God’s dream, God’s vision, God’s intent for the world is reconciliation. This is the task we were given as Jesus’ followers — to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Join us as we hear Bishop Froiland’s message this weekend.
Worship this week:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
Devotions for this week:
Stephen’s Witness April 30, 2017
SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding
Sunday: Stephen’s Witness, Acts 6:1 – 7:2a, 44-60
Monday: Saul Persecutes the Church, Acts 8:1-25
Tuesday: The Conversion of Saul, Acts 9:1-19a
Wednesday: Saul Preaches in Damascus, Acts 9:19b-31
Thursday: Peter and Cornelius, Acts 10:1-33
Friday: Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit, Acts 10:34-48
Saturday: Peter in Prison, Acts 12:1-19
TALK: Consider some of these ideas:
While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died. Acts 7:59-60
Introducing Stephen, a man of spirit and grace who seems to speak with the authority of God. The powerful are known for attracting attention, but it may not be the sort that Stephen would have wanted. How far are Jesus’ followers willing to go? Sometimes the proclamation of truth is dangerous.
- What happened to apostles that preached Jesus?
- How have the duties in your faith community been distributed? How might you do things differently to best honor the gifts of those in your community?
- What role do you play at home, at work, or at church? How are you best using your gifts to do God’s work in the world? Are you doing what God has created you to do, or is it time for a change?
Keep a calendar this week of everything you do At the end of the week, evaluate your calendar. How is your time reflecting your values? Make one change next week so your time honors your values.
PRAY: Holy Lord, Your servant Stephen was bold in the face of danger and death. Make us faithful in our witness, even under threat of opposition to your word, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
BLESS: God has created you with unique gifts. Use them well. Amen.
