Sermons on Acts 7:54-8:3:

"When Life Seems To Be Closing In"

Contributed by David Washburn on Mar 25, 2002

We will each have a time in our lives where life seems to be closing in. We can turn to Stephen and draw stength and wisdom from how he coped when life closed in around him.

One day a man falls off a cliff, but manages to grab hold of a tree limb on the way down. The man calls out, “Is there anyone up there?” A voice answers back, “I am here. It is I, the Lord. Do you believe in me?” “Yes, Lord I believe, I really believe, but I can’t hold on much longer.” “That’s all ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60

Denomination: Baptist

Stephen's Sermon Series

Contributed by A. Todd Coget on Apr 18, 2002

This sermon encourages us to let go of human tradtions and seek God only--just as Stephen said to the religious leaders.

Stephen’s Sermon Acts 7 April 21, 2001 Intro: A. [Seeing Yourself in a Sermon, Citation: From a cartoon by Lee Johnson, The Best Cartoons from Leadership Journal, Volume 1 (Broadman & Holman, 1999)] Following the Sunday morning service, the pastor stood at the back of the church, shaking hands ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:1-60, Acts 7:55-60

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Power Of Baptism

Contributed by Thomas Cogan on Jan 6, 2001

In Baptism God claims us as His children and receive the power and promise of the Holy Spirit for daily living.

The story is told that near Rome, Italy, a mechanic started the propeller of a plane and accidentally turned on the fuel. The engines fired. To his amazement the plane ran along the ground, rose smoothly into the air, and went through what appeared to be a series of complicated maneuvers. It looked ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-17, Luke 3:21-22

Denomination: Lutheran

Gathered But Not Scattered Series

Contributed by John Hamby on Dec 11, 2000

The church is to gather for power but to scatter to proclaim the word.

A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF ACTS Sermon # 15 GATHERED BUT NOT SCATTERED Acts 8:1-4 “In football they have a huddle, the goal of the huddle is to give you thirty seconds to call the play, that is why they give you a huddle.(At a professional football game there may be ) Sixty thousand people watching ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Beaten But Still Forgiving

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 5, 2001

Stephen’s example of forgiveness amidst persecution

Stephen’s Example of Forgiveness – Acts 7:34-60 Illustration:Karl Menninger, the famed psychiatrist, once said that if he could convince the patients in psychiatric hospitals that their sins were forgiven, 75 percent of them could walk out the next day! Today in the Word, March 1989, p. 8. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:34-60

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Philip - The Evangelist

Contributed by Derek Adamsbaum on Oct 18, 2000

1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.

1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-40

What Are Positive And Negative Ways That Power Is Utilized

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. Saul abused his religious powers in persecuting Christians, the early church and encouraging others to have Stephen put to death for preaching Christ.

1. Saul abused his religious powers in persecuting Christians, the early church and encouraging others to have Stephen put to death for preaching Christ. Since such a prominent figure as Paul practiced persecution, many people wrongly followed his example by whipping up opposition to growth of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Use The Wisdom Of God To Overcome The World's Wisdom

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Today it becomes increasingly tempting to rely on the world’s financial, scientific or educational wisdom. New insights are gained everyday. Knowledge doubles every five years according to Alvin Tofler in his landmark best seller Future Shock. Yet, throug

1. Today it becomes increasingly tempting to rely on the world’s financial, scientific or educational wisdom. New insights are gained everyday. Knowledge doubles every five years according to Alvin Tofler in his landmark best seller Future Shock. Yet, throughout all dimensions of life we come to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:1-60

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Believers Have All The Elements Of Success If We Will Only Use Them 

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Too few people realize that God has given us everything we need for successful living in Christ Jesus. Most people assume that success is found through special connections, special methods or clever skills. Success is a favorable or satisfactory outcome o

1. Too few people realize that God has given us everything we need for successful living in Christ Jesus. Most people assume that success is found through special connections, special methods or clever skills. Success is a favorable or satisfactory outcome or result it is the fulfillment of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Negotiating From A Position Of Strength

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Too few people learn how to negotiate from a position of strength, confidence and certainty. Philip presented Christ to the Samarians being mindful of his position of strength. First, Philip believed in the power of the gospel, the word of God, and in the

1. Too few people learn how to negotiate from a position of strength, confidence and certainty. Philip presented Christ to the Samarians being mindful of his position of strength. First, Philip believed in the power of the gospel, the word of God, and in the person of Jesus Christ. When you are ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Beneficial Effects Of Persecution 

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Persecution has a way of accomplishing God’s greater purposes despite outward evidences. Luke wrote, "At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered throughout the regions·" (Acts 8:1) Discorda

1. Persecution has a way of accomplishing God’s greater purposes despite outward evidences. Luke wrote, "At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered throughout the regions·" (Acts 8:1) Discordant factors have a way of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-40

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

3 Counter Offensives Of The Church

Contributed by Paul Fredericks on Nov 17, 2002

The church is not a fortress, but a force, and therefore must implement 3 counteroffensives in response to our enemy’s attacks!

The Church’s Three Counteroffensives to Our Enemies Attacks Acts 8 17 Nov 2002 INTRODUCTION: We are going to return to our broad outline for understanding Acts, you’ll remember the theme is THE START OF SOMETHING GREAT. While our three major points were: 1. Being a witness in Jerusalem (1:1 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-40

Denomination: Baptist

Profile Of A Great Christian

Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 23, 2002

Truly one of the great figures in the long line of Christian heroes is Stephen. His fearless proclamation of the Gospel, well-knowing the possible consequence of doing so, should inspire us to uncompromisingly proclaim God’s message without regard as to

PROFILE OF A GREAT CHRISTIAN “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did wonders and miracles among the people.” Acts 6:8 I. STEPHEN WAS A MAN OF HIGH MORAL CHARACTER: "But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60, Acts 6:8

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer Under Pressure Series

Contributed by Guy Caley on May 11, 2003

3rd in the series "Patterns for Prayer." The way Stephen faced death for his testimony is an inspiration and a pattern for us when we face persecution.

In midwinter of A.D. 320 Emperor Licinius sent out an edict that to show their allegience all soldiers were to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Forty members of the famed Twelfth Legion of Rome’s imperial army serving in Sevaste, in present-day Turkey refused the emporer’s order. Their captain ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:51-60

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Shakin' Ourslelves Out In The World Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on May 22, 2003

Fourth sermon in a series dealing with how we can make a difference for Christ in the world

SALT SHAKIN’ OURSELVES OUT IN THE WORLD MATTHEW 28:19-20 ACTS 8:1-4 INTRODUCTION: From the beginning of this series on SALT -- we have attempted to emphasis that salt is only effective if applied. "Shake or Cake" are the options available to us. Left too long to itself, salt transforms from a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-4, Matthew 28:19-20

Denomination: Baptist