TOPIC: STEPHEN FORGAVE
MEMORISE: And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:60
READ: Acts 7:59-60
- And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
- And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
MESSAGE:
Stephen was one of the deacons appointed to serve in the church, especially in the area of welfare. Sadly, he was stoned to death for propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Saul, who later became Apostle Paul, wholeheartedly supported Stephen’s execution, and I believe that Stephen’s prayer must have contributed to his conversion.
As Stephen was being stoned, he prayed that God should forgive the people who stoned him and make them come to the knowledge of His Son, Jesus. He demonstrated compassion and mercy towards his attackers.
My dear child, people might offend you and even persecute you for being a Christian. Some of your friends might bully and insult you for not engaging in sin with them.
You must, however, not join them. Rather, you should report them to your teachers and keep interceding for their souls
QUIZ: What was Stephen’s response to being stoned to death?
KEY POINT
Pray for those who offend and persecute you.
HYMN 27:
WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
1 What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!
- Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer! - Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Exodus 2:22, Matthew 17:10-27
AUTHORS: PASTOR E. A. AND PASTOR FOLU ADEBOYE