Growing Well

Acts 6:1-7 The mission of the church is strengthened when spiritual leaders stay focused on advancing the gospel. "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables . . . But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."  Acts 6:2, 4 The health of the church is strengthened when ministry is delegated to those who use their gifts and abilities. "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."  1 Corinthians 12:4-7   "And He (Christ) gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ . . ."  Ephesians 4:11-13 In what ways am I using my gifts and abilities to minister to the needs of others? The influence of the church is magnified when the gospel is advanced in a spirit of unity. "And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith."  Acts 6:7  The Takeaway . . . "What do I need to be doing that serves others so that the gospel can advance, and a difference can be made?"