Life Lessons From 25 New Testament CharactersSample

Real “Life & Death” Faith

Faith in Christ was not lip service for Stephen. He served the church and the communities of Jerusalem faithfully, even in the face of death. He suffered for Jesus as he served God, even when the enemies of the church wanted him to stop. Stephen knew there was a greater hope beyond the dusty street where he died in Jerusalem as they stoned him to death as he preached the Gospel in love and truth. He knew to live and to die for Christ was worth it. Stephen offers us a powerful example of someone who lived and died serving the Lord faithfully. God used Stephen’s death to grow and spread the church. God uses the tough trials we face as well, as opportunities to display real faith in a real God. Let’s not back down! Let’s be unashamed of Christ no matter the circumstance.

THINK and PRAY:

The Gospel news was spreading through good and hard times in the early church. In fact, the harder the times seemed to be, the more God’s church seemed to grow. But suffering is never easy. When we read about the death of Stephen, we may want to shrink back in our faith, thinking, “I don’t ever want to be persecuted for my faith, much less killed!” And yet, God prepared Stephen for both his humble, faithful service of the church while living and the moment of martyrdom he faced on the day of his death. The main point to draw from Stephen is that God can use us when He fills us with His Spirit, His truth, and a love for people (including love for our enemies). You may be rejected. You may be mocked or face terrible trials for Christ’s name. But faith shines brightest in the darkest of times, and He will prepare you for the task. Submission to God’s will, no matter the cost, will always be used to display God to a needy, Christ-opposing world! How can suffering grow you in maturity in your faith in Christ?