The Church Multiplies – ACTS 6:1-7

hillside The Church Multiplies - ACTS 2020

CHURCH GROWTH 101

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

Acts 6:1-7 NASB

6 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 The statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them.

7 The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

 

OUTLINE

  • Embrace the Mess 6:1
  • Embody the Master 6:2-6
  • Enjoy the Maker 6:7

 

QUESTIONS

  1. Does it spur you that there were problems and complaints in the early church?  We all have an “ideal” (How we think things should be), and the “real” (how things really are).  What do you do with the gap that exists between the ideal and the real?  How does Jesus use the messes in our life to mature us? 6:1
  2. The Apostles led well and chose to show up and not blow up.  How do you tend to respond to complaints and criticisms? Do you believe that you can make things bitter or better just by your response?
  3. The Apostles didn’t pit different gifts against each other but put them together in collaboration toward a common goal.  What are some ways we pit gifts against each other or value certain gifts above others?
    What gifts do you value?  What gifts do you tend to minimize?  What happens to a body when it only works one muscle group? 6:2-6
  4. Programs don’t love people, people love people.  Have you ever seen a need and thought, “The church should do something.”?  Dave said, “If you see the need you are the plan.”  Do you agree?  Read Ephesians 4:11-12.

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