Multiplying Ministry

Multiplying Ministry

Sermon by Pastor Bob Johnson / July 17, 2022

Bible text: Acts 6:1-7

The Word of God multiplies, disciples multiply, ministry multiplies throughout the Book of Acts.

OUR AUTHORITY – “And the Word of God”

1. God’s Word is Inspired

Inspired – God-breathed!

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2. God’s Word is Inerrant

Inerrant – without errors.

Hebrews 6:18 – impossible for God to lie!

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

3. God’s Word is Infallible

Infallible – incapable of mistakes or being wrong.

Psalms 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Inerrancy relates to how the Word of God is without error, while infallibility refers to how Scripture is authoritative. God’s Word is true theologically, historically, geographically, scientifically, and archeologically.

God’s Word is Our Authority!

OUR ASSIGNMENT – “Increased”

Increase = grow or enlarge, become greater.

That is, the gospel was more and more successful, or became more mighty and extensive in its influence.

1. Proclaim the Gospel

Acts 6:14 Stephen proclaimed the Gospel – named the name of Jesus.

2. Promote The Truth

Acts 7:51-53 – Stephen gives a history lesson to the Jews revealing their hard and stiff-necked heart.

3. Portray the Savior

Acts 7: 59-60 Stephen portrayed Jesus in his life and in his death!

Represent our Savior in humility, kindness, graciousness, patience, and forgiveness

OUR AMBITION – “Number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly”

Ambition = strong desire to achieve something, or a particular goal.

1. Obey God’s Command

“Disciples” = Great commission – we are to make disciples – followers of Jesus

2. Mobilize Our Church

“Multiplied” – Ministry in the church is preparation for ministry outside the church. You have to take the gospel to your neighbor, co-worker, friend, or family.

The whole body must function and be healthy. – Each one reaching one. “Who’s Your One?”

3. Serve Our Community

“Jerusalem” – Clermont County, stating with Union Township” is our Jerusalem and then extends beyond!

OUR AWARD – “Great company of priests were obedient to the faith”

1. Converted Sinners

“Great company of priests”

Priests – Some commentaries say they were some 8,000 priests that served the Jerusalem Temple. Many of these priests (Jews) were converted to Christianity and joined the Jerusalem church – this was a big deal!!

Jews in Benson-Hurst, NY – very hard. Gospel can reach anyone, anywhere, and at anytime!!

2. Committed Saints

“Were Obedient”

1) to listen, to harken

1a) of one who on the knock at the door comes to listen who it is, (the duty of a porter)

James 1:22 – Don’t be just a hearer of the Word but a doer.

3. Called Servants

“To the Faith”

Genuine faith leads to a life of service to the Lord.