In Acts 6, we see that when the number of disciples increased, many problems followed. Disciples started to complain about the distribution of food. The Twelve were filled by the wisdom of God, so they made a prompt decision; they choose 7 among the disciples who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom to take over the responsibility. By doing so, the Twelve would not have to neglect the ministry of God’s words in order to wait on tables. Now they could give their attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.
Thank God for blessing our group. Because of His grace, our members are multiplying. And yet when God’s blessings pour down on us, we need more vessels to hold them. On one hand, we search for and train more speakers and group leaders. On the other hand, we pray to God for the wisdom to manage so that we can receive His blessings; otherwise, there will only be chaos, and we won’t be able to expand. This year, our “Spiritual Cloud Project” aims to conduct good management on every part and every detail so that no one will be left behind. No one should be left unconcerned and unsupported. The success of this project depends on everyone’s willingness to understand and cooperate. We should all endeavor to make this project work, and to prevent this project from becoming merely a slogan.
During the growth of a church or a group, many problems will surface. We should not, however, be afraid of these problems. We should learn from the examples of the disciples; we ought to face and solve the problems actively. If we choose to humble ourselves and learn the lessons instead of giving up after failures, we will grow and make progress. Some people say that those who don’t stand never fall, but we should not stop our actions because of our fear of failure. If so, we will become a spiritual cripple. Failure is not fearsome; the most terrible thing is to lose faith in God and to lose the motivation and courage to move forward.
Dynastic changes in this world require revolutions, and in revolution others’ blood are shed. Only Jesus Christ, the son of God, came to earth and shed His own blood in order to abrogate the dark power of Satan. He came to this world to lead us to His Kingdom of light. Jesus Christ, the son of God, was humiliated and despised by people for spreading God’s gospel. So, if others laugh at us, or reject us, when we are spreading the gospel, don’t be surprised or frustrated; it is only natural. Jesus says “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matthew 10:24), so don’t expect to get praise or applause from people in the world. We should be glad that we are counted worthy of suffering disgrace for Jesus’s name.
The peace given to us by God is the only true peace. Nobody can take it away from us, nor will it be diminished by our environment. Because “The Lord sits enthroned over the flood, the LORD is enthroned as king forever” (Psalms 29:10). So, if we focus on the Lord in His throne, we will have peace. Those who think they are good and they don’t need Jesus, are all in hell. Only those who know they need Jesus, and they are blessed sinners, will be in Heaven with our Lord in the future.
Message by Elder Yeh / Summary and response by Jim Lin
