STILL A PLACE WHERE THE LIGHT OF TRUTH CAN SHINE .....
- Key Verse
- Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them. (Acts 6:3 NIV)
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Central Truth
We all have gifts and talents that can be used to carry His message to the world through the work of the church.
Reflections
Acts 6:1-7 gives us a picture of the early church. Believers were gathering together and, given the power of The Holy Spirit, the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps & bounds. As the church grew, the needs of the people demanded more attention. The management of a food program for widows led to complaints and hard feelings among the new Christians, and the language differences must have been a challenge as well.
The twelve apostles realized that they had too much on their plate. As they put it, It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God to wait on tables.
More members created a need for members to do more. So they proposed that seven men, known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom, be chosen to help with important duties. The Twelve then blessed and prayed over them, thus setting them apart for special service. It could be said that they were blessed to be a blessing. And so they were, for the scripture says the Word of God spread.
Thank God for this picture of the early church. It strikes me that its so like the church of today! Still imperfect after all these years. Still a place where imperfect people can go to learn of Gods perfect love. Still a place where people can serve God by serving others. Still a place of light of Truth can shine in a dimly lit world.
I am so thankful for the church! There was a time when I ran from it, but thank God. Jesus lives all over town and He met me where I was - more than once. I kept running into people who were full of the Spirit and wisdom: people who took God with them everywhere they went. One day, I took those steps back into the church. Now I am full of the Spirit and ready to serve. After all, pastors still need the help.
Discussion Questions
1. Pastors have obviously given their life to God. Does that mean that they are the only ones that are called to do God’s work?2. What does it mean to be “blessed to be a blessing?”
3. Have you ever wondered why some churches are on fire for God and some are stone cold? Why do you think that is?
4. If you invite others to church, why do you? If you don’t, why not?
Scott
January 20, 2010 07:55 AM
-but thank God - Jesus lives all over town and He met me where I was - more than once. A great line and a powerful statement.
Charlie
January 20, 2010 08:46 AM
Kerri, Great writing today. I love how God's word becomes alive with a relavant message for today. It is so great to be able to want to do God's work and to feel blessed for it. Thank you for your writing.
Gary Brandenburg
January 20, 2010 09:58 AM
Great stuff Kerri. What a healthy realization that, even though the people of God are, "still imperfect after all these years," we are still God's chosen instrument for bringing light to the world. And, speaking as a pastor, thanks for the help!