Queen's Road Cell

14. It’s risky to decide that because something is done in Acts, we should do it today. However, does 6:1-7 have any lessons relevant to us?  The need to be fair to all members in church, and to be seen to be fair. The need for those who teach and preach not to be distracted from their ministry The advisability to assign diferent duties to different people in church The need to pick good people for responsible positions in church. For Thought and Discussion: What does laying on of hands signify today?  Impartation of the Spirit or of a spiritual gift , intercession in prayer. OT references include the commissioning of Joshua (Nu 27:23, Dt 34:9) and the blessing of Jacob (Gen 48:14) The NT speaks of laying hands for healing (as in Jesus' ministry, (Mk 16:18, 28:8) commisioning for ministry (6:6, 13:3, 1 Ti 4:14, 5:22; 2 Ti 1:6) and impartation of the Spirit (8:17-19, 9:12-17, 19:6)   For Thought and Discussion: a. What qualities did the apostles require in the chosen seve...

10. Examine 5:1-4 carefully. Exactly what was Ananias’s sin? (For instance, was it wrong in itself not to sell all his property and give it to the church?)  He misrepresented the extent of his gift. He lied to God  11. What do you think might have motivated him to do this?  He wanted to be thought of as  being as generous as others in the church, even though he wasn't.  He sought credit for more than was due. He was calculating and hypocritical. His actions were not toward God, but towards men. He was transactional. 12. What did God teach the early believers by striking Ananias and Sapphira dead (see 5:1-11)?  He is an awesome and holy God. The church is not a place where worldly standards of purity and outward show apply. God looks on the heart. He knows everything.    13. Is there a lesson here for us? If so, what is it?  In our service and contribution we are to remember that we are serving and giving to God, not so that we look good to p...