I. Proclaiming Christ in

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The Church on Mission: “Proclaiming Christ in Life and Death” Acts 6-7 Who is Stephen?

I. Proclaiming Christ in ____________________. (Acts 6:8-15) “Christendom was an aberration…we need to regain the sense that anything other than persecution is an unexpected bonus.” (Chester & Timmis)

2 Timothy 3:12 Matthew 5:11 Philippians 2:14-15

II. Proclaiming Christ in ____________________. (Acts 7:1-53)

“Jesus cannot simply be liked, you either kill Him or crown Him in your life.” (Tim Keller)

III. Proclaiming Christ in ____________________. (Acts 7:54-60) ‘I seek not a long life, but a full one, like You, Lord Jesus.’… ‘I must not think it strange if God takes in youth those whom I would have kept on earth till they were older. God is peopling Eternity, and I must not restrict Him to old men and women.’ (Jim Elliot)

1. Stephen had Spirit-led _______________ (7:54-58)

2. Stephen had Spirit-led _______________ (7:59)

3. Stephen had Spirit-led _____________________ (7:60)

Romans 12:1-2

Romans 8:35-39

Faith Sheet

Monthly Memory Verse: Acts 6:4 – “We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Weekly Memory Verse: Acts 6:4 – “We will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Weekly Reading Plan: Acts 6-7:60, Psalm 124, Isaiah 66 The Church on Mission: A Spirit-Led Testimony Unto Death Going Deeper This Week 1. Read Acts 6:8:15 together and review your sermon notes. 2. What are some examples of persecution you can name happening today? 3. We are called to live like Christ (1 John 2:6). What comparisons do you see in Stephen’s life to Jesus? 4. What do you make of the term “hate speech” when leveled against Christians? How can we have a solid core (our beliefs) and softer edges (our engagement with others)? (Proverbs 15:1, 28; Psalm 119:46, Colossians 4:6, 2 Timothy 2:25, and 1 Peter 3:15) 5. How might faithful suffering in persecution encourage believers? Open doors to sharing the gospel with the nonbelieving? 6. How could “living on mission” cause persecution to arise in your life or your family’s life? 7. Look up a bio or two of martyred saints and share with your C group or family. Or check out www.persecution.com - Pray for the persecuted church.