Acts Chapter 6
This chapter gives us the selection of the first deacons. The apostles did not want to leave the Word of God for serving tables. Most pastors would be fired today for this response. The people where okay with this because now their physical needs and spiritual needs where being met. We must understand that the church should be helping people grow both physically and spiritually. My job as pastor is to have been with God enough that I can speak God into your life. When I spend too much time doing the physical work the church will suffer spiritually. I need to spend as much time as possible with God so that when I speak His Word on Sunday it is the Spirit that has worked in my mind and heart so your heart and mind can receive it as truth. What I do is significantly important for your walk with the Lord. I say that to remind me and you. Can I caution you church? I know I am “Joe” and humanly I am just as you are. But I have been placed by God with the task and authority to be the Pastor, who is the shepherd of the church. I do not take this responsibility lightly and neither should you. I have been a pastor for nearly 20 years and I have a hard time remembering I have a divine position appointed by God. Because I know I am Joe. This is why I spend time praying for God to work and move in me so that I can be the pastor he called me to be. When I am doing spiritually what I should, the church as a whole benefits from that.
In verse 5 deacons had to have a good reputation, be full of the Holy Ghost, (the sign of the Holy Ghost so far has been boldness to share Christ) and a person of wisdom. They chose seven, and churches choose the number of deacons based on the needs that must be met.
Verse 7, the Word of God spread, the disciples multiplied, and the priest came to Christ. The keepers of the Old Testament started to see Christ throughout the Bible and followed.
When we do church right it will grow as a work of God. When we use “methods” we will always have to adjust. When the church is spiritually minded (spending time in God’s Word), and physically minded (helping those in need), people will come to Christ. When we become about anything other than sharing and living out the gospel we are weakened. The Holy Spirit’s power will rest on a church that does these two simple tasks. It also takes the Holy Spirits power to stay focused on these two tasks.
I love being your pastor and I am thankful for our body of Godly deacons. May God, though His Spirit make us focused on these two tasks.
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