REINTEGRATION
To Be Continued | Devan Bumstead

Acts 6:1-7 | NIV
1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

COMPARTMENTALIZAITON
Barna – 21% of practicing Christian say they have a “Biblical worldview” that impacts how they make daily decisions.

Cultural Drifts
· 1700-1800 – Enlightenment brought separation of science and faith
· 1800-1900 – Industrialization separated work/secular from home/faith
· 1962 – Privatization of Religion (Engel v. Vitale) No prayer in school
· Current – Individualism and Consumer Christianity emphasizes chose-your-own faith model
· Moralistic Therapeutic Theism – God exists for your comfort

ACTS 6:1-7

CHARACTER OVER CAREER - Colossians 3:22-24

FIND A PLACE TO CO-RULE - Genesis 1

GROW WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED - 1 Peter 3:15

WE’RE ALL GOSPEL SHARERS

BELIEVER TO DISCIPLE

The greatest issue facing the world today, with all its heartbreaking needs, is whether those who, by profession or culture, are identified as ‘Christians’ will become disciples – students, apprentices, practitioners – of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from him how to live the life of the Kingdom of the Heavens into every corner of human existence.
Dallas Willard | The Great Omission

LIFE GROUP QUESTIONS

Summary
Feel free to read this message summary to the group before your discussion to refresh their memory on its central themes.

In this week's sermon, we explored the theme of reintegrating our faith into every aspect of our lives, moving away from the compartmentalization that often characterizes modern Christian living. The sermon was based on Acts 6:1-7, where we see the early church addressing a practical need by appointing seven men, including Stephen, to oversee the distribution of food to widows. Stephen, though tasked with administrative duties, lived a life fully integrated with his faith, demonstrating that our character and spiritual life should permeate all areas of our existence. The message challenged us to shift from being mere "believers" to becoming true "disciples" of Jesus, allowing our faith to influence our work, relationships, and daily decisions.

1. Reflect on Compartmentalization:
How have you experienced the compartmentalization of your faith in your own life? Can you share specific examples where you’ve kept your faith separate from other areas of your life?

READ Acts 6:1-7

2. Understanding Stephen’s Role:
In Acts 6:1-7, Stephen was chosen for his character and spiritual wisdom. How does this passage challenge the way we view our roles and responsibilities in our workplaces or communities?

3. Character Over Career:
The sermon emphasized the importance of character over career. How do you prioritize character development in your life, and what steps can you take to ensure your faith influences your daily actions?

4. Co-Ruling - Faith in the Workplace:
The sermon emphasized the mandate we’ve been given by God to build the Kingdom from the raw materials of this earth for the purpose of human flourishing. Have you ever thought of our “work” in that light?
How do you see your work contributing to this end?
How can you integrate your faith into your work or daily activities, regardless of your job or position?

READ 1 Peter 3:15

5. Grow Where You’re Planted
The sermon mentioned how to respond when we might not be in the ideal workplace or career. If you feel this way, how does Stephen’s example of still being effective while “waiting on tables” impact how you see your current role?

6. From Believer to Disciple:
The sermon encouraged us to transition from being "believers" to "disciples." What does being a disciple of Jesus mean to you, and how can this shift in identity impact your daily life?

Conclude the session by praying for each other, asking God to help integrate faith into every aspect of life and to grow as disciples of Jesus.