Scripture/Text: Acts 6:1-7; We begin this week's message reflecting on what threatens the life and health of a growing church? In Acts 6, it's not persecution or false teaching, but it's the quiet danger of overlooked widows, cultural tension, and administrative disorganization. This passage shows us how God's Word must not only be preached but must govern our church's life together: our leadership, membership, and ministry priorities. Just like the apostles, we need to protect the ministry of the Word and prayer and wisely delegate care to other servants. The fruit of the Spirit is congregational unity, servant-hearted leadership, and renewed gospel growth. This sermon encourages us to see how God's Word grows, governs, and glorifies Christ's body. May Embassy Church, and all of Christ's churches, be shaped by God's Word if we want to remain faithful and fruitful.

Discussion Questions

• In what ways have you seen threats to the local church?
• How can church growth impact the care of widows?
• How does God's Word, including passages outside of Acts, help us understand how God governs His church?
• How does the story of Exodus and the people's complaining connect with the complaining in this passage? What is the significance of this connection for the church?
• How does cross-cultural communication in this passage, and throughout the church, help us see God's vision for His people?
• When there is a complaint in the church, how can the church be part of the solution?
• How can church members support the leadership and delegation within the church?
• How does Numbers 8 help us better understand the laying on of hands in Acts 6?
• How does this passage teach the church how to respond to complaints and practical needs?
• How have you seen the church demonstrate love through the way it functions?
• How does internal conflict within the church impact its witness and sharing of the gospel?
• How does internal conflict in the church affect our relationships throughout the church body?
• How does the Lord's Supper help us renew our covenant with one another as a church?
• How do we know that preaching and prayer should be a priority in the church?
• How can we, as the church, reorient our lives to love and serve one another?
• How should we respond to this passage by actively serving in our church?
• How has the spreading of suffering in the church led to the spreading of the gospel?
• How does reconciliation of conflict within the church impact the advancement of the church?
• How do Romans 10:9-17 and 1 Peter 2:9-10 help us see the importance and effectiveness of the Word of God?
• How have you seen the Holy Spirit actively working through the Word of God in people's lives and in the church?
• How has the Word of God been at work through your own life and spiritual growth?