Stephen 02/23/20

Series: Bold

Stephen

Acts 6-8

 1 out of 8Christians are affected by the threat of physical persecution worldwide.                              www.opendooruse.org

Christians face persecution in more than 60 countries.  

US State Department

Most of us will never be asked, “Will you die for your faith?,” but we are all asked “Will you live for your faith?” 

 Stephen’s ministry                            Acts 6:1-8

Stephen’s role was to manage the benevolence ministryof the church, but he was also actively involved in sharing the gospelof Christ.  

Confrontation with the synagogue      Acts 6:9-15

His message                                      Acts 7:1-53

1) God is bigger than a placeor a religious system. 

2)  Israel has always resistedHis message and His messengers.   

3) He gave His lawto Israel, and they never obeyed it.   

His death                                                   Acts 7:54-60

Lessons for us:  

Humble serviceis valued in the kingdom’s economy. 

Nothing has more power to influence our world than our love on display through service. 

Everybodyshould serve somewhere

God saves His greatest work for ordinary people.

Balancinggrace and truth is difficult, but powerful. 

Truth without grace is fundamentalismand easy to dismiss; grace without truth is sentimentalityand has no power.  

Thecourse of our livesis designed for the glory of God.   

Stephen’s most effective contributionto the kingdom of God came through his martyrdom.

Those who behold the gospel and believe the gospel become likethe gospel.

Is Stephen’s story a Tragedy?

It is not a tragedy to give your life for the eternal Christ;          

it is a tragedy to live your life for things that do not matter.