This past weekend at Eastbrook, we began a new preaching series entitled “Ordinary People in God’s Extraordinary Work.” This series is the second of a three-part exploration of the Book of Acts this Fall, including “Essential Church” and “Jesus, King of the Nations.”
This week in the series I looked at the life and martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 6 and 7, with context from Acts 4 and the ensuing events of Acts 8. I think you could say my message centered around the question: what is worth dying for?
You can find the message outline and video below. You can access the entire series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.
“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8)
What’s Worth Dying For?
The background of persecution for the early church (Acts 4:1-31)
The situation confronting Stephen (Acts 6:8-15)
The events that follow Stephen’s story (Acts 8:1-3)
What’s Worth Dying For is What’s Worth Living For
Stephen’s character and calling (Acts 6:1-6)
Stephen knows and tells Scripture’s story in light of Jesus the Messiah (Acts 7:1-50)
Stephen calls his hearers to respond (Acts 7:51-53)
When What’s Worth Living For Becomes Risky
Faithfulness is sustained by the vision of God: Stephen sees Jesus (Acts 7:55-56)
Faithfulness leads to forgiveness: Stephen forgives his attackers (Acts 7:60)
Faithfulness does not necessarily lead where we would like: Stephen is killed and persecution increases (Acts 7:57-8:3)
Faithfulness leads to fruitfulness: The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church (Acts 8:4)
What Is Worth Living and Dying For?
An invitation to give our lives to radical pursuit of Jesus
An invitation to encounter Jesus’ radical pursuit of us
Dig Deeper
Exploring Faith
- How does seeing Stephen’s commitment to Jesus impact your journey to understand and believe?
- Stephen obviously believed in Jesus enough to face death, what do you think it would take for you to come to that kind of faith in something?
Growing in Faith
- Stephen suffers for his faith in Christ in a very dramatic way. What are some everyday ways you have suffered for your faith? Where might God be inviting you to take a loving but strong stand for your faith?
Centered in Faith
- Many times, others are looking for someone to lead the way in standing for Christ. What might it look like for you to stand as a witness for Christ in your spheres of relationships?
- Who will you share your faith in Jesus with this month?
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Matthew Erickson 