The Bridge Church
Stephen: The First Martyr
March 20, 2022
Locations & Times
Englewood SKY Academy
871 S River Rd, Englewood, FL 34223, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
1. The power of the gospel changes everything
2. Stephen clearly explained the power of the gospel
• The Calling of Abraham (v.1-8)
• Joseph’s Arrival in Egypt (v.9-16)
• Joseph’s Arrival in Egypt (v.9-16)
• The Rejection of Moses, who God appointed (v.17-43)
Stiff-necked – “proud, stubborn, they would not bow their heads.”
3. Stephen was willing to die for the sake of the gospel
“Stephen has been confessing Christ before men, and now he sees Christ confessing his servant before God.” – F.F. Bruce
“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep in order to gain what he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliot
For me to live is ___________.
MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:
I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time
I need to be baptized on April 3
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism
I need to attend Starting Point on March 20
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point
I need to join a small group
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/small-groups
I need to join a serve team
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point
I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time
I need to be baptized on April 3
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism
I need to attend Starting Point on March 20
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point
I need to join a small group
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/small-groups
I need to join a serve team
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point
Dig Deeper
1. Why is it difficult to remain faithful at times?
2. From where did Stephen receive power?
3. How are the Spirit and wisdom related?
4. How is Jesus “greater than the temple”?
5. What impresses you most about Stephen’s sermon?
6. Could you narrate the Old Testament story that culminates in Christ if someone asked you to do so? If not, join us in the 365 Days of Scripture Reading Plan.
7. Describe a time in your life when your faith was shaken. What helped you stand firm in your faith?
8. How does the vision of Christ’s standing at the right hand of the Father encourage you?
9. What about Saul’s involvement in these matters most resonates with you?
10. What is your reaction to Stephen’s willingness to forgive his murderers? Do you need to forgive some people in your life? What advice would Stephen give to you?
11. How can we know if we’re truly suffering for the gospel or if we’re suffering because we’re being difficult and insensitive towards others?
12. How does Stephen’s story inspire you?
13. How does God display his sovereignty in persecution?
14. Be intentional to pray for the persecuted church around the world. For specific examples, check Open Doors USA.
Reading Plan
Monday – Acts 6:8-8:3
Tuesday – Hebrews 11
Wednesday – James 2:14-26
Thursday – James 1:2-8; Galatians 2:20
Friday – 1 Corinthians 16:13; Hebrews 12:2
Saturday – Mark 10:46-52
Suggested Resources
“Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Acts,” Tony Merida
“The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Acts: Put Your Faith Where the Action Is,” Warren W. Wiersbe
1. Why is it difficult to remain faithful at times?
2. From where did Stephen receive power?
3. How are the Spirit and wisdom related?
4. How is Jesus “greater than the temple”?
5. What impresses you most about Stephen’s sermon?
6. Could you narrate the Old Testament story that culminates in Christ if someone asked you to do so? If not, join us in the 365 Days of Scripture Reading Plan.
7. Describe a time in your life when your faith was shaken. What helped you stand firm in your faith?
8. How does the vision of Christ’s standing at the right hand of the Father encourage you?
9. What about Saul’s involvement in these matters most resonates with you?
10. What is your reaction to Stephen’s willingness to forgive his murderers? Do you need to forgive some people in your life? What advice would Stephen give to you?
11. How can we know if we’re truly suffering for the gospel or if we’re suffering because we’re being difficult and insensitive towards others?
12. How does Stephen’s story inspire you?
13. How does God display his sovereignty in persecution?
14. Be intentional to pray for the persecuted church around the world. For specific examples, check Open Doors USA.
Reading Plan
Monday – Acts 6:8-8:3
Tuesday – Hebrews 11
Wednesday – James 2:14-26
Thursday – James 1:2-8; Galatians 2:20
Friday – 1 Corinthians 16:13; Hebrews 12:2
Saturday – Mark 10:46-52
Suggested Resources
“Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Acts,” Tony Merida
“The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: Acts: Put Your Faith Where the Action Is,” Warren W. Wiersbe