Using the story of Stephen found in Acts 6 - 7, Mister Brown discusses how our compelling story should be centered on Jesus Christ.

[0:00] Intro

[8:00] Acts 6: 1 - 15

[26:30] Acts 7: 2 - 60

[38:45] What is your compelling story?

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Memory Verse

Using the story of Stephen found in Acts 6 - 7, I had the pleasure of preaching at my church and discussing how each one of our compelling stories should be centered on Jesus Christ. I encourage you to embrace your unique gifts and talents while serving God with integrity. Leave behind past mistakes and focus on your identity in Christ first. As Stephen did, live for a higher purpose and not to please people, but to please God.

Consider what truly compels and drives you each day - is it Christ or something else? I think if we’re honest with ourselves, we tend to be selfish. We want to have acknowledgement and approval from society. We are more about pleasing people than we are about pleasing the One who made us.

Stephen gave us an example of what it means to not only die for God, but to live for Him. Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people (Acts 16:8-13). Despite serving tables, Stephen's compelling story and faith stood out and this led to his arrest.

After his arrest, Stephen gives a history lesson, refuting the charges with biblical examples (Acts 7:2-60). Stephen emphasizes God's faithfulness in keeping His promises, citing the story of Joseph as an example. He argues that the Israelites' resistance to God and their treatment of prophets and Jesus are their own fault. This so enrages the leaders, they stone Stephen to death. While Stephen is being stoned, he prays for his persecutors to know Christ.

Stephen faced societal pressure to conform and instead, he chose to live for God. This cost Stephen his life. We may never face this kind of persecution, but we will face opposition to the Gospel and for this we will be targets.

As believers in Jesus Christ, our identity is being a child of God. Focus on Christ's resurrection as proof of paid sins, rather than worrying about what others think. We have a new identity in Christ, not in sin. Cling to that hope and promise as you face the world.