Acts 6:8
This is how Stephen is graphically described in Luke’s historical account of the progress of the primitive church. It states, “And Stephen, full of faith and power did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). Called and chosen from amongst the people, he passionately worked among the people for the betterment of the people. May we always remember that we are called to use all our gifts and talents for the betterment and in service to the people among whom we were sent to serve.
In the spirit of Jesus, we came not to be ministered unto but to minister (Matthew 20:28). This must remain the motto and mantra of this twenty-first century church, here in the Northeast Region and beyond. We desire more than ever a ministry in the miraculous. Natural, ordinary, run-of-the-mill ministry will not do for today! We must take it up a notch! Stephen revolutionized and turned his world upside down. Everything seemed to change when Stephen came on the scene. Somebody must know that we have come to town.
In Stephen, we see a man whose life matched his words. From him we learn the gospel is not just a gospel of words, but one of power and one of works. Jesus lovingly informed us, “I must do the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). Interestingly enough, this passage is pluralized for us in the other translations of Scripture. In the NIV, it reads “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me, Night is coming, when no one can work.” Surely the time has come for us to back up this gospel that we preach. The great apostle Paul unequivocally reinforces this when he emphatically pointed out “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (Corinthians 2:4).
Brethren, all I am saying here, is what I see from this Acts 6 passage of Scripture. It must now go beyond words. What we so need is a demonstration of what we say and preach. I believe the people are tired of our words. What we need now is action and works that verify and authenticate what we preach. Don’t just tell them – Show them! Let us now ask the Lord to do like He did with these early Church of God preachers – “And they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen” (Mark 16:20). Let the Church of God be filled again with men and women like Stephen – “. . . full of faith and power doing great wonders and miracles among the people.” May the preaching of the Word be summarily confirmed with signs!
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
