How the Apostles Sustained Revival with One Decision
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As leaders, if we are to sustain revival successfully in our own lives and ministries, we must prioritize Acts 6.
In Acts 6, the Apostles had to make a massive decision in prioritizing the Word and prayer over the ministry within the church.
Through the first five chapters in the book of Acts, we witness the church exploding with power and the presence of the Lord. With the needs of the new church increasing, problems surfaced. The people's needs required attention.
The Apostles made an all-important decision, one that we can all learn from. The church problems they faced were not ignored but rightfully administrated without losing their focus on keeping the first commandment (Mark 12:30) in first place.
Acts 6:2-4 "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. Brothers, 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, and we will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word."
The decision was crucial, for it became the catalyst to increased and sustained revival! Prioritizing prayer and the ministry of the Word over the personal involvement of meeting needs in the body paved the way to great multiplication in the city.
Acts 6:7 "Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith."
Though taking care of ministry needs are essential, it should never move us away from continual, ongoing encounters with the Lord through prayer and the Word.
But throughout church history, we have seen how ministry demands gobble-up time away from the Lord. Many Pastors and leaders are suffering from burnout, leading to negative consequences.
Keep the focus strong and the priority solid. The first commandment must always be first! Active and vibrant!
Later we see the Apostle Paul pen these words to the church at Ephesus:
Ephesians 4:11-13 "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
The Ephesian 4 mandate will not soar unless we have an Acts 6 priority.
We are all leaders and influence others to one degree or another. It is vital to be examples of a first commandment living, to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, much like the Apostles did.
So let us be intentional and prioritize quality time in prayer and in the Word to grow and sustain revival in our hearts, developing a history in God!
Blessings! - Greg
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rs
As a consultant I often counsel business owners, that they are spending so much time working IN their business, they have no time to work ON their business. The same principle applies to ministry.