I asked Brad Hockman, our Men's Ministry Director, to share today's 28 Day Bible Living Devotional. Here are his reflections...
Here is what God is saying to me through this chapter:
Although we read that Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews in verse 1 threatening to destroy the church's unity, this story is not about hostility and contradiction in the early church. Rather, it is an excellent example of how to solve disagreements and tensions. Unfortunately, these petty disagreements sometimes cause major divisions in churches.
This reorganization of labor enables the apostles' to honor their commitment to their calling: to “give our attention prayer and ministry of the Word” as indicated in verse 4. It also reveals their commitment to unity and spiritual growth. God has given us all the free gifts of faith, salvation and forgiveness. He has also given us unique spiritual gifts, which are to be used to serve the unity of Christ and the growth of His kingdom.
Having weathered the storm, verse 7 states “the Word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.”
Today, we need this same conviction. Understanding and living according to the Word of God, spreading the message of salvation and praying constantly are essential for growth. "Be fruitful and multiply."
Here is what I will do today because of what God is saying to me:
Verse 4 really grabbed my attention. “We will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (NKJV). This pretty much covers all previous postings for Act 1-5. I will share the gospel and love locally and to the ends of the earth. I will put God first. I will pray that God continues to make the necessary changes in my life. I will fearlessly witness for Christ! I will pray that God improves me and uses me. I will be totally committed to helping those in need wholeheartedly! I will pray, witness, serve and give continuously. I am also praying that all of us will be open to using our spiritual gifts!
2 comments:
Thanks for your thoughts Brad. I am challenged with you to pray and reach out with good news. The issues between the Grecians and Jews in the early church are all too familiar in the church today. If we're not careful and committed to put our common allegiance to Christ above any of our differecnes, there will be conflict. God help us to answer the prayer of Jesus in John 20:21-23!
I to like verse 4 also and believe wholeheartedly that we should give our attention to prayer and ministry of the word.Its so refreshing to be a part of a church body that is committed to unity and spiritual growth like SWC .Its so great seeing many people using their gifts also. Im not sure if I'll ever stop saying how grateful I am to be at SWC .I will continue to use the gifts God has given me to serve God as he leads me at SWC.
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