Call to worship:
8 he Lord sets the prisoners free;
8 the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
the Lord loves the righteous.
9 The Lord watches over the sojourners;
he upholds the widow and the fatherless,
but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.10 The Lord will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!Psalm 146:8-10
Gathering Video
Questions for reflection:
What are the accusations against Stephen and how does he respond?
How does being saturated in the story of God influence our witness?
What is the significance of Stephen seeing Jesus standing?
In what ways does the gospel transform our witness and the ethics of forgiveness?
Corporate Prayer:
Our Father in Heaven,
We thank you for your story that centers on Your Son. Would You empower us by Your Spirit to live as witnesses to Your kingdom in every sphere of life. May we trust and serve you as we look to show your love this week.
In the name of Christ we pray, amen.If you are able to support the church financially, we invite you to give securely by clicking the button below:
Notes//Quotes//Slides:
Acts 7:1-60
1 Pet 3:8-17
“God is everywhere present. The holy place is there wherever God may be.” - Chrysostom
“No harm can be done to the temple and the law, when Christ is openly established as the end and truth of both.” - John Calvin
“Stephen has been confessing Christ before men, and now he sees Christ confessing his servant before God.” FF Bruce
“The Jesus who was right then interceding for Stephen had taught him that intercession, rather than cursing, was the way of the new, fulfilled, law and Temple.” - NT Wright