In this sermon from Acts chapter 7, we explore the powerful story of Stephen, one of the early church's first martyrs.

Described as a young man full of grace and power, and importantly, full of the Holy Spirit, Stephen boldly preached about Jesus to a diverse and often hostile crowd.

His message, a phenomenal summary of the Old Testament, challenged his listeners, who responded with rage and accusations when he wouldn't stop talking about Jesus.

Stephen's martyrdom reveals that the gospel message of Jesus Christ cannot be stopped, and for believers, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

Biblical References:

• Acts 7:54-60
• Acts chapter 7
• Acts chapter 6
• Acts 7:1-50
• Acts 7:51-53
• Acts 7:55-56
• Acts 7:57-58
• Hebrews 11:1
• Isaiah 6
• Revelation 4:2
• Hebrews 12:2