United Church, Atlanta, GA
Martyr
Acts is a book of renewal, calling us back to a church devoted to prayer, bold in evangelism, and united to Jesus. Join us as we continue The Jesus Revolution series.
Locations & Times
United Church
1775 Water Pl SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Welcome to today's sermon, where we will explore the theme of witnessing for Jesus through the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and how his example can inspire us in our own lives. This guide is designed to help you follow along with the sermon, reflect on its key points, and apply its lessons to your personal faith journey.
JAKE AND JESUS
Key Point: The challenge of witnessing and the uncertainty of its immediate impact.
Reflection Question: Have you ever shared your _________ and wondered if it made a difference?
Key Point: The challenge of witnessing and the uncertainty of its immediate impact.
Reflection Question: Have you ever shared your _________ and wondered if it made a difference?
BROKEN WITNESS
Key Point: The feeling of fruitlessness in witnessing and the question of its significance.
Reflection Question: What are some barriers you face when sharing your faith?
Key Point: The feeling of fruitlessness in witnessing and the question of its significance.
Reflection Question: What are some barriers you face when sharing your faith?
FURY: THE STORY OF STEPHEN
Key Point: Stephen's unwavering witness and the power of his martyrdom.
Scripture Reference: Acts 7:54-8:3
Key Point: Stephen's unwavering witness and the power of his martyrdom.
Scripture Reference: Acts 7:54-8:3
Big Idea: Your __________ wins, even when you think it won't.
Reflection Question: How does Stephen's story challenge your understanding of faith and sacrifice?.
Reflection Question: How does Stephen's story challenge your understanding of faith and sacrifice?.
THE BOILING POINT(Acts 7:54-56)
Key Point: Martyrdom as living witness, not just dying for faith.
Big Idea: We ___________ to others what they do not yet see themselves.
Reflection Question: Is your faith a living truth worth giving your life away for?
Key Point: Martyrdom as living witness, not just dying for faith.
Big Idea: We ___________ to others what they do not yet see themselves.
Reflection Question: Is your faith a living truth worth giving your life away for?
THE DESCENT INTO VIOLENCE (Acts 7:57-60)
Key Point: Stephen's response to violence and his prayer for forgiveness.
Big Idea: Witness requires ___________.
Reflection Question: How can you embody forgiveness and love in the face of opposition?
Key Point: Stephen's response to violence and his prayer for forgiveness.
Big Idea: Witness requires ___________.
Reflection Question: How can you embody forgiveness and love in the face of opposition?
THE ORGANIZER (Acts 8:1-3)
Key Point: Saul's role in persecution and the spread of the Gospel.
Big Idea: Resistance ____________ never finishes, Jesus’ movement.
Reflection Question: How can resistance and challenges in your life fuel your faith?
Key Point: Saul's role in persecution and the spread of the Gospel.
Big Idea: Resistance ____________ never finishes, Jesus’ movement.
Reflection Question: How can resistance and challenges in your life fuel your faith?
YOUR WITNESS WINS
Key Point: The unseen impact of witness and the call to boldness.
Reflection Question: How can you be a bold witness for Jesus in your daily life?
Key Point: The unseen impact of witness and the call to boldness.
Reflection Question: How can you be a bold witness for Jesus in your daily life?
JESUS WANTS TO UNITE YOUR STORY TO HIS
Key Point: Invitation to begin a relationship with Jesus.
Reflection Question: What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus?
Key Point: Invitation to begin a relationship with Jesus.
Reflection Question: What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Jesus?
KEY THEMES TO REFLECT ON
Witness and Impact: Consider how your witness can have a long-term impact, even if you don't see immediate results.
Martyrdom and Sacrifice: Reflect on the idea of living as a witness and the sacrifices it may entail.
Faith and Conviction: Think about how Stephen's conviction can inspire you to live out your faith boldly.
Perseverance in Witness: Trust that your witness can make a difference, even when it seems fruitless.
Witness and Impact: Consider how your witness can have a long-term impact, even if you don't see immediate results.
Martyrdom and Sacrifice: Reflect on the idea of living as a witness and the sacrifices it may entail.
Faith and Conviction: Think about how Stephen's conviction can inspire you to live out your faith boldly.
Perseverance in Witness: Trust that your witness can make a difference, even when it seems fruitless.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Personal Reflection: Take time this week to reflect on your own witness. Where can you apply the Good, God, Gospel Framework?
Community Engagement: Consider joining a small group or ministry team to support and encourage one another in your witness.
Prayer Focus: Pray for opportunities to share Jesus' love with others and for the courage to be a bold witness.
Personal Reflection: Take time this week to reflect on your own witness. Where can you apply the Good, God, Gospel Framework?
Community Engagement: Consider joining a small group or ministry team to support and encourage one another in your witness.
Prayer Focus: Pray for opportunities to share Jesus' love with others and for the courage to be a bold witness.
CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Stephen and his unwavering witness for Jesus. Help us to be bold and loving witnesses in our own lives, trusting that our efforts will make a difference. Unite our stories with Yours, and guide us as we seek to share Your love with the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Stephen and his unwavering witness for Jesus. Help us to be bold and loving witnesses in our own lives, trusting that our efforts will make a difference. Unite our stories with Yours, and guide us as we seek to share Your love with the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Book Recommendation: "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Podcast: "Witnessing in the Modern World" (available on major podcast platforms)
Small Group Study: Consider joining an Alpha course to explore the basics of the Christian faith and how to share it with others.
Book Recommendation: "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Podcast: "Witnessing in the Modern World" (available on major podcast platforms)
Small Group Study: Consider joining an Alpha course to explore the basics of the Christian faith and how to share it with others.
This guide is designed to help you engage deeply with the sermon and apply its lessons to your life. May it inspire and equip you to be a faithful witness for Jesus.
Now Offering Low-Cost Counseling
We’re thrilled to welcome two incredible new interns to Cumberland Counseling Centers! They bring a wealth of life experience, compassion, and insight and they’re now available to work with clients at a significantly reduced rate.
If you or someone you know is looking for high-quality counseling at a low cost, now is the perfect time to get started. Reach out today and we’ll get you connected!
https://cumberlandcenters.org/meet-us
Summer Small Groups Start This Week!
Looking for a group to join this Summer? There's still time to sign up through the Church Center app.
https://united.online/small-groups
Alpha Is Back!
Alpha is a 10-week journey beginning on June 8th designed to explore the big questions of life and faith in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. Whether you're new to Christianity or simply curious, Alpha offers a safe space to ask questions, share your thoughts, and connect with others on a similar path.
https://united.online/alpha
Have Questions on the Bible Reading Plan?
Join our group on the Church Center app to ask your questions and share some insights on what you're learning on the Bible Reading Plan.
https://united.online/bibleplan
Growth Track Step One: Lunch With the Crumps
Join PL and Breanna for "Lunch With the Crumps." It's a relaxed way to connect, get to know our church family, and discover your next step in becoming a church member. *The next Lunch With the Crumps has been rescheduled to Sunday, June 8th. There will be no Growth Track for the month of July.*
https://united.online/growth-track
Dads, save the date for June 15!
New Look, Same Heart
As we step into this new season with a new name, we're still the same church on mission to unite people to Jesus and each other. To learn more about the heart behind our rebrand and what’s ahead, visit our website.
https://united.online/visionConnect Card
New here? We'd love to connect with you! Fill out this quick form:
https://renovationchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/730779Need Prayer?
Our prayer team is here to support you with compassion and confidentiality, whatever your needs may be.
https://renovationchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/118409A Three-Year Discipleship Journey
See all that God has done at our church by exploring our Harvest Initiative.
https://united.online/harvestGive God Your First and Your Best
Your contributions make a difference in our community. Text to Give (84321) or click the link below to learn more about our giving options:
https://donate.overflow.co/therenovationchurch/cash?config=harvest-