365 Reflections

No sooner does a church grow than administrative problems arise fast and furiously. The Greek widows were feeling mishandled in the daily distribution of food. What's the solution? Men, full of the Holy Spirit. Acts 6 puts fullness of the Holy Spirit in perspective. This was not casting out demons or preaching powerful evangelistic messages. This was not raising the dead or calling fire down from heaven. This was not spot-light,high-light reel ministry. Yet the qualifications were clear: "seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom." What do we need the Holy Spirit for? We need the Holy Spirit to handle challenges in administrating the ministry of the church. There is no lack of need for better, more effective operation in almost any church. We usually look for skill, but God's Word says look for the fullness of the Spirit . We need to be full of the Holy Spirit so that we can SERVE people. This was food service. This was ordinary behi...

How are you serving?  Are you serving out of duty or relegation?  Or are you serving well? Deacons are listed as the second office of the church in 1 Timothy 3.  An interesting parallel set of qualifications are presented to Timothy for who should serve as Deacons.  They need self control, they must ably care for family, and they must fully immerse themselves in the full revelation of the faith.  And these were the servants in the church! In other words, a deacon is more than just a doer.  They have something to them deeper than just maintenance or ability in some kind of trade.  I find this interesting.  Herein we may mistake people who can work hard for deacons when other qualifications are not yet met. God is clear about those who oversee and serve the church.  The people must meet certain necessary qualifications. This is how one serves well. 1 Timothy 3:13 (ESV) For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for th...