Sunday Recap 9-9-12

Morning: The sermon, "Multiplying Ministry," focused on Acts 6:1-7. This passage reminds us that the church's health depends on its obedient application of biblical solutions. In other words, when we do what the Bible says, we please the Lord. This passage is subject of some debate. Some see it as the beginning of the deacon ministry. Others say that it isn't. I tend to agree with those who see it as how the deacon ministry got started.  What isn't debatable is that this passage demonstrates how a church should go about handling its problems: by applying sound biblical principles. The appointment of these men isn't that much different that Moses appointing judges in Exodus 18:13-27. Let's examine this passage:

1. Growth in ministry had created a service vacuum.

The Hellenist widows were being neglected (unintentionally).

2. A biblical solution was proposed.

The Twelve functioned as pastor/teachers (We could also call them elders, presbyters, overseers, bishops, or shepherds. These titles are used interchangeably both in the NT and the English language).

Notice: a. They viewed this task as an important task

             b. They understood assuming this role would cause them to neglect their primary duties.

             c. They viewed the congregation as a source of sound judgment.

             d. They knew the congregation could use guidelines. Nominees had to:

                 1.  have a good reputation "be known" (NIV)

                 2.  be full of the Holy Spirit.

                 3.  be wise. (Paul specifically addresses deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13)

             e. They would entrust this ministry to the new servants.

3. Obedient application of biblical solutions brings more growth.

This passage gives us a good picture of biblical congregationalism (that is pastor/elder lead congregationalism).

Notice: a. The congregation listened to their leaders.

             b. They selected men according to the guidelines.

             c. The apostles approved of the peoples' selection.

            d. These men where set apart for their task.

            e. The Word spread,  the number of disciples increased.  

What do we do with this?

We ask the question, "Is there a service vacuum?"

We seek the Lord in prayer and fasting.

We nominate men we feel are qualified for the task.

Men I ask you to search your hearts: are you a believer, are you qualified, are you willing?

Evening: The lesson, "Unpolluted Worship," focuses on Psalm 101. In this passage, we are reminded that holy living must undergird our worship. We can't call it worship if we aren't living right. James stated, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world" (James 1:27).  I want to focus on the part about keeping oneself from being polluted by the world. David had a good understanding of this truth. David knew that worship divorced from righteous living is worthless. Unpolluted worship requires:

1. A commitment to live blamelessly.

Here David focuses on God's love and justice. Our culture often pits these two concepts against each other. David sees their co-existence as a reason to worship from place of righteousness.

·         David promises to pursue righteousness with care.

·         He promises to pursue it in private.

·         He promise to pursue it in public. He promises to let his private religion affect his public policy, and commits to resisting the enemy.

2. A commitment to resist the enemy.

Paul was right, "Bad company corrupts good character."

·         David promises to rebuke slanders and ignore the arrogant.

·         David promises to surround himself with godly advisors.

·         David promises to get rid of liars and evildoers.