stephen: the first christian martyr
Post on 23-Mar-2016
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Stephen:The First Christian Martyr
Acts 8: 1a & 3“… On that day
a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem…
Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off
both men and women and put them in prison.”
Acts 8: 1b & 4 “… all except
the Apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria…
Those who had been scattered
preached the word wherever they went.”
John 12:24“I tell you the truth,
unless a kernel of wheat falls to
the ground and dies,it remains only
a single seed. But if it dies, it produces
many seeds.”
Jesus and The Samaritans John 4 Luke 9 Luke 10 Luke 17
Philip travels on his own to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Samaria,despite facing huge Ministry Barriers Racial & Cultural Differences Political & Religious Differences
Philip Goes to Samaria (Acts 8: 4-8)Preached the Gospel Performed Miracles
Philip’s missionary success in Samaria
is just one of countless stories
in The Bible which show that
the faithfulness of even one person
can make a huge difference.
Acts 8: 9-13 Simon’s “magic” is popular in Samaria Philip’s miracles trump Simon’s tricks Simon “believes” and is baptized
Acts 8: 14-17 Peter & John are sent to investigate this new Samaritan church. The Holy Spirit falls noticeably upon the new Samaritan believers through the laying on of hands and prayer.
Acts 8: 18-1918 When Simon saw that
the Spirit was given at the laying on of the Apostles’ hands, he offered them
money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability
so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may
receive the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 8: 20-24Peter rebukes Simon for his sinful thoughts and fascination with power.
Simon is removed from the church’s fellowship.
Peter urges Simon to flee from his sinful lusts and to pray for repentance.
From the time of Simon the Sorcerer onward, people have tried to blend
Pagan AND Christian beliefs & values.
Witchcraft, magic, sorcery, astrology, divination, palm reading & horoscopes
are all viewed as detestable to God.1.) O.T. Commands (Deut. 18: 9-14)2.) N.T. Teachings (Galatians 5: 19-21)3.) Final Warning (Revelation 22: 14-15)
With many new believers
in Jesus; the old lifestyles, habits,
and sins they used to engage in can
cling hard to their hearts. This can be true even of
sincere believers.
Simon was so dazzled and attracted by the miracles he saw that
he missed the “true power” of God at work… the freedom from sin, the unity and peace among believers,
and the joy of a new start that can be found in Jesus Christ!
Acts 8:25 “After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified
about Jesus, Peter and John returned to
Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.”
Who Do You Most Resemble?
Philip
The Samaritans
Simon the Sorcerer
Peter
John
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