Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Youth with Christ
Acts 6:1-7
Adarsh Abraham
Long Island MTC, NY
7 The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith
 
On Youth Sunday we look to the younger ones in the early church, namely Stephen, Timon and a few faithful others.  Here young refers to the newest believers.  Though they were young, they were very strong in Christ as is evidenced by what happens in verse 7.  What we see here is a struggle in the early church that involved cultures.  Instead of focusing on a Jesus culture, the new believers were swayed by their “world” cultures.  Just like a newborn baby’s entrance into the world, the church’s entrance into the modern world was filled with struggles.

The problem: The Greek-speaking new believers felt discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.
The cause: Sin can lead to favoritism even in the body of believers.
The solution: 7 men with Greek names were chosen to minister to the needs of the widows.

A key detail to remember here is that without the help of the young members, the number of disciples for the church could not increase (v.7); nor could the elder priests be converted from Judaism.  The final command of our Lord is not to  make famous, wealthy, educated personalities.  The final command is make disciples; to multiply.  It was similar to one of the first commandments given to humanity:  Be fruitful, to have dominion, not to dominate.
As God rules, Christ rules; as Christ rules, so shall His Body, the Church.

There can be no fruit without service; no service without love; no love without Christ.
It is HE alone who does the work in us to work for others.  Don’t put our trust on our own talents; trust the one who gave us the talents to use them.

Christ took our shame on that cross; lay down our shame.
Trust our Good Father.  The work of redemption is finished.
The work of the Gospel He shares with us, daily.
Are we strong enough to serve God?
Ask GOD, who gives generously TO ALL without finding fault. (James 1.5)

PRAYER

O Lord , our heavenly Father, we come to You seeking Your guidance as we grow older and stronger in Your faith. Instil in us gratitude for the Grace and Mercy You show us in times of vulnerability when we do stray from Your path. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“ALL AUTHORITY (HAS BEEN) GIVEN TO ME.” – JESUS CHRIST

You and I are the Body of the one who has been given ALL AUTHORITY.

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