Tag: Exodus 18:21
Holy Spirit-filled servants!
Scripture reading for April 13th: Acts 6
Key Scriptures: Acts 6:1-7 “Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complain by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the Word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. And what they said pleased the whole gathering and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.”
As the church grew, the needs of widows and their care became a point of conflict. The apostles called together the group of disciples and discussed how to deal with the problem. They knew that their responsibility was to pray and preach the Word so they asked that seven men, full of the Spirit and wisdom be identified and their reputations checked out. They then laid hands on them and appointed them to helping with the food distributions to the widows. This was God’s plan and He used it to multiply ministry and ministers! When you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you can do God’s work.
Acts 6:7 “And the Word of God continued to increase and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for clear direction in how to multiply workers and servers in Your church. Thank You for the Holy Spirit and the gifts He provides to multiply disciples and serving! Thank You for those who lead in prayer and ministry of the Word.
Exodus 18:21 “Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.”
Appointing godly leadership!
Scripture reading for May 24th: Acts 14
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Acts 14:21-23 “They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.”
Paul and Barnabas understood the need to make disciples. They were interested in fulfilling Jesus’ mandate, not just getting converts! Because of this, they revisited the churches that they had founded and encouraged the disciples to ‘remain true to the faith.’ It was possible to drift away and be lost! Also, they warned and taught these new followers of Jesus that hardships would await them on their journey. Following Jesus would not always be easy and would require perseverance! To help equip the churches they had founded, they sought the Lord for leadership who would set godly examples and teach the disciples the way of the Lord Jesus. Elders, pastors and teachers were appointed and set in place!
Observations for over-comers: Healthy churches are equipped and encouraged with leadership and teaching of the truth. Prayer and fasting are foundational to selecting godly leaders. “But select capable men from all the people–men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain–and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.” (Exodus 18:21)