Acts 6
The Choosing of the Seven
1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 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. 3
Brothers and sisters, 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 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
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.
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.
Stephen Seized
8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.
11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”
12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Praise God!
11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”
12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.
Praise God!
"A life filled with God is a blessed life."
Last August 24, I share a post in my blog (#9 Growing Spiritually in Christ) that to grow in Jesus Christ, we Believers need to embrace (2) major disciplines in our lives... that is immerse ourselves in the Word of God, and pray. I believe that all of you who wants to grow in Him will agree with me that it is truly simple, yet profound.
That is how our Loving Father in Heaven affirms us everyday we walk in His light. He always tells us what is important, what should be given emphasis or attention to, everything else comes in second :)
"will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
Our daily renewal is possible through Him, in His strength, in His power, in His love...
And as we are strengthened, He will work through us, in our lives, from inside of us, then in our inner circles, then outside it......and yes, He will give us the opportunity to be of service to Him-- to share Him to the world and minister His word, and tap on the power of prayer, Amen!
I have read that to recognize the voice of God, we have the Bible (2 Timothy 3;16-17- "all Scripture is God-breathed...), the inspired Word of God, we just need to open it, contemplate on it, and make it as our guide. If we really belong to Him, we will listen to His voice (John 10:27- "my sheep listen to my voice...). As we spend more intimate time with God, we become familiar to His leading, and the wisdom to His truths will be easily recognizable and understandable and He will help us apply it in our daily lives :)
Prayer for Impact (InTouch Ministries):
Please pray with me,
Dear Loving Father in Heaven, praise you and your glorious name. We lift up to you all who are experiencing financial struggles; we firmly believe that you will supply all our needs. Strengthen us please at all times, but most especially in our trying times. Help us cling to you more and more. Help us to focus on you first. These we pray in Jesus name, Amen.(WEEK 2 (NOV.) Prayer Impact)
Dear Loving Father in Heaven, praise you and your glorious name. We lift up to you all who are experiencing financial struggles; we firmly believe that you will supply all our needs. Strengthen us please at all times, but most especially in our trying times. Help us cling to you more and more. Help us to focus on you first. These we pray in Jesus name, Amen.(WEEK 2 (NOV.) Prayer Impact)
Glory to GOD!
May Jesus' love abounds in us all everyday (".)
Bible in a Year:
Read the Bible in One Year- Here's a reading plan where you and I can focus on God's Words everyday....to make it a habit, make it a practice, Amen :)
Read with me; God speaks to us through His words :)
November 6, 2011- Exodus 22-24
Today is the day :)
If you have not received Jesus Christ yet in your heart, today is the day. May you embrace His love and His gift :)
"Lord Jesus, I believe You are truly the Son of God. I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed. Please forgive all my wrongdoing, and let me live in relationship with You from now on. I receive You as my personal Savior, accepting the work You accomplished once and for all on the cross. Thank You for saving me. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. Amen." (ref prayer by: Mr. Charles Stanley)
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