July 5th & 9th
Acts Pt. 3
Solved Problems
The Conflict | A Predicament Arises
In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
—Acts 6:1 (NIV)
The Solution | A Plan Formed
So the Twelve called the disciples together and said, “It is not appropriate for us to neglect teaching the word of God in order to serve tables and manage the distribution of food. 3 Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men with good reputations, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 But we will continue to devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
—Acts 6:2-4 (AMP)
Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you are doing is not good. 18 You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you to bear; you cannot do it alone. … 21 Furthermore, you shall select from all the people competent men who reverently fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; you shall place these over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. 22 They shall judge the people at all times; have them bring every major dispute to you, but let them judge every minor dispute themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you will do this thing and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure the responsibility, and all these people will also go back to their tents in peace.”
—Acts 6:17-23 (AMP)
The suggestion pleased the whole congregation; and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith, and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas (Nikolaos), a proselyte (Gentile convert) from Antioch. 6 They brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them to dedicate and commission them for this service.
—Acts 6:5-6 (AMP)
The Shift | A Problem Grew the Kingdom
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.
—Acts 6:7 (ESV)
I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages. —Charles Spurgeon
FILL OUT YOUR CONNECTION CARD HERE
Next Steps:
1. Today, I chose to accept Christ as my Savior for the first time.
2. When a conflict or problem arises I will choose to acknowledge it.
3. I surrender my will to be a Spirit-filled solution to the problem I am facing.
4. Today, I will start kissing the wave that throws me against the rock of ages.