Imperative Needs Of A Growing Church

ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES

Imperative Needs Of A Growing Church

Text: Acts 6:1-7 IBCSS September 10, 2006

Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar

Inevitably, every fast growing Local Church has imperative needs that should be taken seriously. We believe that the Lord is the one adding people into the Church. However, we should also realize that we are God’s partner in the ministry and as partner; we should do our part to support our Local Church for the furtherance of the Gospel. One way of showing love to our God-given ministry is to be sensitive to the problems arising among the believers while the congregation is growing dramatically in number.

In Acts Chapter 6:1-2, it is written, And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. (KJV) These verses make us realize that a powerful and fast growing congregation faces many problems and some problems that may surface could divert the key workers from their responsibility if they were not properly taken care of.

As we study Acts 6:1-7, we could learn a lot of needful things from the early Christians especially on the way they solve Church’s problems during their time. One important thing that could strike our attention is their ability to decide carefully and to respond immediately to the needs of their ministry without negative reaction from other believers.

How we wish we could strictly follow the Bible way of solving current problems in our ministries today. We really need to pray earnestly to God that He may stir up our hearts to become sensitive toward the leading of the Holy Ghost so we could carefully handle any problem that will try to distract our focus from the ministry. We must keep in mind that every fast growing ministry is a special target of the devil; but we thank God because God’s Word is with us today to help and guide us in solving the imperative needs of our Local Church.

(I) Consistent Preachers And Teachers Of The Word

Acts 6:1-4

-Faithful preachers and teacher with sound doctrine

Courageous and sound preachers and teachers of the Word are great treasures in the ministry. Apparently, Christian Ministries today are in great need of godly Church leaders with strong backbone to face any nerve-racking situation that comes their way. Bear in mind that a quality Local Church is not being measured alone by its impressive attendance, but could be manifested by its uncompromising and well-focused leaders and members. The Apostles said, “It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.”

(II) Christians With Good Testimony

Acts 6:3 Acts 11:23-24

-Honest report

A professing Christian who has striking presentation of the Word, but lives like the devil is surely a powerless witness. In verse 3, the Apostles were looking for men of honest report. Certainly, our good testimony speaks louder than our words. We cannot imagine how powerful our witnessing would be if we have Stephen-like, Philip-like (and other names mentioned in verse five) in our Churches today. Have a good testimony and become a great witness for the Lord Jesus Christ.

(III) Spirit-controlled Believers

Acts 6:3

-Believers who are obedient to the leading of the

Holy Spirit

In Acts 6:3, it is written, Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (KJV) The visible presence of Spirit-led Christians surely contributes strength to a growing ministry.

(IV) Wisdom-filled Believers

Acts 6:3

-Believers with sound wisdom

Sound wisdom is a well-valued jewel of a God-fearing man. On the other hand, worldly wisdom blurs the spiritual vision of a man. A believer who embraces the wisdom of the world will never enjoy the incomparable benefits of spiritual wisdom. Consequently, he’ll become a trouble maker in his Local Church.

As we experience annoying problems in our ministries, may we see the importance of wisdom in our everyday life. A wisdom-filled congregation is certainly a strong and an influential Local Church.

(V) Prayerful Believers

Acts 6:4

-Believers who have deep communion with God

Prayerful believers are delightful before God. Their deep communion with Him gives them incomparable pleasure and excitement. Christians who are experiencing such joy of fellowship are the kind of believers who are not easily enticed by seducing spirits, neither easily attracted to the deceitful offers of the world. They are the kind of people we need in our ministries today. A Church with prayerful believers is a powerful Church.

In Acts 6:4, it is written, But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. (KJV)

(VI) Supportive Believers

Acts 6:5

-United believers working for the improvement of the

congregation

In Acts 6:5, it is written, And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: (KJV) This passage beautifully shows the united hearts of the believers. Beyond doubt, there were no believers opposing what the Apostles were saying and doing. What an impressive sign of unity! May true believers show their strong support to their spiritual leaders so they could prosper the way God wants them to prosper.

(VII) Believers Of Great Faith

Acts 6:5

-Believers walking by faith

Every believer should know that without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith in God is an excellent way to please Him. Great men of faith in the past inspired countless people to put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. They were not only witnesses of God’s wonderful working, but became significant part of God’s miracles. Let’s then pray for an increase of faith and set godly goals for us to attain. Beyond the shadows of doubt, we’ll become a blessing to our respective ministries and a trailblazer to the next generation.

(VIII) Responsible Believers

Acts 6:6-7

-Committed servants of the Lord

We strongly believe that proper application of what we learn from the Bible brings forth amazing results. In Acts 6:7, it is written, And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. (KJV) What an excellent reminder for us to consider! Truly, Spirit-guided decisions and actions produce remarkable results.

As we perceive more congregation-related problems to disturb us in the future, may we not rely on men’s impressive way of solving conflicts, but truly trust the Lord so we may increase greatly and victoriously.

In closing, please take time to pray to God: for more preachers and teachers of the Word; believers with unquestionable testimony; Spirit-led workers; men and women of wisdom; more prayerful Christians; supportive members walking by faith; and responsible servants. We are confident that praying for such needs will dramatically change the trend of our respective ministries in the Lord.

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