It was a busy Saturday morning for Tony, as an Uber Driver. His last rider of the day was a woman he picked up at the main entrance-exit of a hospital. She was dressed in pajamas and slippers.----During their first ten minutes together, Tony and his rider talked about the weather. Tony also explained to her why his family moved to Iowa, from Southern California--to join Grace Fellowship Church and continue his evangelistic ministry. That set up a very natural transition to a gospel conversation.----Tony's rider had a non-devout Roman Catholic background. Her mention of a -higher power- led Tony to believe she may have some experience with AA or NA.----Tony communicated the gospel to her in such a way to leave no room for a higher power, but rather salvation by the grace of God alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone.

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, died an exemplary death for all Christians- a death that was empowered by the Holy Spirit and that had been modeled by Jesus Christ Himself. He did not return evil for evil, nor did he take his eyes off his God, and His Savior Jesus Christ. He died completely trusting in the promises of God, and with a love and compassion for the souls of those persecuting him. May his life be a great encouragement to us Beloved.

Nick, a football player at a local, private Catholic University, came running toward Tony. Tony was on the corner of Locust and Marquette, in Davenport, IA, crosswalking at the time. As Nick thanked Tony for being on the streets sharing his faith, he pulled his wallet out of his pocket and offered Tony some money. Tony respectfully declined the offer.----Nick reminded Tony of the rich, young ruler of Luke 18-18-30. He was religious, wealthy, and self-righteous. He didn't need anything, including Jesus.----Note- the name Nick gave for his uncle who is allegedly the president of Lithuania, is not the name of the current president of that country.

Tony was crosswalking on the corner of Locust and Marquette, in Davenport, IA, when Fitz approached the corner on a bike. Fitz was on his way to the hospital to visit his girlfriend. She was there as a result of her addiction to alcohol--an addiction Fritz supported by giving her 15 beers a day. He thought he was loving his girlfriend by doing that. Fitz would learn that was not the case.

Desiree was driving down the road when she saw Tony crosswalking on the corner of Harrison and Locust, in Davenport, IA. She needed prayer, so she stopped to talk. This is their conversation.

Stephen began his defense against accusations that he blasphemed God, Moses, the Law, and the Temple by showing that he had not done that, rather his accusers were the blasphemers. As the first Christian martyr's message comes to a close, he leaves no doubt that they are the ones, just like their fathers, who are guilty before God. Instead of repenting and believing on the Messiah they had killed, they killed the messenger who was preaching eternal life. May we be encouraged to preach Christ, no matter what the cost.

Stephen's message enraged the Sanhedrin because it indicated them of being blasphemers of Moses, God, the Temple, and the Law. By rejecting Jesus of Nazareth, they were just like their forefathers who had resisted Joseph, rejected Moses and the Law, and misunderstood the Tabernacle. The teaching about Jesus the Messiah had filled Jerusalem and again filled the chamber of Hewn Stone, which brought the wrath of men on Stephen. Then, like now, the message of Jesus Christ will be hated by those who trust in themselves or in their religion for righteousness before God. May we be encouraged and equipped by this truth.

Stephen continues to show his accusers that he is not in opposition to God, rather it is them who are opposing God's plan for His people contained in the person and work of Jesus of Nazareth. He explains how the twelve patriarchs opposed Joseph, God's chosen deliverer for Abraham's biological seed, and now with the same hatred these Jewish leaders were opposing Jesus, God's chosen deliverer for Abraham's spiritual seed.

Stephen is brought before the Sanhedrin to answer the High Priest concerning the charges against him of blasphemy against God, Moses, the Temple, and the Law. Stephen then proceeds to give them the Gospel, beginning with the promise to their father Abraham, and ending with the fulfillment of that promise, Jesus Christ. This Gospel message he proclaimed respectfully and boldly, had him to be the first martyr. Those who are perishing hate the Gospel. Will we, like Stephen tell it to them anyway-