The blood of the The blood of the martyrsmartyrs

Acts 6.8 – 8.1

The story so far….The story so far….

Spirit launches church - ch 1-2An exhilarating community - ch 2Supernatural signs - ch 3Trouble and deliverance - ch 4Holiness and healing - ch 5Team structures release life – ch 6MORE trouble and no deliverance! – ch 6-7

1. The church advances1. The church advances

• Apostles….STEPHEN….Philip…..Peter….Barnabas and Paul……more apostles

• Stephen becomes a deacon….and then an apostle

• Serving does not limit you, but prepares you for the ministry God has for you

2. The church advances through 2. The church advances through men of charactermen of character

Full of grace and power – v.8Full of faith – great wonders and

miraculous signs – v.8Full of wisdom and the spirit – v.10 (v.3)

Such people also arouse jealousy and opposition!

3. The church advances through 3. The church advances through men of revelationmen of revelation

The charge: he speaks against Moses (the law), and against the temple (God’s dwelling-place)

His rebuttal: Abraham met God in Mesopotamia; Moses met him in the desert: He’s the Lord of heaven and earth!

Moses received living words from God; but God’s people regularly turn away from them.

4. The church advances through 4. The church advances through people of heavenly visionpeople of heavenly vision

Stephen’s concern: to follow the Spirit and obey God’s word. (v.51-53)

Stephen’s vision: heaven open, the glory of God, the Son of Man standing at the Father’s right hand.

Stephen’s heart: even in death, to bless and forgive.