In this message, we continue through Acts 6 and the powerful account of Stephen—a man filled with the Spirit and wisdom so profound that even his enemies could not withstand it. His life and martyrdom reveal three defining moments that mark every believer’s journey.

1. The moment we choose obedience

Obedience begins with hearing God’s voice. As Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” We often ask things of God, but are we truly listening? We must pre-decide to hear, believe, and obey—letting our faith shape our behavior.

2. The moment that obedience brings suffering

Just like Stephen, choosing God’s way can bring pain. Yet John 16:33 reminds us, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Victory is God’s to give. The question is: in the middle of your struggle, are your eyes still fixed on Him?

3. The moment we see Jesus through the suffering

As Stephen looked to heaven, he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Perspective changes everything. Our reward is not relief—it’s Christ Himself.

These moments may feel long, but remember that in light of eternity—they’ll just be a moment.

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In Acts 6, growth in the early church revealed neglect and division—reminding us that more growth often brings more problems. Proverbs 14:4 says, “Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.” Ministry gets messy, but we’re called to serve, not stay comfortable.

Are we seeing others’ needs as our own? Ephesians 4:12 shows ministry is about equipping and serving together. As things grow, more clarity is needed—Proverbs 29:18 warns that without vision, people lose direction. God has purpose for you in every season, but clarity comes through His Word.

Idols—anything stealing our focus from Jesus—must be torn down. Even good things can become idols when they take His place. Through the cross, you have the power to deny them and rebuild on Jesus alone. Let’s get low, stay aligned with God, and carry our cross. More alignment brings more impact.

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No matter what you've been through, you can't quit now—you've come too far. J

ust like the early church, which stood strong through persecution, we are called to remain unified and devoted to the Lord. God has formed you with purpose and continues His good work in you, even through your failures. To say He can’t use you because of your shortcomings is to minimize the power of the cross.

The enemy aims to divide, but we are more than conquerors through Christ. Opposition isn’t the end—it’s an opportunity: to believe, to obey, and to proclaim the gospel. As God refines His Church, we must resist apathy and stay focused. The mission is still alive. The message is still true. You can’t give up now.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (ESV) – "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day."

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Do You Want to See Him?

Even when we don’t realize it, Jesus is pursuing us. In the moments we feel alone or unaware, He is walking beside us, just as He did on the road to Emmaus. When we look back over our lives, we begin to recognize the hand of God—how He has gently, persistently pursued our hearts.

The day Jesus rose from the dead, He didn't go to a grand city or a crowd of believers. He went to a small, unknown village. That’s the heart of God: personal, intentional, seeking the one who feels unseen. "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10)

Faith isn’t just built on facts, though scripture is full of verifiable evidence. Faith is built on revelation—on the moment your heart starts to burn because you've encountered Jesus in a real, personal way. All of scripture, every page, every story, points to Him. It’s all connected, and it all leads to the same question:

Is your heart burning? Do you see Him?

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The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 reminds us that God's favor can flee when WE becomes ME. Ananias and his wife began with a good heart, but deception crept in—and they died not for withholding money, but for dishonesty before God. When we don’t give God full authority, we create space for the enemy to get a foothold.

God is holy, righteous, and full of grace—but His presence should be approached with reverence. We’re called to fully submit, taking every thought captive and surrendering it to Him.

This also challenges us to look at the three sides of self:

1. The me I pretend to be—when we live behind a mask, we carry a weight God never intended for us. The church should be a place of loving correction, not judgment, where we can lay those burdens down.

2. How I see myself—what we believe and speak over ourselves matters. Lies and distortions about our identity can distance us from truth.

3. Who I am in Christ—our true identity, secure and whole, is found in Him alone.

The church should be a place of loving correction, not judgment. When we live honestly and fully surrendered, God’s favor and presence can fully rest on our lives.

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How much access does God have to the things in your life?

In Acts 4:32-37, we see the early church's posture toward possessions, money, and the treasures of this world. The Bible describes them as a people who surrendered everything—considering their belongings not their own and generously giving to meet the needs of others. They were united, and each individual, compelled by love and obedience, was attentive to the needs around them. Their unity was rooted in the laying down of self.

What does the Bible say about giving? Giving is an act of worship—an act of obedience. With over 2,000 verses on giving and generosity, it's clear that Scripture has much to say about how we should manage our resources. The tithe, which is 10% of one's possessions, predates the Old Covenant. However, the New Covenant shifts the focus from mandatory law to a call for giving with love and joy. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus warns against tithing while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

Lord, make us one. Lord, make us generous!

How do you respond to obstacles and persecution? We can learn from the apostles in Acts 4:23-31 in how immediately after being released from prison they sought support from their friends and they allowed the Holy Spirit to minister to and empower them to continue on.

1. Who are you going to? Be wise in who you’re giving your ear to. Good friends are those who help you walk in the way of the Lord and sharpen you. “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20

2. What are you telling yourself? What we proclaim over ourselves matters. Don’t focus on the severity of your problem, but focus on the sovereignty of God. “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

3. What power are you walking in? The apostles asked God for strength to endure, not for the persecution to go away. We need this divine perspective and truth. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Each day, see those around you through Christ’s eyes. In Acts 3, Peter and John noticed a lame beggar who had been overlooked for years. He wanted money, but God knew he needed something greater. Like him, we sometimes chase the wrong things, missing what God truly has for us.

Ask the Holy Spirit to show where you’re “begging” and shift your perspective. And like Peter and John, be willing to give—not just money, but the love and power of Christ. May God open our eyes to those in need and help us share His life-changing presence.

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This week, we explore Acts 4, where God uses Peter and John to bring many to know Him. As the church, we can learn from their obedience in fully surrendering to Jesus.

Following Jesus involves sacrifice. The Bible says those who desire to live godly lives will face persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). We are called to lay down our lives and fully surrender to God's will. Has following Jesus cost you more than just a few hours on Sunday?

Following Jesus involves clarity. Every opportunity the Lord provides is a chance to point others to Him. When God moves in your life, be clear about the source of that change—Jesus. Don’t hold back in an attempt to empathize with others.

Following Jesus involves boldness. BE BOLD! The world needs to hear the truth. We’ve received the most beautiful gift, and we must share it. Are you engaging in evangelism only from a distance, or are you reaching those right around you?

The gospel should never be confusing. Let’s boldly share God's Word in love.

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Life can feel overwhelming, especially during difficult times and uncertainty. We may encounter moments that seem like the world is crashing down, but we must remember that God is faithful. It’s just a moment, not the end.

In Acts 3, the lame man is carried to the temple gate daily, asking for alms. This story reminds us that when we focus on our problems, we often ask for the wrong solutions. God had a divine plan to heal the man completely, and He has one for you as well. We need to see our challenges through God's lens. Are we praying for His will or simply asking for what we think we need?

The hardest part is often waiting for God's timing. Like the man at the gate, we must remain faithful and not give up. God's timing is perfect, and He will provide in His way, at the right time. In a world full of noise, we should live in a realm of praise.

In difficult moments, don’t lose heart or let your faith waver. Stay grounded in truth, trust that God's plan is unfolding, and praise Him for His faithfulness.

To learn more about our ministry or to give, visit keystonenorth.church