Podcasts about scripture: acts 6:8-8:3

Our series in Acts continues as Pastor Ethan looks at the ministry of Stephen and what it has to teach us about the Holy Spirit.

If you want to be wise and full of the Spirit, you must be saturated with the Scriptures. If you are saturated with the Scriptures you will speak up. If you are saturated with Scripture grace and mercy will prevail in your life. If you are saturated with Scripture you will be used by God.

Stephen, one of the first deacons and full of the Holy Spirit, preached Jesus and performed signs and wonders. This caused great opposition by the authorities, and they brought false charges against him. Beginning with Abraham, Stephen reminded the Jewish people of their heritage, how they were chosen by God but were always rebellious and how they had killed the prophets. He told them this is exactly what they had done to Jesus, and for that he became the first Christian martyr.

Sermons and teaching from Northern Hills Community Church.

Resources for a life of following Jesus every day, and everywhere, with everyone

Resources for a life of following Jesus every day, and everywhere, with everyone

Journey

The record of Stephen the first Christian martyr

Mike Hastie preaches on Stephen, Christianity's first Martyr. He considers the everyday martyrdom to which every believer is called.

READ Acts 6:8-8:3 THINK 1. As you think about this message, think, “how does God want my beliefs and or actions to change? What is one thing I can do to bring about this change? 2. Think about the last argument you had were you were wrong. Who was it with? When did you realize you were wrong? What were you focused that caused you not to see the truth? What helped you to see that you were wrong and the other person was right? Why is it so hard to accept truths in these situations? 3. Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin to explain why he spoke against Moses and God. Why was this a serious crime? 4. Luke says Stephen’s face looked like an angel before he gave his testimony. Why does Luke mention this? 5. Stephen gives a very detailed testimony. What does he want he religious leaders to see or recognize through his testimony? 6. Why don’t the religious leaders recognize the truth about Jesus Christ through Stephen’s testimony? What were they focused on? 7. Who have you shared the truth of Jesus Christ with only to have that person or persons reject it? Why did they reject it? What were they focused on? 8. What were you focused on before you accepted the truth about Jesus Christ? How did your focus change? What helped you to see the truth about Jesus Christ? PRAY Jesus- Thank you for leading me to see the truth of who you really are. You are my Lord and my Savior. Please help me to keep my focus on you. Help me not to get tripped up on things that I may think are crucial to my relationship and worship of you. Help me to always see you clearly. In your name I pray. Amen. LIVE Think about those person or persons who have rejected God’s truth. Pray for them everyday this week that their focus may be turned so they can see Jesus for who he really is and accept him in their lives.

READ Acts 6:8-8:3 THINK 1. As you think about this message, think, “how does God want my beliefs and or actions to change? What is one thing I can do to bring about this change? 2. Think about the last argument you had were you were wrong. Who was it with? When did you realize you were wrong? What were you focused that caused you not to see the truth? What helped you to see that you were wrong and the other person was right? Why is it so hard to accept truths in these situations? 3. Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin to explain why he spoke against Moses and God. Why was this a serious crime? 4. Luke says Stephen’s face looked like an angel before he gave his testimony. Why does Luke mention this? 5. Stephen gives a very detailed testimony. What does he want he religious leaders to see or recognize through his testimony? 6. Why don’t the religious leaders recognize the truth about Jesus Christ through Stephen’s testimony? What were they focused on? 7. Who have you shared the truth of Jesus Christ with only to have that person or persons reject it? Why did they reject it? What were they focused on? 8. What were you focused on before you accepted the truth about Jesus Christ? How did your focus change? What helped you to see the truth about Jesus Christ? PRAY Jesus- Thank you for leading me to see the truth of who you really are. You are my Lord and my Savior. Please help me to keep my focus on you. Help me not to get tripped up on things that I may think are crucial to my relationship and worship of you. Help me to always see you clearly. In your name I pray. Amen. LIVE Think about those person or persons who have rejected God’s truth. Pray for them everyday this week that their focus may be turned so they can see Jesus for who he really is and accept him in their lives.