The Necessity of the Minister's Inner Life

Acts 6:4 - But we [the church leadership] will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

"The strength of the minister and his ministry lies in the richness and fullness of his inner life.  Ministerial power is always heart power.  The chief business of the minister is to culture the souls of men.  His greatest influence will always be silent and unseen.  The unconscious overflow of his life will be the most potent influence he wields.  His is primarily a spiritual ministry, and no man can excel in spiritual things without having rich resources on which to draw." - William Anderson Elliott, "D.D.'s for Ministers" p. 12.

Cross-reference this quote at several points in the pastoral epistles, such as I Timothy 4:13-16.

VM

The Book of Acts Summarized in 2 Verses

Mark 16:19-20 - So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

This is the Book of Acts summarized in two verses. And without the Book of Acts, this is all we would have to tell what happened in the gap between the Gospels and the Epistles.

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Baptism for Remission of Sins?

The "Church of Christ" related denominations ("Campbellites") teach that Acts 2:38 gives water baptism as the way to receive remission of sins.

Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

And so is it "baptized...for the remission of sins" or not?

Mark 1:4 clears it up. "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."

Baptism is "baptism of repentance." The remission of sins is tied to repentance (see Luke 24:47) and baptism is simply a testimony that this repentance has taken place.

Noted at Mark 1:4 and cross referenced at Acts 2:38; Luke 24:47.

VM

Throw Away Earthly Security

And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.  Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off. - Acts 27:30-32

God's deliverance comes when we are willing to rely solely on Him!  We must throw away any earthly security if we truly trust in God.

VM
From notes taken during a sermon delivered by Ignacio "Pancho" Rovirosa.

Deliverance from Storm: Shipwreck?

Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island. - Acts 27:26

God's deliverance from the storm was a shipwreck!!!

VM
From notes taken during a sermon delivered by Ignacio "Pancho" Rovirosa.

The Key to Joy Is Faith

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. - Acts 27:25

"Be of good cheer: for I believe God" - The key to joy is faith.

"I believe God" - actually the key to all Christian success.

VM

Three Bad Criteria for Decisions, Acts 27

DECISION BASED ON THE WISDOM OF MEN (Rather than the leading of God):

Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.  Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.  - Acts 27:9-11

Compare: Proverbs 22:3; Exodus 9:20-21.

DECISION BASED ON COMFORT, CONVENIENCE:

And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.  - Acts 27:12

Word study: "Not commodius" means not convenient, not suitable.

DECISION BASED ON OBSERVATION, RESULTS, PRAGMATISM:

And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. - Acts 27:13

Bible note: How often we make long-term decisions based on which way the wind is blowing at the moment of decision!

VM
Developed from some notes taken during a sermon delivered by Ignacio "Pancho" Rovirosa.

Acts 6:4

Acts 6:4 - But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

The order is correct as always in scripture: prayer a necessity to enable the proper ministry of the word.

"Give" - compare I Timothy 4:15.  Ministry of the word requires complete consecration, including "continually" given to prayer.

VM

Acts 6:1-6

Acts 6:1-6 - "...then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said...."

Example of mutual submission, Ephesians 5:21; I Peter 5:5.  This by the leadership:
(a) Acknowledge the problem, not ignore it.
(b) Address the problem, not lay it aside or kick it back to the complainants.
(c) Lead in the adoption of a solution - including in this case taking on a new and necessary duty.

VM