A FEW SPIRIT-FILLED LEADERS

(Acts 6:1 - 8:40)

A Message by Rev Dr Vincent Leoh on 4 May 2008

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History of the Early Church - going, growing, and glowing - characterized by the phenomenal growth, marvelous miracles, pulsating power, unstoppable boldness. “Those that gladly believed… 3,000 were added” (2:41), Believers were “added daily” (2:47), “5,000 men” are added (4:4) “Multitudes of men and women” (5:14) “disciples are multiplied.” (6:1). This would mean a congregation of at least 20,000.

I. SEVEN SERVANTS WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE (Acts 6:1-7)

1. THE PROBLEM: NEGLECT! (6:1)

* How to Deal with Problems: Ignore. Resent. Over-react. Face it!

* Every problem that arises in the church gives us the opportunity to: Examine the effectiveness of our ministry. Exercise faith (in the Lord and in each other). Express Love in the way that we work out the problem.

2. THE SOLUTION: DEACON MINISTRY (6:2-6)

The Need for Deacons (: 2, 4)

The Selection of Deacons (: 3, 5)

The Role of Deacons (: 6) “Diakoneo” - serve tables. Deacons are servants.

3. THE RESULT: GROWTH!

“And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” (6:7)

DEACONS ARE GOD’S MINISTERING SERVANTS. “Leadership That Makes A Difference” - Many people who serve in positions of leadership only hold a position and never make a difference. Things and people remain the same during their tenure and time is lost that can never again be retrieved. God help us all to be leaders that make a difference. Are you making a difference in your given areas of responsibility?

II. STEPHEN: THE DEACON WITH THE FACE OF AN ANGEL (6:8 - 8:1)

Stephen (Stuart Briscoe, “Getting Into God”):
What he was-irreproachable.
What he did-irrefutable.
What he said-irresistible

“Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit … And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people… But he, being full of the Holy Spirit… ” (Acts 6:5, 8; 7:55)

What it means to be “full of the Holy Spirit”

Notice How a life full of the Holy Spirit …

SERVES (6:5-9)

SPEAKS (6:10-7:54)

SHINES (7:55-8:1)

III. PHILIP: MOVING IN THE MIRACULOUS (8:2 - 40)
I want what you have!

HOW THE SPIRIT MOVES …
“the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away” (8:39)

1. The Spirit Moves as He Wills (8:1-8)

Two Deacons with Different Destinies: Stephen - Martyrdom; Philip - Revival!

What’s your preference?

Just as chronologically Stephen came before Philip, the life of sacrifice must precede the life of blessing. The way of death is the only way. The pursuit of a miracle ministry without the pursuit of the cross leads to a state of exaggerated self-importance. The cross before the crown is always the divine order.

2. The Spirit of God is more powerful than Magic (8:9-13)

3. The baptism in the Holy Spirit is not for salvation but empowerment for service (8:14 -17)

4. Some things are not for sale! (8:18-25)

5. The Spirit of God moves in obedient hearts (8:26-27, 29-30)

The account leaves Philip in Caesarea at this time (v. 40); his next appearance is 20 years later, and he is still located in the same place (21:8); where he gives Paul and company hospitality, and is mentioned as having four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!