Acts 7 tells the story of Stephen, whose name means crown. Stephen had a fire and boldness for the Gospel, as he became the first martyr of the church. He began by teaching the spiritual leadership of Israel, reminding them of their spiritual roots, beginning with Abraham. Abraham was the founder of the Hebrew nation, and his relationship to God was one of Grace and Faith. The Biblical Pattern of first rejection, then acceptance: Joseph and Moses were both rejected as deliverers the first time, but accepted the second time. Israel stubbornly resisted the Holy Spirit. By the time Jesus came they were so encrusted with tradition that when the Power and Presence of God came through His Son, they killed their own Messiah! For Stephen, death was a coronation!
Study Notes: https://www.maranathachapel.org/s/ActsNotes110120.pdf
Ray Bentley - Acts 1:1-7
Notes: https://www.maranathachapel.org/s/ActsNotes070520.pdf
Power came down from Heaven. The only thing that will move the world are lives ignited by the Spirit of God. The early Church had none of the things we think essential for success, yet the Church turned Rome up...
Ray Bentley - Acts 1:8-14, July 12, 2020
Notes: https://www.maranathachapel.org/s/ActsNotes071220.pdf
You shall receive power: The Spirit of God will indwell every believer. The Greek term for power is "dunamis," which means force, miraculous power, ability, strength, violence, and mighty. It a...
Ray Bentley - Acts 1:12 - 2:4
Notes: https://maranathachapel.org/s/ActsNotes071920.pdf
It is time to pray as never before! Prayer played a significant role in the story of the early Church as recorded in the book of Acts. They prayed for guidance in making decisions, for courage to witness for C...
