We are wrapping up our series on risk takers today as we discuss one more person in was a great risk taker in the early foundations of the church. We find his story in the six and seventh chapter of Acts. Stephen and young man who sacrificed all for the cause of Christ, he was willing to go all the way even to death. A characteristic that many churches today lack when it comes to the Gospel story. Today I ask you to think about each of the attributes that Stephen showed and again see where you stand up.
- Full of the God’s grace and power
- Acts 6:8 – Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.
- Impact on people
- Acts 6:8,10 – Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
- Willing to speak the truth
- Acts 7:2-25 – You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.”
- Willing to live with the consequences
- Acts 7:54-60 – 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. Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
You can download the PowerPoint presentation: Characteristics of a Risk taker
