How To Be A Kingdom Influencer

·1 hr 2 min·5 clips

The bar for serving bread in Acts was being controlled by the Holy Spirit, not just having good church reputation.

Pastor Aaron Campbell delivers a sermon analyzing Acts 6-7 to teach how Christians can become 'kingdom influencers.' He begins by setting the context: the early church's rapid growth led to murmuring between Greek-speaking and Hebrew-speaking Jews over the neglect of widows in the daily welfare system. The apostles address this by appointing seven deacons, including Stephen, who are required to be 'full of the Holy Spirit' and wisdom. Campbell highlights that Stephen's biography describes him as 'full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,' and later 'full of faith and power,' linking power to faith and emptiness of self. He argues that Jesus' metaphors of salt and light in Matthew 5 mean all believers are called to be influencers, not just church leaders. The sermon traces Stephen's journey from handing out bread to performing miracles and engaging in disputes with Jewish synagogues, including one likely attended by Saul (later Paul). Stephen's sermon before the Sanhedrin and his martyrdom, where he prays for his persecutors, exemplify kingdom influence. Campbell outlines seven principles: influencers are people of faith, vision, passion, power, and they recognize their need for power, are leaders who know how to follow, and are willing to be answers to their own prayers. He applies these to the congregation at Antioch Christian Fellowship in Philadelphia, urging members to influence their homes, workplaces, and city. The sermon includes personal anecdotes, such as his wife's efforts as an attorney and a trip to Haiti after an earthquake, to illustrate practical influence. Campbell closes with a call to action, encouraging those who feel anonymous to embrace God's call to make history.

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