January 30, 2016:  SOAP #2249:   

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 6:2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Observation:   Church growth happened naturally as the leaders made “prayer and the ministry of the word” their priority.  They delegated some necessary responsibilities to others so that they would be able to take care of this priority.  They organized themselves out of other important issues so that this priority would not be neglected.

Application:   In my individual life, I must make arrangements to keep prayer and the Word as a priority in my life.  In the church, leaders must do the same.  Sometimes that requires organizing myself out of important ministries so that I can give proper diligence to this most important ministry.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, help me keep the main thing the main thing. Show me how to organize myself out of the responsibilities that limit my efforts in the priorities you have assigned me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!