Acts 6

verse 1 – disciples were increasing

-not just Christians, but disciples

-Matthew 28:18-20

-Disciple – found around 269 times in the NT

-Christian – found around 3 times in the NT

          2 Steps In Discipleship

STEP #1 – Salvation – making Jesus Christ our Savior

STEP #2 – Lordship – making Jesus Christ Lord

Lord – means Master, sir; One in control; master; Sir; Ine supreme in authority

                   Discipleship Points

     1. DISCIPLES DO NOT JUST PROFESS THEIR BELIEFS.  THEY APPLY THEIR BELIEFS – Matthew 4:19 & James 1:22-25

-disciples practice the Word of God

     2. BEING A DISCIPLE IS A DECISION – Luke 9:23-24

-it is a personal decision that every believer must make

-we can make excuses for not being a disciple – Luke 14:16-24

vs18-19 – we get preoccupied with new things and materialism

vs 20 – this is placing our family ahead of Jesus Christ

     3. BEING A DISCIPLE DOES NOT ELIMINATE PROBLEMS – Acts 6:1

-a complaint arises – this was used to restructure the church

                    a. Problems will occur

-many problems are multiple problems

                    b. some problems are unexpected

                    c. some problems are self induced

                    d. every problem is an opportunity

-this was an opportunity to restructure the entire church

Acts 6:1-2 – men are raised up to take on some responsibilties

v4 – they devoted themselves to prayer

v5 – unity came to the church which allowed the Holy Spirit to move freely

-these men were prayed about – v4

-these men had great character – v4

-these men were selected – v3 – a process of selection

                          The 7 Men

1. Stephen – – means Crown

-this represents Stephen being a servant

-Be like Jesus in serving – Mark 10:45

2. Philiip – means warrior

-he warred against the powers of hell  – Acts 8:5-13

-he warred for his family – Acts 21:8-9 – his daughters were prophets

3. Prochorus – leader of the dance

-lay down your ego, reputation and fear – Prov 29:23

4. Nicanor – means victorious

-in out position in Christ and in our walk

5. Timon – means honorable…to hold in esteem

-they walk in the principle of honor

6. Parmenas – means steadfast and faithful

7. Nicolas – means victory or conqueror of the people

v6 – the 7 men were installed into their office

v7 – satan’s attempt to divide the church did not work

vs8-15 – full of grace and power

power – to do the works of the Lord

grace – to handle all of the difficulties of life

vs9-10 – Religious leaders (opposition) rises up

v10 – this is wisdom of the Holy Spirit given to Stephen

vs11-15 – false witnesses came against Stephen but the glory of God rested upon him