September 28, 2025

ACTS: FAITH WORTH DYING FOR

September 28, 2025

 Teaching Pastor Charles Billingsley

As we continue our series in the Book of Acts 6-7, we see the early church experiencing a problem, then a crisis. These brethren of the faith had increased to possibly 25,000 Christ-followers. The problem that arose between two factions of Jews ended up being handled well, without further incident. The crisis was persecution such as Jesus had endured, as the religious leaders in Jerusalem had remained jealous of the doctrine and power exhibited by the apostles’ continued preaching that Jesus was alive and was the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. Three years before, they thought they were finished with the popular Teacher, only to find His Name and followers growing by thousands. Stephen, a man full of faith, was doing great signs and wonders among the people. As with Jesus, they had to find witnesses who would lie, in order to kill him.

Focal Passages: Acts 6, 7.

ACTS 6:1-7:

  • Read Acts 6:1-7. What was the plight of most widows (who did not live with family) at this time? Who took care of their needs if there was no family? Would that have been a reason why the Hellenists were concerned?
  • Did the Hellenists (Jews who had lived among Gentiles) have a valid reason to complain about the Hebrews (strict Jews from Jerusalem)?
  • How did the apostles show wisdom in dealing with the situation? What were the qualifications they desired in the men who would shoulder the task of serving tables?
  • What was the result in the church from having such godly actions taken? What lesson can our church learn from this example?

Stand Up:

  • Read Acts 6:8-10. What was Stephen known for among the people? What else was he good at (vs. 9)? Stephen no doubt was debating that Jesus filled all Messianic prophecies; could anyone refute him?
  • Read vv. 11-14. What did the men do next? How was this like Jesus had suffered? What all did they falsely accuse him of (vv. 11, 13, 14)? Who was the high priest at this time? What else had Caiaphas done?

Stay Ready:

  • Read Acts 7:1. What was special about Stephen calling God the “God of Glory”? How was Stephen able to debate with religious leaders (and others) and win? How would you do if you had to debate the Bible?
  • Read 1 Peter 3:15. Did Peter know there was only one way to know God’s Word?
  • In vv. 2-17, why did Stephen take time to tell of God’s call to Abraham, establishing him as the father of many nations?
  • In vv. 18-37, Stephen narrates the details of Israel in Egypt, and Moses’ role in delivering them from the slavery they found themselves in. Why does he tell this also?
  • From verse 39-50 Stephen relates why God does not need a temple to dwell in. Would his message have been received and he might have lived if he had stopped here?

Speak Out:

  • Read Acts 7:51-53. Does Stephen sound like Christ as he denounces these leaders? Does he seal his fate here?
  • Read vv. 54-60. What happens as Stephen is close to death? Do you think any of these men in charge may have believed that what was happening was real?

Stay Bold:

  • What are some ways we can prepare ourselves to be bold with sharing the gospel?
  • As you increase from easy steps to harder ones, how does your boldness increase?

TAKE AWAYS:

  • The same Holy Spirit Who empowered Stephen is the same Holy Spirit Who empowers every believer. Is He God the Holy Spirit in your life?
  • The call of God is a call to die. Do you die to yourself, taking up your cross daily?
  • It is in dying to ourselves that we become servants of God. Do you serve Him daily?

Close: 

As we look down through history and see the martyrs who gave their lives rather than recant their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, most of us can only pray, “Lord, if I’m ever in this situation, please hold me tightly and give me courage to be bold through the trial.” We have recently been able to see with our own eyes the result of what can happen when someone who was well-loved is killed for their faith. Charlie Kirk, a young man 31 years old, was so loving he made few enemies. He was able to live at peace with most of them. Since his death, we have seen miracles.

We have seen the applications for Campus Churches pour into Turning Point USA by the thousands. Church attendance has suddenly increased exponentially, and Bibles bought during the month of August, 2025, exceeded last year’s sales by a million copies in the States. People are suddenly not as hesitant about speaking the name of Jesus. What is happening? In the 1730’s-40’s, Jonathan Edwards is credited with starting a revival in the American colonies that led to a renewed interest in Christianity. It was called the Great Awakening. In the 1790’s, a second Great Awakening began. One is now hearing in America of Charlie Kirk and the ‘Third Great Awakening’. Would to God that it be so, that we see revival come to this country we love, and that Christians would rise up from their comfortable life and be on fire to bring the kingdom of God to earth. May the whole world see God’s power rise up and the Holy Spirit be manifest in millions of more lives because Charlie Kirk lived and died!

By Sandy Day
September 28, 2025                                                                              

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