How can we ensure "the word of God continued to spread" today? Setting the Scene: Acts 6:7 “And the word of God continued to spread; the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” — Acts 6:7 The Ingredients That Fueled the Early Spread • Devoted prayer and ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4) • Spirit-filled servant-leaders set apart to meet practical needs (Acts 6:3, 5) • Unity preserved among believers, eliminating distraction and division (Acts 6:1) • Clear proclamation of the gospel, unhindered by internal strife (Acts 6:7) • God’s power working through obedience, resulting in conversions even among resistant groups (priests) Applying the Pattern in Congregations Today • Keep preaching and teaching central, refusing to dilute Scripture (2 Timothy 4:2; Colossians 1:28) • Raise up deacons, ministry teams, and volunteers so pastors and teachers remain free to focus on the Word and prayer (Ephesians 4:11-12) • Cultivate Spirit-filled character in every leader, valuing godliness above worldly skill (1 Timothy 3:8-13) • Guard unity by addressing complaints promptly and fairly, modeling humility and mutual submission (Philippians 2:1-4) • Expect God to draw people from every background, including former opponents, as the gospel is proclaimed (Romans 1:16) Practical Steps for Everyday Believers • Engage Scripture daily, allowing it to dwell richly in the heart (Colossians 3:16) • Pray for boldness and open doors to share Christ (Colossians 4:3-4) • Speak the gospel clearly and confidently, trusting the Spirit to convict (Romans 10:14-17) • Serve in the local church, relieving burdens so others can focus on teaching (Galatians 6:10) • Promote peace and reconciliation, refusing gossip or factionalism (Ephesians 4:29-32) • Support missions and church planting, extending the reach of the Word (Acts 13:2-3) Encouragement from God’s Promises • God’s Word never returns void; it achieves His purpose (Isaiah 55:11) • Christ builds His Church, and the gates of Hades cannot prevail against it (Matthew 16:18) • The gospel “is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16) As these biblical principles are embraced, the same outcome recorded in Acts 6:7 follows: the Word of God continues to spread, and disciples multiply. |
    |