SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 6:3 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.
8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.
OBSERVATION: Church growth brought problems. Good problems, not bad problems. Problems that needed attention, but if the apostles took care of them, they would not have time to care for their priorities! These problems did not surprise God; He had already provided for this church growth. What was needed was already present! There were people full of faith and the Holy Spirit that could handle these problems!
APPLICATION: If I want the church to grow, I should not complain about the problems that growth will bring. New people might sit in my favorite seat. pastor may not have as much time for me because he is visiting the new believers.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, growth always brings new problems. Church growth, family growth, job growth, schooling growth, etc. all brings changes and a needed increase in our faith. May my attitudes not hinder the growth you have planned for me. May my knowledge of you and my faith in you keep up with the growth that you bring my way. May my growth bring expansion to your Kingdom! In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
On Facebook: Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on: soapsbyleon.wordpress.com
SOAPs by Pastor Leon 