In Chapter 8 we look at the ministry of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven deacons. First he goes to Samaria where many people hear his preaching and come to Christ. Then he goes to a desert road where he ministers to one man, a eunuch from Ethiopia.
Here are the audio and notes:
Today we look at Stephen’s sermon before the council in Jerusalem. He runs through the history of Israel, but then confronts the council with their rejection of Christ. They respond by killing him – stoning him to death. He prayed for them before he died – loving those who hated him.
The audio and notes are here below:
James 1:17 reminds us:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (NKJV)
The Father, through the Holy Spirit within each believer, has given each of us some kind of spiritual gift. He wants us to use them for His glory to build up the body of Christ. God gives each of us gifts. There are no gift-less Christians.
1 Corinthians 7:7 (NKJV) … each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NKJV) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.
Gifts are something we need to use intentionally. Every Christian has a gift, but not all use them. We need to “stir them up” and make sure that we don’t neglect them – just as Paul had to encourage Timothy.
1 Timothy 4:14 (NKJV) Do not neglect the gift that is in you, …
2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJV) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you …
If you’d like some help in determining your gift(s) here’s a link to a little test that just may do the job.
This is a key chapter in that it introduces the role of the deacon or “servant” within the early church. From this point on, we’ll see church leadership separated into the roles of elders and deacons or shepherds and servants.
One of the first deacons, Stephen, had a remarkable ministry, which brought him to the attention of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council in Jerusalem. He was eventually brought before them where he was falsely accused.
Audio: Acts06.mp3
Notes: Acts06.pdf
Central Reflections 