Vivid Evidence

You, no doubt, will agree that the evidence so far has been most vivid, bold and free for all to see. The evidence or proof, has made banners which testify to people who are Believers And Doers in the service of the Lord. Having been brought to view two such pieces of evidence, today we move on to view the others.

Thirdly, we are told that the increasing numbers, were not just swelling with all kinds of converts, but this beautiful harvest, as it were, demanded immediate attention, as a conflict arose.

The apostles, these, filled with the Indwelling Holy Spirit, leaders of the Lord’s people, have called an emergency, extraordinary meeting on this grave matter. Look, listen and feel the mood of the apostles in this time of rising conflict. Do you really believe that this was just a meeting among themselves? O no! These apostles, as one united body, have turned directly to the Holy Spirit, to inquire of Him. The visible manifestation and sign of the working of the Holy Spirit, is evidenced in the humility of these, temples of the Holy Spirit, to seek Him first in any troubles with the increasing number of disciples. So the twelve gathered all the disciples together. Acts 6: 2a

Indeed! Inquiry is a perfect sign of the Working of the Spirit.

Fourthly, we are told of the quick decision and resolve given to this conflict, which is not allowed to grow into ugliness. Such is not of the Spirit. A new plan had to be worked out, arranged and implemented. What is of the Spirit is the wise and brotherly manner of dealing with conflicts, for as Jesus has stated categorically, conflicts must come. In this world there will be conflicts, but He has assured His own and those who will believe, that He has already overcome them all, for He has overcome the world. Guided and Counselled by the present, abiding Spirit, two genuine, tangible, God-given fruit, bloom forth, all to God’s honour and glory. These are profession and confession.

1. Confession – The apostles, of one united heart and voice, openly and categorically confess their position in their work for the Lord. They confess that they cannot neglect any of their work regarding the Ministry of the Word of God, in order to wait on tables.

2. Profession – The apostles, of one united heart and mind, openly and categorically profess that the work of waiting on tables is an important and absolutely vital and sacred Ministry in the work of the Lord. It too, must not be neglected and it must not be regarded and treated any less, in terms of the criteria needed for such a work.

The visible manifestation and sign of the working of the Holy Spirit, is evident in the implementation of a wise, Spirit-approved solution to conflict, resulting from the increasing number of disciples. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them. Acts 6: 3

Indeed! Implementation is a perfect sign of the Working of the Spirit.

What evidence is there among you, as a body of believers, which undeniably shows the clear, working Hand of the Spirit among you and in you?