Mar. 20, 2022

Begin Again in Ministry

Primary Text:  Acts 6:2-7                            

Previous Teaching:  Begin Again Within

1)  A New Creation

2 Corinthians 5:17:  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Romans 10:8-9:  But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

    DQ 1) How are people made new creations when they come into relationship with Jesus?

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2)  Sanctified, Delivered & Anointed

2 Thessalonians 2:13:  But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 

Luke 8:1-2:  After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.  The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22:  Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.  He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 

DQ 2) What is demonic oppression?  Can a Christian be demonically oppressed?

DQ 3) What is an anointing from God?

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This Week’s Teachings

1)  What is Ministry?

Romans 15:15-16:  I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 

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2)  The Ministry of Service

1 Timothy 3:8-10:  Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.  They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.  They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.  

DQ 2) What is a Deacon?

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3)  Serving Ministry

Acts 6:2-7:  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….  They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.  So the word of God spread.

Matthew 25:37-40:  "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'"  The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' 

DQ 3) Is there a hierarchy of service roles in the church?  Why or why not?

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4)  The Servant

Matthew 12:17-21:  This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: "Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations." 

DQ 4) What is the model of Jesus to the church with regard to ministry?

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5)  Faithful Servants

Matthew 25:23:  His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant!  You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.  Come and share your master's happiness!' 

 DQ 5) What are the rewards of serving God?

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