And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
(Acts 6:7)
The commission given by Jesus was to “preach the good news to all creation.” In this passage from Acts 6 we see the diligence of the Apostles to carryout this work, even to the point of setting apart capable men to oversee the churches mercy ministry.
Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
(Acts 6:3-4)
What focus and clarity of purpose. Our main mission is to preach the word of God! Without gospel declaration and witness, the service ministries of the Church is merely philanthropy! As the gospel bears fruit in the world, mercy ministry will grow. When the good news of the Kingdom of God is heard by the poor, oppressed, widows, and orphans there will be an overflow of service to one another. But all of this must flow out of a deep commitment to the proclamation of the gospel.
Mercy ministry is of great importance! The Old Testament is full of direct commands to meet the needs of those in our midst. To ignore the brokenness that surrounds us is obvious disobedience. But we must understand this simple truth: The heralding of the Gospel is what God uses to grow the church.
The church in Acts grew not because of their great programs, but their great message that gave birth to ministries of mercy.
Has you ministry of the Word given birth to Mercy Ministry?
Has you Mercy Ministry opened doors to more ministry of the Word?
