wisdom

o someone who had common sense

David’s Story

Perform (agreement & action) 5-6

Acts 6:5-6 (NKJV) 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

When it came time for the church to assemble a team of servants, note what happened.

1. All seven of these names are Greek, which means that the men were probably Hellenistic Jews. (strength in unity)

Would lay foundation for the future spread of the gospel to the Greek world

2. They did not select just any candidates. (Training Union Director)

Picked the godliest men they could find!

3. These highly qualified men did not grumble at the thought of serving food to the elderly!

They served gladly.

For a church to be effective, it needs an army of godly servants who are willing to do whatever is asked of them.

Are you such a person?

Nothing more is known about Prockorus, Nickanor, Tymon, Parmenas, or Nicolas

Willing and available

product (Result) 7

Acts 6:5-6 (NKJV) 7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Are you willing to serve?