2. But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve called a meeting of all the believers. They said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food program. 3 And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility. 4 Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.”

3. 5 Everyone liked this idea, and they chose the following: Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit), Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (an earlier convert to the Jewish faith). 6 These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them. 7 So God’s message continued to spread. The number of believers greatly increased in Jerusalem, and many of the Jewish priests were converted, too. Acts 6:1-7 Tyndale House Publishers. (2007). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (3rd ed., Ac 6:1–7). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

4. 1.The Bible teaches that the church has been given the responsibility by God for the purpose of meeting the world’s greatest needs. 2.The world’s need will never be satisfied by governments, medical science, financial or educational institutions or even the United States Constitution.

5. “I T T AKES M ORE T HAN A V ILLAGE ; I T T AKES A C HURCH !”  A Church filled with and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  A Church willing to be an instrument of God’s love and grace.

6. The Devil’s Opposition: Persecution of the Apostles – Acts 4&5 “They Stood Firm!” Persecution of the Apostles – Acts 4&5 “They Stood Firm!” Inner Corruption by Ananias and Sapphira – Acts 5 “They were removed!” Inner Corruption by Ananias and Sapphira – Acts 5 “They were removed!” “Distraction & Discord”. “Distraction & Discord”.

7. “I T WAS THE BEST OF TIMES. I T WAS THE WORST OF TIMES !” T WO R EASONS : 2.The “Worst of Times” because of the great opportunities missed. 1.The “Best of Times” presents the greatest opportunity to make a difference.

8. A S TRATEGY FOR S TAYING F OCUSED A. As the Church was increasing in numbers, so were the needs of the people. the needs of the people. I.H ONESTLY A DMIT T HE F AILURE T O M EET G ROWING N EEDS.(V. 1-2) B.The complaints were threatening the time needed to give themselves completely to preaching, teaching and praying.

9. II.A CCEPTANCE O F A S HARED P ARTNERSHIP & T HE E XECUTION O F A U NIFIED P LAN. (V. 5) A.Meeting needs was not a matter of ability, but of calling. B.Meeting needs involved the enlistment of others.

10. III. COMMIT TO UPHOLDING THE MINISTRY OF GOD’S WORD & PRAYER. (2b, 4, 7) OF GOD’S WORD & PRAYER. (2b, 4, 7) A.It is every Pastor’s responsibility to dedicate their life and ministry to God’s Word both in learning and application. B.When the standards of preaching and teaching decline, the Church becomes spiritually vulnerable. C.When the level of involvement diminishes, problems start mounting up.

11. T HE L ORD ’ S S UPPER