I had an “Acts 6” experience yesterday, and the Lord asked me make a few decisions. Before I state one of them, let us look at the scriptures involved.
Acts 6:1-7 (NKJV) 1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them. 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.
During Hebrews, as we were discussing the new hall, the topic of water bottles came up. Anu and I served water in bottles when the worship was at the hall in my house. Last Sunday, I bought 20 bottles of mineral water for the hall. At Hebrews, while observing that there were many extra bottles, I was “advised” to buy fewer bottles, or to different smaller bottles, or to bring a large 20 little jug with a dispenser. Then a brother pointed out to me that the bottles were placed on the wrong side, and where he sits as they were placed, they could not be seen by those who come to worship.
This morning the Lord almost seemed amused by our discussions, and brought the scripture above to my remembrance, then gave me an instruction concerned water supply in the hall of worship which I will state below.
From next Sunday, I will bring/buy water only for my family and for those who minister on stage with me. If you cannot afford to bring water, please let me know, someone in the church will “sponsor” your water.
The sarcasm you note in my tone is real, but so is the offer.
As John the Baptist said in John 3:30 – He must increase, but I must decrease. As long as I am there baby-feeding all of you, you will never look to Jesus in faith and move, but will always depends on hand-outs from me. So let Jesus increase in you as you look to him who you serve, and let your dependence on me (not my authority over the church) decrease.
AMEN.