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
Crowned By God / Acts 6 / Ray Bentley / October 25, 2020
https://www.maranathachapel.org/s/ActsNotes102520.pdf
There is a calling on your life. You might ask: What is God's purpose for my life now that I am a believer? Stephen, the first martyr of the Church, was faithful in life and in death. T...
Ray Bentley, Persecution and Fire / ACTS 5:17-42 / September 27, 2020
Study Notes: https://www.maranathachapel.org/s/ActsNotes092720.pdf
As the Apostles began preaching with power, they were persecuted by the High Priest and associates for three reasons: 1) Signs and miracles. What the world do...
Purity and Power • Acts 4:23-5:16 • Ray Bentley / September 13, 2020