Acts 6

Acts 6:1

Notice the mathematics in the Book of Acts. In chapter 2, the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Act_2:47). Here in chapter 6, the number of the disciples was multiplied. But between the addition to the church and the multiplication of the church, there was subtraction from the church when the Lord removed Ananias and Sapphira in chapter 5. Sometimes that happens to us as well. That is, things are moving along. We’re growing. We’re being added tothen suddenly we’re hit with a painful period of subtraction. If you’re in that place today, take hope. It means good things are coming. As He did in Acts, the Lord often subtracts right before He multiplies. Three potential problems began to appear in the church at this point: the surfacing of discrimination, the temptation of professionalism, and the challenge of prioritization. The Surfacing of Discrimination During the days of Alexander the Great, Greek culture, style of dress, and philosophy of life permeated the then-known world. As a result, many Jews, known as Grecians or Hellenists, adopted Grecian ways. Other Jews, referred to as Hebrews, remained true to the old ways and traditions of Judaism. The Hebrew believers looked down on the Grecian believers as compromising, “second-class” Jews. Thus, with the Grecians claiming that their widows were being neglected in the daily serving of food, discrimination set in. Consequently, there was a potential division in the baby church based upon who was supposedly “more spiritual"a problem that can surface whenever a church grows… “Can you believe it? He actually wore a business suit. Who let him in?” “Hey, those bikers can’t come dressed like that.” Discrimination can take place in all kinds of subtle ways, and the early church was no exception. Here in Acts 6, as the church was multiplying, storm clouds were forming that could have blown the whole thing apart.

Acts 6:2

The Temptation of Professionalism Oftentimes people have said to me, “What are you going to do about this situation, Jon? You’re the pastor. Murmur, murmur, murmur.” More often than not, I have replied, “What are you going to do about it? That’s the issue. Don’t look to the professionals. If you’re aware of the problem, it could be that you’ve been called to be part of the solution. The reason you feel the burden, the reason you’re aware of the situation is because God is calling you.”

Acts 6:3

The Challenge of Prioritization The apostles said, “The widows are in needHebrews and Hellenists, traditionalists and Grecians alike. But our calling is not the distribution of food. Our calling is the distribution of the Word. Therefore, choose people whom you know to be good men, godly men, gifted menand let them take care of this matter.” Stephen would become the first martyr. He was a powerful Bible expositor, as we will see in chapter 7. Philip went on to become an evangelist. The father of four daughters who became prophetesses, he was a godly man who increased the boundaries of ministry. Church history tells us that Prochorus would later become the secretary, or the assistant, to the apostle John. Following John’s death, Prochorus became the bishop of Nicodemaa large and growing churchbefore being martyred himself. Many Bible scholars believe that, after serving faithfully for a season as a deacon, Nicolas started a sect known as the Nicolaitans, mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3. Although we might be mistaken and will find Nicolas to be a good brother when we see him in heaven, the weight of evidence seems to indicate that he was one who veered into heresy. The Church: A Place for Programs? A Topical Study of Act_6:3-4 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. Mat_13:31-32 As Jesus taught about His kingdom, He used an analogy that, at first reading, is rather puzzling and perplexing, for nowhere in the world has there ever been a mustard seed known to grow into a tree big enough to support birds. Was Jesus mistaken in His botany? Was He sloppy with His analogy? Was He confused factually? No, what Jesus said, while at first puzzling and perplexing, was actually profound and prophetic, as it relates to His kingdom, the church. For, like the mustard seed, the church would begin in simplicity, but would grow into something abnormal and complex. And whenever the church loses her simplicity, birdsa scriptural symbol for evilhave roosted in her branches. At the outset, the early church was about only four things (Act_2:42): the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. But here in the sixth chapter of Acts, her simplicity was challenged as the temptation arose to pull the apostles away from the ministry of the Word into the organization of a food distribution program. Is there any place for programs in the church? To answer that question, whatever we want to know concerning the body of Christ is not found in ministry magazines or theological manuals. Rather, everything we need to know concerning any point of theological understanding can be found in Jesus. Heb_12:2 tells us that it is Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith. Therefore, when I want to know what the body should be like, I needn’t turn to a manual, but to the Master. I should look at Jesus. How? The Gospels reveal certain aspects of His physical body that tell us what His spiritual bodythe churchshould be like. His Body Was Conceived Miraculously. Jesus’ physical body was conceived when the Holy Spirit came upon the virgin Mary. His body was conceived miraculously and supernaturally (Luk_1:35). The same is true of the body of Christ in any given location. It must not be born through demographic strategy or statistical studies. It must not be born from clever organizing or careful analysis. I believe that when the Lord chooses to birth His body, He sovereignly moves upon virgin territorya new area, a new place, a new work He desires to do. And by His grace, something is miraculously conceived. I think about the body at Applegate Christian Fellowship and how the Lord miraculously, sovereignly, graciously did something there that none of us expected. It wasn’t the result of studies or strategy. It wasn’t carefully worked through or thought out. It was just the Lord moving in a new place. Before that Fellowship was birthed twenty-five years ago, I am told there was a group of elderly ladies who, for ten years, met every week to pray that the Lord would do something special in that region. Only heaven will reward and reveal fully what took place in the Spirit as a result of those ladies praying, tilling the soil, and readying this place for the seed that would be planted when the Word was opened. His Members Functioned Harmoniously. Jesus wasn’t paralyzed in His right hand, or lame in His left foot. No, all of the members of His earthly body functioned harmoniously. So, too, every member is to function in the body of His church. In Romans 12 we are told that we are His body, and each member is to function accordingly. He Was Coordinated Physically. Jesus’ body was not spastic. Parts of His body were not going off in one direction or lurching off in another. So, too, the body of His church is meant to move in coordination. How? The same way our physical bodies are coordinatedby the body responding to impulses sent from the brain through the nervous system. Jesus is the Head (Eph_1:22). The impulses that will guide us and direct us as a church will come from Him through the “nervous system” of the Holy Spirit. When we, the body, respond to Jesus through the leading of the Spirit, we will move in coordination and harmony. Upon Birth, His Body Was Attacked Ruthlessly. Following the birth of Jesus, Herod ordered the annihilation of all male children two years of age and younger (Mat_2:16). In the attack launched against this newborn baby, His physical body was immediately threatened. So, too, I recall as the Applegate Body was formed twenty-five years ago, we were attacked sometimes ignorantly, other times intentionally. In those early years, as we met at Cantrell Buckley Park, baptizing people in the river and playing guitars on the hillside, the attacks and vicious rumors were very real. So, too, any bodyany expression of Jesuswill be attacked initially. He Grew in Wisdom and Stature Favorably. Luk_2:52 tells us that as Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, He found favor with God and man. Jesus did not remain the babe of Bethlehem. He was not a two-foot-high midget walking around preaching the gospel. He grew into a Man. He matured. He developed. So, too, a church that is truly of the Lord and from the Lord will grow. It’s inevitable. And like Jesus, she will find favor with God and man. I have letters from the Sheriff’s Department, the Mayor’s Office, and from different people in prominent positions who wrote expressing their appreciation for Applegate Christian Fellowshipnot necessarily because we taught and preached Jesus Christbut because we impacted the drug scene. God was so gracious in allowing us to find favor in His eyes and in the eyes of man. But notice that even though Jesus grew, even though He found favor in the eyes of God and manfollowing His sermon at Nazareth in Luke 4, the people drove Him out of the city and took Him to a cliff over which they wanted to throw Him. At the edge of the cliff, He stopped and looked at the crowd, as only He could, and, like the Red Sea, it suddenly parted. Why? Because the body of Christ cannot be destroyed. There are times in this bodyand in any true expression of Jesuswhen it seems as though we’re going down. But then Jesus somehow miraculously makes a way because He gave us His promise that the gates of hell could not prevail against the body of His church (Mat_16:18). He Was Baptized in Water and in the Spirit Simultaneously. The Spirit came upon Jesus at the time of His baptism, empowering Him for His public ministry. As He emerged from the water, He looked up, and the Spirit of God came upon Him in the form of a dove (Mat_3:16). It was then that He was sent out into public ministry. “Wait a minute,” some might say, “this idea of being baptized in the Spirit, this idea of a second blessing, is not needed. When a person becomes a Christian, he has all of the Spirit he’ll ever need.” Really? Before the Spirit came upon Jesuswas He a believer? Yes. Even at the age of twelve, He confounded the Pharisees with His knowledge of the Word and with His heart for the Father (Luk_2:47). Yet, as He entered the dimension of public ministry, He was empowered by the Spirit. Therefore, I suggest that if Jesus needed the baptism of the Spirit and was receptive to it, how much more do you and I? If the body of His church is to be like His physical body on earth, we need the Spirit to come upon us as well. He Ministered Powerfully. All five ministerial offices were seen in the life of Jesus: apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, and teacher. The word “apostle” means “sent one.” Jesus was the Apostle sent from heaven (Joh_20:21). He was the Prophet who spoke God’s heart with perfect accuracy (Mat_21:11). He was the Evangelist who spoke to the multitudes and brought them into the kingdom (Mat_5:1-2). He was the Pastor who looked at the people with compassion, as sheep having been scattered without a shepherd (Mat_9:36). He was the Teacher the common people heard gladly because of the gracious words He spoke (Mar_12:37; Luk_4:22). The five-fold ministry was seen in Jesus’ body when He was on earth, and it must be seen in the body of His church if we are to be like Him. Not only did the offices function within Him, but the gifts flowed through Him. The gifts listed in Romans 12 all flowed through Jesus Christ. The manifestations found in 1 Corinthians were all seen clearly in His life. “Wait a minute,” you say. “What about tongues?” There is no record of Jesus speaking in tongues. It is the one manifestation not recorded. Why? I suggest to you the reason might be very simple. How could Jesus speak in an unknown tongue? Although as a Man, Jesus spoke Aramaic, as God, He knows all the tongues of men and of angels. He knows every dialect of heaven, every language on earth. There is no tongue unknown to Him. His Body Was Broken Finally. Jesus’ body was broken on the Cross for you and me. So, too, if the body of His church is to be like Him, there will come times of breaking. Why? Because revelation comes through breaking. On the road to Emmaus, the followers of Jesus didn’t recognize Jesus initially. It wasn’t until He broke bread with them that their eyes were opened (Luk_24:30-31). So, too, it is often in time of troublein the day of difficulty, in the process of breakingthat others can see the reality of the resurrected Jesus in the midst of His church. The eight similarities between the physical body of Christ and the body of his church are more than merely interesting theologically. They have much to say to us personally. You see, even though Acts makes it very clear that the church was to function in the simplicity of teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayerin Acts 6, a program surfaced. Thus, I can see that programs are not necessarily wrong. In fact, they’re part of the life of the body. But notice we’re not talking about bureaucracy. We’re not talking about fleshly energy. In the program seen in our text, believers had been feeding the widowstending them, caring for them, ministering to them. And when cultural tensions arose, the apostles gave instruction. I believe this is the pattern for the way the church is to be involved with programs. The apostles didn’t sit in their office and say, “Hmmm. What we need is a widow-feeding program, so let’s get an architectural rendering; let’s print up brochures; let’s make a presentation; and let’s recruit.” No, the apostles simply recognized what the Lord was already doing in their midst. Many times, churches become vulnerable when they initiate programs because then they have to crack the whip to get people involved. That is the reason why so many folks are burned-out on church. They’re exhausted by the programs and the pressure. That’s not the way it should be. Applegate Christian Fellowship currently sends thousands of teaching tapes all over the world. But it began twenty-five years ago, with an elderly gentleman who brought his $39.95 K-Mart tape recorder to church, sat in the front row, and recorded our studies in the Gospel of Mark. In the middle of the message, he would bend down to the condenser mike and whisper, “This is the end of side 1. Please turn tape over for Side 2.” Following the service, he’d take his recorder back to his trailer, where, using another $39 recorder, he’d copy the tapes one at a time. Today, Tree of Life has a lot of sophisticated machinery and staff and all kinds of stuff. But it all began with one man having a tape ministry on his heart. A few years later, someone else came along who said, “We’ve been listening to your tapes. They would be great to put on the radio. It’s real workable. And here’s what we have on our heart…” So some guys who were trained in media began to invest some time and energy and thought. One of them, who worked at a TV station, took it up a notch higher, developed it further, and we saw the birth of Searchlighta radio program that produces real fruit as it airs across the nation. Twenty-two years ago, some women approached us and said, “We have a desire to help unwed mothers. We don’t want them to feel condemned or to succumb to the temptation of abortion. We want to provide an alternative for them.” As I listened to them, I said, “Go for it.” And from their burden, Living AlternativesApplegate’s outreach to unwed motherswas born. A number of years ago, a man named Ross Meador and some of his buddies came to me and said, “We know how we can practically teach our high-school kids the truths of God’s Word: We’ll take them on week-long trips. Day one, they’ll climb sheer rocks outside of Bend, Oregon. Day two, we’ll race bicycles down Mount Bachelor. Day three, we’ll kayak in white water. Day four, we’ll hang-glide. When we teach on faith and prayer before those events take place, those kids will listen!” And Maranatha Mountain Ministries was born. Years ago, a man named Jeff Bates came up with an idea for a rock band. “We can reach kids for Jesus this way,” he said. So the band Zion went out, touched lives, and introduced kids to the Savior. Another man from the body had a heart to start a small orphanage in Mexico. It did so well, he found himself up to his ears and asked us to step in and help. That was the beginning of the Mission in Carmen Serdan. Then, a lady contacted my brother, saying, “My husband and I had a mission school here in Honduras. But there have been some problems, and I’ve been wondering what to do. I heard of your fellowship and want to turn this mission base over to you.” That was the origin of Applegate’s mission station in Honduras. Gang, this is why it was such a joy for me to pastor there. I didn’t have to initiate, program, or strategize. I just stuck to the simplicity of teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Out of that came “Acts 6 people” with a heart to take on new challenges. When they came our way, as a body, we said to them, “Go for it! If it works, if God’s in it, we’ll join you and give you the resources or advice needed. And if it doesn’t work, you will come out wiser, deeper, and more knowledgeable than if you hadn’t tried.” I can vividly recall my own introduction to ministry. As a sophomore in high school, working at a camp for junior-high kids, I planned an activity in which I put fourteen junior-high boys in a large circle and gave them raw eggs to attach to their foreheads by placing nylon stockings over their heads. I tied blindfolds over their eyes and put a junior-high girl on top of their shoulders. The game was simple: The girls were to take fresh flounders that I had bought at the fish market and smash as many of the eggs on the guys around them as possible while trying to protect the egg of the guy beneath them. The one thing I wasn’t expecting was the exuberance of those junior-high girls! With one hand on their nose and the other hand holding the raw flounder, they went for it! They started slapping those boys with those flounders so hard that by the fifth or sixth hitnot only were eggs breaking, but the flounders started breaking apart as well. Fish guts were everywhere! I obviously didn’t know what I was doing! And yet, even though I hadn’t chosen the best way to reach kids, the fact is that the Lord saw my heart and said, “I’m going to use you anyway. I’m going to take you on down the road in ministry for Me.” You might “flounder” about a bit. You might think you’re making a mess of things. But keep goingand the Lord will bless you for it. I think of David. At thirty years of age he became king over all of Israel. He saw the city of Jerusalem in the distance, which was held by the Jebusitesenemies of Israel. “I want that city as my capital,” David said to his army. “The first man to find a way into the city and open the gates will be my general, my chief of staff.” Joabnot a man of the highest integrity or the deepest spiritualityfound a way to get in by shinnying up a seventy-foot water shaft. He opened the gates, David’s soldiers rushed in, and the city was conquered (1 Chronicles 11: 1Ch_11:6). I suggest to you, fellow soldier, that the Son of Davidthe King of kings, Jesus Christsays to us, “There’s a city I want to take. There are people I want to touch. There’s a project that will manifest My nature. Who will find a way in? Who will go for it?” Don’t expect something to happen from the top, gang. Just do what the Lord directs. If you hit a snag or a problemas they did in Acts 6 hopefully those in authority over you will be available to provide some counsel, and to help facilitate what the Lord is already doing. And pray that the Lord will keep them on track. Please pray that He will place on your heart the things you should do and how you should function in His body for His glory.

Acts 6:6

We usually lay hands on someone and then pray. These guys went about it differently. They prayed before the laying on of hands. Perhaps this is what Paul meant when he told Timothy to “Lay hands on no man suddenly” (see 1 Timothy 5.22). Over the years, I have ordained people and ratified ministry far too quickly. Thus, I am slowly learning the importance of praying before the laying on of hands in order that I might hear the heart of the Lord and the witness of the Spirit before setting someone apart for ministry.

Acts 6:7

This verse should be starred, circled, underlined, and highlighted by everyone involved in ministry. The secret to church growth and ministry expansion is simply to feed the flock. Healthy sheep reproduce. It’s inevitable. Any priest walking into the temple on the first Good Friday, seeing the veil rent from top to bottom, would have known something miraculous had taken place. After all, it would have been unthinkable for any man to tear the veil. Everyone knew the penalty for entering the Holy of Holies unworthily was death. It also would have been impossible for any man to tear the veil. Sixty feet wide, thirty feet high, and ten inches thick, the veil was so massive it required a company of priests to hang it. No wonder a great number of priestssome seeing the torn veil, others hearing about it and watching what was happening in Jerusalemwere converted. Finding and Focusing Your Gifts A Topical Study of Act_6:7 I am convinced that people who are productive in their lives are people who have priorities for their lives. That is, I believe that productivity and proper priority go hand in hand. In Acts 6 we see this principle wonderfully modeled and beautifully illustrated. When the administrative problem concerning food distribution to the widows arose, the apostles could very easily have been sucked into the struggle. Instead, they kept their focus fixed and their priority in place. As a result, the Word of God increased and the number of disciples multiplied greatly. I firmly believe that, in these last days, the Lord is not looking for machine gunners who spray spiritual bullets everywhere hoping to hit something. I believe He’s looking for sharpshooterspeople who will focus on a singular target and be effective in a singular ministry. David said, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, and that will I seek after” (see Psa_27:4). Paul said, “This one thing I do” (see Php_3:13). Jesus said to Martha, “One thing is needful for you” (see Luk_10:42). The Lord wants every one of us to know the one thing we are to do for the kingdomand to do it wholeheartedly. Perhaps you say, “I’ve been a Christian for some time, but I don’t know what the one thing is that I should do. How can I know what God’s will is?” I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.Rom_12:1 The first step is to present your body to the Lord. Give your life to Him wholly and completely. It’s the reasonable thing to do. Why is it reasonable to give your whole life to the Lord sacrificially? Here are three reasons… Because of What Jesus Did on Calvary Jesus died for my sins and paid the price for my rebellion. Jesus loves me and gave everything for me. Therefore, it’s only reasonable that I should say, “Lord, I’m Yours because of what You’ve done for me.” Because of Where We Will Spend Eternity We’re racing toward eternity, and what we do here will affect the rewards we receive there. Maybe you’re saying, “Frankly, Jon, I don’t care about rewards in heaven.” Listen, you might not care nowbut I guarantee you will then. Because of What It Does for Us Presently Jesus taught us that we will receive to the degree that we give (Luk_6:38). If you want to be miserable, unhappy, and depressedjust live in a little tiny world where you’re only concerned with your trinkets, your feelings, and your hobbies. If, however, you want a life that is full, rich, and expansive, get involved in ministry. I have discovered when I pray for people who are sick, I feel better! When I share the gospel with people who are lost, I get born again, again! When I share the Scripture, I’m the one who gets fed and blessed! Jesus was right. To the extent I give out, I get back. “Sounds good,” you say, “but how do I know what I should do?” Read down five verses to Rom_12:6 where Paul gives the list of the seven motivational gifts. “Wait a minute,” you protest. “I heard there were nineteen or more spiritual gifts. Aren’t there gifts listed in Corinthians and Ephesians that are different from these?” Students, tune in here: Romans 12 is the only place where the term “spiritual gift” is used. In 1 Corinthians 12, we see the difference… Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.1Co_12:1 In your Bible, the word “gifts” is in italics, which means it was added by the translators. The Greek word translated “spiritual” here is pneumatikos, or, “spirituals.” The word gift is not there. And this is what has caused so much confusion. First Corinthians 12 deals with spiritualsoperations and manifestations, while Romans 12 deals with gifts. Paul makes the distinction clear in the verses that follow. In 1Co_12:4 of 1 Corinthians 12, he writes of “diversities of gifts.” In 1Co_12:5, he writes of “differences of administrations.” In 1Ch_1o:6, he writes of “diversities of operations.” In 1Co_12:4, he writes of the Spirit. In 1Co_12:5, he writes of the Son. In 1Co_12:6, he writes of the Father. Rom_12:6-8 deals with the gifts of the Spirit. Eph_4:11 relates to the ministries linked with Jesus. 1Co_12:8-10 speaks of operationsor manifestations appointed by God. I firmly believe there is a differentiation between the gifts of the Spirit, (Romans 12), the operation or manifestation of the pneumatikos (1 Corinthians 12), and ministries (Ephesians 4). Not everyone will function in these 1 Corinthians 12 manifestations because many people say, “These are not for today. There are no more miracles possible. They are for a different age.” That may be their position, and that’s fine. God’s not going to force those operations on anyone. But every person has a Romans 12 gift embedded within him or her. I believe that as you exercise your Romans 12 gift and if you’re open to the powerful operation of God in the pneumatikos of 1 Corinthians 12, you will simply move in an extra dimension through which God can, if He so chooses, open an Ephesians 4 ministry for you. Everyone has one of the motivational gifts found in Romans 12. How can you know which is yours? Whenever you want to understand anything about how the body of Christ is to function, study the earthly ministry of Jesus, for, although you have one primary motivational gift and may experience others from time to time, all of these gifts existed simultaneously in Him. And, because Jesus declared, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (Joh_14:6), I believe each of these seven gifts can be linked to the Truth as seen in and through Him: ProphecyDeclaring Truth In John 4, Jesus declared truth both by forth-telling and by foretelling. “Woman, go call your husband,” He said to the woman at the well. “I don’t have a husband,” she countered. “You’ve said well that you have no husband,” Jesus replied. “You have five husbands, and the man you’re living with now is not your husband at all.” “I perceive you’re a prophet,” she answered. Bingo. Then Jesus said, “The time is coming and now is when worship will not be based in Jerusalem or Mount Gerazim, but the Father is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth.” As Jesus demonstrated through his conversation with the woman at the well, prophecy is declaring truth through a powerful, pointed proclamation. It is often spontaneous and invariably moves people a notch higher in their perception of Jesus and their understanding of Him. Maybe you have the ability to speak powerfully and pointedly as you proclaim truth and take people forward in their knowledge of Jesus. If so, yours is the gift of prophecyan important function in the body. MinistryIllustrating Truth Ministry simply means service. It’s one thing to talk about love, but what did Jesus do? He illustrated it practically when, after seeing hungry people and hearing their stomachs growling, He said, “Let’s feed them,” (Mat_14:16) Ministry means caring for people practicallynot just talking about it, but actually doing it. In Acts 9, there was a death in the early church. Everyone said, “Quick, call for Peter! We’ve got to pray for a miracle, a resurrection!” Who died? John the apostle? No. James? He was already dead. Some heavy-hitter? Not in the way you might suspect. The person the entire church was so upset about losing was not an anointed apostle or a dedicated deacon, but a woman named Dorcas. Why was the whole church so upset about losing her? Was she a prophet? No. Was she a teacher? No. She sewed clothesand in so doing, she demonstrated the practicality of love. People who say, “I can sew your shirt. I can tune up your car. I can bake you a cake,” more than likely have the gift of ministry. TeachingClarifying Truth In Matthew 5, Jesus said, “You’ve heard it said of old that you’re not to commit murder. But let Me clarify that point. Let Me tell you the real issue: If you hate your brother, you’re guilty of murder. Why? Because you will kill his reputation, destroy his character, and rip him apart bit by bit with your gossip, hatred, and bitterness.” What did the people say to this? “No man speaks like this man. He speaks with authority,” (Mat_7:29). If you are one who has the ability to clarify truthto make things clear to people’s minds and applicable to their livesyour gift is probably that of teaching. GivingFurthering Truth Jesus exemplified the gift of giving when He shed His blood for you and laid down His life on Calvary for me. He died in the place of despicable sinners like us. Thus, His was the ultimate gift of giving. There are those who figure out their tithe with computers and calculators, saying, “Okay. I made $331 this week. Ten percent of that is $33.10 cents. We’ll round it down to $33.” And that’s okay. It’s certainly better than not tithing at all! But the person with the gift of giving has an entirely different mind-set. Around the turn of the century, a man who owned a fledgling business had the gift of giving. “Lord,” he said, “I know it’s important to tithe. But as far as the profits of my little business go, I’m not going to give you ten percent. I’ll keep ten percent. From this day on, as long as I live, You, Lord, will get ninety percent of the profits of this company.” He became a multimillionaire on ten percent. You see, he founded the Quaker Oats Company. The person with the gift of giving gives with abandon and hilarity. RulingAdministrating Truth What did Jesus say when He fed the five thousand? “Make these men sit in groups of fifty (Luk_9:14). Let’s do everything decently and in order. Let’s do things carefully, not haphazardly. Let’s make sure things are done with integrity.” There are those who look for ways of doing things decently and orderly. And theirs is the gift of ruling. MercyRadiating Truth Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus, even though He knew that in a moment or two He would say, “Lazarus, come forth,” and Lazarus would indeed come out (Joh_11:35). The Greek word John used for “wept” speaks of great intensity. Jesus felt the hurt of those around Him. Perhaps you are one who hurts for people and with people, one who feels the pain of others as if it were your own. You may be one who empathizes with the poor in spirit and who feels drawn toward the lowly of heart. If so, you have the much-needed gift of mercya gift that radiates the reality of the love of Jesus. ExhortationRecalling Truth The storm was raging and the disciples were struggling. They shouldn’t have been, for hadn’t Jesus directed them to go to the other side? Wasn’t His command also His promise that He would bring it to pass? Yet they were afraid. So He walked out on the water toward them and exhorted them. “Be of good cheer,” He said. “It is I. Be not afraid” (see Mat_14:27). The Greek word translated “exhortation” is paraklesis, the root of parakletosa word that refers to the “coming alongside” of the Spirit. If you have the ability to come alongside someone who is either going through a storm or sitting in the doldrums and get them going again in the right direction, yours is the gift of exhortation. Of the seven motivational gifts, how can you know which is your primary gift? Here’s one way to find out: If the pastor of your church fell down dead today and the elders said to you, “Please, be the pastor"what would be the first thing you would do? Those with the gift of prophecy would say, “This Fellowship is wonderfully loving and glorying in grace, but we need a new call for righteousness and holiness. If I were pastor, I would proclaim truth boldly and seek to take our people a notch higher spiritually.” Those with the gift of ministry would say, “If I were pastor, I would make sure folks are being helped practically. Are we helping people make sense of their finances? Are the new mothers being cared for?” Those with the gift of teaching would say, “We need a deeper understanding of hermeneutics, homiletics, and eschatology. We need to be more serious in our study and application of the Word.” Those with the gift of giving would say, “If I were pastor, I would raise money in order to see ministries continue and missionaries go out. We need to further the truth of the gospel in these last days.” Those with the gift of ruling would say, “The great need is for better organizationthat we may do all things decently and orderly.” Those with the gift of mercy would say, “Hospital care, concern for those who are homeless and hungry, compassion for those who are hurting, help for the orphans and widowsthat’s what we need.” Those with the gift of exhortation would say, “If I were pastor, I would concentrate on personal counseling for those who are going through storms or are stuck in depression. We need more one-on-one interaction.” What would you do if you were pastor? The problem is, we have a tendency toward “gift projection"of seeing everything in terms of our own individual motivational gift. Oftentimes, we’ll wonder why everyone doesn’t see the same needs we see and feel the same way we feel. Instead of using our gifts to complement one another and to build up the body, we grow frustrated when that which we view as crucial is not top priority for everyone else. Let me put it this way: Suppose my four-year-old son, Benjamin, left Sunday school and came in to the sanctuary to bring me a glass of water. Suppose as he made his way toward the platform, he stumbled and fellspilling the water and shattering the glass. How would you respond? I suggest the way you would respond will further identify your motivational Romans 12 gift. The one with the gift of prophecy would say, “Benjamin, listen carefully. The world is full of pitfalls. Be careful how you walk. Walk straightly. Walk carefully.” The one with the gift of ministry would say, “Where’s the mop? Where’s the broom? I’ll clean this up.” The one with the gift of teaching would say, “Ben, listen. When you carry a glass of water, make sure that you wipe away all the condensation from the outside of the glass. Then, apply equal pressure with both hands, grip tightly, and walk slowly.” The one with the gift of giving would pull out his wallet and say, “How much does that cost? Let me take care of it.” The one with the gift of ruling would say, “Hmm. Who put those stairs there? That was poor planning. We should have had a ramp.” The one with the gift of mercy would blubber, “Come here, big guy. I know just how you feel. I used to spill things too. Don’t worry.” The one with the gift of exhortation would say, “Come on, Benny. Let’s go get another glass of water. Be a little more careful and try again. I know you can do it!” That’s the body acting in unity. Everyone looks at the same event and sees it through his own motivational ministry perspective. It doesn’t mean anyone’s right or wrong, better or worse. It just means we’re differently gifted. How do you view an event? Don’t come down on others for not seeing it the way you do. Wisdom says, “This is the way I see this situation, so it must mean that this is my place in the body. My job is not to change them, but to do what I’m supposed to do.” My strong encouragement to you today is to present yourself a living sacrifice to God. Find out what your gift is. Keep focused on it. And be a sharpshooter in the Name of Jesus for the benefit of His Body.

Acts 6:8

In Mat_25:21, Jesus taught that those who are faithful in little things will be made rulers over greater things. If we desire to be used by the Lord, we must be faithful in whatever God gives us to do in the beginning days of our ministry. Although Scripture tells us not to despise the days of small things (Zec_4:10), yet many people find themselves reluctant to do the seemingly insignificant tasks. Desirous of something grander, they feel menial service is beneath them. But the way of the Lord is that we first prove ourselves in smaller things and, as we are faithful in them, He will give us greater responsibility. The reward for faithfulness in service is greater service. Jesus came on the scene and said something radical when He said, “Happiness is found in losing your life, in giving yourself away. Happiness is found in serving, not in being served; in giving, not in getting” (see Mat_10:39). Today if you’re feeling somewhat blue, perhaps it’s because you’re not engaging yourself in serving others. When you feel like throwing in the towel, take up the towel instead. Wash someone’s feet and suddenly you’ll be refreshed. Stephen modeled this beautifully. He began by serving tables, helping feed widowsnot necessarily a glorious position, not an exalted ministry. But because he was faithful, he was then elected to the office of deacon (Act_6:5)one of seven men chosen by the early church as being a man full of the Holy Ghost, full of wisdom, and full of good works. Here, two verses later, we see him doing “great wonders and miracles among the people.” Stephen went from being a table server to a deacon to a miracle-worker because he was faithful at each step.

Acts 6:9

These who came against Stephen and argued with Stephen were outgunned by Stephen. They couldn’t beat his logic. They couldn’t resist his reasoning. They couldn’t withstand his persuasive speech. So what did they do? They hired liars who said, “We’ve heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”

Acts 6:12

Addressing his students concerning ministry, C. H. Spurgeon said, “Men, when you teach on heaven, let there always be a glow on your face, a gleam in your eye, and a smile on your lips. When you teach on hell, your normal face will do fine.” As false accusations, lies, and anger preceded the rocks that would soon follow, Stephen’s face reflected neither hatred nor horror, but heaven.