May 14-16, 2010
Acts 7
Pastor Michelle Hoverson
Have you ever met another Christ-follower whose walk with the Lord moved you to examine your own life? I call these people “living mirrors.” The sincerity of their relationship with Christ causes me to look at aspects of how I am living my life for Christ.
Stephen, part of whose story is recorded in Acts 7, is one of those “living mirrors.” He challenges me as a disciple of Jesus. As the first recorded martyr to die for his faith in the New Testament, his bold stand for Christ moves me to examine my own faith-walk and ask:
- How many risks do I take to make the gospel known?
- Am I able to clearly communicate why I believe that Jesus is The Way?
- How well does my life reflect my desire to be a fully-devoted follower of Christ?
- Would I shed blood for the sake of the Gospel?
- Is my journey with Jesus having an impact on anyone, like Stephen’s had on Saul (Paul)?
Even in Stephen’s final words on this earth (verse 60), he was a “living mirror.” In the forgiveness extended to those throwing verbal and physical stones at him, he showed how much he had become like Jesus.
Imagine the impact of our lives if it could be said of each of us, “you sure do remind me of Jesus.”
Pastor Michelle manages care and reach teams, oversees global and community outreach, leads the development of wholeness ministries and serves on the weekend and midweek teaching teams.
