Celebrating Deacon Ordination and Church Unity
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered at Lexington Park Baptist Church to celebrate the ordination of two new deacons, Brian Bain and Randy Jackson. We began by reflecting on Daniel 2:21, acknowledging God's sovereignty over the changing seasons and His provision of wisdom. We prayed for understanding and knowledge of God, and for His guidance as we ordained our new deacons. The service included several announcements, such as upcoming baptisms, men's conferences, and community events, emphasizing the importance of participation and fellowship within our church family.
We also highlighted "Caring Well Sunday," focusing on the safety and well-being of our children and the importance of creating a secure environment for them. We prayed for protection and healing for those affected by abuse and committed to being vigilant in safeguarding our children.
The ordination ceremony was a significant part of the service. We laid hands on Brian and Randy, extending the church's authority to them and praying for their strength and dedication in serving the congregation. We emphasized the biblical qualifications for deacons, drawn from Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3, which include being of good reputation, filled with the Spirit, and possessing godly wisdom. These men were chosen because they exemplify these qualities.
The sermon focused on the roles and responsibilities of deacons and pastors, highlighting the importance of each role in maintaining a healthy church. Deacons are called to serve the congregation, addressing needs and resolving issues, while pastors are tasked with preaching and leading. This division of labor allows the church to function effectively and spread the Word of God.
We concluded with a call to action for the entire congregation, encouraging everyone to live up to the standards set for deacons and pastors. We prayed for unity, growth, and the spread of the gospel, and invited those who do not yet know Jesus to come forward and accept Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Sovereignty and Provision: Reflecting on Daniel 2:21, we are reminded that God controls the times and seasons, and He provides wisdom to those who seek it. This underscores the importance of trusting in God's plan and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life. [20:31]
2. The Role of Deacons: Deacons are essential for the health of the church. They are chosen for their good reputation, spiritual maturity, and wisdom. Their primary role is to serve the congregation, addressing needs and resolving issues, which allows pastors to focus on preaching and leading. [58:04]
3. Living a Life Worthy of Respect: The qualifications for deacons, as outlined in 1 Timothy 3, serve as a standard for all believers. We are called to live lives that are worthy of respect, free from hypocrisy, and faithful in our commitments. This consistent and godly living is a testimony to our faith. [01:15:11]
4. Unity and Growth in the Church: A healthy church is one where pastors and deacons fulfill their roles effectively, leading to the spread of the Word of God and the growth of disciples. This requires unity and cooperation within the congregation, as well as a commitment to the mission of the church. [01:30:25]
5. Invitation to Faith and Service: The call to follow Jesus and serve in the church is extended to everyone. Whether through formal roles like deacons or through everyday acts of service, each member of the congregation is invited to contribute to the mission of spreading the gospel and growing in faith. [01:34:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[20:31] - Opening Prayer
[21:22] - Guest Information
[21:55] - Announcements
[22:29] - Baptism Details
[23:13] - Upcoming Events
[23:42] - Farewell to Hollins Family
[24:04] - Church App and QR Codes
[25:56] - Caring Well Sunday
[27:03] - Prayer for Protection
[28:06] - Prayer for Healing
[46:15] - Hymn of Heaven
[47:10] - Offertory Prayer
[48:52] - Prayer for Storm Victims
[50:00] - Celebration and Announcements
[55:31] - Deacon Ordination
[01:03:06] - Sermon on Deacons
[01:30:25] - Call to Action
[01:34:33] - Invitation to Faith
[01:41:52] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Daniel 2:21: "He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."
2. Acts 6:1-7: "In those days, as the disciples were increasing in number, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. The twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, 'It would not be right for us to give up preaching the word of God to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.' This proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas, a convert from Antioch. They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith."
3. 1 Timothy 3:8-13: "Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. They must also be tested first; if they are proven blameless, then they can serve as deacons. Wives, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not slanderous, self-controlled, faithful in everything. Deacons are to be the husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. For those who have served well as deacons acquire good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Daniel 2:21 say about God's control over the times and seasons? How does this relate to the ordination of deacons? [20:31]
2. According to Acts 6:1-7, what were the qualifications for the men chosen to serve as deacons? [58:04]
3. In 1 Timothy 3:8-13, what are some of the specific qualifications listed for deacons? [01:07:08]
4. During the ordination ceremony, what symbolic act was performed to extend the church's authority to the new deacons? [58:30]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does acknowledging God's sovereignty, as mentioned in Daniel 2:21, influence our trust in His plans for church leadership? [20:31]
2. Why is it important for deacons to be of good reputation, full of the Spirit, and wise, as described in Acts 6:3? How does this help the church function effectively? [58:04]
3. What does it mean for deacons to hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, as stated in 1 Timothy 3:9? How does this impact their service? [01:07:08]
4. How does the division of labor between pastors and deacons, as described in Acts 6, contribute to the growth and health of the church? [01:04:30]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's sovereignty during a season of change. How did that experience shape your faith? [20:31]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of living a life worthy of respect. What specific steps can you take this week to ensure your actions align with this standard? [01:15:11]
3. How can you support the deacons and pastors in their roles within the church? Are there specific ways you can contribute to the unity and growth of the congregation? [01:30:25]
4. The sermon called for everyone to live up to the standards set for deacons and pastors. Identify one area in your life where you can improve to meet these standards. What practical steps will you take? [01:03:38]
5. Caring Well Sunday highlighted the importance of creating a safe environment for children. What actions can you take to contribute to the safety and well-being of the children in your church community? [25:56]
6. The sermon invited those who do not yet know Jesus to come forward and accept Him. How can you share your faith with someone in your life who does not yet know Jesus? What specific steps will you take this week? [01:34:33]
7. Reflect on the role of deacons in addressing needs and resolving issues within the church. How can you assist in identifying and addressing the needs of your church community? [01:04:30]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Sovereignty and Wisdom
Description: Reflecting on Daniel 2:21, we are reminded that God controls the times and seasons, and He provides wisdom to those who seek it. This underscores the importance of trusting in God's plan and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life. In moments of uncertainty or change, it is crucial to remember that God is sovereign and His wisdom is available to us. By leaning on His understanding rather than our own, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace. [20:31]
Daniel 2:21 (ESV): "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."
Reflection: Think of a current situation in your life where you feel uncertain or anxious. How can you actively seek God's wisdom and trust in His sovereignty today?
Day 2: The Essential Role of Deacons
Description: Deacons are essential for the health of the church. They are chosen for their good reputation, spiritual maturity, and wisdom. Their primary role is to serve the congregation, addressing needs and resolving issues, which allows pastors to focus on preaching and leading. This division of labor is crucial for the effective functioning of the church, ensuring that both spiritual and practical needs are met. By understanding and appreciating the role of deacons, we can better support them in their ministry and recognize the importance of service within the church. [58:04]
Acts 6:3-4 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
Reflection: Identify a deacon or church leader who has impacted your life. How can you show appreciation for their service and support them in their ministry this week?
Day 3: Living a Life Worthy of Respect
Description: The qualifications for deacons, as outlined in 1 Timothy 3, serve as a standard for all believers. We are called to live lives that are worthy of respect, free from hypocrisy, and faithful in our commitments. This consistent and godly living is a testimony to our faith and can inspire others to follow Christ. By striving to meet these standards, we not only honor God but also build a strong and credible witness to those around us. [01:15:11]
1 Timothy 3:8-10 (ESV): "Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily actions and attitudes. Are there areas where you need to align more closely with the standards set in 1 Timothy 3? What practical steps can you take to live a life worthy of respect?
Day 4: Unity and Growth in the Church
Description: A healthy church is one where pastors and deacons fulfill their roles effectively, leading to the spread of the Word of God and the growth of disciples. This requires unity and cooperation within the congregation, as well as a commitment to the mission of the church. When each member of the church works together in harmony, the church can thrive and make a significant impact in the community. By fostering unity and supporting church leaders, we contribute to the overall health and growth of the church. [01:30:25]
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV): "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection: Consider how you can contribute to the unity and growth of your church. What specific actions can you take to support your church leaders and foster a spirit of cooperation within your congregation?
Day 5: Invitation to Faith and Service
Description: The call to follow Jesus and serve in the church is extended to everyone. Whether through formal roles like deacons or through everyday acts of service, each member of the congregation is invited to contribute to the mission of spreading the gospel and growing in faith. By embracing this call, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from serving others and advancing God's kingdom. This invitation is not limited to a select few but is open to all who are willing to follow Jesus and serve with a humble heart. [01:34:33]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Reflect on the gifts and talents God has given you. How can you use them to serve others in your church and community this week? What steps can you take to actively participate in the mission of spreading the gospel?
Quotes
1. "Listen to the word of the Lord. He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and acknowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2, 21. Let's go to the Lord in prayer. Heavenly Father, we just love you. We praise you. We give you all glory. We thank you for the God that you are. We thank you for the seasons that you give us. To remind us not just of the change in weather but the change also in life. And also the consistency that you're constantly in control." [20:31] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, Carrying Well Sunday. Listen to Micah 6.8. He has told you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? On this sheet on the back, you will see five ways the gospel shapes our approach to salvation. And we're going to talk about the gospel of Jesus. So, our church as part of the BCMD and National Convention is committed to make sure that your children are safe. As safe as we can make them." [25:56] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus said, bring the children to him. And part of our job is to make sure that we take care of them. So, as you look through there, there's five things you can do. Churches can provide different things. So, I just ask you to take this out. Read through it. Familiarize yourself with it. And pray. Pray for our children. Pray for the protection. Pray for their salvation. And pray for our workers that are down there with our children. Serving them. Amen. I got a couple people that get it. Anybody else get it? Say amen." [27:03] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And we know as these songs you've just sung, especially this last one, Lord, that there's a hymn of heaven. There's a day where we will shout with the angels and with all the saints that have gone before us. Lord, and here on this earth, we gather now with all of heaven and eternity past and eternity present. And Lord, knowing that there's an eternity future. And Lord, in this moment, we thank you. God, I pray as we pray. We move forward today, we'll be mindful here of our job here on earth to share the gospel as many people as possible. All those that need to hear Jesus so that they too can have a hymn of heaven for themselves." [46:15] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So, I want to encourage you to listen to these things. You apply it to your life. Even though I'll be saying some things to Brian and Randy specifically, I want you to hear that it also applies to you. And I also want to educate the church today. This is a little bit different type of sermon. It's more of educating you on what a really good pastor you are. That's what being a deacon does. I think sometimes we get confused on what that means. And I want to distinguish the difference between the office of pastor and the office of deacon today. They are distinctly different things. So, I want to make sure that we understand that. That helps our church be healthy." [01:04:05] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So, I want to talk to the men for a minute. If you're in this church, you may or may never serve as a deacon. That doesn't mean you're not a deacon. You're not good or good enough or anything like that, but if you get tapped on the shoulder, I want to talk to those men for a minute. If you get tapped on the shoulder, you better have a good reason to say no because if this church sees a good reputation in you, if this church sees that you're filled with godly spirit and you're filled with godly wisdom, did you see any of those seven say no? Did you see any of the seven say no? Did they? No." [01:13:14] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So, I want to encourage you both to serve the church in this way. And as in Acts 6.4 says, and I want both of you to look at me, may you do your job in such a way to where I can do my job just like the Bible tells me to. That I can fully devote myself to this body of Christ and preaching the word and leading it and doing the ministry of prayer and doing the things that a preacher should do. And then if I get involved and somebody calls me for a hospital visit, you all knew already before me. When somebody has a problem, you knew it already before me." [01:27:32] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "May our actions today, because you support your pastor and you support the deacons of this church, because we're a body of Christ, may your actions today lead to this result. In the first century church, because they established the pastorate and the deacons, listen to what happened. The word of God spread. Does our community and our nation need this word? I mean, that's right, right? The White House just follows every line and script in this, right? Right? Yes? There'll be no politician that does that. The word needs to spread. The word needs to spread so people get Jesus. When people get Jesus, lives change." [01:30:25] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We want to see by our actions, because we're spreading the word, because in here we're growing together and we're increasing as disciples, we want to see people that are secular outside of the faith become obedient to the faith. Every single one of you know, because you tell me some of you are saying, I'm the only Christian at work. Could you imagine a day, because we're spreading the word of God and our church is so functional and healthy, that people on base say, I want to go to Lexington Park Baptist Church. Wow. That doesn't happen by accident. That happens because we're obedient. Will we be found obedient?" [01:33:15] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Church of Jesus Christ, three things for you. One, do you know Jesus? Do you know Jesus and are you walking in obedience to him? Do you have the same faith in the gospel that these deacons are supposed to have? Is that applied to your life? If not, I ask you to submit to that and fall in line with that. Are you concerned about increasing in disciples and making other people come to know Jesus Christ? And are you passionate about that? And then lastly, are you doing your part to make sure the word of God spreads? There's something in all this for all of us." [01:34:33] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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