How are you doing? I hope you’re doing well in the Lord.
This Sunday, we will be holding our elections for two possible Deacons. For the past two weeks, we’ve looked at the Qualifications for Deacons and the Necessity for Deacons found in Scripture.
Members, we ask you that you take this election very seriously before the Lord. Pray about your decision. Pray for the election. Pray for the candidates and those who are elected. May the Lord’s will be done for His glory and kingdom.
One of the main points from this past Sunday was that the establishment of the office of Deacon was for the sake of the Gospel. The apostles could not properly shepherd their congregation through the ministry of the Word and also be faithful in works of mercy.
They selected godly and qualified men to be Deacons so that they can serve the church through the works of the Gospel. Through the execution of their office, the apostles can devote themselves “to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4)
In the church today, the Elders and Deacons complement one another in the same way. The office of Elder focuses on the Word aspect of the Gospel, while the office of Deacon focuses on the Deed aspect of the Gospel.
Having just the words of the gospel without any deeds makes us hypocrites. Having just the deeds of the gospel without any words makes us into a secular humanitarian organization. We need both, and through these offices, we see both of these aspects lived out in the structure of the church.
How can we do this as a church? How is this possible? It’s because Christ, the greatest Elder and Deacon, served us in both word and deed. He brought the gospel to us through his words of judgment and grace. He was the Word who revealed to us the rich revelation of God.
He also brought the gospel to us through his acts of service. He served us at the table of God’s judgment and wrath by bringing us to the table of God’s love and life. He served us by receiving the judgment for our sin and the curse of our shame on the cross.
Because we have received mercy, we now have the power to extend mercy. Because we have been saved through word and deed, we now have the power to minister through both word and deed.
And what happens when we embody the gospel in this way? “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” (Acts 6:7)
Salvation comes to the world.
May we pray for our officers. May we pray for our church. May we pray that the gospel go forth in both word and deed through us.
Hope to see you at our Friday Night Studies. There are only two left before our break! If not, let’s worship together at our Lord’s Day worship. Until then, may the grace and peace of Christ be with you.
In Christ,
Pastor Tim
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