Acts

DISCIPLESHIP POINTS

1. DISCIPLES PRACTICE THE WORD OF GOD – Matt 4:19-20 & James 1:22-25
-we follow Jesus and what He says because He is right in everything He says

-He is the smartest man taht has ever lived because He is God

2. BEING A DISCIPLE IS A DECISION – Luke 9:23-24
-this is a personal decision each Christian has to make

-Matthew 6:33

-no more excuses – Luke 14:16-24

3. BEING A DISCIPLE DOES NOT ELIMINATE PROBLEMS – Acts 6:1
-problems arose in the early church

-every church and every person will have problems

-multiple problems occur

-some problems are unexpected

-some problems are self induced

-every problem is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His grace
***In Acts 6, the church was restructured because of a problem

Acts 6

verse 2 – ther complaint of the widows helped to change the church into what the Lord wanted it to be

verse 3 – seven men were appointed to handle certain areas of ministry in the church

v4 – prayer was huge in the early church

v5 – these 7 men were prayed about, were selected and had Biblical characteristics

The Seven Men
1. Stephen – means crown
-speaks of serving the Lord

2. Philip – means warrior
-he encounters a witch and wins – Acts 8:5-13

-he prays for his children and wins – Acts 21:8-9

3. Prochirus – means leader of the dance
-we need some praising men
-crucify your reputation and what people think about you

4. Nicanor – means victorious
-we need men to know who they are in Christ and walk in victory

5. Timon – means honorable/to hold in high esteem
-we need men who are respectful…….who have a good reputation and deal with people properly

6. Parmenas – means steadfast and faithful

7. Nicolas – means conqueror or victory of the people

v6 – hands are laid on them
***this speaks of recognizing their call and gifts

v7 – satans attempt to divide the church does not ork

vs8-15 – Stephen was full of grace and power

vs9-10 the opposition hated Stephen – they were jealous that people were following him instead of them

v10 – the Holy Spirit gave Stephen wisdom

v11 – false witnesses raised up against Stephen

v12 – they seized Stephen to kill him

vs13-15 – his countenances was shining with the glory and presence of the Lord