1. MAN UP BIBLE SERIES Living a Legacy Lesson Nine

2. The Real World Today we are going to look at the example of Stephen in the book of Acts. The first recorded Martyr of the New Testament Church. We are all aware that Christians are being killed for their faith all over the world. It is not a new thing but it is something we need to be in prayer about. Billy Graham made an interesting comment years ago: “ It is unnatural for Christianity to be popular.” The counter thought of this statement is : “That explains why the church in America is so apathetic.” Stop and think about this. Have we become The Chameleon Salvation Army? Is there enough evidence to convict us of being a Christian? The Book of Acts brings us face to face with persecution. Notice in the face of death the church grew. We need to challenge ourselves and the world we live in.

3. The Real Word Acts 6 Stephen Seized 8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. 11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” 12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 They produced false witnesses, who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” Acts 7 Stephen Killed 51 “You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels but have not obeyed it.” The Stoning of Stephen 54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

4. Real Talk Are you afraid to tell others you are a Christian? How did do others react when you tell them you are a Christian? What can we do for the persecuted Christians in other countries?

5. Real Steps Lessons from the life and death of Stephen from Acts 6 and 7: Know what you are living for. (Acts 6 & 7) Know what you are willing to die for. (Acts 6: 8-14) Know what you are talking about. (Acts 7 :61-68) The word Martyr means witness. Are you a witness? (Acts 7:68) With God all things are possible. (Acts 7:66) Men full of God’s Spirit are courageous. (Acts 7:61) Stephen was full of Wisdom, Faith and God’s Power. (Acts 6:8)

6. Time to Close Persecution of Christians is the largest “human rights” violation in the world today. In 60 countries over 200 million Christians are denied fundamental human rights because of their faith. Around 150,000 Christians lose their lives each year around the world. Yet we continue to hold our picnics and Corps Council meetings totally unaware or uncaring to the plight of those who suffer worldwide for their faith. Literally we are asleep in the light! The Cross of Christ demands so much more of us than we have been giving here in America. In a generation who worships celebrities we need many more Stephens. We need a holy boldness in this land of the bland. We need passion amid the apathy. How about you? Will you answer the call?