Post by Woody Williams on Aug 25, 2006 7:57:56 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Acts 6:1-7
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Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number,
the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows
were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the
twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said,
'It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to
wait at tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves
seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we
may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote
ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.' What they said pleased
the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and
the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon,
Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men
stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples
increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests
became obedient to the faith.
Devotional
----------
In the early Christian community a problem emerged. Widows and
orphans of the Greek speaking Christian community were being
neglected in the distribution of bread and other food. Apparently the
Apostles were in charge of the food distribution as well as preaching
and teaching. They defined the problem (without seeking blame),
prayed and received a solution through the corporal discernment.
Everyone agreed. A new ministry was born - deacons. The office of
preaching and teaching was not diminished and the office of social
ministry was affirmed. God will supply creative solutions to our
problems in the church if we seek to discern our challenges properly.
Prayer
----------------
Help me be discerning of your will and purpose, O Lord. Amen
----------
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number,
the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows
were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the
twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said,
'It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to
wait at tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves
seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we
may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote
ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.' What they said pleased
the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and
the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon,
Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men
stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples
increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests
became obedient to the faith.
Devotional
----------
In the early Christian community a problem emerged. Widows and
orphans of the Greek speaking Christian community were being
neglected in the distribution of bread and other food. Apparently the
Apostles were in charge of the food distribution as well as preaching
and teaching. They defined the problem (without seeking blame),
prayed and received a solution through the corporal discernment.
Everyone agreed. A new ministry was born - deacons. The office of
preaching and teaching was not diminished and the office of social
ministry was affirmed. God will supply creative solutions to our
problems in the church if we seek to discern our challenges properly.
Prayer
----------------
Help me be discerning of your will and purpose, O Lord. Amen