Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the Word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word. (Acts 6:2-4)
A ministry problem presented itself with the serving of those in the church. Some were being served and others were being neglected. The Apostles who were tasked with prayer and the ministry of the Word of God had the church select the first deacons to handle the day to day task of the first family ministry. The first selection was of seven men who were already serving and of good character and Christian witness which the Apostles ordained to this service.
By having men set apart to the daily ministry of meeting the physical needs of the early Christians, the Apostles could focus on communing with the Lord and teaching all the Word of God. It did not mean that the Apostles were somehow better than the rest, or that they did not associate with the rest of the church, but that they had a different ministry to the church. The first deacons were tasked, but not limited to, with the daily ministering of the congregation so that the Apostles could focus on the spiritual feeding of the fellowship. Both worked together in the service of the Lord and in the growth of the members.
All who serve do so in service to God who calls men to minister as He ministered to others. Whether one is called as a deacon and ordained to serve families, or called as an elder or pastor to teach, preach, and counsel, and ordained to feed the flock, all are called and set apart for the work of God in serving the church. Those who are called should have already demonstrated their character and witness and not be a novice in the faith. Those who serve should do so with distinction and humility, not for their own glory or recognition, but to glorify God and build up His church in the faith.
God sets apart mature men in the faith to serve His people that they might grow in Him and He might be glorified. Whether deacons or pastors, God is the one who calls them to service unto Him. Regardless of whether you serve as a deacon, pastor, teacher, or anywhere else in the church, God calls you to serve Him in whatever you do. Not all are called to serve as deacons or pastors, but all are called to serve Him who is our Lord until He calls us to do more or to something else. There are many things in the church which God calls all Christians to be and to do.
While we are here, God calls all His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
By having men set apart to the daily ministry of meeting the physical needs of the early Christians, the Apostles could focus on communing with the Lord and teaching all the Word of God. It did not mean that the Apostles were somehow better than the rest, or that they did not associate with the rest of the church, but that they had a different ministry to the church. The first deacons were tasked, but not limited to, with the daily ministering of the congregation so that the Apostles could focus on the spiritual feeding of the fellowship. Both worked together in the service of the Lord and in the growth of the members.
All who serve do so in service to God who calls men to minister as He ministered to others. Whether one is called as a deacon and ordained to serve families, or called as an elder or pastor to teach, preach, and counsel, and ordained to feed the flock, all are called and set apart for the work of God in serving the church. Those who are called should have already demonstrated their character and witness and not be a novice in the faith. Those who serve should do so with distinction and humility, not for their own glory or recognition, but to glorify God and build up His church in the faith.
God sets apart mature men in the faith to serve His people that they might grow in Him and He might be glorified. Whether deacons or pastors, God is the one who calls them to service unto Him. Regardless of whether you serve as a deacon, pastor, teacher, or anywhere else in the church, God calls you to serve Him in whatever you do. Not all are called to serve as deacons or pastors, but all are called to serve Him who is our Lord until He calls us to do more or to something else. There are many things in the church which God calls all Christians to be and to do.
While we are here, God calls all His people to holiness and obedience to Him that we might minister to those around us who are hurting and in need as He provides. We serve others, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that they may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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