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March 2013

A bible study on Acts 6:1-7 Apostolic Practical Ministry

By Bible StudyNo Comments

Please read the Scripture.

There was obviously a community issue here.

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. (Acts 6:1 ESV)

Widows where being forgotten and the disciples knew they needed to help. It was the custom at the time to help serve and distribute food to people in need of which widows where one of those. Scripture also talks about orphans and the need to help them practically. James 1:27.

So the apostles who where called by God to preach the Gospel and Word said this.

And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. (Acts 6:2 ESV)

One might think that this was rather elitist and selfish of them. On the contrary. They recognised that God had called them to the preaching of the word and identified that it would not be right for them to neglect this calling.

So they equipped, blessed and released others to do it.

Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. (Acts 6:3 ESV)

The qualities the men needed are interesting to note and to try and live by in any service and word we do for The Lord.

• Good Repute / attested character. So obviously had experience in life and had been seen to be Godly men.
• Full of the Holy Spirit. I believe this means spirit filled and walking in Gifting’s in the Holy Spirit.
• Wisdom of high importance. More precious than Gold even.

After they had chosen the 7 the apostles prayed for them and interestingly laid hands on them which I think is important to do when commissioning people for a specific service to The Lord.

This allowed and freed up the apostles to do what they felt so strongly called to.

But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4 ESV)

If you feel called to apostolic ministry then I very much suggest you heed these words above as I really believe we have a biblical model here for ministry and service to The Lord. NOTE how prayer is Key. Prayer goes hand in hand with the preaching of Word of God.

“Apostolic may refer to; An Apostle meaning one sent on a mission” – Wikipedia

Then to check whether we are walking and working how God would want we need to check the fruit. I believe that as the Word of God increases in a city or town so will the amount of Disciples of Christ! And exponentially!

And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:7 ESV)

I do believe their are different callings in ministry and it is clear from this scripture that we must not neglect the practical side of ministry such as feeding the needy. Instead we should equip and release others to do this which in turn allows for the preaching of the Word to continue which will in turn release more disciples to be equipped to help the needy in our world.

How are walking in His calling?

Are we devoting ourselves to prayer and preaching of the word?

How do we equip more people to walk in what God has called them to?

Would there be or are they complaints from others how we are serving the poor and needy in our local area?

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Preparing for Mission – a missionary in the making!

By Mission125 Comments

I humbly write these following thoughts with great humility but exceeding joy.

My writing will be simple and to the point.

With great boldness and Joy I am delighted to say that I believe God is calling me to be a missionary overseas. My greatest hearts desire is to see people come to know Jesus and to see Christ formed in them through the teaching of the Word of God.

I very much love reading the bible everyday and one of my dreams is to give people the opportunity to do this by practically by providing them with a physical bible in their own language.

The motto “To know Christ and make Christ Known” has really blessed me and encouraged me greatly over recent months. I thank Bath CU for introducing me to it! What greater endeavour could a man do with his life than live it for Jesus and tell others about Jesus!

I believe God is calling me to first go to Africa where I grew up. I love Kenya but I really have central Africa on my heart. If it is God’s will Eastern DRC Congo! BUT it must be the Lords will and way. I personally know the importance of walking in his will and will only do this from now on!

Right from the start though I want to make it really clear that I do not want to make me famous or big but only Jesus. So I am going to go big and bold for Christ unashamedly. I only want to make Jesus famous not me. Oh Lord hold me to these words as I can be so arrogant especially in my mind!

Christ must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30

This has always been a scripture that encourages me to keep giving Jesus the Glory.

Not unto us, O Lord , not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake. (Psalms 115:1 KJV)

So I am going to document my thoughts here on my blog for others to pray for me and offer me counsel and encouragement.

I have currently put in my application for the Onesimus Program at HTCD and they have accepted me onto the program and will be walking with me through this calling. Oh how exciting this is.

Jesus thank you!

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Hands Raised to Jesus

By Mission136 Comments

There is something amazing and wonderful about how even across cultures we can reach out to Jesus and he helps us and hears us. These dear Congolese kids where reaching out to Jesus asking Him to come into their lives. How marvelous. How beautiful.

Psalm 134

Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
who minister by night in the house of the Lord.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord.

May the Lord bless you from Zion,
he who is the Maker of heaven and earth.