February 24, 2023: The Decimators Of Darkness

"Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty." (Acts 6:3, ESV)

One thing the Holy Spirit does in the body of Christ is to create a 'level playing field.' Anyone filled with faith and the Holy Spirit will do great things! Chapter six starts with the words, "Now in those days," meaning that it was a time in which the number of disciples was increasing. Some complaints arose as well. Revival is not always without problems, but it will always have answers because it is God's work. The complaint was that people were getting overlooked. The solution was to find deacons. These deacons were to be men who could serve well, men of a good reputation full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.

The people chose seven men who fit this description. Stephen, one of the seven, is called a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. (vs. 6) He is said to be full of grace and power, doing mighty works in verse eight. When people tried to dispute his preaching, it was said of him, "But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking." (Acts 6:10, ESV) Are you full of the Holy Spirit and faith? Do not disqualify yourself! Deacons, believers who serve, are more than just table servers. They are decimators of darkness.