A FAITH THAT ADVANCES GOD’S KINGDOM
Acts 6:3–15
Few things are as universal as laughter. One of the keys to a healthy church is the ability to smile and laugh together as a family. A pinch of humor in a sermon or Bible study can go a long way while attempting to underscore an important truth you are wishing to communicate.
If you pay attention to your life long enough, you will surely find something to smile about, even if you are the one on the receiving end of the laughter.
One of the predictable go-to subjects of jokes from pastors is poking fun at the deacons in the church. I am sure I have either repeated or chuckled at such humor, but many good deacons have helped me in the churches I have pastored more than I can recount.
As I have grown older, I have served alongside deacons who were first my grandfather’s age, then my dad’s age. Now, I see them as brothers and even men who are younger than I whom I can help disciple.
Stephen, one of the early deacons, continues to guide us all by the example he set and the life he lived. His faith was met with intense opposition, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ until his last breath.
A life of faith impacts both the church and the community. (3–7)
Have you ever been around someone and sensed the presence of Christ in their life? Stephen was such a man, and we should be as well. The four walls of a worship center reveal little about the measure of faith and obedience in a person. Instead, the truest mark of a faithful life is how we choose to live in the world around us.
It has always bothered me when I see Bibles left in pews during the week, only to be picked up briefly on Sunday and neglected again for the next several days. It was evident that God set apart Stephen to be a bold and uncompromising witness to all around him.
A life of faith invites God to work through us. (8–10)
When we share our faith in Christ with the world, we will discover there are an infinite number of opportunities all around us each day.
A trip to the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment or even an oil change for your vehicle are avenues given to us by God to share our love and faith in Jesus.
There is no greater fulfillment in a Christian’s life than sharing with someone how Jesus can save them and grant them the forgiveness of sins they need.
A life of faith often meets opposition. (11–15)
Of course, you probably know how Stephen’s life came to an end. He was met with violent opposition and will always be known as the early Church’s first martyr. His death catapulted the Church into a new era, yet their passion was not dimmed.
As a result of the death of Stephen, other believers began to share the gospel and the good news spread.
When Stephen died, the Scripture reveals that he saw Jesus standing and waiting for his arrival. When it came to being bold, faithful and used by God, Stephen the deacon was no joke!
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
