The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Acts 5-8
Act 3: God’s New Covenant People
Scene 4: Christ’s Church: God’s People Advance the Kingdom
Background Information: Acts 5-8
Why would you need to be full of faith and the Holy Spirit to wait on tables? Do you really need a spiritually mature person to do benevolence logistics? Stephen was selected because of his spiritual life and no doubt because of his wisdom and ability with people. The ministry of the Word was and is priority for the church. Food distribution to people in need was important, but they understood that people do not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. However, it is not either/or. Either meeting physical needs or meeting spiritual ones. We are embodied beings, and all we do, we do for the glory of God and the good of others. No task or calling in the church is menial. God assigns the roles, responsibilities, and gifts in order that the body of Christ may be equipped for service. Notice that Stephen was selected to oversee logistics in order to free up others for the ministry of preaching and praying, but Stephen knew the Scriptures very well himself. He gave a brilliant survey of the Old Testament, tied it together in the gospel, and finally made a very direct biblical challenge to the Chief Priest no less! Some in the church are called to preach and teach the Word, but all are called to know the Word. Stephen was not only skilled in logistics and in the use of the Scriptures, but he was full of courage. He became the first martyr in the church, and his death sparked both increased persecution and the movement of the church out into the wider world. Jesus told them that they would be his witnesses starting in Jerusalem and then out to Judea and Samaria. The way God accomplished his plan was through the persecution of his people, starting with the death of the spirit-filled logistician, Stephen. Something else of enormous importance happened as a result of Stephen’s death. Saul, soon to become Paul, was there taking part in the murder. Paul would later look back on his terrible deeds with remorse and with wonder at God’s amazing grace. There is no doubt that seeing Stephen die so well made a tremendous impact on his heart and mind. When we suffer persecution, we are prone to wonder: what happened? What went wrong? Where is God? We should actually wonder why we are not experiencing more opposition. We are not to go looking for it, but we must not be surprised when it comes. If only we could be like the transformed early believers, who rejoiced because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name of Christ.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Last night was the Christian Challenge barn dance. Pray for the gospel seeds that were planted last night to bear fruit. Ask God to strengthen friendships among college students and use our church to encourage them in their faith.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.