Read Acts 6: 1-15 and 7: 54-60
Our group discussion was dynamic, focusing on the "The Spirit Empowers." One of the most powerful statements shared in the study was from Harry Lee a Chinese prisoner, for his faith in Jesus Christ. He replied to the question, "How did you survive such abuse and pain? " His answer was, "Whatever I needed for each hour and each crisis, the Holy Spirit provided. Never any excess. Never any lack."
The study reviewed the story of the first martyr of the New Testament--Stephen, who was chosen to be one of the servants chosen to help with needs of the poor. We found him to be of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, possessing administration gifts, and full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. He humbled himself to serve the needy and probably also served his fellow deacons by working with other men who had the same qualities. The point was made that he probably avoided competition among his coworkers for the greater good of the service in which he was appointed to serve. A point we all need to heed while serving in our communities and in the church. Any one of us would feel privileged to work along side Stephen.
The church grew. Even though a great company of priests were obedient to the faith, they too became believers. Stephen performed great wonders and signs. He was full of grace and power. He engaged in great debates between the non-believers of his times. Two main points that Stephen made upsetting the Councils were that the Temple would be destroyed and the customs which Moses delivered to his people would be changed by Jesus of Nazareth. False witnesses rose up against him and brought him to the Council.
In Acts 7: 1-53 we can find Stephen's testimonial sermon of the witnesses who went before him, from Abraham to Solomon. This part of the discussion was not part of the written study but was read in part by the group to experience the great learner and speaker Stephen was with which he honored his Savior. He did not find favor with the Council and was ran out of the city. He cried out to the Lord, as Jesus did, "receive my Spirit" and "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge," as he was being stoned to death.
Stephen was "illegally" stoned. He spoke the truth in love and in conviction. It cost him his life.
The study group shared many life experiences in which we risk persecution, lying, being "stared down", loosing friends, family or our jobs. We are always, like Harry Lee is, comforted by the Spirit and affirmed by the Holy Spirit to be brave and bold. Stephen was not only a great martyr but a great example for us to follow.
We were all encouraged to read Stephen's sermon and to use it as a synopsis in witnessing or encouragement in times of loneliness and distress. We were admonished to memorize a verse each week with reference and subject.
We all have a heart full of love and life-giving substance to weave into our friends, into our families and into our communities through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Graciously submitted,
Hope Pottenger
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