READ
Acts 6:1-7
CONSIDER
Does anyone remember the preachers’ names since we started our series? Yes, recite them one by one in the correct order. Or anyone remembers the three points sermons from last week? You might find yourself wondering, “Why is my memory so bad?” To be honest, forgetting is part of life. People forget surprisingly fast. Research has found that approximately 56% of information is forgotten within an hour, 66% after a day, and 75% after six days.* If you do not remember anything from last week’s sermon, do not feel guilty, you are just normal.
Overlooking or forgetting someone’s needs is not good, but that happens in any community, including in a church setting. In the book of Acts 6:1-7, the early church encountered a challenging situation. In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. If you were on their leadership team, what would you do? How would you handle a complaint? Whether we are a church, workplace, school or family, we all have faced this type of challenge. I invite you to join me to unpack their situation and learn how to resolve the conflicts wisely with their example. Pray for a humble heart and DO NOT FORGET we will start our service at 9:30am.
Pastor Amy Yu
*Murre JMJ, Dros J. Replication and analysis of Ebbinghaus’ forgetting curve. Chialvo DR, ed. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(7):e0120644. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0120644
PRAY
Dear God, we confess that we do overlook other people’s needs at times. May you forgive our insensitivity, forgetfulness, and clumsiness. We pray for unity in times of conflict, grace in times of hurt, and wisdom in times of confusion. Open our eyes and hearts to see your way. May your truth continue to be the ruler of our lives. In Christ’s Name, Amen.
DIVING DEEPER
Download the complete Acts sermon series study guide HERE.
What groups of people tend to be overlooked in society, the church, etc.?
Verse 2 sounds like the disciples saw “waiting on tables” as something below them. What does this verse actually mean? (read v.3-4 for context)
What was the final decision of the apostles and what fruit did that decision produce? Where have you seen this good type of leadership practice play out in a church?