We Need You (Acts 6:1-7) | Let Down Your Nets | Mike Kelsey

All right. How's everybody doing? Good All right. How's everybody doing? Good morning. morning. morning. >> Y'all ready to jump in? Uh let's jump >> Y'all ready to jump in? Uh let's jump >> Y'all ready to jump in? Uh let's jump in. Acts chapter 6 is where we're going in. Acts chapter 6 is where we're going in. Acts chapter 6 is where we're going to be uh this morning. Uh if you have to be uh this morning. Uh if you have to be uh this morning. Uh if you have your own copy of the Bible, meet me in your own copy of the Bible, meet me in your own copy of the Bible, meet me in Acts 6. If you didn't bring a Bible with Acts 6. If you didn't bring a Bible with Acts 6. If you didn't bring a Bible with you, we'll have the verses up on the you, we'll have the verses up on the you, we'll have the verses up on the screen. But I want to welcome uh all of screen. But I want to welcome uh all of screen. But I want to welcome uh all of you who are new to our church uh today. you who are new to our church uh today. you who are new to our church uh today. My name is Mike. I'm one of the pastors My name is Mike. I'm one of the pastors My name is Mike. I'm one of the pastors here and uh we're glad that you're here and uh we're glad that you're here and uh we're glad that you're joining us uh today. We're one church in joining us uh today. We're one church in joining us uh today. We're one church in uh five different locations around the uh five different locations around the uh five different locations around the DC metro area. So, I'm here at Tyson's, DC metro area. So, I'm here at Tyson's, DC metro area. So, I'm here at Tyson's, but I want to welcome those of you out but I want to welcome those of you out but I want to welcome those of you out of McGomery County, Arlington, Prince of McGomery County, Arlington, Prince of McGomery County, Arlington, Prince William, uh, as well as Lowden, uh, and William, uh, as well as Lowden, uh, and William, uh, as well as Lowden, uh, and everybody joining us online. Uh, it's everybody joining us online. Uh, it's everybody joining us online. Uh, it's it's a joy to be together. Uh, today, it's a joy to be together. Uh, today, it's a joy to be together. Uh, today, uh, today we are starting a new sermon uh, today we are starting a new sermon uh, today we are starting a new sermon series to officially launch uh, the series to officially launch uh, the series to officially launch uh, the vision that God has given us for the vision that God has given us for the vision that God has given us for the next five years of our church. And so if next five years of our church. And so if next five years of our church. And so if you're new to our church, uh I want to you're new to our church, uh I want to you're new to our church, uh I want to give you an overview of that vision. But give you an overview of that vision. But give you an overview of that vision. But rather than me doing it, I want to allow rather than me doing it, I want to allow rather than me doing it, I want to allow our church family uh to give you that our church family uh to give you that our church family uh to give you that overview because back in February, uh overview because back in February, uh overview because back in February, uh some of y'all remember we introduced the some of y'all remember we introduced the some of y'all remember we introduced the vision uh to the church. And so I wanted vision uh to the church. And so I wanted vision uh to the church. And so I wanted to see how many of y'all remember it.

to see how many of y'all remember it. to see how many of y'all remember it. Don't get nervous, but it's about to be Don't get nervous, but it's about to be Don't get nervous, but it's about to be a pop quiz. All right, y'all ready? a pop quiz. All right, y'all ready? a pop quiz. All right, y'all ready? >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. >> Come on. Moco, PW, Arlington, Louden, >> Come on. Moco, PW, Arlington, Louden, >> Come on. Moco, PW, Arlington, Louden, everybody. Y'all ready? Yes, sir. everybody. Y'all ready? Yes, sir. everybody. Y'all ready? Yes, sir. >> All right, here we go. What's the name >> All right, here we go. What's the name >> All right, here we go. What's the name of our church's five-year vision? of our church's five-year vision? of our church's five-year vision? >> It's a little slow, but let down your >> It's a little slow, but let down your >> It's a little slow, but let down your nest is the correct answer. Give nest is the correct answer. Give nest is the correct answer. Give yourself a round of applause. We're yourself a round of applause. We're yourself a round of applause. We're tracking so far. The name of our tracking so far. The name of our tracking so far. The name of our five-year vision is Let Down Your Nest. five-year vision is Let Down Your Nest. five-year vision is Let Down Your Nest. That's from Luke 5. And it's a pretty That's from Luke 5. And it's a pretty That's from Luke 5. And it's a pretty profound passage where Jesus calls his profound passage where Jesus calls his profound passage where Jesus calls his disciples and he tells Peter, "I want disciples and he tells Peter, "I want disciples and he tells Peter, "I want you to go out into deep water and I want you to go out into deep water and I want you to go out into deep water and I want you to let down your nets." literally in you to let down your nets." literally in you to let down your nets." literally in that passage. But what he was doing was that passage. But what he was doing was that passage. But what he was doing was essentially previewing for Peter the essentially previewing for Peter the essentially previewing for Peter the mission that he came to accomplish that mission that he came to accomplish that mission that he came to accomplish that he was inviting Peter and the disciples he was inviting Peter and the disciples he was inviting Peter and the disciples and all of us to participate in. And so and all of us to participate in. And so and all of us to participate in. And so when we say let down your nest, what we when we say let down your nest, what we when we say let down your nest, what we mean is together as a church family, we mean is together as a church family, we mean is together as a church family, we are taking intentional steps of faith are taking intentional steps of faith are taking intentional steps of faith together and we're going to work together and we're going to work together and we're going to work together to help more people experience together to help more people experience together to help more people experience abundant life in Jesus. That that's what abundant life in Jesus. That that's what abundant life in Jesus. That that's what we mean when we say let down your nets.

we mean when we say let down your nets. we mean when we say let down your nets. We want to do our part to help more We want to do our part to help more We want to do our part to help more people experience abundant life in people experience abundant life in people experience abundant life in Jesus. Now, question number two. What's Jesus. Now, question number two. What's Jesus. Now, question number two. What's the summary of how we're pursuing that the summary of how we're pursuing that the summary of how we're pursuing that vision between now and 2030? It's four vision between now and 2030? It's four vision between now and 2030? It's four numbers. Y'all remember numbers. Y'all remember numbers. Y'all remember >> 10 >> 10 >> 10 >> 1 5 10 20. The way we summarize, the way >> 1 5 10 20. The way we summarize, the way >> 1 5 10 20. The way we summarize, the way we're trying to pursue and live out the we're trying to pursue and live out the we're trying to pursue and live out the vision God has given us is we want to vision God has given us is we want to vision God has given us is we want to reach one person at a time. Uh which is reach one person at a time. Uh which is reach one person at a time. Uh which is not just an evangelism strategy. It is not just an evangelism strategy. It is not just an evangelism strategy. It is an operating system. It's a way of life. an operating system. It's a way of life. an operating system. It's a way of life. It's a philosophy of ministry that we It's a philosophy of ministry that we It's a philosophy of ministry that we want to be people centered as a church. want to be people centered as a church. want to be people centered as a church. We want to reach one person at a time. We want to reach one person at a time. We want to reach one person at a time. Start five new congregations uh here in Start five new congregations uh here in Start five new congregations uh here in the DMV area over the next five years. the DMV area over the next five years. the DMV area over the next five years. Disciple the 10,000 people who call MLAN Disciple the 10,000 people who call MLAN Disciple the 10,000 people who call MLAN Bible Church their church home. And by Bible Church their church home. And by Bible Church their church home. And by God's grace, we're praying that God God's grace, we're praying that God God's grace, we're praying that God would use us over the next five years to would use us over the next five years to would use us over the next five years to impact 20 million people around the impact 20 million people around the impact 20 million people around the world with the gospel. Now, we world with the gospel. Now, we world with the gospel. Now, we introduced all of that in a sermon introduced all of that in a sermon introduced all of that in a sermon series back in February, and I would series back in February, and I would series back in February, and I would encourage you to go back to that sermon encourage you to go back to that sermon encourage you to go back to that sermon series to kind of hear it at a high series to kind of hear it at a high series to kind of hear it at a high level, especially the first message in level, especially the first message in level, especially the first message in that series in Luke chapter 5, because that series in Luke chapter 5, because that series in Luke chapter 5, because we kind of sat in that passage uh for a we kind of sat in that passage uh for a we kind of sat in that passage uh for a while. And over the next several weeks, while. And over the next several weeks, while. And over the next several weeks, uh, we're going to be sharing more uh, we're going to be sharing more uh, we're going to be sharing more details about the vision. And we believe details about the vision. And we believe details about the vision. And we believe this isn't just a vision for our church.

this isn't just a vision for our church. this isn't just a vision for our church. Listen, we believe that this is a vision Listen, we believe that this is a vision Listen, we believe that this is a vision for our life, for our life, for our life, for the life that God is inviting you, for the life that God is inviting you, for the life that God is inviting you, that God is inviting me, that God is that God is inviting me, that God is that God is inviting me, that God is inviting us to live with him by faith. inviting us to live with him by faith. inviting us to live with him by faith. And we're actually going to walk through And we're actually going to walk through And we're actually going to walk through that vision in reverse. And so, uh, that vision in reverse. And so, uh, that vision in reverse. And so, uh, we're going to start wide with what it we're going to start wide with what it we're going to start wide with what it means to impact 20 million people, uh, means to impact 20 million people, uh, means to impact 20 million people, uh, around the world with, uh, the gospel. around the world with, uh, the gospel. around the world with, uh, the gospel. And so, Pastor David will be back next And so, Pastor David will be back next And so, Pastor David will be back next Sunday. He's been away on sbatical, uh, Sunday. He's been away on sbatical, uh, Sunday. He's been away on sbatical, uh, for four months. And so, uh, he's back for four months. And so, uh, he's back for four months. And so, uh, he's back in the office and he's itching to get in the office and he's itching to get in the office and he's itching to get back up in the pull pit and preach. So, back up in the pull pit and preach. So, back up in the pull pit and preach. So, uh, we're excited to welcome him back uh, we're excited to welcome him back uh, we're excited to welcome him back next Sunday. He's going to kick us off. next Sunday. He's going to kick us off. next Sunday. He's going to kick us off. Uh, yeah. Somebody said, "Well, you can Uh, yeah. Somebody said, "Well, you can Uh, yeah. Somebody said, "Well, you can clap for that." I won't be offended. clap for that." I won't be offended. clap for that." I won't be offended. It's no problem. It's no problem. It's no problem. So, he'll be back uh diving in and uh So, he'll be back uh diving in and uh So, he'll be back uh diving in and uh we'll work our way from impacting 20 we'll work our way from impacting 20 we'll work our way from impacting 20 million all the way into the heart of million all the way into the heart of million all the way into the heart of the vision, which is one person at a the vision, which is one person at a the vision, which is one person at a time. Here's what I want to do today. I time. Here's what I want to do today. I time. Here's what I want to do today. I just want to set up this series by just want to set up this series by just want to set up this series by helping us set our expectations helping us set our expectations helping us set our expectations for what I believe, what we believe God for what I believe, what we believe God for what I believe, what we believe God wants to do in our lives and in and wants to do in our lives and in and wants to do in our lives and in and through us together as a church family.

through us together as a church family. through us together as a church family. And if you're new to our church and And if you're new to our church and And if you're new to our church and maybe you're even new to faith, maybe maybe you're even new to faith, maybe maybe you're even new to faith, maybe you're exploring Christianity, I think you're exploring Christianity, I think you're exploring Christianity, I think God has something uh for you as well. God has something uh for you as well. God has something uh for you as well. So, I want to read our passage in Acts 6 So, I want to read our passage in Acts 6 So, I want to read our passage in Acts 6 and then we're going to we're going to and then we're going to we're going to and then we're going to we're going to dive in. Acts chapter 6. Uh we're going dive in. Acts chapter 6. Uh we're going dive in. Acts chapter 6. Uh we're going to pick it up in verse one. I want to to pick it up in verse one. I want to to pick it up in verse one. I want to read through verse seven and then uh and read through verse seven and then uh and read through verse seven and then uh and then we'll see what God has to say to us then we'll see what God has to say to us then we'll see what God has to say to us through his word. Acts chapter 6, let me through his word. Acts chapter 6, let me through his word. Acts chapter 6, let me read from verse one. read from verse one. read from verse one. It says, "Now in these days, when the It says, "Now in these days, when the It says, "Now in these days, when the disciples were increasing in number, a disciples were increasing in number, a disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose complaint by the Hellenists arose complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows against the Hebrews because their widows against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily were being neglected in the daily were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twel summoned the distribution. And the twel summoned the distribution. And the twel summoned the full number of the disciples and said, full number of the disciples and said, full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up "It is not right that we should give up "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve preaching the word of God to serve preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, from among you seven men of good repute, from among you seven men of good repute, good reputation, full of the spirit and good reputation, full of the spirit and good reputation, full of the spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to duty. But we will devote ourselves to duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

prayer and to the ministry of the word." prayer and to the ministry of the word." And what they said pleased the whole And what they said pleased the whole And what they said pleased the whole gathering. And they chose Stephen, a man gathering. And they chose Stephen, a man gathering. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philillip and Procurus and Nikonor, and Philillip and Procurus and Nikonor, and Philillip and Procurus and Nikonor, and Timman, and Parmminus, and Nicicoas, and Timman, and Parmminus, and Nicicoas, and Timman, and Parmminus, and Nicicoas, a procelite of Antioch. These they set a procelite of Antioch. These they set a procelite of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and before the apostles, and they prayed and before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them, and the word laid their hands on them, and the word laid their hands on them, and the word of God continued to increase, and the of God continued to increase, and the of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied number of the disciples multiplied number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the of the priests became obedient to the of the priests became obedient to the faith. faith. faith. I know some of you like, "What does this I know some of you like, "What does this I know some of you like, "What does this have to do with my life?" We're going to have to do with my life?" We're going to have to do with my life?" We're going to talk about it. But before we do that, talk about it. But before we do that, talk about it. But before we do that, why don't you just take a minute just why don't you just take a minute just why don't you just take a minute just between you and God, just in the between you and God, just in the between you and God, just in the quietness of your own heart, and just quietness of your own heart, and just quietness of your own heart, and just pray and ask God to speak to you pray and ask God to speak to you pray and ask God to speak to you personally through his word. Let's just personally through his word. Let's just personally through his word. Let's just take a minute in quiet together.

Father, we thank you for this Father, we thank you for this opportunity to gather together under the opportunity to gather together under the opportunity to gather together under the authority of your word. And God, we pray authority of your word. And God, we pray authority of your word. And God, we pray that you would speak to our hearts and that you would speak to our hearts and that you would speak to our hearts and work in our hearts. Change us, God, by work in our hearts. Change us, God, by work in our hearts. Change us, God, by the power of your Holy Spirit. We pray the power of your Holy Spirit. We pray the power of your Holy Spirit. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Three expectations that I think God Three expectations that I think God Three expectations that I think God wants us to have in this season of our wants us to have in this season of our wants us to have in this season of our church and in this season of of our church and in this season of of our church and in this season of of our lives. I want to walk through them uh lives. I want to walk through them uh lives. I want to walk through them uh from this passage. As we move together, from this passage. As we move together, from this passage. As we move together, we move forward together as a church. we move forward together as a church. we move forward together as a church. Number one, we should expect growth. We Number one, we should expect growth. We Number one, we should expect growth. We should expect growth. should expect growth. should expect growth. Now, I I want you to see this in Now, I I want you to see this in Now, I I want you to see this in scripture, but here's why I think this scripture, but here's why I think this scripture, but here's why I think this is important uh to mention because I is important uh to mention because I is important uh to mention because I think sometimes if we're not careful, I think sometimes if we're not careful, I think sometimes if we're not careful, I think we can get cynical toward church think we can get cynical toward church think we can get cynical toward church growth. And I say that especially for growth. And I say that especially for growth. And I say that especially for people who maybe grew up in church. you people who maybe grew up in church. you people who maybe grew up in church. you kind of been around the Christian kind of been around the Christian kind of been around the Christian industrial complex for a while. Uh, and industrial complex for a while. Uh, and industrial complex for a while. Uh, and even if you did not grow up in church, I even if you did not grow up in church, I even if you did not grow up in church, I know some of y'all are visiting church know some of y'all are visiting church know some of y'all are visiting church and honestly, you came to a mega church and honestly, you came to a mega church and honestly, you came to a mega church and as soon as you hear about church and as soon as you hear about church and as soon as you hear about church growth, you start itching. You start growth, you start itching. You start growth, you start itching. You start cringing. You start immediat your your cringing. You start immediat your your cringing. You start immediat your your your radar and skepticism begins to your radar and skepticism begins to your radar and skepticism begins to rise. And I get it. Sometimes if we're rise. And I get it. Sometimes if we're rise. And I get it. Sometimes if we're not careful, we can get cynical toward not careful, we can get cynical toward not careful, we can get cynical toward church growth. And you hear it in church growth. And you hear it in church growth. And you hear it in comments like this. Churches are all comments like this. Churches are all comments like this. Churches are all about the numbers. Do we really need to about the numbers. Do we really need to about the numbers. Do we really need to add more worship services or more add more worship services or more add more worship services or more locations? Our church is getting too locations? Our church is getting too locations? Our church is getting too big. Overflow is annoying. Shout out to

big. Overflow is annoying. Shout out to big. Overflow is annoying. Shout out to everybody in overflow. It It takes too everybody in overflow. It It takes too everybody in overflow. It It takes too long to get out in the parking lot. long to get out in the parking lot. long to get out in the parking lot. That's why some of y'all be power That's why some of y'all be power That's why some of y'all be power walking out of here before the sermon is walking out of here before the sermon is walking out of here before the sermon is even over. I understand. even over. I understand. even over. I understand. And I think some of that concern is And I think some of that concern is And I think some of that concern is warranted because we've all heard about warranted because we've all heard about warranted because we've all heard about and some of us have personally and some of us have personally and some of us have personally experienced unhealthy church growth. It experienced unhealthy church growth. It experienced unhealthy church growth. It is okay to say amen in church. Has is okay to say amen in church. Has is okay to say amen in church. Has anybody heard about or experienced anybody heard about or experienced anybody heard about or experienced unhealthy church growth? Yet, a lot of unhealthy church growth? Yet, a lot of unhealthy church growth? Yet, a lot of us have seen it. And if we haven't seen us have seen it. And if we haven't seen us have seen it. And if we haven't seen it personally, we've certainly seen it it personally, we've certainly seen it it personally, we've certainly seen it on the news or on social media. We know on the news or on social media. We know on the news or on social media. We know what it looks like when churches are what it looks like when churches are what it looks like when churches are driven by unhealthy church growth. driven by unhealthy church growth. driven by unhealthy church growth. This year, we celebrate the 65th This year, we celebrate the 65th This year, we celebrate the 65th anniversary of our church. And I anniversary of our church. And I anniversary of our church. And I remember the first time I visited this remember the first time I visited this remember the first time I visited this church back in 2004, walking into this church back in 2004, walking into this church back in 2004, walking into this lobby here in Tyson's, walking through lobby here in Tyson's, walking through lobby here in Tyson's, walking through those doors, it was during a season of those doors, it was during a season of those doors, it was during a season of incredible numerical growth in our incredible numerical growth in our incredible numerical growth in our church under the leadership uh of our church under the leadership uh of our church under the leadership uh of our former senior pastor, Pastor Lon former senior pastor, Pastor Lon former senior pastor, Pastor Lon Solomon.

Solomon. Solomon. And can I give you an honest pastor And can I give you an honest pastor And can I give you an honest pastor moment? moment? moment? I need I need you to give me permission I need I need you to give me permission I need I need you to give me permission so I know this is a safe space. Can I be so I know this is a safe space. Can I be so I know this is a safe space. Can I be honest for a minute? Okay, let me let me honest for a minute? Okay, let me let me honest for a minute? Okay, let me let me be honest for a minute. Now that I'm in be honest for a minute. Now that I'm in be honest for a minute. Now that I'm in a lead pastor role, it's easy for me to a lead pastor role, it's easy for me to a lead pastor role, it's easy for me to want to chase what God did in the past. It's easy for me to want to prove myself It's easy for me to want to prove myself or val get validation from people by or val get validation from people by or val get validation from people by doing as much or growing as fast as our doing as much or growing as fast as our doing as much or growing as fast as our church did back in the day. And I share church did back in the day. And I share church did back in the day. And I share that because although we never say it that because although we never say it that because although we never say it out loud, a lot of unhealthy church out loud, a lot of unhealthy church out loud, a lot of unhealthy church growth is driven by the insecurity and growth is driven by the insecurity and growth is driven by the insecurity and ambition of unhealthy pastors. ambition of unhealthy pastors. ambition of unhealthy pastors. And I know that temptation lives inside And I know that temptation lives inside And I know that temptation lives inside of me. of me. of me. And so when we talk about unhealthy And so when we talk about unhealthy And so when we talk about unhealthy church growth, we're talking about a church growth, we're talking about a church growth, we're talking about a growth that is driven by the wrong growth that is driven by the wrong growth that is driven by the wrong motives. It is to build our own motives. It is to build our own motives. It is to build our own platform. It is to build a name for platform. It is to build a name for platform. It is to build a name for oursel. It is to glorify ourself. And it oursel. It is to glorify ourself. And it oursel. It is to glorify ourself. And it is growth that is driven by the wrong is growth that is driven by the wrong is growth that is driven by the wrong focus where we only focus on focus where we only focus on focus where we only focus on quantitative measurements and numbers quantitative measurements and numbers quantitative measurements and numbers and how big things are giving. There is and how big things are giving. There is and how big things are giving. There is unhealthy church growth. But listen to unhealthy church growth. But listen to unhealthy church growth. But listen to me, there's a difference between being me, there's a difference between being me, there's a difference between being concerned about unhealthy church growth concerned about unhealthy church growth concerned about unhealthy church growth and being cynical about all church and being cynical about all church and being cynical about all church growth.

growth. growth. And the reality we see in scripture, And the reality we see in scripture, And the reality we see in scripture, listen to me, is Jesus wants his church listen to me, is Jesus wants his church listen to me, is Jesus wants his church to grow. He wants his church to grow. to grow. He wants his church to grow. to grow. He wants his church to grow. You see it here in Acts 6. I abs You see it here in Acts 6. I abs You see it here in Acts 6. I abs absolutely love this picture of the absolutely love this picture of the absolutely love this picture of the early church. Verse one says, "The early church. Verse one says, "The early church. Verse one says, "The disciples were increasing in number." disciples were increasing in number." disciples were increasing in number." Verse 7 says, "And the word of God Verse 7 says, "And the word of God Verse 7 says, "And the word of God continued to increase. The the the the continued to increase. The the the the continued to increase. The the the the gospel continued to spread. The number gospel continued to spread. The number gospel continued to spread. The number of the disciples multiplied greatly in of the disciples multiplied greatly in of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the Jerusalem, and a great many of the Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith." priests became obedient to the faith." priests became obedient to the faith." And this is a theme all throughout the And this is a theme all throughout the And this is a theme all throughout the book of Acts. Acts chapter 2:41. So book of Acts. Acts chapter 2:41. So book of Acts. Acts chapter 2:41. So those who received his word were those who received his word were those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day baptized, and there were added that day baptized, and there were added that day about 3,000 souls. Verse chapter 2, about 3,000 souls. Verse chapter 2, about 3,000 souls. Verse chapter 2, verse 47. And the Lord added to their verse 47. And the Lord added to their verse 47. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being number day by day those who were being number day by day those who were being saved. Chapter 4:4. But many of those saved. Chapter 4:4. But many of those saved. Chapter 4:4. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the who had heard the word believed, and the who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about 5,000. number of the men came to about 5,000. number of the men came to about 5,000. Chapter 5:14. And more than ever, Chapter 5:14. And more than ever, Chapter 5:14. And more than ever, believers were added to the Lord. believers were added to the Lord. believers were added to the Lord. Multitudes of both men and women. I Multitudes of both men and women. I Multitudes of both men and women. I could keep going. You see the theme? And could keep going. You see the theme? And could keep going. You see the theme? And the question here is why does Luke, this the question here is why does Luke, this the question here is why does Luke, this historian, why does Luke keep historian, why does Luke keep historian, why does Luke keep emphasizing the growth of the early emphasizing the growth of the early emphasizing the growth of the early church? That's the question we should church? That's the question we should church? That's the question we should ask. And one reason is just historical ask. And one reason is just historical ask. And one reason is just historical record. But the more important reason is record. But the more important reason is record. But the more important reason is theological.

theological. theological. Let me explain what I mean. The early Let me explain what I mean. The early Let me explain what I mean. The early church was facing some significant church was facing some significant church was facing some significant challenges challenges challenges because Satan was doing everything he because Satan was doing everything he because Satan was doing everything he could do to stop the spread of the could do to stop the spread of the could do to stop the spread of the gospel. You read the book of Acts, you gospel. You read the book of Acts, you gospel. You read the book of Acts, you see external challenges, intimidation see external challenges, intimidation see external challenges, intimidation and opposition from people outside the and opposition from people outside the and opposition from people outside the church. But you also see internal church. But you also see internal church. But you also see internal challenges, sin and hypocrisy inside the challenges, sin and hypocrisy inside the challenges, sin and hypocrisy inside the church. The enemy is using whatever he church. The enemy is using whatever he church. The enemy is using whatever he can outside the church or inside the can outside the church or inside the can outside the church or inside the church to stop the spread of the gospel church to stop the spread of the gospel church to stop the spread of the gospel and the glory of the name of Jesus. And and the glory of the name of Jesus. And and the glory of the name of Jesus. And as we see here in Acts chapter 6, the as we see here in Acts chapter 6, the as we see here in Acts chapter 6, the early church is about to face a new early church is about to face a new early church is about to face a new internal challenge. internal challenge. internal challenge. Satan is at work. Satan is at work. Satan is at work. And here's what you see. What you see And here's what you see. What you see And here's what you see. What you see here is a picture of Jesus himself in here is a picture of Jesus himself in here is a picture of Jesus himself in the book of Acts. There's a reason Acts the book of Acts. There's a reason Acts the book of Acts. There's a reason Acts comes after the Gospels. What you see comes after the Gospels. What you see comes after the Gospels. What you see here is a picture of Jesus himself, the here is a picture of Jesus himself, the here is a picture of Jesus himself, the risen Lord, working through his church risen Lord, working through his church risen Lord, working through his church by his spirit to accomplish his mission.

by his spirit to accomplish his mission. by his spirit to accomplish his mission. And I think that's why Luke keeps And I think that's why Luke keeps And I think that's why Luke keeps highlighting the fact that the church highlighting the fact that the church highlighting the fact that the church keeps growing. He wants to show us, keeps growing. He wants to show us, keeps growing. He wants to show us, listen to me, that Jesus really is who listen to me, that Jesus really is who listen to me, that Jesus really is who he said he is. That he really is the he said he is. That he really is the he said he is. That he really is the divine son of God, the Messiah who came divine son of God, the Messiah who came divine son of God, the Messiah who came to earth in human flesh, who lived a to earth in human flesh, who lived a to earth in human flesh, who lived a sinless life, who died on the cross for sinless life, who died on the cross for sinless life, who died on the cross for our sins and actually, physically, our sins and actually, physically, our sins and actually, physically, literally rose from the dead as a literally rose from the dead as a literally rose from the dead as a demonstration of his supernatural, demonstration of his supernatural, demonstration of his supernatural, unstoppable, undeniable power and unstoppable, undeniable power and unstoppable, undeniable power and authority. And here's the point. If authority. And here's the point. If authority. And here's the point. If Jesus is who he said he is, then Jesus Jesus is who he said he is, then Jesus Jesus is who he said he is, then Jesus is doing exactly what he said he would is doing exactly what he said he would is doing exactly what he said he would do. do. do. >> Because you remember what Jesus said to >> Because you remember what Jesus said to >> Because you remember what Jesus said to Peter? He said, "On this rock, on the Peter? He said, "On this rock, on the Peter? He said, "On this rock, on the truth of the gospel, I will build my truth of the gospel, I will build my truth of the gospel, I will build my church and the gates of hell will not church and the gates of hell will not church and the gates of hell will not prevail." And that is the story of the prevail." And that is the story of the prevail." And that is the story of the book of Acts. From Jerusalem to Judea to book of Acts. From Jerusalem to Judea to book of Acts. From Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the earth, the Samaria to the ends of the earth, the Samaria to the ends of the earth, the gospel spreads and the church of Jesus gospel spreads and the church of Jesus gospel spreads and the church of Jesus Christ grows. Listen to me. The gospel Christ grows. Listen to me. The gospel Christ grows. Listen to me. The gospel is going to spread and nothing will be is going to spread and nothing will be is going to spread and nothing will be able to stop it.

able to stop it. able to stop it. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And these early believers were getting a >> And these early believers were getting a >> And these early believers were getting a front row seat to the supernatural, front row seat to the supernatural, front row seat to the supernatural, unstoppable, undeniable, unstoppable, undeniable, unstoppable, undeniable, transformational power of the gospel. transformational power of the gospel. transformational power of the gospel. They had experienced it in their own They had experienced it in their own They had experienced it in their own lives and now they're watching it work lives and now they're watching it work lives and now they're watching it work in the lives of thousands of people all in the lives of thousands of people all in the lives of thousands of people all throughout their city to the point that throughout their city to the point that throughout their city to the point that even Jewish priests were coming to faith even Jewish priests were coming to faith even Jewish priests were coming to faith and being born again. Listen to me if and being born again. Listen to me if and being born again. Listen to me if you don't see it already. It's very you don't see it already. It's very you don't see it already. It's very clear. Jesus wants his church to grow. clear. Jesus wants his church to grow. clear. Jesus wants his church to grow. And I'm not talking about our buildings And I'm not talking about our buildings And I'm not talking about our buildings or our budgets or our platforms. Jesus or our budgets or our platforms. Jesus or our budgets or our platforms. Jesus wants his church, the number of people wants his church, the number of people wants his church, the number of people who are saved by his grace. He wants who are saved by his grace. He wants who are saved by his grace. He wants that number to grow. You know why? that number to grow. You know why? that number to grow. You know why? Because that's what he came for. Because that's what he came for. Because that's what he came for. >> That's what he died for. He said it >> That's what he died for. He said it >> That's what he died for. He said it himself. He came to seek and save the himself. He came to seek and save the himself. He came to seek and save the lost. lost. lost. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> It's Luke 15 that he is not willing to >> It's Luke 15 that he is not willing to >> It's Luke 15 that he is not willing to just settle for the 99 who are safe with just settle for the 99 who are safe with just settle for the 99 who are safe with him. He is compelled. He is committed to him. He is compelled. He is committed to him. He is compelled. He is committed to keep going after the one. And listen, keep going after the one. And listen, keep going after the one. And listen, the one is not just a theoretical the one is not just a theoretical the one is not just a theoretical number. You are the one.

number. You are the one. number. You are the one. >> Amen. >> This is why we get up in the morning. >> This is why we get up in the morning. This is why we do what we do as a church This is why we do what we do as a church This is why we do what we do as a church family because Jesus has been coming family because Jesus has been coming family because Jesus has been coming after you in the same way he came after after you in the same way he came after after you in the same way he came after me. me. me. That he did not come to condemn the That he did not come to condemn the That he did not come to condemn the world, but he came to save the world by world, but he came to save the world by world, but he came to save the world by his grace. And listen to me. If you not his grace. And listen to me. If you not his grace. And listen to me. If you not have not made a decision have not made a decision have not made a decision to just lay down your arms and lay down to just lay down your arms and lay down to just lay down your arms and lay down control of your life to turn from your control of your life to turn from your control of your life to turn from your sin and fully surrender to Jesus as the sin and fully surrender to Jesus as the sin and fully surrender to Jesus as the one who can save you, Jesus as the one one who can save you, Jesus as the one one who can save you, Jesus as the one who wants to lead you. We hope you'll who wants to lead you. We hope you'll who wants to lead you. We hope you'll make that decision to trust in Jesus make that decision to trust in Jesus make that decision to trust in Jesus today. today. today. This story just came in uh through our This story just came in uh through our This story just came in uh through our stories page. We got a website stories page. We got a website stories page. We got a website mlanbible.org/stories /stories where you mlanbible.org/stories /stories where you mlanbible.org/stories /stories where you can see uh testimonies of God's grace in can see uh testimonies of God's grace in can see uh testimonies of God's grace in people's lives and you can submit your people's lives and you can submit your people's lives and you can submit your own testimony of what God is doing in own testimony of what God is doing in own testimony of what God is doing in your life. And this story literally just your life. And this story literally just your life. And this story literally just came in this week. It was three days came in this week. It was three days came in this week. It was three days before their son turned one.

before their son turned one. before their son turned one. And Natalie writes this. She says, "I And Natalie writes this. She says, "I And Natalie writes this. She says, "I still remember being at home when my still remember being at home when my still remember being at home when my husband saw the email come through husband saw the email come through husband saw the email come through around 900 p.m. He was told not to come around 900 p.m. He was told not to come around 900 p.m. He was told not to come into work the next day because his into work the next day because his into work the next day because his position no longer existed. We were position no longer existed. We were position no longer existed. We were scared. We were heartbroken. We didn't scared. We were heartbroken. We didn't scared. We were heartbroken. We didn't know what this meant for our family or know what this meant for our family or know what this meant for our family or how long it would last. One month how long it would last. One month how long it would last. One month passed. Then another month and my passed. Then another month and my passed. Then another month and my husband still didn't have a job. As the husband still didn't have a job. As the husband still didn't have a job. As the months went by, our anxiety grew. We months went by, our anxiety grew. We months went by, our anxiety grew. We watched our savings disappear. We watched our savings disappear. We watched our savings disappear. We weren't sleeping. We were snapping at weren't sleeping. We were snapping at weren't sleeping. We were snapping at each other. Small disagreements became each other. Small disagreements became each other. Small disagreements became big fights because we were carrying this big fights because we were carrying this big fights because we were carrying this enormous weight that neither of us knew enormous weight that neither of us knew enormous weight that neither of us knew how to put down. She says, "Eventually, how to put down. She says, "Eventually, how to put down. She says, "Eventually, we reached a point where we felt we reached a point where we felt we reached a point where we felt completely lost. completely lost. completely lost. And then some friends invited us to And then some friends invited us to And then some friends invited us to church. church. church. Little by little, we started coming to Little by little, we started coming to Little by little, we started coming to Mlan Bible Church. And something began Mlan Bible Church. And something began Mlan Bible Church. And something began changing in me. I started learning God's changing in me. I started learning God's changing in me. I started learning God's word. I started worshiping. I started word. I started worshiping. I started word. I started worshiping. I started praying. But more than anything, I praying. But more than anything, I praying. But more than anything, I started to thirst for God. I started started to thirst for God. I started started to thirst for God. I started wanting to know him. Not because I wanting to know him. Not because I wanting to know him. Not because I wanted him to give me something, but wanted him to give me something, but wanted him to give me something, but because I wanted to know him. And I because I wanted to know him. And I because I wanted to know him. And I began feeling something I had never began feeling something I had never began feeling something I had never experienced before. She said, "I felt experienced before. She said, "I felt experienced before. She said, "I felt full. Our circumstances hadn't changed.

full. Our circumstances hadn't changed. full. Our circumstances hadn't changed. My husband still didn't have a job. Our My husband still didn't have a job. Our My husband still didn't have a job. Our savings were still disappearing. We savings were still disappearing. We savings were still disappearing. We still didn't know what was going to still didn't know what was going to still didn't know what was going to happen, but something inside of me had happen, but something inside of me had happen, but something inside of me had changed. She said, "I started sleeping changed. She said, "I started sleeping changed. She said, "I started sleeping again. I started feeling calm." She again. I started feeling calm." She again. I started feeling calm." She said, "It felt like a thirst. I had said, "It felt like a thirst. I had said, "It felt like a thirst. I had spent my whole life trying to satisfy spent my whole life trying to satisfy spent my whole life trying to satisfy with other things. And suddenly, I with other things. And suddenly, I with other things. And suddenly, I realized that God was the only thing realized that God was the only thing realized that God was the only thing that could actually quench it." And that could actually quench it." And that could actually quench it." And what's so incredible to me, she writes, what's so incredible to me, she writes, what's so incredible to me, she writes, is that God didn't immediately change is that God didn't immediately change is that God didn't immediately change our circumstances. He changed me in the our circumstances. He changed me in the our circumstances. He changed me in the middle of them. Eventually, we got down middle of them. Eventually, we got down middle of them. Eventually, we got down to essentially the last month of savings to essentially the last month of savings to essentially the last month of savings we had. And that's when my husband found we had. And that's when my husband found we had. And that's when my husband found a contract position, she said. But by a contract position, she said. But by a contract position, she said. But by then, something had already changed in then, something had already changed in then, something had already changed in us because even before the job came, we us because even before the job came, we us because even before the job came, we had started to feel taken care of. We had started to feel taken care of. We had started to feel taken care of. We felt loved. We felt held. We felt like felt loved. We felt held. We felt like felt loved. We felt held. We felt like we weren't alone. And she says, "Looking we weren't alone. And she says, "Looking we weren't alone. And she says, "Looking back, I don't think my testimony is back, I don't think my testimony is back, I don't think my testimony is really about my husband losing his job. really about my husband losing his job. really about my husband losing his job. It's about what God did with us while he It's about what God did with us while he It's about what God did with us while he didn't have one." She said, 'If you didn't have one." She said, 'If you didn't have one." She said, 'If you asked me today if I wish I had uh if I asked me today if I wish I had uh if I asked me today if I wish I had uh if I wish this had never happened, my answer wish this had never happened, my answer wish this had never happened, my answer might surprise you. Both my husband and might surprise you. Both my husband and might surprise you. Both my husband and I would say that we would go through it I would say that we would go through it I would say that we would go through it a hundred times over if it meant finding a hundred times over if it meant finding a hundred times over if it meant finding God the way we have found him because we God the way we have found him because we God the way we have found him because we thought we were losing everything. But thought we were losing everything. But thought we were losing everything. But God was showing us what we have been God was showing us what we have been God was showing us what we have been missing. And for that, I will always be missing. And for that, I will always be missing. And for that, I will always be grateful.

grateful. grateful. This is the story of the gospel. Jesus wants his church to grow one Jesus wants his church to grow one person at a time person at a time person at a time because every number has a name and because every number has a name and because every number has a name and every name has a story. And so number every name has a story. And so number every name has a story. And so number one, church family, we should expect one, church family, we should expect one, church family, we should expect growth. But even healthy growth comes growth. But even healthy growth comes growth. But even healthy growth comes with problems. Which leads us to number with problems. Which leads us to number with problems. Which leads us to number two. We should expect problems. two. We should expect problems. two. We should expect problems. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. Y'all agreed with that more than we Y'all agreed with that more than we Y'all agreed with that more than we should expect growth should expect growth should expect growth because we all get it. We should expect because we all get it. We should expect because we all get it. We should expect problems. You know why? Because ministry problems. You know why? Because ministry problems. You know why? Because ministry is messy. is messy. is messy. >> Ministry is messy. Do me a favor. Turn >> Ministry is messy. Do me a favor. Turn >> Ministry is messy. Do me a favor. Turn to the person beside you and say, "You to the person beside you and say, "You to the person beside you and say, "You messy. You messy. I don't even know you messy. You messy. I don't even know you messy. You messy. I don't even know you like that, but I know I know you messy." like that, but I know I know you messy." like that, but I know I know you messy." All of us are. All of us are. All of us are. So, look at it in Acts chapter 6 verse So, look at it in Acts chapter 6 verse So, look at it in Acts chapter 6 verse one. Listen, here's the issue. Now in one. Listen, here's the issue. Now in one. Listen, here's the issue. Now in these days, when the disciples were these days, when the disciples were these days, when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the increasing in number, a complaint by the increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews Hellenists arose against the Hebrews Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being because their widows were being because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

neglected in the daily distribution. neglected in the daily distribution. Now, let me explain this. The daily Now, let me explain this. The daily Now, let me explain this. The daily distribution was basically a care distribution was basically a care distribution was basically a care program for widows. And this is an program for widows. And this is an program for widows. And this is an interesting window into what was interesting window into what was interesting window into what was happening at the time because taking happening at the time because taking happening at the time because taking care of widows and orphans was an care of widows and orphans was an care of widows and orphans was an important part of Jewish life. And important part of Jewish life. And important part of Jewish life. And normally the temple authorities would be normally the temple authorities would be normally the temple authorities would be responsible for organizing the responsible for organizing the responsible for organizing the distribution to the needy. But these distribution to the needy. But these distribution to the needy. But these Christian widows were likely now cut off Christian widows were likely now cut off Christian widows were likely now cut off from that support because they have from that support because they have from that support because they have become followers of Jesus. And so now become followers of Jesus. And so now become followers of Jesus. And so now the early church is trying to figure out the early church is trying to figure out the early church is trying to figure out how do we provide that care? how do we provide that care? how do we provide that care? How do we cover the needs that these How do we cover the needs that these How do we cover the needs that these widows, these growing number of widows widows, these growing number of widows widows, these growing number of widows have? And so on one level, this was an have? And so on one level, this was an have? And so on one level, this was an organizational problem. Their systems organizational problem. Their systems organizational problem. Their systems weren't built to handle the demands of a weren't built to handle the demands of a weren't built to handle the demands of a growing church. It reminds me of our growing church. It reminds me of our growing church. It reminds me of our vision passage in Luke chapter 5, right? vision passage in Luke chapter 5, right? vision passage in Luke chapter 5, right? Jesus says, "Let down your nets." They Jesus says, "Let down your nets." They Jesus says, "Let down your nets." They let down their nets. And so many fish let down their nets. And so many fish let down their nets. And so many fish come into the nets that Luke writes come into the nets that Luke writes come into the nets that Luke writes their nets were breaking. They they it their nets were breaking. They they it their nets were breaking. They they it overwhelmed their infrastructure.

overwhelmed their infrastructure. overwhelmed their infrastructure. Everything God was doing, it was too Everything God was doing, it was too Everything God was doing, it was too much for their systems to handle. On one much for their systems to handle. On one much for their systems to handle. On one level, they had an organizational level, they had an organizational level, they had an organizational problem. But the deeper issue here in problem. But the deeper issue here in problem. But the deeper issue here in Acts six was a cultural problem. And Acts six was a cultural problem. And Acts six was a cultural problem. And that's the real source of the conflict that's the real source of the conflict that's the real source of the conflict because Luke mentions two different because Luke mentions two different because Luke mentions two different groups, the Hellenists and the Hebrews. groups, the Hellenists and the Hebrews. groups, the Hellenists and the Hebrews. And both of these groups are they're And both of these groups are they're And both of these groups are they're Jews who have become followers of Jesus, Jews who have become followers of Jesus, Jews who have become followers of Jesus, but they have different cultural but they have different cultural but they have different cultural backgrounds. And so the Hebrews were the backgrounds. And so the Hebrews were the backgrounds. And so the Hebrews were the more conservative group. They're mostly more conservative group. They're mostly more conservative group. They're mostly from Judea, more inclined to preserve from Judea, more inclined to preserve from Judea, more inclined to preserve Jewish culture. They speak Aramaic. The Jewish culture. They speak Aramaic. The Jewish culture. They speak Aramaic. The Hellenists was the more progressive Hellenists was the more progressive Hellenists was the more progressive group. They're mostly from the diaspora. group. They're mostly from the diaspora. group. They're mostly from the diaspora. They're from all over the Roman Empire. They're from all over the Roman Empire. They're from all over the Roman Empire. They're more inclined to embrace Greek They're more inclined to embrace Greek They're more inclined to embrace Greek language and culture. And there's a long language and culture. And there's a long language and culture. And there's a long history of conflict and suspicion history of conflict and suspicion history of conflict and suspicion between these two groups. And the between these two groups. And the between these two groups. And the problem was the Hebrews were the problem was the Hebrews were the problem was the Hebrews were the majority group. And so they had the most majority group. And so they had the most majority group. And so they had the most influence in the church. And the influence in the church. And the influence in the church. And the Hellenists, listen, are complaining that Hellenists, listen, are complaining that Hellenists, listen, are complaining that their widows are being overlooked. Now, their widows are being overlooked. Now, their widows are being overlooked. Now, we don't know whether this was we don't know whether this was we don't know whether this was intentional, but whether they intended intentional, but whether they intended intentional, but whether they intended it or not, there was inequity in the way it or not, there was inequity in the way it or not, there was inequity in the way their resources were being distributed, their resources were being distributed, their resources were being distributed, and it was surfacing cultural tensions and it was surfacing cultural tensions and it was surfacing cultural tensions that had existed already between them.

that had existed already between them. that had existed already between them. Here's what's happening. We see it all Here's what's happening. We see it all Here's what's happening. We see it all throughout the New Testament. Listen, throughout the New Testament. Listen, throughout the New Testament. Listen, the division in the culture is now the division in the culture is now the division in the culture is now producing division in the church. The division that's in the culture, the The division that's in the culture, the the tension, the suspicion, the the tension, the suspicion, the the tension, the suspicion, the generational hatred that is in the generational hatred that is in the generational hatred that is in the culture is producing division in the culture is producing division in the culture is producing division in the church. In fact, in fact, the church was church. In fact, in fact, the church was church. In fact, in fact, the church was reinforcing the prejudices and power reinforcing the prejudices and power reinforcing the prejudices and power dynamics of their surrounding culture. dynamics of their surrounding culture. dynamics of their surrounding culture. And we know from our own history that in And we know from our own history that in And we know from our own history that in large part this has been the story of large part this has been the story of large part this has been the story of American Christianity. American Christianity. American Christianity. It is so difficult to live out the unity It is so difficult to live out the unity It is so difficult to live out the unity that God desires for us as his body. And that God desires for us as his body. And that God desires for us as his body. And there's a reason why it's so difficult. there's a reason why it's so difficult. there's a reason why it's so difficult. You remember what Jesus said? He said, You remember what Jesus said? He said, You remember what Jesus said? He said, "By this they will know, everybody will "By this they will know, everybody will "By this they will know, everybody will know that you are my disciples." How know that you are my disciples." How know that you are my disciples." How will everybody know, church people? will everybody know, church people? will everybody know, church people? >> By your love for one another. Now, have >> By your love for one another. Now, have >> By your love for one another. Now, have you ever thought about why that is so you ever thought about why that is so you ever thought about why that is so revolutionary?

revolutionary? revolutionary? They they will know that you belong to They they will know that you belong to They they will know that you belong to me, me, me, that the gospel is true, that you are that the gospel is true, that you are that the gospel is true, that you are actually following Jesus by your love actually following Jesus by your love actually following Jesus by your love for one another. Why is that so for one another. Why is that so for one another. Why is that so revolutionary? Here's why it's so revolutionary? Here's why it's so revolutionary? Here's why it's so revolutionary. Because when they made revolutionary. Because when they made revolutionary. Because when they made that commitment to Jesus, they had no that commitment to Jesus, they had no that commitment to Jesus, they had no idea who would one day be included in idea who would one day be included in idea who would one day be included in that one another. that one another. that one another. They had no clue. They had no choice. They had no clue. They had no choice. They had no clue. They had no choice. It's like choosing a random roommate It's like choosing a random roommate It's like choosing a random roommate option when you go to college freshman option when you go to college freshman option when you go to college freshman year. That's a risk, dog. That's a risk. But that's how the kingdom of God works. But that's how the kingdom of God works. They were commanded to love whoever They were commanded to love whoever They were commanded to love whoever Jesus saved and brought into their Jesus saved and brought into their Jesus saved and brought into their community. If Jesus loves them, we have community. If Jesus loves them, we have community. If Jesus loves them, we have to love them. to love them. to love them. >> And listen to me, y'all. That's hard >> And listen to me, y'all. That's hard >> And listen to me, y'all. That's hard work. That is hard work. We come into work. That is hard work. We come into work. That is hard work. We come into the church with different personalities the church with different personalities the church with different personalities and different preferences and and different preferences and and different preferences and convictions, different cultural convictions, different cultural convictions, different cultural backgrounds and church backgrounds, backgrounds and church backgrounds, backgrounds and church backgrounds, different politics, different ideas of different politics, different ideas of different politics, different ideas of what ministry should look like, what ministry should look like, what ministry should look like, different SEC football teams.

different SEC football teams. different SEC football teams. Y'all people from the South coming here Y'all people from the South coming here Y'all people from the South coming here causing all kinds of problems. causing all kinds of problems. causing all kinds of problems. Then we blend all of that into one Then we blend all of that into one Then we blend all of that into one spiritual family and we're surprised spiritual family and we're surprised spiritual family and we're surprised that there's problems. Listen to me y'all. Healthy churches are Listen to me y'all. Healthy churches are not churches without problems. Healthy not churches without problems. Healthy not churches without problems. Healthy churches are churches that address those churches are churches that address those churches are churches that address those problems in healthy, God-honoring ways. problems in healthy, God-honoring ways. problems in healthy, God-honoring ways. And that's exactly what the apostles do. And that's exactly what the apostles do. And that's exactly what the apostles do. And that sets up our last point. As we And that sets up our last point. As we And that sets up our last point. As we move together as a church, we should move together as a church, we should move together as a church, we should expect growth. We should expect expect growth. We should expect expect growth. We should expect problems. And number three, we should problems. And number three, we should problems. And number three, we should expect responsibility. expect responsibility. expect responsibility. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. We should expect some >> Amen. We should expect some >> Amen. We should expect some responsibility as we move forward responsibility as we move forward responsibility as we move forward together as a church family. And this is together as a church family. And this is together as a church family. And this is where I need to lovingly challenge some where I need to lovingly challenge some where I need to lovingly challenge some of you. of you. of you. Let me explain what I mean. First, look Let me explain what I mean. First, look Let me explain what I mean. First, look at verse two. It says, "And the 12 at verse two. It says, "And the 12 at verse two. It says, "And the 12 summoned the full number of the summoned the full number of the summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right disciples and said, "It is not right disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the that we should give up preaching the that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables." Now, I'm word of God to serve tables." Now, I'm word of God to serve tables." Now, I'm gonna be honest. I don't know if it's gonna be honest. I don't know if it's gonna be honest. I don't know if it's just me, but this is giving heavy VIP just me, but this is giving heavy VIP just me, but this is giving heavy VIP vibes, right? This is I'm too spiritual vibes, right? This is I'm too spiritual vibes, right? This is I'm too spiritual to be out here with the common folks.

to be out here with the common folks. to be out here with the common folks. Okay? And I'll just say up top, there Okay? And I'll just say up top, there Okay? And I'll just say up top, there are some things that as a lead pastor I are some things that as a lead pastor I are some things that as a lead pastor I should not do. Our tech team, the alarm should not do. Our tech team, the alarm should not do. Our tech team, the alarm systems start going off every time I get systems start going off every time I get systems start going off every time I get near to a cable. They don't want my help near to a cable. They don't want my help near to a cable. They don't want my help cuz I wrap cables like you used to wrap cuz I wrap cables like you used to wrap cuz I wrap cables like you used to wrap the old school vacuum cleaners. They're the old school vacuum cleaners. They're the old school vacuum cleaners. They're like, "Pastor, please just preach. Just like, "Pastor, please just preach. Just like, "Pastor, please just preach. Just stay in your lane." I get it. When we stay in your lane." I get it. When we stay in your lane." I get it. When we read this though, they're like, "Ah, I'm read this though, they're like, "Ah, I'm read this though, they're like, "Ah, I'm too good." It sounds like they're too good." It sounds like they're too good." It sounds like they're saying, "I'm too good to serve tables. I saying, "I'm too good to serve tables. I saying, "I'm too good to serve tables. I am the man of God. I need to be focused am the man of God. I need to be focused am the man of God. I need to be focused on preaching." This is not VIP. This is on preaching." This is not VIP. This is on preaching." This is not VIP. This is not what's happening at all. Let me show not what's happening at all. Let me show not what's happening at all. Let me show you why. I want you to see this from the you why. I want you to see this from the you why. I want you to see this from the text itself. Look at verse three. What text itself. Look at verse three. What text itself. Look at verse three. What do they do? They say, "Therefore, do they do? They say, "Therefore, do they do? They say, "Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven brothers, pick out from among you seven brothers, pick out from among you seven men who have a good reputation, full of men who have a good reputation, full of men who have a good reputation, full of the spirit and of wisdom, whom we will the spirit and of wisdom, whom we will the spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote appoint to this duty. But we will devote appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry ourselves to prayer and to the ministry ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. And what they said pleased of the word. And what they said pleased of the word. And what they said pleased the whole gathering. And the whole the whole gathering. And the whole the whole gathering. And the whole gathering, the the church family, they gathering, the the church family, they gathering, the the church family, they kind of had a church family meeting. And kind of had a church family meeting. And kind of had a church family meeting. And they chose Steven, a man full of faith they chose Steven, a man full of faith they chose Steven, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philillip and of the Holy Spirit, and Philillip and of the Holy Spirit, and Philillip and uh Procurus and Nikonor and uh and uh Procurus and Nikonor and uh and uh Procurus and Nikonor and uh Thimon and Pminus and Nicicoaus, a Thimon and Pminus and Nicicoaus, a Thimon and Pminus and Nicicoaus, a procelite of Antioch. These they set procelite of Antioch. These they set procelite of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and the apostles before the apostles, and the apostles before the apostles, and the apostles prayed and laid their hands on them.

prayed and laid their hands on them. prayed and laid their hands on them. They raised up leaders. Now, I want you They raised up leaders. Now, I want you They raised up leaders. Now, I want you to see something. Notice they didn't to see something. Notice they didn't to see something. Notice they didn't just appoint random people. just appoint random people. just appoint random people. Did you see what happened here in the Did you see what happened here in the Did you see what happened here in the passage? They chose leaders based on passage? They chose leaders based on passage? They chose leaders based on character. That's what it means to be character. That's what it means to be character. That's what it means to be full of the spirit full of the spirit full of the spirit and competency. Full of the spirit and and competency. Full of the spirit and and competency. Full of the spirit and practical wisdom. Character and practical wisdom. Character and practical wisdom. Character and competency. Listen to me. Character competency. Listen to me. Character competency. Listen to me. Character without competency leads to a scandal. without competency leads to a scandal. without competency leads to a scandal. >> This front page Washington Post. You got >> This front page Washington Post. You got >> This front page Washington Post. You got a lot of skills, a lot of gifts, a lot a lot of skills, a lot of gifts, a lot a lot of skills, a lot of gifts, a lot of competency. You have no character. of competency. You have no character. of competency. You have no character. That leads to scandal. But character That leads to scandal. But character That leads to scandal. But character without competency leads to good without competency leads to good without competency leads to good intentions and a hot mess. Okay, let me intentions and a hot mess. Okay, let me intentions and a hot mess. Okay, let me just say sidebar. This is why we have just say sidebar. This is why we have just say sidebar. This is why we have worship team auditions worship team auditions worship team auditions because people be like, I'm called to because people be like, I'm called to because people be like, I'm called to sing. And my response is, I agree. sing. And my response is, I agree. sing. And my response is, I agree. Everybody is called to sing praise to Everybody is called to sing praise to Everybody is called to sing praise to God, but not everybody is called to sing God, but not everybody is called to sing God, but not everybody is called to sing into a microphone. So that's why we have into a microphone. So that's why we have into a microphone. So that's why we have auditions.

auditions. auditions. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> All of us sing. Some of us from stage, >> All of us sing. Some of us from stage, >> All of us sing. Some of us from stage, some of us from the congregation. It's some of us from the congregation. It's some of us from the congregation. It's just a communal process of discernment just a communal process of discernment just a communal process of discernment for where are you supposed to sing. for where are you supposed to sing. for where are you supposed to sing. That's all. So they place people in ministry based So they place people in ministry based on character and competency. But I want on character and competency. But I want on character and competency. But I want you to notice another detail that's easy you to notice another detail that's easy you to notice another detail that's easy to miss if you don't understand the to miss if you don't understand the to miss if you don't understand the context. Remember the problem they're context. Remember the problem they're context. Remember the problem they're trying to solve. The Hellenists, the trying to solve. The Hellenists, the trying to solve. The Hellenists, the people with a more Greek background, people with a more Greek background, people with a more Greek background, were being overlooked by the Hebrews, were being overlooked by the Hebrews, were being overlooked by the Hebrews, the people with the more traditional the people with the more traditional the people with the more traditional Jewish background. And here's what's Jewish background. And here's what's Jewish background. And here's what's interesting. When you read that list of interesting. When you read that list of interesting. When you read that list of seven leaders they chose, all of them seven leaders they chose, all of them seven leaders they chose, all of them have Greek or Latin names, which most have Greek or Latin names, which most have Greek or Latin names, which most scholars agree likely means these scholars agree likely means these scholars agree likely means these leaders were also from the Hellenist leaders were also from the Hellenist leaders were also from the Hellenist group. group. group. Why does that matter? We can't say for Why does that matter? We can't say for Why does that matter? We can't say for sure, but it seems like, listen, this sure, but it seems like, listen, this sure, but it seems like, listen, this increasingly multicultural church was increasingly multicultural church was increasingly multicultural church was intentionally raising up leaders not intentionally raising up leaders not intentionally raising up leaders not just with the right character and just with the right character and just with the right character and competency, but with the right cultural competency, but with the right cultural competency, but with the right cultural awareness necessary to minister in their awareness necessary to minister in their awareness necessary to minister in their context. In other words, listen, in a context. In other words, listen, in a context. In other words, listen, in a society where their background should society where their background should society where their background should have been a barrier to ministry and have been a barrier to ministry and have been a barrier to ministry and unity in the church, their background unity in the church, their background unity in the church, their background actually became an asset.

actually became an asset. actually became an asset. Listen to me. Listen to me. Here's what Listen to me. Listen to me. Here's what Listen to me. Listen to me. Here's what I'm driving for. God wants to use you in I'm driving for. God wants to use you in I'm driving for. God wants to use you in ministry. ministry. ministry. God wants to use you in ministry. And God wants to use you in ministry. And God wants to use you in ministry. And when I say you, here's what I mean. When when I say you, here's what I mean. When when I say you, here's what I mean. When I say you, I mean the multi-faceted I say you, I mean the multi-faceted I say you, I mean the multi-faceted person God has made you to be. person God has made you to be. person God has made you to be. Your background is not an accident. Your Your background is not an accident. Your Your background is not an accident. Your first language is not an accident. Your first language is not an accident. Your first language is not an accident. Your personality is not an accident. Your personality is not an accident. Your personality is not an accident. Your expertise is not an accident. Your expertise is not an accident. Your expertise is not an accident. Your education is not an accident. Your education is not an accident. Your education is not an accident. Your passion is not an accident. God uniquely passion is not an accident. God uniquely passion is not an accident. God uniquely wired you, intentionally prepared you, wired you, intentionally prepared you, wired you, intentionally prepared you, supernaturally gifted you to play a role supernaturally gifted you to play a role supernaturally gifted you to play a role in his kingdom mission. It's what Paul in his kingdom mission. It's what Paul in his kingdom mission. It's what Paul would later write about. 1 Corinthians would later write about. 1 Corinthians would later write about. 1 Corinthians 12:4, he says, "Now there are varieties 12:4, he says, "Now there are varieties 12:4, he says, "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same spirit, and there of gifts, but the same spirit, and there of gifts, but the same spirit, and there are varieties of service, but the same are varieties of service, but the same are varieties of service, but the same Lord, and there are varieties of Lord, and there are varieties of Lord, and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activities, but it is the same God who activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all and everyone." Listen empowers them all and everyone." Listen empowers them all and everyone." Listen to each person to every Christian is to each person to every Christian is to each person to every Christian is given the manifestation of the spirit given the manifestation of the spirit given the manifestation of the spirit for the common good. God has given you for the common good. God has given you for the common good. God has given you something.

something. something. He has made you in a unique way He has made you in a unique way He has made you in a unique way to be a blessing to somebody else. to be a blessing to somebody else. to be a blessing to somebody else. And so you go back to verse two when the And so you go back to verse two when the And so you go back to verse two when the apostles say it is not right that we apostles say it is not right that we apostles say it is not right that we should give up the preaching of the word should give up the preaching of the word should give up the preaching of the word of God to save uh to serve tables. of God to save uh to serve tables. of God to save uh to serve tables. Listen, it's not actually giving VIP. Listen, it's not actually giving VIP. Listen, it's not actually giving VIP. The apostles The apostles The apostles are not saying that they're too good to are not saying that they're too good to are not saying that they're too good to do certain things. Listen to me. They're do certain things. Listen to me. They're do certain things. Listen to me. They're saying they're not good enough to do saying they're not good enough to do saying they're not good enough to do everything. Yes, they're apostles. Yes, in this Yes, they're apostles. Yes, in this context, they're receiving direct context, they're receiving direct context, they're receiving direct revelation from God. Yes, the Holy revelation from God. Yes, the Holy revelation from God. Yes, the Holy Spirit is using them to perform Spirit is using them to perform Spirit is using them to perform miracles. But they are not able to do miracles. But they are not able to do miracles. But they are not able to do everything that the mission requires. everything that the mission requires. everything that the mission requires. So, these apostles have to lock in to So, these apostles have to lock in to So, these apostles have to lock in to the specific calling that God has given the specific calling that God has given the specific calling that God has given them. And they have to empower other them. And they have to empower other them. And they have to empower other people around them to do the things that people around them to do the things that people around them to do the things that they may not be gifted to do, that they they may not be gifted to do, that they they may not be gifted to do, that they may not be wired to do, that God has not may not be wired to do, that God has not may not be wired to do, that God has not called them to do. They are called them to do. They are called them to do. They are acknowledging the fact that they have acknowledging the fact that they have acknowledging the fact that they have limitations. And listen, if the ministry limitations. And listen, if the ministry limitations. And listen, if the ministry depends on them, the church will never depends on them, the church will never depends on them, the church will never fulfill his mission.

And the good news is that God is a And the good news is that God is a genius. genius. genius. And he supernaturally designed the And he supernaturally designed the And he supernaturally designed the church like a body where different parts church like a body where different parts church like a body where different parts play different roles, where different play different roles, where different play different roles, where different people serve in different ways. All by people serve in different ways. All by people serve in different ways. All by God's power and all for God's glory. God's power and all for God's glory. God's power and all for God's glory. This is how God designed the church to This is how God designed the church to This is how God designed the church to work. This is how God and his work. This is how God and his work. This is how God and his sovereignty designed us to accomplish sovereignty designed us to accomplish sovereignty designed us to accomplish his mission. God does not need you. God his mission. God does not need you. God his mission. God does not need you. God does not need me. But he has invited us does not need me. But he has invited us does not need me. But he has invited us by his grace to find joy and purpose and by his grace to find joy and purpose and by his grace to find joy and purpose and fulfillment in using the little bit that fulfillment in using the little bit that fulfillment in using the little bit that he's given us. the few pieces of fish he's given us. the few pieces of fish he's given us. the few pieces of fish and the few loaves of bread that he's and the few loaves of bread that he's and the few loaves of bread that he's given us and to offer them to him and to given us and to offer them to him and to given us and to offer them to him and to say, "God, if you would use me in any say, "God, if you would use me in any say, "God, if you would use me in any way way way to encourage somebody who's been through to encourage somebody who's been through to encourage somebody who's been through what I've gone through, if you would use what I've gone through, if you would use what I've gone through, if you would use my skills and my expertise and my my skills and my expertise and my my skills and my expertise and my gifting and my time and my money in in gifting and my time and my money in in gifting and my time and my money in in any way, it's not much, but if you would any way, it's not much, but if you would any way, it's not much, but if you would use it in any way to help people use it in any way to help people use it in any way to help people understand your love and your truth and understand your love and your truth and understand your love and your truth and your power, God, Here I am. Send me.

Some of us have had the joy. I hope all Some of us have had the joy. I hope all of us have had the joy of of us have had the joy of of us have had the joy of experience of like a big family meal. It experience of like a big family meal. It experience of like a big family meal. It might be Thanksgiving or whatever might be Thanksgiving or whatever might be Thanksgiving or whatever cultural holiday your family gathers. cultural holiday your family gathers. cultural holiday your family gathers. Maybe it's just a friendsgiving. You Maybe it's just a friendsgiving. You Maybe it's just a friendsgiving. You know what I mean? Like you, your know what I mean? Like you, your know what I mean? Like you, your friends, y'all come together and you friends, y'all come together and you friends, y'all come together and you just have a a festive just have a a festive just have a a festive feast of a meal. It is dishes feast of a meal. It is dishes feast of a meal. It is dishes everywhere. It's drinks. It's it's it's everywhere. It's drinks. It's it's it's everywhere. It's drinks. It's it's it's desserts. It's it's just an incredible desserts. It's it's just an incredible desserts. It's it's just an incredible time. And you know what happens after time. And you know what happens after time. And you know what happens after that? After that, the night starts that? After that, the night starts that? After that, the night starts winding down and everybody starts kind winding down and everybody starts kind winding down and everybody starts kind of chipping in to help. One person is of chipping in to help. One person is of chipping in to help. One person is like, "Hey, you want me to take out the like, "Hey, you want me to take out the like, "Hey, you want me to take out the trash?" Other person is, "Hey, let me trash?" Other person is, "Hey, let me trash?" Other person is, "Hey, let me help with the dishes." Everybody kind of help with the dishes." Everybody kind of help with the dishes." Everybody kind of jumps in. But you always have that one jumps in. But you always have that one jumps in. But you always have that one friend. friend. friend. Always got that one cousin, that one Always got that one cousin, that one Always got that one cousin, that one little brother that just got his feet little brother that just got his feet little brother that just got his feet kicked up while everybody else is kicked up while everybody else is kicked up while everybody else is working. working. working. Don't be that person. Don't be that person. Don't be that person. >> I'm not talking about I'm talking about >> I'm not talking about I'm talking about >> I'm not talking about I'm talking about this church family this church family this church family while everybody else is putting in work.

while everybody else is putting in work. while everybody else is putting in work. While everybody else is making While everybody else is making While everybody else is making sacrifices because they say this is my sacrifices because they say this is my sacrifices because they say this is my church family church family church family that I've stepped up to the line to say that I've stepped up to the line to say that I've stepped up to the line to say Jesus sign me up not just for salvation Jesus sign me up not just for salvation Jesus sign me up not just for salvation but Jesus signed me up and put me in the but Jesus signed me up and put me in the but Jesus signed me up and put me in the game to be a part of your mission. and game to be a part of your mission. and game to be a part of your mission. and we lock arms together and we use our we lock arms together and we use our we lock arms together and we use our skills and our gifts and our resources skills and our gifts and our resources skills and our gifts and our resources to help more people experience abundant to help more people experience abundant to help more people experience abundant life in Jesus. Do not be the person that life in Jesus. Do not be the person that life in Jesus. Do not be the person that just continues to show up like a just continues to show up like a just continues to show up like a consumer while everybody else is putting consumer while everybody else is putting consumer while everybody else is putting in the work. >> Now, I know what some of y'all are >> Now, I know what some of y'all are thinking. thinking. thinking. You're coming on a little strong, You're coming on a little strong, You're coming on a little strong, pastor. You'll probably be right. I'm pastor. You'll probably be right. I'm pastor. You'll probably be right. I'm sorry. Let me calm down. Others of y'all sorry. Let me calm down. Others of y'all sorry. Let me calm down. Others of y'all are thinking, "I'm not qualified to are thinking, "I'm not qualified to are thinking, "I'm not qualified to serve in ministry." Because if you knew me, you would know I Because if you knew me, you would know I don't really know the Bible like that. don't really know the Bible like that. don't really know the Bible like that. I'm not really qualified. Some of you I'm not really qualified. Some of you I'm not really qualified. Some of you might respond and say, "I just don't might respond and say, "I just don't might respond and say, "I just don't have time.

have time. have time. It's a lot going on in my life right It's a lot going on in my life right It's a lot going on in my life right now. Life is busy. I don't have time." now. Life is busy. I don't have time." now. Life is busy. I don't have time." Or some people would say, especially in Or some people would say, especially in Or some people would say, especially in a church our size, I hear this all the a church our size, I hear this all the a church our size, I hear this all the time. It looks like everything is taken time. It looks like everything is taken time. It looks like everything is taken care of. The church doesn't really need care of. The church doesn't really need care of. The church doesn't really need me. me. me. And rather than trying to refute each of And rather than trying to refute each of And rather than trying to refute each of those one by one, let me try to come at those one by one, let me try to come at those one by one, let me try to come at at this uh another way. I want you to at this uh another way. I want you to at this uh another way. I want you to see something as we close. I want you to see something as we close. I want you to see something as we close. I want you to see this for yourself. Remember those see this for yourself. Remember those see this for yourself. Remember those leaders the church appointed to oversee leaders the church appointed to oversee leaders the church appointed to oversee the food distribution? Acts chapter 6. the food distribution? Acts chapter 6. the food distribution? Acts chapter 6. Well, those first two names in that Well, those first two names in that Well, those first two names in that list, Stephen and Philillip, list, Stephen and Philillip, list, Stephen and Philillip, you keep reading the book of Acts, those you keep reading the book of Acts, those you keep reading the book of Acts, those names are not random. names are not random. names are not random. Because two chapters later, Acts chapter Because two chapters later, Acts chapter Because two chapters later, Acts chapter 8, Stephen becomes one of the most 8, Stephen becomes one of the most 8, Stephen becomes one of the most powerful preachers in the early church, powerful preachers in the early church, powerful preachers in the early church, he becomes the first Christian martyr in he becomes the first Christian martyr in he becomes the first Christian martyr in church history proclaiming the gospel. church history proclaiming the gospel. church history proclaiming the gospel. And as he's dying proclaiming the And as he's dying proclaiming the And as he's dying proclaiming the gospel, you know who's hearing the gospel, you know who's hearing the gospel, you know who's hearing the gospel?

gospel? gospel? A man named Saul who will one day become A man named Saul who will one day become A man named Saul who will one day become the Apostle Paul. the Apostle Paul. the Apostle Paul. Philillip had no idea that serving Philillip had no idea that serving Philillip had no idea that serving widows, just distributing food, just widows, just distributing food, just widows, just distributing food, just signing up to serve on a ministry team signing up to serve on a ministry team signing up to serve on a ministry team in Acts chapter 6 would eventually lead in Acts chapter 6 would eventually lead in Acts chapter 6 would eventually lead to reaching Samaria, baptizing to reaching Samaria, baptizing to reaching Samaria, baptizing international government officials. You international government officials. You international government officials. You remember the Ethiopian unic, hosting the remember the Ethiopian unic, hosting the remember the Ethiopian unic, hosting the Apostle Paul, becoming known throughout Apostle Paul, becoming known throughout Apostle Paul, becoming known throughout church history simply as Philip the church history simply as Philip the church history simply as Philip the Evangelist. Listen to me. The church Evangelist. Listen to me. The church Evangelist. Listen to me. The church asked Stephen and Philillip to serve asked Stephen and Philillip to serve asked Stephen and Philillip to serve tables and God used them to change the tables and God used them to change the tables and God used them to change the world. world. world. God used them to change the world. And God used them to change the world. And God used them to change the world. And it's the same thing in our vision it's the same thing in our vision it's the same thing in our vision passage in Luke chapter 5. Jesus tells passage in Luke chapter 5. Jesus tells passage in Luke chapter 5. Jesus tells Peter, I want you to put out into deep Peter, I want you to put out into deep Peter, I want you to put out into deep waters. I want you to go where it's waters. I want you to go where it's waters. I want you to go where it's uncomfortable. I [music] want you to go uncomfortable. I [music] want you to go uncomfortable. I [music] want you to go beyond where you're able to sustain beyond where you're able to sustain beyond where you're able to sustain yourself with your own power. And I want yourself with your own power. And I want yourself with your own power. And I want you, Peter, to let down your nets. I you, Peter, to let down your nets. I you, Peter, to let down your nets. I know you've already done it before. I know you've already done it before. I know you've already done it before. I know you've already tried it. I know know you've already tried it. I know know you've already tried it. I know what culture and the stats say about what culture and the stats say about what culture and the stats say about what's possible and what's not possible.

what's possible and what's not possible. what's possible and what's not possible. But the [music] difference is now, But the [music] difference is now, But the [music] difference is now, Peter, you're doing it with me. I want Peter, you're doing it with me. I want Peter, you're doing it with me. I want you to let down your nest and step out you to let down your nest and step out you to let down your nest and step out in faith. And Peter does something so in faith. And Peter does something so in faith. And Peter does something so simple. simple. simple. He does something that he already has He does something that he already has He does something that he already has been doing every day. been doing every day. been doing every day. The only difference is now he is living The only difference is now he is living The only difference is now he is living his everyday [music] life by faith in his everyday [music] life by faith in his everyday [music] life by faith in the power of the son of God. And he lets the power of the son of God. And he lets the power of the son of God. And he lets down his nets. down his nets. down his nets. Peter, [music] he knew what Jesus was Peter, [music] he knew what Jesus was Peter, [music] he knew what Jesus was asking him to do. Let down your nets. asking him to do. Let down your nets. asking him to do. Let down your nets. But he had no idea what Jesus [music] But he had no idea what Jesus [music] But he had no idea what Jesus [music] would eventually do through his yes. He would eventually do through his yes. He would eventually do through his yes. He had no idea what was on the other side had no idea what was on the other side had no idea what was on the other side of a simple yes to Jesus. And neither do of a simple yes to Jesus. And neither do of a simple yes to Jesus. And neither do you. you. you. I know all the reasons why you may stay I know all the reasons why you may stay I know all the reasons why you may stay on the sideline, why you might think on the sideline, why you might think on the sideline, why you might think you're disqualified, why you think you you're disqualified, why you think you you're disqualified, why you think you don't have room in your schedule to don't have room in your schedule to don't have room in your schedule to really [music] plug in and to serve or really [music] plug in and to serve or really [music] plug in and to serve or or I I I understand all the reasons. But I just want to make it clear to you But I just want to make it clear to you that God [music] has something for you, that God [music] has something for you, that God [music] has something for you, for you and for us. as we all give him for you and for us. as we all give him for you and for us. as we all give him our yes and we take small steps [music] our yes and we take small steps [music] our yes and we take small steps [music] of faith trusting him to do more in and of faith trusting him to do more in and of faith trusting him to do more in and through us that we could do in and through us that we could do in and through us that we could do in and through ourselves. Listen to me [music] through ourselves. Listen to me [music] through ourselves. Listen to me [music] y'all. Listen, you have not even been y'all. Listen, you have not even been y'all. Listen, you have not even been introduced yet to the version of you introduced yet to the version of you introduced yet to the version of you that God is calling you to be.

that God is calling you to be. that God is calling you to be. You don't know that version of you yet. You don't know that version of you yet. You don't know that version of you yet. But every single time you tell God yes, But every single time you tell God yes, But every single time you tell God yes, every single time you take a step of every single time you take a step of every single time you take a step of faith, every time you choose to obey faith, every time you choose to obey faith, every time you choose to obey him, every time you choose to trust him, him, every time you choose to trust him, him, every time you choose to trust him, even with something small, even with something small, even with something small, you are becoming a new person that is you are becoming a new person that is you are becoming a new person that is shaped into the image of Jesus. You are shaped into the image of Jesus. You are shaped into the image of Jesus. You are becoming a person that a year later you becoming a person that a year later you becoming a person that a year later you won't even recognize. >> So listen to me. This five-year vision >> So listen to me. This five-year vision is not just about trying to recruit you is not just about trying to recruit you is not just about trying to recruit you to serve in church. [music] It is that. to serve in church. [music] It is that. to serve in church. [music] It is that. and we're about to do that. But it is and we're about to do that. But it is and we're about to do that. But it is not just that. This five-year vision is us trying to This five-year vision is us trying to invite you to step into the [music] life invite you to step into the [music] life invite you to step into the [music] life that God has for you. To step into the that God has for you. To step into the that God has for you. To step into the adventure that God has for us as we adventure that God has for us as we adventure that God has for us as we [music] live on mission together over [music] live on mission together over [music] live on mission together over these next five years. And look at what these next five years. And look at what these next five years. And look at what happens when the church responds this happens when the church responds this happens when the church responds this way. When people just take the little way. When people just take the little way. When people just take the little they have and they offer it to Jesus they have and they offer it to Jesus they have and they offer it to Jesus together. Acts chapter 6:7. and the word together. Acts chapter 6:7. and the word together. Acts chapter 6:7. and the word of God continued [music] to increase and of God continued [music] to increase and of God continued [music] to increase and the number of the disciples multiplied the number of the disciples multiplied the number of the disciples multiplied greatly.

greatly. greatly. That's what we're praying for over these That's what we're praying for over these That's what we're praying for over these next [music] five years. next [music] five years. next [music] five years. Not that MLAN Bible Church would become Not that MLAN Bible Church would become Not that MLAN Bible Church would become impressive, but that the word of God impressive, but that the word of God impressive, but that the word of God would increase, that disciples would would increase, that disciples would would increase, that disciples would multiply, that more people would multiply, that more people would multiply, that more people would experience abundant life in Jesus. And experience abundant life in Jesus. And experience abundant life in Jesus. And listen, that only happens when all of us listen, that only happens when all of us listen, that only happens when all of us bring what God has entrusted to us. bring what God has entrusted to us. bring what God has entrusted to us. And so here's what we're going to do And so here's what we're going to do And so here's what we're going to do across all of our locations. across all of our locations. across all of our locations. At the end of this service, we're going At the end of this service, we're going At the end of this service, we're going to have info meetings at every one of to have info meetings at every one of to have info meetings at every one of our locations. And we just need [music] our locations. And we just need [music] our locations. And we just need [music] like 15 minutes of your time, maybe even like 15 minutes of your time, maybe even like 15 minutes of your time, maybe even less, to share some ways you can get less, to share some ways you can get less, to share some ways you can get involved in ministry. involved in ministry. involved in ministry. You don't feel like you're qualified. You don't feel like you're qualified. You don't feel like you're qualified. You don't feel like you have time. You don't feel like you have time. You don't feel like you have time. You're not even sure what you believe You're not even sure what you believe You're not even sure what you believe about all this. We just need a few about all this. We just need a few about all this. We just need a few minutes of your time just to show you minutes of your time just to show you minutes of your time just to show you what it could look like for you to get what it could look like for you to get what it could look like for you to get involved in ministry. We'll tell you our involved in ministry. We'll tell you our involved in ministry. We'll tell you our most pressing needs, how you can use most pressing needs, how you can use most pressing needs, how you can use your gifts [music] and expertise, and your gifts [music] and expertise, and your gifts [music] and expertise, and we'll give you some clear next steps. we'll give you some clear next steps. we'll give you some clear next steps. And then over the next several weeks, And then over the next several weeks, And then over the next several weeks, Lord willing, we're going to be talking Lord willing, we're going to be talking Lord willing, we're going to be talking about, all right, what does this look about, all right, what does this look about, all right, what does this look like for us together as we pursue this like for us together as we pursue this like for us together as we pursue this vision together over the next five vision together over the next five vision together over the next five years? But for now, just like we do years? But for now, just like we do years? But for now, just like we do every week, I just want to give you a every week, I just want to give you a every week, I just want to give you a moment of prayer and reflection between moment of prayer and reflection between moment of prayer and reflection between you and God. And we're going to put some you and God. And we're going to put some you and God. And we're going to put some questions up on the screen just to help questions up on the screen just to help questions up on the screen just to help you reflect for a minute and help you you reflect for a minute and help you you reflect for a minute and help you pray just on your own. And then I or one pray just on your own. And then I or one pray just on your own. And then I or one of the leaders at your location is of the leaders at your location is of the leaders at your location is [music] going to take it from there.

[music] going to take it from there. [music] going to take it from there. Take a minute. Father in heaven, we thank you for your Father in heaven, we thank you for your goodness and your grace, goodness and your grace, goodness and your grace, for your relentless pursuit for your relentless pursuit for your relentless pursuit of sinners like us, Father, I pray that the gospel would Father, I pray that the gospel would spread and that you would supernaturally spread and that you would supernaturally spread and that you would supernaturally save people even who are here listening save people even who are here listening save people even who are here listening to this, watching this, and that you

to this, watching this, and that you to this, watching this, and that you would use us to bring your light and to would use us to bring your light and to would use us to bring your light and to bring your love to other people here and bring your love to other people here and bring your love to other people here and all over the world. God, we pray this in all over the world. God, we pray this in all over the world. God, we pray this in Jesus name. Amen.