May 25, 2025

The Voice of the Martyr

TEXT: Acts 7:59-60 and Acts 6:15

 

Stephen’s voice was:

I. An Echo of _____________________

"While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them." (Acts 7:59-60)

- A sound echoing through the ages. A voice that rises as a gentle, yet powerful, ____________.

- His voice proclaimed that the gospel is not about retribution but about radical love and restoration.

- "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

 

II. The Courage to Speak ________________

- Stephen took a courageous stand for God's kingdom.

- Consider his boldest statements.

Bold Statement #1: "You ____________ ________________ people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised! You always resist the ____________ _______________!" Acts 7:51

Bold Statement #2: "Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not _____________________? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One." Acts 7:52

Bold Statement #3: "Look, I see heaven open and the ________ ______ __________ standing at the right hand of God." Acts 7:56

- His message shows us that even when the world tries to silence truth, our voices—grounded in love—can break through the noise. 

 

III. A Message that ____________________ Time 

- The voice of a martyr is not confined to a single moment in history. It carries forward.

- It's a reminder that forgiveness can triumph over hatred and injustice

- Stephen's voice is a ripple. It’s call crosses centuries. It beckons us to listen.

 

IV. A Personal Legacy of _____________________

- The theme of sacrifice resounds not only in the echoes of ancient stone and battlefields far away but also in the intimate recesses of our own family histories.

- On Memorial Day, when we honor those whose brave sacrifices made our families possible.

 

V. Modern ___________________ of the Gospel 

- The legacy of martyrdom continues in our time.

- Countless individuals have given their lives for their faith in Jesus.

 

VI. Living Out the Martyr's ___________________

- Stephen reminded them that God does not desire a man-made dwelling, but a heart transformed by love and forgiveness.

- "What does the LORD require of you? To do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."  Micah 6:8

 

CONCLUSION

In every trial, may we remember that even a simple stone, whether etched with a name on "The Wall That Heals" or in the pages of our family history, can create ripples that traverse time.

Let it move us to forgive generously and live with fearless, unyielding faith.