May 27, 2007am   The Chosen Ones  Acts 6:1-7

A Service of Deacon Ordination

By Ronald E. George Jr. at the Fayetteville Baptist Church

Scripture Text :  Acts 6      In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. ^2 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. ^3 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 ^4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” ^5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch , a convert to Judaism. ^6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. ^7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. ^[1]

1.   The need for the chosen ones…

Increasing numbers of disciples.  Imagine that…  this is why we are here…

Some complained…  A rightful complaint. Complaints of needs not being met.

Needed more help.  Why bother?  Why worry?  Why care?  What did Jesus do?

Problems incurred, because needs were unmet.

There is a need to do the right things, and a need to do things right. 

We should care for others and help to meet there needs. 

People need the Lord and People need people.  People need you.  Have you been chosen to serve?  Have you accepted the call?  Would you?  This is Christianity. 

2.  Who are the chosen ones?

The deacons are the:

The Diakonate: these are those who minister and serve.

1)) to be a servant, attendant, domestic, to serve, wait upon

1a) to minister to one, render ministering offices to

1a1) to be served, ministered unto

1b) to wait at a table and offer food and drink to the guests,

1b1) of women preparing food

1c) to minister i.e. supply food and necessities of life

1c1) to relieve one's necessities (e.g. by collecting alms),

to provide take care of, distribute, the things necessary

to sustain life

1c2) to take care of the poor and the sick, who administer the

office of a deacon

1c3) in Christian churches to serve as deacons

1d) to minister

1d1) to attend to anything, that may serve another's interests

1d2) to minister a thing to one, to serve one or by supplying

any thing

Are you fulfilling your calling?  The work of the Lord includes everyone. 

Choose others and trust them to do the work they are called to do.

The calling of the Lord is changing as the needs of the people change.

We are the chosen ones.

3.  The Chosen Ones answer the call.

The chosen ones answer God’s call and accept the work they are given to do.  Why?  We serve to bring honor and glory to the Lord and to help the people. 

The Calling

4.     The Chosen ones are commissioned to do the work.

Giving them the torch.

The Presentation. 

The Prayer.

The Laying on of hands.

See the Result.