"Laymen That Make A Difference"

"LAYMEN THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE"

Dr. Dennis Deese - Fan The Flame Ministries, Inc.

ACTS: 6:8-8:2

Even though Stephen had a very short ministry, he certainly had a very powerful one. He made a difference unlike the average laymen. What can we learn from his life that we can apply to our own in order to make a difference for the Kingdom of God.

How would you describe a laymen that makes a difference?

I. SERIOUS ABOUT CHRISTIANITY 6:3, 8, 15 To be serious about Christianity means you are serious about your:

A. Testimony in the Lord 6:3, "of honest report"

B. Anointing from the Lord 6:8 "Full of faith and power"

C. Relationship with the Lord 6:15 "His face as it had been the face of an Angel"

D. Stand for the Lord 7:55, 59-60

II. SERVES IN CHURCH 6:2-3 "Serve tables"

A. Receptive 6:5

B. Responsible 6:7

III. SHARES THEIR FAITH 6:1 "and he said"

A. Basis of his witness (The Word) 6:10

B. Boldness of his witness (Honesty) 7:51-52

C. Burden of his witness 7:60

D. Benefit of his witness 6:7-8

IV. STUDIES THE WORD 7:2-53 "The God of glory appeared unto our father, Abraham"

A. God’s provision for his life 7:37 "Jesus"

B. God’s place in his life

C. God’s plan for life

V. SURE OF JESUS 7:56 "I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man Standing on the right hand of God"

A. The Lord’s presence 7:55 "Looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw"

B. The Lord’s position 7:55 "Saw the glory of God and Jesus standing"

C. The Lord’s provision 7:60 "He fell asleep"