Deacons – Promoters of Church Harmony

Looking back again in Acts chapter six we find that there was some “murmuring” in the church at Jerusalem. This “murmuring” came right on the heals of a great and wondrous miracle of the healing of a man who was born “lame from his mother's womb” who every day was carried out and “laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple” to beg. And as Peter was passing by the he looked down at him saying “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.   And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God” (Acts 3:3-8).

 But now it seems that there was a “disharmony” that had found its way into the body of the church. This was a trouble came to them as it does to us even here today as a result of the nature of our human condition, and along with Satan who brings in a discord, bringing in dissension and conflict.  And this disharmony that crept in was in need of healing. These first seven men who were chosen out and ordained by the elders of the church as deacons were God the Holy Ghost’s answer to aid in the healing of this breach and thus restoring the peace and fellowship of the church. But this is not always true in churches today. Sometimes a faction in the church is “deacon led.”

We understand that it is necessary for them, and for us here today, (because God does not change,) to carefully and prayerfully pray to God for His guidance in the matter of choosing of our deacon’s with those who have the “qualities” of character of that of being good, humble and faithful men. These are men who will follow only after the glory of Christ and His people in the Kingdom of Heaven in all that they undertake to do.  Seeking not to promote their own selfish will and motives, but seeking first and foremost the will of Christ; to the support of the gospel ministry, and that of the whole body of believers.

The Godly man who is chosen and placed into the office of deacon loses one privilege that he here afore had, when he enters into the office of deacon he losses his right to “speak his mind.” When such a man becomes a deacon, he is provided by the Holy Ghost, chosen by the church, and the laying on of hands by the elders and dedicated by his own personal choice to serve in the office, at that moment he gives up his right to promote himself in any way, promoting any and all a divisions which will bring disharmony into the life of the church body. 

One of the most critical duties of a deacon is the promotion of church fellowship between each member of the body of Christ. When conflict and division comes, and as long as we live in the flesh here on this earth, and Satan is free to harass the church, bringing in the most grievous disharmony, it’s then that, a deacon must be the first person to stand up and say that “we can’t do things this way in this church.”

That’s not to say that he will sacrifice the truth for the sake of peace. No, and in fact he is always in the word of God, seeking the guidance of God in his studies and meditation, understanding the organism of the living body of the Church. He fully understands that Christ set up and established the Church, with all that is needed and that she is perfect in her doctrine and practice. In times of trouble and discord he goes to the scriptures and not to popular opinion, no matter how popular or how famous the holder of such opinions might be.

He will stand up and say, “we will rely on thus sayest the Lord.” He understands and stands strong knowing that we must have harmony and peace if we are to give proper honour to Christ.” It is clear that if deacons were needed to promote harmony in the first church, than they are needed today to do the same thing! In the world today which has never been a friend of the church, there is a need for these good and faithful men to serve as deacons!  

Theirs is that duty that first and foremost is to care for the welfare of the church, her members, from the least little ones to the eldest. Remember again the sixth chapter of the books of acts? They cared for the “widows” at the church at Jerusalem. One very critical reason for the selection of the first seven deacons was to provide for and promote the welfare of the church membership. These men then, as it is today, are those who undergird ministry in the particular service in which they were called to do.

They are ever watchful and listening, feeling the “pulse” of the church, and when it is known that there is a person in need within the bounds of the congregation, and they step up and see to that need. And if need be they will first bring to the attention to the pastor, and then they will bring it before the church, that they too may labour in the ministry as well. I say again, they are in the front lines, not to be above, but to serve. What a wonderful blessing is the office of deacon, and those who serve in that office.

I’ll close this thought by reminding those who tend to lift up their elders and pastors, placing them upon a pedestal, that they are only men, and it is impossible for them to be aware of all of the needs of the church under his watch care. We ought to thank God for His providing the deacons, who serve a wonderful service, in order that no person who is on the church role will ever be forgotten or neglected.

Next time, I would like to look, in Acts chapter six, at the original pattern setting forth the “qualities” of the first seven deacons and show how that applies today.

 May God bless you and keep you.

                                                                        Elder Thomas McDonald

Blinded by the Light

ox·y·mo·ron   n. A rhetorical figure in which incongruous or contradictory terms are combined, as in a deafening silence and a mournful optimist.

Saul of Tarsus was a powerful man among the Jewish religious leaders of his day.  In fact, he describes himself thusly: Phl 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;  3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 

Act 22:3 I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. 

His zeal was unmatched in the persecution of the early church.  Well versed in the law and the tradition of the fathers, Saul combined all of these things to obtain letters of authority from the Chief priests.  Act 22:19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:   22:20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

Was Saul in Jerusalem during the Passover and a witness to the mobs before Pilate?  Did he stand afar off and view the crucifixion of Christ?  He was after all a devout Jew, likely to be in the Holy city as were tens of thousands of others at that time of year.  Jerusalem was his adopted city.

As far as the church was concerned, Saul was the most dangerous man in all of Israel.  He had not only the skill and experience of beating and imprisoning believers, he quickly obtained wider authority.  Act 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,   Act 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 

 Act 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:   9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?   Act 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 

Oxen were moved and guided by a device called an ox goad.  Many describe it as a farming implement, but it’s also mentioned in scripture as the weapon that killed 600.   It was a long pole with several metal pointed spears (pricks) in a bunch at its end. Placed at the back of the leg of the ox or cattle, much as we might use a cattle prod today, it kept the animals from backing up, forcing them to continue forward.  As it applied sharp pointed pressure to the back of the leg, it was nearly impossible to kick against it.

Blinded by the light. Light brings darkness.  Saul went instantly from being the most powerful man in Judea to the most helpless.  Can you imagine what it must be like to be suddenly blind?  Unable to take more than a step in any direction for fear of falling into a ditch, stumbling against a rock, falling into a body of water, or crossing the path of a quiet serpent?  Quickly subdued, Paul now had to turn unto the men he commanded to beg for assistance.  Act 22:11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. 

Act 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.   Act 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.  They stood speechless.  A newly blind Saul must have had to cry out in panic for them to help him.  Act 9:8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought [him] into Damascus.   Act 9:9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 

And for three days, he probably didn’t move.  Three days and nights in a dark location, that’s an interesting scenario.  Saul either sat in a chair or lay on a bed in a strange environment, unable to see, and not knowing what was at his left hand or his right.  All he saw was his own darkness. The light that blinded him was also the one showing him his very depravity. How poetic for a man to be cast down from his lofty position by the very one he was persecuting.  For three days and nights, a blind, weary Saul cried, prayed, and saw every sin he had ever committed. 

Act 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord.   Act 9:11 And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, (How fitting the chief of sinners be put on the straight street) and enquire in the house of Judas for (house of Judas – that puts Saul’s treachery against Jesus in perspective) [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,  Behold, he prayeth.  Indeed.  This self righteous man, Pharisee of Pharisees, probably truly prayed for the first time in his life.  Praying now to the very Christ he battled against hours earlier.  Isn’t that our case?

But soon, prayers about sin, depravity and current conditions give way to prayer with the Spirit, and some understanding begins to come to Saul.  The light that brought him darkness – and brought his darkness to light, now is instructing, healing, imparting grace, wisdom and mercy and bringing life and immortality to light. The light that shined round about at noonday and brought Saul to the earth now shines from the inside out.

Act 9:12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight.   Act 9:13 Then Ananias answered, (Lord, you don’t know this man – he’s evil-- he’ll harm me!) Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:   Act 9:14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.  Have we ever considered the response of Ananias?  Speaking with the creator of the universe, telling Him he was afraid of what Saul might do unto him!!?  Even as the Lord has told him of Saul’s vision and what is to come to pass, he still shows a fear and lack of faith.   Act 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:  Act 9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.   Act 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 

Act 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.  Saul’s experience was sufficient to convince him he was not only dealing with the Lord, but had been dealt with by the Lord.  Immediately he set about to show the answer of a good conscience by water baptism.  Saul wasn’t showing his conscience was clear, but understood the good conscience placed in him by the Holy Spirit required answer. 

 Act 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.  Our strength comes from the meat of the gospel.  Saul had received instruction from God and had it confirmed by Ananias.  Now he was ready to show forth the light that illuminated him.  Act 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.   Act 9:21 But all that heard [him] were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?   Act 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. 

Paul thought he had perfect light on this new Christian sect that was causing the Jews so much trouble.  The true perfect light blinded him, and then opened his eyes.  We all sing the line in Amazing Grace I once was blind, but now I see, but Paul was blinded and given sight to see and understand his depravity in a new light and with those eyes, seeing his own sin, was able to explain to us how clearly God sees our sin.

                                                                                Brother Royce Ellis 

Notes on Matthew

Chapter 2 Part 5

The Gifts           

Matt. 2:11 "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."  In order to understand the significance of the gifts that were given by the wise men to the Christ child, we must put out of our minds the modern means and purposes of gift giving.  Today a gift given to a child is usually based on need or entertainment.  We give gifts based on our perceived needs of the child or based on what we think would be good to entertain the child.  However, the Christ child had no need for either gold, or frankincense or myrrh.  Furthermore, such gifts would have had no value in entertaining the child.

Gifts given back in the days that Jesus was born were given based not on need or entertainment, but rather based on what the gift-givers thought that child would become or accomplish in his life.  For instance, a plow might be given to a child if they thought the child would be a farmer.  In addition, a book might be given to a child if they thought the child would be a teacher.  They might give a hammer to a child they thought would be a carpenter.  Thus, gifts were given based on the belief of what the child would become or accomplish in his life.

 The wise men gave to Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  These gifts represented what the wise men believed that Jesus was or would accomplish in his life.

Gold is associated in the scriptures with kings:

            1.  2 Sam. 12:30 "And he took their king's crown from off his head, the weight whereof was a talent of gold with the precious stones: and it was set on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city in great abundance."

            2.  Rev. 14:14 "And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle."

            3.  Est. 4:11 "All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days."

            4.  Lev. 8:9 "And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, even upon his forefront, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the LORD commanded Moses."

            5.  1 King 10:16 "And king Solomon made two hundred targets of beaten gold: six hundred shekels of gold went to one target. 17 And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pound of gold went to one shield: and the king put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon. 18 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold. 19 The throne had six steps, and the top of the throne was round behind: and there were stays on either side on the place of the seat, and two lions stood beside the stays. 20 And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other upon the six steps: there was not the like made in any kingdom. 21 And all king Solomon's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold; none were of silver: it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomon."

            6.  2 Chr. 9:17 "Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. 18 And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the stays:"

            7.  Ps. 21:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice! 2 Thou hast given him his heart's desire, and hast not withholden the request of his lips. Selah. 3 For thou preventest him with the blessings of goodness: thou settest a crown of pure gold on his head."

We conclude that the gift of gold indicated that the wise men believed that Jesus was a king and indeed they were right.  He sits and reigns in the kingdom of God today.

Frankincense is associated with the priesthood:

            1.  Lev. 2:1 "And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon: 2 And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:"

            2.  Lev. 2:15 "And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon: it is a meat offering. 16 And the priest shall burn the memorial of it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is an offering made by fire unto the LORD."

            3.  Lev. 6:14 "And this is the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD, before the altar. 15 And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour, even the memorial of it, unto the LORD."

            4.  Rev. 8:1 "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. 3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand."

The wise men believed that Christ would be a high priest by giving him frankincense.  They were correct because he is a High Priest for ever after the order of Melchisidec. 

Myrrh is associated with burial.  It was a spice that was wrapped around the dead bodies that were buried: John 19:39 "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. 40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury."  Thus, the wise men believed that Jesus would accomplish great things in his death.  Through the death of Jesus, we have the redemption of sins.  Jesus accomplished more in his death than all of mankind has ever accomplished either in life or death.

In conclusion the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh represented that Jesus would be a King, a High Priest, and would accomplish great things in his death.  Jesus is King of Kings, our High Priest after the order of Melchisidec, and saved us from the condemnation of sin through his death.

                                                                                 Elder Vernon Johnson