WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.679 Well, good morning. It's good to see all of you. This morning, I would encourage you 00:00:06.679 --> 00:00:12.280 ! to open up your Bibles, if you would please, to Acts chapter 6. Acts chapter 6, if you're 00:00:12.279 --> 00:00:21.299 using the Pew Bible, it's on page 914. You can see across the heading or the banner of 00:00:21.299 --> 00:00:28.019 our sermon series, Becoming the Church. And the goal is not to just to teach about what 00:00:28.019 --> 00:00:36.380 the church is from the scripture, Acts chapter 1 through 6 and following, so that we kind 00:00:36.380 --> 00:00:41.840 of fill up our heads with, well, this is what happened in the book of Acts only, but that 00:00:41.840 --> 00:00:49.040 as we look at the scriptures, we begin to discover when God is building his church, what is the 00:00:49.040 --> 00:00:56.280 church meant to be? What is the church meant to look like? How does the church show up? 00:00:56.859 --> 00:01:04.540 And what makes this church healthy? And so as we've been looking through this time together 00:01:04.540 --> 00:01:10.740 in the book of Acts, that's been the goal. The goal is how can we become this kind of church? 00:01:10.739 --> 00:01:20.959 How can we enjoy the benefits of life and health and all of the various elements and features 00:01:20.959 --> 00:01:26.859 that we have seen take place in this church that have been so exhilarating and exciting as 00:01:26.859 --> 00:01:34.179 we've been working our way through? I want to, as we begin, I want to just talk about in 00:01:34.179 --> 00:01:40.640 introduction, again, what is the church briefly? And so as we look at what the church looks like 00:01:40.640 --> 00:01:48.680 and how it's developing, it's adjusting, it's maturing in its development from Acts 1 through 6, 00:01:49.280 --> 00:01:54.620 we can kind of get an understanding of what does the church mean? What are we talking about 00:01:54.620 --> 00:02:01.019 when we talk about the church? Well, we said going back to the beginning of this year and the start 00:02:01.019 --> 00:02:08.000 of this series, we define church this way. The church is a group of baptized believers who meet 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:13.800 regularly to worship God through Jesus Christ under the guidance of duly appointed leaders. 00:02:14.860 --> 00:02:23.419 The church, first and foremost, is a body. It's the body of Christ assembled because of faith 00:02:23.419 --> 00:02:30.500 in the work of Christ, in the gospel that we have preached to us, his death, his resurrection, 00:02:30.500 --> 00:02:37.060 and the forgiveness that we can enjoy from our sins because of the work of Christ. And if you've 00:02:37.060 --> 00:02:44.840 placed your faith in Jesus and asked forgiveness for your sins, you belong to the church. But the 00:02:44.840 --> 00:02:50.599 local church, and I think that's what this definition is really after, the local church is an assembly of 00:02:50.599 --> 00:02:56.580 those believers who've committed themselves together underneath the leadership of the pastors and 00:02:56.580 --> 00:03:03.240 teachers that God has put over the church. We had some defining statements because it's really easy 00:03:03.240 --> 00:03:08.140 to get confused. We talk about the language of the church and we have just three defining statements I'm 00:03:08.140 --> 00:03:16.500 going to address briefly right now. First is this, the church is not the building, it's the body. 00:03:17.240 --> 00:03:22.380 You've heard that before. Those of you who've been part of this series know we've addressed this. 00:03:22.379 --> 00:03:28.819 The church is not the building, it's the body. It's not the structure. It's not the place we gather 00:03:28.819 --> 00:03:36.039 in terms of the four walls that we call the church building, but it's the people. It's the body of 00:03:36.039 --> 00:03:44.699 Christ. Those whom God has called through to faith because of his grace in calling us to himself 00:03:44.699 --> 00:03:52.359 through faith. So if you are a believer of Jesus Christ, you, you're the church. And what 00:03:52.360 --> 00:03:57.880 that means is you're not just the church when we gather on Sunday morning. You are the church 00:03:57.880 --> 00:04:05.840 wherever you are. You're the church 24 hours a day. We are meant to represent Jesus Christ wherever 00:04:05.840 --> 00:04:12.740 he's placed you, in your workplace, in your community, in your homes, wherever you are. You are the church 00:04:12.740 --> 00:04:22.420 and we have the responsibility and the privilege of representing Jesus Christ as his body. Next, 00:04:23.000 --> 00:04:29.759 the defining statement is this, the church is about Jesus and our connection to him as the head. 00:04:30.660 --> 00:04:37.040 He is the head of the body. He is the one who calls the shots. We exist because of life with Jesus, 00:04:37.040 --> 00:04:46.660 our association to Jesus, what he's accomplished for us. And so what he says we are to do. We do this 00:04:46.660 --> 00:04:56.060 in representation of him. Our identity is wrapped up in who Jesus is. We belong together because 00:04:56.060 --> 00:05:02.540 we've been unified in Christ. The third defining statement is the church is about the gathering 00:05:02.540 --> 00:05:08.420 that strengthens the going. We do gather. Matter of fact, we're called to gather regularly. 00:05:09.319 --> 00:05:15.720 The writer to the Hebrews talks about not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together. And so much 00:05:15.720 --> 00:05:22.200 the more as you see the day approaching. We have the joy, the privilege, and responsibility 00:05:22.200 --> 00:05:30.740 of gathering together consistently week after week so that we can be encouraged and strengthened 00:05:30.740 --> 00:05:37.000 and inspired and challenged and comforted. All the things that the church does for itself 00:05:37.000 --> 00:05:45.180 to equip the body for ministry. And as we engage in the life that God has called us to, 00:05:45.480 --> 00:05:52.600 there are certain principles that guide what we do. And we've seen that already several times as we've 00:05:52.600 --> 00:05:57.840 worked our way through. So what is the church meant to do? Well, it has really one objective. 00:05:57.839 --> 00:06:03.219 Christ called attention to that objective in Acts chapter 1 verse 8 when it says this, 00:06:03.639 --> 00:06:09.819 you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem 00:06:09.819 --> 00:06:15.500 and Judea and Samaria and to the other most parts of the earth or to the ends of the earth. That's the 00:06:15.500 --> 00:06:22.819 objective. We are to be witnesses of Jesus Christ, of his message, of his doctrine, of his life, 00:06:22.819 --> 00:06:31.699 what he's accomplished. And how do we do this effectively? Well, Christ gave the marching orders in Matthew 00:06:31.699 --> 00:06:38.959 chapter 28, 19 to 20, when he encouraged the disciples in terms of discipleship. He says this, 00:06:39.259 --> 00:06:45.420 go therefore and make disciples or witnesses. Those are going to testify about me. Baptizing them in the name of the 00:06:45.420 --> 00:06:50.660 Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I've commanded you. And behold, 00:06:50.780 --> 00:06:59.300 I'm with you always to the end of the age. We are called to be witnesses and we're called as disciples 00:06:59.300 --> 00:07:06.720 to make other disciples who will in turn be witnesses. That's the primary objective. That's 00:07:06.720 --> 00:07:12.160 what we've been learning. That's what we've been reminded about the significance of the centrality 00:07:12.160 --> 00:07:19.800 or primary source of ministry that we've been called to. And the rest of the life of the church is then guided 00:07:19.800 --> 00:07:28.780 by that principle and also by the governing principles of the first and second great commandment. You know those. 00:07:29.580 --> 00:07:36.480 The first is love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second is to love your neighbor 00:07:36.480 --> 00:07:45.900 as yourself. And so as we intend to be witnesses, all the ministry then that lies ahead of us unite 00:07:45.900 --> 00:07:52.300 around those two principles. Love the Lord, love your neighbor. And so that's why there's worship 00:07:52.300 --> 00:07:58.080 taking place in the church. That's why there's attention to the Word of God. That's why there's 00:07:58.080 --> 00:08:04.140 fellowshipping happening. That's why there's buying and selling a possession and distributing to those who 00:08:04.139 --> 00:08:11.740 have need. There's care that's taking place. Love for the Lord that happens to, in the assembly 00:08:11.740 --> 00:08:18.839 and company of God's people and the care for the body of Christ that we've seen throughout this study. 00:08:20.579 --> 00:08:28.240 We take one step further today and we see now how the church has now applying this principle. 00:08:28.240 --> 00:08:34.659 How will the church be aware of the needs that are around them and how will the church address those 00:08:34.659 --> 00:08:42.139 needs in love to the Lord and expressing care for their neighbors? Care for those who God has put in 00:08:42.139 --> 00:08:49.820 their company who have need. This ministry team will be employed. This ministry team will be raised up 00:08:49.820 --> 00:08:57.879 and it's meant to address these very specific ministry needs among them. Love for God, love for God's people. 00:08:58.240 --> 00:09:04.519 You know, it's through this context that we're going to see this morning that ministries will grow. 00:09:05.399 --> 00:09:12.460 And as we have at Maranatha, we have a number of ministries that are intended to address very 00:09:12.460 --> 00:09:20.060 specific functions, very specific needs among our body. It is in response to our desire as a church 00:09:20.060 --> 00:09:24.039 to love our neighbor as ourself. There is nowhere in the scripture that says, 00:09:24.039 --> 00:09:31.199 thou shalt have a children's ministry. Thou shalt have a wanna. Thou shalt have a student ministry. 00:09:31.319 --> 00:09:37.360 Thou shalt have soccer camp. There's nowhere you're going to find that in scripture. That is an expression 00:09:37.360 --> 00:09:46.759 of our desire as a church to address very tangible needs among our body and we do that as a fellowship. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:55.179 And God is gonna raise up leaders as we're gonna see in our passage today to address a very specific need. 00:09:56.120 --> 00:10:05.299 Now, I don't know about you, but I am blessed. I am so encouraged by the passage today to know that 00:10:05.299 --> 00:10:12.879 being in the church is not about a spectator sport. Being a church is about participation. 00:10:12.879 --> 00:10:21.240 Being a church is not just about having certain key leaders in place and participating with them 00:10:21.240 --> 00:10:28.679 and listening to their ministry and taking part of that by just observation. No, this is not a 00:10:28.679 --> 00:10:36.080 spectator sport. This is meant for us to engage. That God has given us all the joy of participating 00:10:36.080 --> 00:10:42.300 in the ministry that he's called us to. That this healthy church that we're going to look at, 00:10:42.920 --> 00:10:49.600 we have looked at over the past several weeks, exists because there are faithful people who have 00:10:49.600 --> 00:10:57.000 invested. There are faithful people who have participated. There are faithful people who are 00:10:57.000 --> 00:11:05.640 contributing to the strength and health of this body. And that just excites me to know that if we're 00:11:05.639 --> 00:11:12.240 going to be the kind of healthy, faithful church that God has called us to be, it means that every 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:17.319 single one of us need to be engaged in this kind of ministry in some way or the other. That God has 00:11:17.319 --> 00:11:24.259 called every single one of us to participate in the life of the person sitting right next to you, 00:11:25.259 --> 00:11:33.299 sitting across from you. We've all benefited, I think, we've all benefited from faithful servants 00:11:33.299 --> 00:11:40.339 of the Lord Jesus. My guess is that every single one of us can call attention to that one or two or 00:11:40.339 --> 00:11:47.699 maybe a dozen people who've had a significant impact in your life because of their faithful contribution 00:11:47.699 --> 00:11:54.859 of ministry in a key area. They've addressed an issue. They have contributed to that issue in terms of 00:11:54.859 --> 00:12:01.839 helping to provide care and encouragement with whatever that issue is. And God has used them 00:12:01.840 --> 00:12:10.340 instrumentally to help you grow in your spiritual life. Now, I don't want to mention all of the 00:12:10.340 --> 00:12:16.980 teachers and leaders that we have here at Maranatha because I'm sure to miss them. So what I'm going 00:12:16.980 --> 00:12:23.560 to do is I'm going to draw from some of the people in my past growing up as a child, some people, 00:12:23.720 --> 00:12:30.080 instrumental people in my past that have had a key, made a key impact in my life. 00:12:30.080 --> 00:12:37.000 I think about Miss Fisher. Miss Fisher was a professor at Cedarville University. Okay, so 00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:43.639 distinguished professor, Cedarville University. And guess where Miss Fisher engaged my life? 00:12:44.560 --> 00:12:51.160 She engaged my life as a primary Sunday school teacher, a third to sixth grade Sunday school 00:12:51.160 --> 00:12:59.000 teacher. And she was used instrumentally in my life for at least, she was there for at least 25 years. 00:12:59.000 --> 00:13:06.019 I wasn't in third and sixth grade for 25 years. I was a slow student, I have to admit, but I wasn't that slow. 00:13:08.419 --> 00:13:15.399 Every single week, you could count on Miss Fisher. Every single week, she was carrying the load. 00:13:16.159 --> 00:13:23.279 She was doing it faithfully, consistently. She was doing it with all her might. And I think about Miss Fisher, 00:13:23.279 --> 00:13:32.079 who's not here in this world anymore. She's enjoying life with Jesus. But for 25 years, she served faithfully 00:13:32.079 --> 00:13:40.139 and consistently a group of young people at Grace Baptist Church in Cedarville. I think about Mr. Ware, 00:13:40.799 --> 00:13:48.679 who was responsible for the building and grounds at Cedarville University. So teaching little fifth and 00:13:48.679 --> 00:13:54.419 sixth grade boys was not in his wheelhouse. And when he was asked to do it, I was there in the very first 00:13:54.419 --> 00:13:59.179 year he became a teacher of the fifth and sixth grade boys. It was not in his wheelhouse. He was scared 00:13:59.179 --> 00:14:07.379 to death. But I'll tell you what, those two years, I told him just this past year, I saw him at a 00:14:07.379 --> 00:14:12.459 conference just a few months ago, and I said, Mr. Ware, I gotta tell you, God used you in my life. 00:14:12.460 --> 00:14:19.500 Thank you for your ministry to me as a fifth and sixth grade boy. I think about Don Callen. Don Callen 00:14:19.500 --> 00:14:28.400 was a basketball coach at Cedarville University. He's coaching basketball, and at least for Sunday 00:14:28.400 --> 00:14:37.740 school, for those who were in ninth grade to twelfth grade, Don Callen was teaching the students of the 00:14:37.740 --> 00:14:44.440 ninth to twelfth grade in Sunday school every single week. And during the summer times, he would 00:14:44.440 --> 00:14:52.440 take mission trips to the Philippines. He would come back, and he taught us as a Sunday school class 00:14:52.440 --> 00:15:00.519 a song in Filipino. It was rolled away, rolled away, rolled away. And I still remember the words. 00:15:01.840 --> 00:15:07.379 It was, and he told me never to sing it, because if there's anybody that actually knows 00:15:07.379 --> 00:15:11.279 Filipino, then they're going to be, like, disturbed. But it's, 00:15:12.080 --> 00:15:22.080 Yukinu, Yukinu, Yukinu, Kokolona, Omaniwa, Yukinu. Sumewa, Salenu, Shishiwo, Omotini, Alleluia, Yukinu. 00:15:22.620 --> 00:15:29.080 I still remember it. I'm not even going to tell you how many years ago that was when I learned that song. 00:15:29.080 --> 00:15:36.360 But I'm telling you, the ministry that we have to one another is instrumental. 00:15:37.420 --> 00:15:44.540 The ministry that God has called us to, as God's people, can change and transform lives. 00:15:44.620 --> 00:15:52.620 I trust, I trust that all of us will take not only the privilege, but the responsibility 00:15:52.620 --> 00:16:01.179 of investment, that kind of investment in areas that aren't always easy, that aren't always 00:16:01.179 --> 00:16:07.139 glamorous, and that don't always get the accolades that we would hope that they would get. 00:16:07.560 --> 00:16:14.179 But in the economy of heaven, God knows, and the little hearts and minds that God is using 00:16:14.179 --> 00:16:20.200 to change, using you to change, they will never forget you. They will never forget the impact 00:16:20.200 --> 00:16:27.980 that God has used in their life to get them where they are. So that's a, yes, that is a plug for 00:16:27.980 --> 00:16:35.400 children's ministry. And I would commend it to you that God has given us the joy of serving in that way. 00:16:36.040 --> 00:16:44.180 But here we see in Acts chapter 6, this implementation of a service team. Again, it's one more step in the 00:16:44.180 --> 00:16:49.980 flow of this growing church, this church that is developing and growing. And we're going to see 00:16:49.980 --> 00:16:57.480 ways in which that team is employed. If you're with me in Acts chapter 6, verses 1 to 6, let me read 00:16:57.480 --> 00:17:04.420 this for us, and we'll begin. It says, now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:10.059 a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected 00:17:10.059 --> 00:17:15.660 in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, 00:17:15.660 --> 00:17:22.800 it is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, 00:17:22.940 --> 00:17:29.720 pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint 00:17:29.720 --> 00:17:36.420 to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer in the ministry of the word. And what they said 00:17:36.420 --> 00:17:41.640 pleased the whole congregation or the whole gathering. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the 00:17:41.640 --> 00:17:48.800 Holy Spirit and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas and Nicholas, a proselyte of 00:17:48.800 --> 00:17:54.840 Antioch. These they set before the apostles and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 00:17:56.040 --> 00:18:01.180 We see, first of all, there is a season of extraordinary growth. We've seen that over the 00:18:01.180 --> 00:18:05.160 past several weeks, over the past several months as we've been looking at the book of Acts. 00:18:05.160 --> 00:18:14.019 There is a reason for employing and enlisting new people to help. This church is absolutely 00:18:14.019 --> 00:18:23.019 exploding, exploding in a very good way. We've seen this in chapter 2. There are 3,000 people that 00:18:23.019 --> 00:18:29.480 come to faith. We saw this in chapter 4. 5,000 people come to faith. But we saw this in Acts chapter 5, 00:18:29.480 --> 00:18:35.000 verse 14. More than ever, believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. 00:18:35.160 --> 00:18:42.420 This church is growing. And because this church is growing now, it's also growing in needs. 00:18:43.680 --> 00:18:50.440 So why does Luke call attention to this feature over and over and over again? And there could be a 00:18:50.440 --> 00:18:56.700 number of reasons, but there are a few that came to my mind. I think Luke wants to emphasize, 00:18:57.700 --> 00:19:05.100 call attention to the work of God among his people. He wants us to recognize God 00:19:05.099 --> 00:19:13.119 God is working. God is accomplishing his purposes. God's word will not fail. You can trust him. 00:19:14.019 --> 00:19:18.659 God said that he was going to build his church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. And 00:19:18.659 --> 00:19:27.159 here we see this example of that very thing taking place. God's word is advancing. I also think it's to 00:19:27.159 --> 00:19:33.419 underscore the power of the gospel. It wasn't a random word that was being spoken. It was the message 00:19:33.420 --> 00:19:42.660 of Jesus Christ. It was the gospel at play. I think also to supply to us a confidence that it's the 00:19:42.660 --> 00:19:48.740 word of God that changes hearts. If I were to ask for a show of hands this morning, say, do you want 00:19:48.740 --> 00:19:53.600 to be in a healthy church? I'm not asking you to actually raise your hand. My guess is every single 00:19:53.600 --> 00:19:59.160 one of us would say, yes, we want to be a part of a healthy church. We want to be a part of a church 00:19:59.160 --> 00:20:04.400 that is growing. We want to be a part of a church that's unified, that's fellowshipping, that's 00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:10.040 worshiping, that's encouraging one another, that gets to see great things happening, the great work 00:20:10.040 --> 00:20:17.860 of God among his people. We want to be part of that kind of church. Well, the confidence that we get 00:20:17.860 --> 00:20:25.140 from the scriptures is that God wants to use those kinds of people, but they need to step in. 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:29.400 They need to be part of the ministry that God has called them to be part of, and God has called 00:20:29.400 --> 00:20:39.040 all of us to be part of it in some way. And I think it's also important to see that it's happening 00:20:39.040 --> 00:20:52.220 in a season. Notice the introductory words, in those days. In those days. You see, it's important 00:20:52.220 --> 00:21:00.819 to observe lest we become discouraged. Because you probably heard healthy churches grow, and I think 00:21:00.819 --> 00:21:08.440 generally that is true. But there are churches across the nation and across the world, as it were, 00:21:08.600 --> 00:21:14.000 that are experiencing great persecution. And because of that, the growth that they're experiencing is 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:21.980 limited. It's been stymied because of oppression and adversity and hardship. Now, the gospel, 00:21:21.980 --> 00:21:27.220 the gospel will continue to have its way in hearts, but it won't always look this way. 00:21:28.319 --> 00:21:33.099 This was a season. It's not always going to be this way. Matter of fact, in the next couple 00:21:33.099 --> 00:21:38.860 of chapters, we're going to see, as we turn the page to Acts chapter 7, and then to Acts chapter 8, 00:21:39.180 --> 00:21:47.500 the multitudes that are gathering, the strength that is happening there in Jerusalem is going to come 00:21:47.500 --> 00:21:55.079 to a conclusion. Persecution is going to happen. Hardship is going to hit. And now the gospel is 00:21:55.079 --> 00:22:00.200 going to move out. And the church in Jerusalem is going to be rather stagnant in its growth. It's not 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:06.819 going to experience the same kind of multiplying effect that it's experienced at this point. 00:22:06.819 --> 00:22:13.200 The Jerusalem church will be strong. But for the next several decades, it's not going to see the 00:22:13.200 --> 00:22:19.259 same progress that it saw in its early days. And so, lest we become discouraged, we need to understand 00:22:19.259 --> 00:22:26.099 that God's work will be accomplished, but it's not always going to be in the way we think it is. 00:22:26.639 --> 00:22:35.759 It comes in seasons. See, there is church growth today, but that church growth is often happening in 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:43.379 the midst of great persecution. Open Doors International reports that 388 million Christians 00:22:43.379 --> 00:22:48.480 are experiencing high levels of persecution and discrimination because of their faith. 00:22:49.400 --> 00:22:56.519 That is one Christian out of every seven. One out of every seven Christians in the world is experiencing 00:22:56.519 --> 00:23:04.759 this kind of persecution. That's one in five in Africa. That's two out of every five in Asia. 00:23:04.759 --> 00:23:12.379 And the rate of persecution is growing across the world. Just in one year, it's increased by eight million 00:23:12.379 --> 00:23:23.839 people. There are 13 Christians killed every single day for the name of Christ. 13 Christians every single 00:23:23.839 --> 00:23:31.059 day. That's one every two hours. There's approximately nine Christians that are abducted every single day for 00:23:31.059 --> 00:23:36.460 their faith. There are 10 churches or Christian properties that are attacked every single day. 00:23:37.119 --> 00:23:48.339 There are 614 Christians forced to flee their homes every single day. Persecution has come to the world. 00:23:48.899 --> 00:23:57.419 It will eventually come to America. And are we going to be ready to do what God has called us to do, 00:23:57.420 --> 00:24:05.140 to see that God's, to stabilize our hearts, to know that God's word will have its proper effect, 00:24:05.600 --> 00:24:13.019 whether we see it visibly or just know that he's accomplishing his purposes somewhere in the world. 00:24:14.220 --> 00:24:18.980 The disciples were increasing in number. And while there was a benefit to this, there was also 00:24:18.980 --> 00:24:24.600 challenges that we're going to turn to in just a moment here. You see, it was a season of extraordinary 00:24:24.599 --> 00:24:32.099 growth, but it's also, there was a situation that required immediate attention. We see that in 00:24:32.099 --> 00:24:37.659 verses one, verse one. It says this, now in those days when the disciples were increasing in number, 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:43.459 a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in 00:24:43.459 --> 00:24:52.119 the daily distribution. That's the situation. The people are complaining. This group who is there, 00:24:52.119 --> 00:24:58.579 these Hellenistic Jews, are feeling like they have been neglected in the distribution that's happening. 00:24:58.879 --> 00:25:03.099 They're not being cared for. Their widows are not being cared for. And now the enemy, our adversary, 00:25:03.279 --> 00:25:13.359 the devil, is choosing a third way to oppose God's people. Initially, we saw he tried to break apart the 00:25:13.359 --> 00:25:18.599 church through opposition of its leaders. We saw that in chapter four and chapter five. 00:25:18.599 --> 00:25:27.019 Then he tried to have sin embed itself in the people so it would begin to break apart the church. 00:25:28.219 --> 00:25:36.319 And now he's trying to divide the body itself. These Hellenistic Jews were Greek-speaking Jews that 00:25:36.319 --> 00:25:44.519 understood the culture, the Greek culture, the Greek language. If you've studied at all the history of 00:25:44.519 --> 00:25:50.019 Israel, you know that there were a northern ten tribes and a southern two tribes. And that because 00:25:50.019 --> 00:25:55.079 of their rebellion against the Lord, there were different captivities that took place. The Assyrian 00:25:55.079 --> 00:26:00.819 captivity and then the Babylonian captivity. And people were dispersed. God's people were dispersed 00:26:00.819 --> 00:26:07.519 around the known world. And then we come to Acts chapter two and we see that God is beginning to assemble 00:26:07.519 --> 00:26:14.420 those people again. They've come for these feasts during the Jewish calendar, particularly the Jewish 00:26:14.420 --> 00:26:22.240 Passover. And we saw in Acts chapter two, verse five, that there were men dwelling in Jerusalem, 00:26:23.079 --> 00:26:32.200 Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. Then verse nine says, Parthians and Medes and Elamites 00:26:32.200 --> 00:26:39.880 in residence of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus in Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt in parts of 00:26:39.880 --> 00:26:47.019 Libya, belonging to Cyrene and visitors from Rome. Both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians. 00:26:47.779 --> 00:26:54.960 We hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God. God was doing a work. He was beginning 00:26:54.960 --> 00:27:01.500 to assemble these Jews that had been dispersed among the nations. And now they're finding their way back to 00:27:01.500 --> 00:27:08.339 Israel. Now they're discovering the gospel from the preaching of Peter and they're giving their life 00:27:08.339 --> 00:27:19.460 to Christ. And so you have these Greek speaking Jews who are now surrounded by native Jews from Israel 00:27:19.460 --> 00:27:27.180 who know Aramaic, who are familiar with the customs of their own people. And you can imagine some of the 00:27:27.180 --> 00:27:34.580 the conflict that may begin to happen among those two groups. The cultural distinctions then begin to 00:27:34.580 --> 00:27:42.440 accentuate the economic distinctions. In Jewish society, widows were particularly needy. And especially 00:27:42.440 --> 00:27:50.759 these widows who have traveled maybe with their husbands initially from these other regions. And their 00:27:50.759 --> 00:27:57.680 place of security, their families, their homes, their properties were all far away. And now they're 00:27:57.680 --> 00:28:02.759 coming to Jerusalem. They don't have those properties. They don't have that income. And especially if now 00:28:02.759 --> 00:28:09.879 once their husbands have died, they're in need. And the church has a responsibility and the privilege of 00:28:09.880 --> 00:28:20.880 addressing those needs. So there was a season of growth and there was this situation requiring their 00:28:20.880 --> 00:28:27.280 assistance. But now we find this solution in verse 2 that's put in place. The solution of identifying 00:28:27.279 --> 00:28:33.460 service teams. Acts chapter 2 verse 2 says this, 00:28:34.279 --> 00:28:38.139 And the twelve summoned the full number of disciples and said, 00:28:38.599 --> 00:28:43.000 It is not right that we should give up the preaching of the word of God to serve tables. 00:28:44.200 --> 00:28:50.220 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the spirit and of wisdom, 00:28:50.579 --> 00:28:56.279 whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. 00:28:57.279 --> 00:29:05.079 We see here two primary roles that are being formed. This church is beginning to develop. It's beginning 00:29:05.079 --> 00:29:10.899 to mature. It's beginning to adapt. And these apostles who have been put in place to kind of lay the 00:29:10.899 --> 00:29:18.960 foundation for this church are now adapting to the difficulties that they're experiencing and have a 00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:24.799 solution here. How do we, as God's people, love our neighbor? Well, we need to address this need. 00:29:24.799 --> 00:29:32.779 And I love how they do this in verse 2. Notice, they summoned the full number of disciples. 00:29:33.779 --> 00:29:40.720 I think that's extraordinary. Because the apostles could have made this unilateral decision 00:29:40.720 --> 00:29:47.899 about this, but instead, what do they do? They invite all the disciples, all the believers, to be part of 00:29:47.900 --> 00:29:56.920 this solution. They want them to recognize that God needs to work through his people to address the 00:29:56.920 --> 00:30:05.300 issues or the concerns that are in place. And so, these two primary roles are distinguished for us by 00:30:05.300 --> 00:30:13.800 this word, deacon. And you can't see it in the text, but the word to serve there in verse 2. 00:30:13.799 --> 00:30:19.819 At the very end of verse 2, it says, we should not give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 00:30:19.899 --> 00:30:28.079 That word, to serve, is the word diakoneo. It's the verb of service. It's the verb deacon, to deacon. 00:30:29.379 --> 00:30:36.500 And then at the end of verse 4, the apostles say, we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry 00:30:36.500 --> 00:30:48.420 of the word. That word ministry is the noun word diakoneo. Again, both. Service. Both. Deaconing. 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:56.740 They're deaconing. And so, these two primary roles are dependent upon service. The apostles understand 00:30:56.740 --> 00:31:03.160 the primary service that God has called them to, the teaching of the word into prayer. But it's not to 00:31:03.160 --> 00:31:07.940 diminish the significance of the other service that's taking place. The service that needs to 00:31:07.940 --> 00:31:14.620 happen by these service teams. These deacons who are in place, who are called to serve tables. 00:31:15.900 --> 00:31:21.140 Up to the people, up to this point, the people have been cared for through the administration of the 00:31:21.140 --> 00:31:27.400 apostles. We saw that in Acts chapter 4, verses 34 to 35. There was not a needy person among them, 00:31:27.540 --> 00:31:32.980 for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought them to the proceeds of what was 00:31:32.980 --> 00:31:38.160 sold and laid it at the apostles' feet and it was distributed to each as they had need. 00:31:39.120 --> 00:31:45.339 The apostles had kind of orchestrated or administrated this service ministry up to this 00:31:45.339 --> 00:31:51.420 point. But they recognize that there is something that requires some specialization. 00:31:52.360 --> 00:31:57.779 They need some Greek speakers who are able to address the culture that they're unfamiliar with, 00:31:57.900 --> 00:31:59.539 the language that they're unfamiliar with. 00:31:59.539 --> 00:32:07.879 You see, the Jews had a kind of a weekly financial aid program that was kind of built into the system. 00:32:08.920 --> 00:32:15.680 Every Friday, they would give something called a kupa, which consisted of money for 14 days. And they 00:32:15.680 --> 00:32:22.559 would distribute that to the people every Friday, those who had need. There was also something called 00:32:22.559 --> 00:32:29.099 the tamoi. It was for non-residents and transients and consisted of food and drink, which were delivered from 00:32:29.099 --> 00:32:37.639 house to house. And there seems to be this combination of both taking place here. The apostles are 00:32:37.639 --> 00:32:45.419 administering this financial aid to the people because they recognize they're aware of the problems. 00:32:46.359 --> 00:32:52.139 And you've got to appreciate the heart of the apostles. I mean, imagine being in a church of 00:32:52.140 --> 00:32:58.560 literally tens of thousands of individuals. And you have a small group over here who's complaining 00:32:58.560 --> 00:33:03.140 that they're being forgotten, that the rest of the church is being cared for. 00:33:03.960 --> 00:33:11.060 What would be the temptation of a leader who is over a church of 20,000, and you have a little 00:33:11.060 --> 00:33:17.180 group over here complaining? What would be the temptation? 00:33:17.180 --> 00:33:24.539 We guys just knock it off. Can't you see we've got a lot of work to do? I mean, give us a break. 00:33:25.060 --> 00:33:28.920 Things are working well. Figure it out yourself. That would be very easy to do. 00:33:29.820 --> 00:33:37.600 But you've got to love the response of the apostles here. They have a heart that's listening. 00:33:38.100 --> 00:33:40.720 They have a heart that cares. They have a heart that's humble. 00:33:40.720 --> 00:33:49.360 And every healthy church must recognize gifted people. And that's what we find as this next step 00:33:49.360 --> 00:33:55.380 in the development and maturity of this church, recognizing a need and employing gifted people. 00:33:57.079 --> 00:34:01.740 Notice it was initiated and led by the apostles in response to this complaint. 00:34:02.740 --> 00:34:06.120 And there was this awareness of this growing need. 00:34:06.119 --> 00:34:13.699 Luke emphasizes the importance of each role. He provides this linking term of deaconing and service 00:34:13.699 --> 00:34:16.480 that helps to correspond to both functions. 00:34:17.639 --> 00:34:21.279 So there are roles to play, but there's also qualifications for the man. 00:34:21.980 --> 00:34:23.920 And we see those qualifications in verse 3. 00:34:24.599 --> 00:34:29.199 Because not every individual is fit to lead. 00:34:29.359 --> 00:34:34.699 And we want to make sure you're employing gifted servants to lead in gifted ways. 00:34:34.699 --> 00:34:36.019 Verse 3 says, 00:34:36.219 --> 00:34:39.579 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, 00:34:40.319 --> 00:34:44.339 full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 00:34:45.239 --> 00:34:47.419 There's at least four qualifications here. 00:34:47.519 --> 00:34:49.299 One is they're from among you. 00:34:50.079 --> 00:34:51.219 They're people you've seen. 00:34:51.759 --> 00:34:52.939 They're people who've been serving. 00:34:53.480 --> 00:34:55.419 They've been consistent. You know them. 00:34:56.000 --> 00:34:57.319 They're familiar to you. 00:34:57.679 --> 00:35:04.399 People who are serving among you because your needs are being derived from the body. 00:35:04.400 --> 00:35:07.920 And so we want to make sure that it's the body that's addressing the issues. 00:35:09.099 --> 00:35:10.680 Notice they have good reputation. 00:35:11.780 --> 00:35:12.539 They're men of character. 00:35:13.460 --> 00:35:15.700 They've been consistent in public and in private. 00:35:16.599 --> 00:35:21.760 They're men who are exemplary in living out the Word of God in their life. 00:35:21.940 --> 00:35:24.860 This pure living, this mark of the Spirit. 00:35:25.940 --> 00:35:27.059 They're full of the Spirit. 00:35:27.059 --> 00:35:32.320 You can see this fruit of the Spirit that's marking them as individuals. 00:35:33.599 --> 00:35:36.179 This power of God that's so evident. 00:35:36.880 --> 00:35:37.539 And there's wisdom. 00:35:38.420 --> 00:35:39.679 Wisdom in making decisions. 00:35:39.900 --> 00:35:40.799 Wisdom in discernment. 00:35:40.980 --> 00:35:43.179 Wisdom in carefully applying the Scriptures. 00:35:43.960 --> 00:35:45.360 Wisdom in caring for one another. 00:35:45.360 --> 00:35:52.660 And we see that this is a church that's recognizing the function of qualified leaders. 00:35:54.280 --> 00:35:57.280 I want you to understand that while there are qualified leaders, 00:35:57.640 --> 00:36:02.320 I don't want to diminish the fact that we are all called to serve in some way or the other. 00:36:02.320 --> 00:36:08.120 Matter of fact, the same word, deaconing, applies to every believer in this fellowship. 00:36:08.980 --> 00:36:11.200 1 Peter 4, verses 10-11 says this, 00:36:11.199 --> 00:36:15.239 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another. 00:36:15.319 --> 00:36:16.759 That's the word diakoneo. 00:36:17.559 --> 00:36:20.879 Serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. 00:36:21.119 --> 00:36:23.399 Whoever speaks is one who speaks oracles of God. 00:36:23.679 --> 00:36:28.139 Whoever serves, diakoneo, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies. 00:36:29.039 --> 00:36:32.199 In order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 00:36:32.719 --> 00:36:36.480 To Him belong the glory and dominion forever and ever. 00:36:37.000 --> 00:36:37.239 Amen. 00:36:37.239 --> 00:36:43.959 God is not indifferent to the kinds of men and women that serve the body. 00:36:44.500 --> 00:36:48.539 But He does call us all into service in one way or the other. 00:36:49.619 --> 00:36:51.819 We also see there's specific responsibility. 00:36:52.579 --> 00:36:54.159 There's specific responsibility. 00:36:55.199 --> 00:36:56.819 They were to care for the Hellenists. 00:36:57.799 --> 00:37:01.339 There must have been an administrative piece. 00:37:02.379 --> 00:37:04.199 There must have been a leadership piece. 00:37:04.759 --> 00:37:06.699 There must have been a service piece. 00:37:07.359 --> 00:37:09.659 Certainly there was a caring piece. 00:37:10.299 --> 00:37:16.960 And all of these pieces of their service to the body needed to happen. 00:37:18.799 --> 00:37:21.579 But there's three observations I want to make just briefly here. 00:37:22.519 --> 00:37:25.259 First, their responsibility was delegated. 00:37:26.139 --> 00:37:28.359 It was a delegated responsibility. 00:37:29.639 --> 00:37:32.079 It was not self-derived. 00:37:33.079 --> 00:37:35.460 It was not self-determined. 00:37:35.460 --> 00:37:39.300 It was the apostles who set the responsibility. 00:37:40.179 --> 00:37:44.260 It was the apostles who dictated how many men were required. 00:37:44.679 --> 00:37:47.460 It was the apostles who laid out the qualifications. 00:37:48.519 --> 00:37:49.960 It wasn't a group of guys that said, 00:37:50.039 --> 00:37:50.400 Hey, you know what? 00:37:50.599 --> 00:37:51.980 I think there's a problem here. 00:37:52.220 --> 00:37:53.579 How about you, you, you, and you? 00:37:53.740 --> 00:37:55.320 How about we go and take care of business? 00:37:56.619 --> 00:37:59.420 No, it wasn't self-initiated or self-derived. 00:37:59.800 --> 00:38:01.500 It was a delegated responsibility. 00:38:01.500 --> 00:38:02.940 That's important to understand. 00:38:03.820 --> 00:38:06.280 Second, it was a specific responsibility. 00:38:07.360 --> 00:38:12.059 They are given specific set of parameters for the service that they're to oversee. 00:38:13.260 --> 00:38:16.880 Their responsibility was to the Hellenist widows. 00:38:17.539 --> 00:38:19.800 A certain demographic of individuals. 00:38:19.800 --> 00:38:24.120 They were not responsible for the non-Hellenistic Jews. 00:38:25.000 --> 00:38:27.960 They were entrusted with the responsibility of their task. 00:38:28.100 --> 00:38:29.960 But it was delegated by the apostles. 00:38:30.100 --> 00:38:33.360 They were responsible to report back to the apostles. 00:38:34.420 --> 00:38:35.740 Third, it was temporary. 00:38:36.700 --> 00:38:41.460 Temporary in that as long as the Hellenist widows needed help, 00:38:42.220 --> 00:38:44.640 their responsibility was to help. 00:38:45.279 --> 00:38:46.099 They were on call. 00:38:46.699 --> 00:38:49.440 Specific ministry to care for those Hellenistic widows 00:38:49.440 --> 00:38:52.339 as long as those Hellenistic widows needed help. 00:38:52.980 --> 00:38:55.299 And as we turn the page to Acts chapter 8, 00:38:55.699 --> 00:38:57.460 we find that Stephen is martyred. 00:38:57.579 --> 00:38:59.359 We find that Philip is moved out of Jerusalem. 00:38:59.719 --> 00:39:03.039 We find that the need for the Hellenistic widows doesn't exist anymore 00:39:03.039 --> 00:39:06.799 because the church has pretty much scattered out of Jerusalem. 00:39:07.460 --> 00:39:11.159 It was a temporary designation, a temporary role. 00:39:11.159 --> 00:39:17.960 As we continue to move our way through understanding what deacons is, 00:39:18.179 --> 00:39:20.399 we turn to verses 5 and 6, 00:39:20.440 --> 00:39:23.339 and we see the selection of these servant leaders. 00:39:24.139 --> 00:39:25.639 The selection of these leaders. 00:39:25.739 --> 00:39:27.500 We find that in verses 5 and 6. 00:39:28.440 --> 00:39:28.779 It says, 00:39:28.780 --> 00:39:51.680 I love this word. 00:39:51.679 --> 00:39:53.219 It pleased the people. 00:39:54.480 --> 00:39:56.699 Their complaint had been heard. 00:39:57.460 --> 00:40:00.359 Their issue had been validated. 00:40:01.259 --> 00:40:03.419 And individuals were supplied. 00:40:04.259 --> 00:40:05.679 A plan was put in place. 00:40:06.359 --> 00:40:08.659 And the people support the solution. 00:40:09.519 --> 00:40:10.179 In verse 2, 00:40:10.440 --> 00:40:12.500 it's the full number who's assembled. 00:40:12.960 --> 00:40:14.239 And notice verse 5, 00:40:14.519 --> 00:40:16.679 the full number were pleased. 00:40:16.679 --> 00:40:19.719 The people select the deacons. 00:40:19.839 --> 00:40:20.819 Seven men were selected. 00:40:21.819 --> 00:40:24.500 They're selected based upon their qualifications. 00:40:25.179 --> 00:40:29.639 And certainly they're recognized by the assembly 00:40:29.639 --> 00:40:32.099 as possessing these characteristics. 00:40:33.839 --> 00:40:36.359 The Old Testament laying on of hands 00:40:36.359 --> 00:40:39.539 deals with a transfer of some personal characteristics 00:40:39.539 --> 00:40:40.399 or responsibilities. 00:40:40.739 --> 00:40:42.379 And so by laying their hands, 00:40:42.379 --> 00:40:46.440 the apostles laying their hands on these servant leaders. 00:40:47.339 --> 00:40:50.039 They are delegating authority to them 00:40:50.039 --> 00:40:52.480 to serve in this specific way. 00:40:53.119 --> 00:40:54.480 And finally we find in verse 7, 00:40:54.859 --> 00:40:56.059 we find the success. 00:40:56.599 --> 00:40:58.500 The success of their service. 00:41:00.119 --> 00:41:02.980 What Satan intended to blow up this church. 00:41:04.179 --> 00:41:08.059 What he knew was going to create division 00:41:08.059 --> 00:41:10.440 if it wasn't addressed faithfully. 00:41:10.739 --> 00:41:14.799 What was going to keep the ministry from moving forward 00:41:14.800 --> 00:41:19.860 so all these multitudes would no longer flourish. 00:41:21.160 --> 00:41:25.900 This plan and the apostles dealing with this specific issue 00:41:25.900 --> 00:41:27.300 now leads to success. 00:41:27.400 --> 00:41:28.380 Notice this, verse 7. 00:41:29.380 --> 00:41:32.740 And the word of God continued to increase. 00:41:33.560 --> 00:41:38.180 And the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem. 00:41:38.179 --> 00:41:48.079 The number of superlatives in just this verse is astounding. 00:41:49.000 --> 00:41:51.059 The increase, the multiplication, 00:41:51.639 --> 00:41:53.179 the great many of priests, 00:41:53.739 --> 00:41:56.059 and the multiplied greatly in Jerusalem. 00:41:56.219 --> 00:41:59.179 All of these superlatives that are used to help us understand 00:41:59.179 --> 00:42:02.339 that when God's people are sensitive 00:42:02.339 --> 00:42:05.159 to the Spirit's work 00:42:05.159 --> 00:42:07.779 and sensitive to God's people who are in need, 00:42:08.579 --> 00:42:09.679 that God will multiply, 00:42:10.000 --> 00:42:12.099 continue to multiply His church 00:42:12.099 --> 00:42:15.399 and multiply the ministry that God has given to them. 00:42:15.400 --> 00:42:20.519 God's Spirit is moving now in the hearts of people, 00:42:21.200 --> 00:42:22.800 the people in Jerusalem. 00:42:23.059 --> 00:42:25.119 But I think most significantly, 00:42:25.320 --> 00:42:28.480 it's surprising that there are priests now 00:42:28.480 --> 00:42:30.619 who are coming to faith in God 00:42:30.619 --> 00:42:33.840 who had been resistant all the way up to this point. 00:42:34.139 --> 00:42:36.200 Now the door has been opened 00:42:36.200 --> 00:42:37.840 and ministry is happening 00:42:37.840 --> 00:42:40.599 and the church continues to multiply 00:42:40.599 --> 00:42:44.700 through faithful leaders who are serving. 00:42:45.400 --> 00:42:47.360 Apostles who are serving through the Word, 00:42:48.220 --> 00:42:49.800 deacons who are serving, 00:42:50.980 --> 00:42:52.720 just serving the body, 00:42:53.300 --> 00:42:54.579 the hands and feet of Jesus 00:42:54.579 --> 00:42:58.400 and addressing the material needs 00:42:58.400 --> 00:43:00.880 that are resident within the congregation. 00:43:02.119 --> 00:43:03.200 God has called us, 00:43:04.440 --> 00:43:08.019 God has called every single one of us to service. 00:43:08.900 --> 00:43:09.720 Throughout the Scriptures, 00:43:09.980 --> 00:43:13.579 the New Testament addresses us as servants 00:43:13.579 --> 00:43:15.099 or diakonia, 00:43:15.400 --> 00:43:17.079 servants of Christ, 00:43:17.460 --> 00:43:18.440 servants of God. 00:43:19.340 --> 00:43:20.599 We have the joy, 00:43:20.820 --> 00:43:21.440 the responsibility 00:43:21.440 --> 00:43:23.220 to do, 00:43:23.500 --> 00:43:26.079 to carry out that work of ministry 00:43:26.079 --> 00:43:30.160 and to enjoy the benefits of God's work 00:43:30.160 --> 00:43:31.320 in our lives 00:43:31.320 --> 00:43:33.400 and the benefits of God's work 00:43:33.400 --> 00:43:35.240 in the lives of those we serve. 00:43:35.239 --> 00:43:37.739 may God help us 00:43:37.739 --> 00:43:40.179 as we seek to understand 00:43:40.179 --> 00:43:43.459 and implement the significance of service. 00:43:43.559 --> 00:43:45.339 I wonder today, 00:43:46.000 --> 00:43:47.279 is there somebody 00:43:47.279 --> 00:43:49.799 that you can serve today 00:43:49.799 --> 00:43:51.399 that would benefit 00:43:51.399 --> 00:43:54.319 from this ministry touch 00:43:54.319 --> 00:43:55.479 of the Lord Jesus 00:43:55.479 --> 00:43:57.159 from you today? 00:43:57.519 --> 00:43:59.819 Who is that in the name of that person 00:43:59.819 --> 00:44:02.639 that God is placing on your heart and mind 00:44:02.639 --> 00:44:03.219 even now? 00:44:03.619 --> 00:44:04.379 Like, you know what? 00:44:04.420 --> 00:44:05.379 I think that person 00:44:05.379 --> 00:44:07.539 needs a word of encouragement. 00:44:07.639 --> 00:44:08.559 I think that person, 00:44:08.619 --> 00:44:09.500 I'm aware of a need. 00:44:09.679 --> 00:44:11.519 I wonder if I can address that need. 00:44:11.719 --> 00:44:11.900 You know, 00:44:12.019 --> 00:44:13.579 that person right now 00:44:13.579 --> 00:44:15.159 needs some prayer. 00:44:15.539 --> 00:44:17.539 I'm going to go this week 00:44:17.539 --> 00:44:19.139 and intentionally find a way 00:44:19.139 --> 00:44:22.019 to encourage and comfort them 00:44:22.019 --> 00:44:23.420 with some prayer. 00:44:23.420 --> 00:44:28.800 this church is amazing 00:44:28.800 --> 00:44:31.900 in terms of your service. 00:44:32.039 --> 00:44:33.200 I am so blessed 00:44:33.200 --> 00:44:35.599 by the work of God 00:44:35.599 --> 00:44:36.820 in each of you. 00:44:37.500 --> 00:44:39.240 And there are things that I hear 00:44:39.240 --> 00:44:40.539 that God is doing through you. 00:44:40.800 --> 00:44:42.019 There are lots of things 00:44:42.019 --> 00:44:44.159 I am completely unaware of, 00:44:44.280 --> 00:44:47.059 but I hear through the grapevine 00:44:47.059 --> 00:44:48.059 and through, you know, 00:44:48.400 --> 00:44:50.159 there's lots of time that goes by 00:44:50.159 --> 00:44:50.380 and I'm like, 00:44:50.440 --> 00:44:51.220 oh, they did that? 00:44:51.219 --> 00:44:53.799 I praise the Lord for you 00:44:53.799 --> 00:44:56.339 because of God's work in your life 00:44:56.339 --> 00:44:57.000 and I trust 00:44:57.000 --> 00:45:00.279 that our service to the saints 00:45:00.279 --> 00:45:02.219 will lead to increased 00:45:02.219 --> 00:45:03.539 and multiplied joy 00:45:03.539 --> 00:45:06.099 and multiplied thanksgivings to God. 00:45:06.980 --> 00:45:07.939 May God help us 00:45:07.939 --> 00:45:10.099 to be agents of service 00:45:10.099 --> 00:45:11.159 to the body. 00:45:11.500 --> 00:45:11.859 Let's pray. 00:45:12.959 --> 00:45:14.799 Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit 00:45:14.799 --> 00:45:18.259 and thank you for the gifts 00:45:18.259 --> 00:45:20.539 that you've given to us to serve 00:45:20.539 --> 00:45:21.719 that we don't have to depend 00:45:21.719 --> 00:45:24.059 on what we bring to the table. 00:45:24.179 --> 00:45:26.039 We just have to depend upon 00:45:26.039 --> 00:45:27.619 the power of your Spirit 00:45:27.619 --> 00:45:28.579 working through us. 00:45:29.340 --> 00:45:30.699 Make us aware 00:45:30.699 --> 00:45:32.840 and make us available 00:45:32.840 --> 00:45:35.059 and give us courage to go. 00:45:35.539 --> 00:45:36.679 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:45:36.840 --> 00:45:37.039 Amen. 00:45:37.920 --> 00:45:38.539 God bless you. 00:45:38.900 --> 00:45:39.539 Have a great day. 00:45:39.539 --> 00:45:39.960 Amen. 00:45:39.960 --> 00:45:40.279 Amen. 00:45:40.279 --> 00:45:40.679 Amen. 00:45:40.679 --> 00:45:41.000 Amen. 00:45:41.000 --> 00:45:41.599 Amen. 00:45:41.599 --> 00:45:42.039 Amen. 00:45:42.039 --> 00:45:42.619 Amen. 00:45:42.619 --> 00:45:43.159 Amen. 00:45:43.159 --> 00:45:43.719 Amen. 00:45:43.719 --> 00:45:44.199 Amen. 00:45:44.199 --> 00:45:45.139 Amen. 00:45:45.139 --> 00:45:46.099 Amen. 00:45:46.099 --> 00:45:47.099 Amen. 00:45:47.099 --> 00:45:47.219 Amen. 00:45:47.219 --> 00:45:47.599 Amen. 00:45:47.599 --> 00:45:48.199 Amen. 00:45:48.199 --> 00:45:49.179 Amen. 00:45:49.179 --> 00:45:49.300 Amen.