Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60

What does a powerful Christian witness really look like? Is it bold preaching, persuasive arguments, or even heroic sacrifice? In Acts 6 and 7, we meet Stephen, a man who wasn’t an apostle, pastor, or public figure, but an ordinary servant in the church. Yet through his life, and even more through his death, we see something extraordinary. As the early church grows and faces pressure from within and without, Stephen quietly serves, boldly speaks truth, and ultimately gives his life. But what stands out most isn’t just his courage—it’s his love. Even as stones are raised against him, Stephen’s final words echo grace, not vengeance.

Acts 24:10-21

In Acts 24, the apostle Paul stands on trial, falsely accused and politically trapped, yet remarkably calm and clear. While others twist facts for power and advantage, Paul speaks with steady confidence about something far greater than his circumstances: the resurrection and the hope found in Christ. We may feel the same tension today living in a world of pressure, politics, division, and injustice. But we get to point to a hope that rises above it all. A hope that doesn’t depend on outcomes, fairness, or earthly power… but transcends them.

Acts 10:34, 36, 39-43

The excitement of Easter Sunday is hard to match. Just days removed from the empty tomb, it’s easy to wonder what comes next. Do we move on? Do we look for something new? In Acts 10, the apostle Peter reminds us that the message doesn’t change. It doesn’t need to. The risen Jesus remains the heart of every sermon, every witness, and every believer’s hope. This week, we’re reminded that the goal of every sermon is simple yet powerful: to proclaim Christ—who he is, what he’s done, and what he gives.

John 20:1-18

Have you ever felt lost? Ever feel like life has dropped you deep into the woods with no clear way out? In those moments, we don’t want hints or small signs. We want answers, relief, and rescue right now. But in John 20, as grief-stricken followers approach Jesus’ tomb, God doesn’t give them everything at once. Instead, He leaves a trail, small, intentional “breadcrumbs” of hope: an empty tomb, folded grave clothes, and remembered promises. What seems insignificant at first is actually leading them to the greatest truth in history: Jesus is alive. In the same

way, God still places breadcrumbs in our lives today—through His Word, His people, and His promises—guiding us from confusion and despair to the living hope found in the risen Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:23-28

Maundy Thursday meditation.

Jesus doesn't wait for us to be at our best to give us one of his greatest gifts.

Philippians 2:5-11

God is too holy and too perfect for me. His glory would overwhelm me. And because of my sin I should have no right to stand before him or see him. But this is the greatest wonder of all: God does exactly what I need him to do. He humbles himself. God want me to know him and he

wants me to know his heart for me. So he comes down into my world as Jesus. He empties himself of glory and power so that he can be a servant of all—even giving himself to death on a cross. In Christ I see the truth. God loves me and is willing to humble himself, to stoop down to me when I could not rise to him.

Matthew 9:35-38

We need compassion because in so many ways, we are harassed and helpless because of our sin and because of the defeat that the world brings to our front doors. But we have a Savior who always works to bring compassion to those who are harassed and helpless.

John 4:4-26

Jesus had to go through Samaria. There was a woman there whom he had to meet. He had to because she had needs that she couldn’t meet by herself; she had to be shown how thirsty she was for grace. He had to because he had to elevate the conversation they were having to focus

her on the solution he provided. He had to because of the necessity of love. Jesus has to do the same for us. And today we see that he has.

Genesis 12:1-8

God told Abram to leave all he knew and go to a place yet unknown and wait for blessings as yet undefined. God revealed that the Seed of the woman promised in the garden would now descend from the family of an old man and his barren wife living as strangers in a land not yet their own. No logic or emotion could have led Abram to leave his home—only trust in his

Savior God. Abram believed and set God’s plan in motion to build a nation on the promises of God to fulfill the promises of God. Abram wasn’t leaping blindly into the dark. He was leaping as he clung to the promises of his God.

Matthew 7:7-11

Ask, seek, knock. Jesus invites us to seek God and to search for him. These are not achievements but admissions of need. God invites the empty to receive what only he can give. He teaches us in response to treat others in the way God treats us. Jesus does not bless those who already have righteousness. He blesses those who know they lack it. This week, we hear the

invitation of a gracious God who satisfies the hungry, welcomes those who seek, and opens the narrow way that leads to life.