The deacons-or the -diaconate--are not merely those who manage property. They do that, to be sure, but they do far more. --This is the second of two sermons about the deacons and they role they play to ensure the health of a true church, answering the question- -What power do the deacons really have on behalf of Christ for the benefit of his people--

What happens in the Church when the love of Christ comes to us---The Apostle John reminds us that the bond of love has several effects when it is legitimate.

The church is poised to invade the Promise Land, as it were, in Acts 6. They are not entering an isolated territory as the Israelites were about to do in Deuteronomy 1, but instead, are about to invade the world FROM the Promise Land. --In such a situation, they need to make several changes brought about by initial -murmuring-. These changes made them stronger-and they will us, too.

Shall we walk as Jesus walked- Do we want to know if we abide in Him, or not-

The end of Acts 4 and the early events of 5 are tied together as the actions of Barnabas and Ananias are contrasted. More than this, Ananias and his wife test the Apostles, test the Holy Spirit, and test the Church. All three pass the test, and the church is strengthened and purified.

The church is Acts has been -living the good life- from Acts 1-3. They've grown exponentially, and their boldness brought prestige. Now, their boldness, the signs, and church growth draws the attention of those with privilege to lose-the same men who plotted against Jesus, now set their eyes on the little church of Jerusalem. --How do the Apostles respond- How would we-

The world pursues comfort, and pain is often the greatest of evils to be avoided. Not always, but consider how youth is idolized- we seek to prolong life at high cost, we color hair to avoid greys, etc.--So, why did Christ -set his face to Jerusalem,- and why did he willingly-knowingly-go there to suffer and die- No king comes to power and glory by suffering and dying, but Christ did.--What majesty is there in his suffering-

Many know intellectually that Jesus prayed. But have they really considered it- Why would God pray- What about his human nature, and his life of faith, required prayer- What does his prayer-life mean for us- --There is great majesty in Christ through his prayer life, and we must see it, and worship.

This was, perhaps, one of the most defining moments in human history. Nothing's been the same since, and nothing that came before it was ever quite like it.--Here, God begins to expand his kingdom according to his promises through Christ. Here, a New Israel begins. The Holy Spirit descends from Heaven and takes three actions for his people-the same three that, among other things, he still does for us today.

As the church gathers in Acts 1, they are not the broken, dejected group they were in the late chapters of Luke. They are an expectant, eager, hopeful people, and they are gathered to pray, awaiting the promise of the Father and Son-the Holy Spirit. --As they looked forward to that imminent moment, they looked up in worship, and to the Apostles, the new foundation of a New and greater Israel.