– Am I remaining in Christ through prayer and Bible intake? – Am I engaging in spiritual conversations with lost people? – Am I investing my life in someone else spiritually? – Do I give above and beyond 10% of my resources to Kingdom endeavors? – Am I engaged in service outside my local church? – Is Christ having a transformative effect on my life? – Am I willing to change methods and sacrifice preferences for the sake of advancing the cause of Christ? – Am I wasting time and money on things that have no redeeming value? – Have I figured out what it would look like for Jesus to be LORD of every area of my life? Digging Deeper

The Book of Acts inspires us to RE-THINK what it means for everyone of us to live on mission in every area of life. Q2

CORPORATION COMMUNITY CAUSE The experience of the first Christians recorded in Acts 1 illustrates Three Essentials that we need to understand and embrace if we are going to live on mission where we live, work play. Acts 1: The Essentials

Acts 2: The Power Jesus Christ empowers His People to fulfill His Mission through the presence of His Spirit.

Acts 4: The Message JESUS CHRIST Simple – Substantial – Central – Non-negotiable

Acts 6…

Acts 6:1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Problem Who? What? Why? When?

Philippians 2: Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. 1 Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Problem

Acts 6:1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Who? What? Why? When? Problem

Acts 6:2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Spirit-filled churches multiply and empower spirit-filled leaders. Multiplying His Leaders Solution Direct Communication Discernment Ignore Triangulate Personal Attack Blame Judge Motives

Acts 6: 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." Multiplying His Leaders Mobilize & Empower Qualified Leaders Stay On Mission Solution

Multiplying His Leaders Acts 6:5-7 5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Solution

Prescribing the only process for resolving conflict in the church Acts 6:1-7 is NOT… Prescribing the ideal corporate structure for the church Prescribing a separation between secular and sacred dimensions of life Timeless Truth

Acts 6: The Leaders (Followers) Engage in direct communication, pray for discernment, empower other qualified leaders, and stay on mission. Timeless Truth

Adjusting Vision Growing Opportunities Shrinking Financial Resources Less Paid Staff People Affected Timeless Truth

Acts 6: The Leaders (Followers) Engage in direct communication, pray for discernment, empower other qualified leaders, and stay on mission. Timeless Truth