Standing Up For Jesus!

YEAH! Church - 20 Sept 2020

Through the Bible in 2020

The early Church continued to grow as more and more people believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah. So many people joined that the Apostles just couldn’t do all the work that was necessary. So, the believers chose seven men who would take care of some of the leadership responsibilities. Stephen was one of those men.

Today’s Lesson - “Standing Up For Jesus!”

Story of Stephen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u9eN72iFjo (Crosswords Kids’ Club)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B9CJZCVguM (Central Kids)

Lesson Overview:

• Acts 6:1-7 - Stephen and six others were chosen to be deacons. They ensured that the needs of the poor people would be taken care of.
• 6:8-15- Stephen was a godly man and was able to do miracles and teach others about the way of Jesus. Some people didn’t like the influence Stephen was having and began to spread lies about him.
• 7:1-53 - These men took Stephen to be judged and he was asked if what they were saying was true. It wasn’t and Stephen told them all the truth about Jesus. But part of the truth included telling them how they had killed the Messiah and needed to repent. They really didn’t like that!
• 7:54-60 - They were so angry with Stephen they dragged him out of the city and stoned him...to death! Before he died, Stephen saw Jesus in heaven and he was encouraged. He asked God to forgive these men, even as he was dying. One of the men watching was Saul...but we’ll talk about him next week!

This week’s verse:
Acts 7:56 - ““Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man, Jesus, standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” ”

It is very sad that people killed Stephen just for telling the truth and sharing about Jesus. However, Stephen knew he had done the right thing, especially when he saw Jesus! Sometimes people don’t want to hear the truth or they won’t believe us when we tell them about Jesus. They may call us names or threaten not to be our friend. But we can know, just like Stephen, that Jesus will never leave us, He is our friend, and He is pleased when we talk about Him with others.
​~Pastor Jane

Theme Verse for 2020:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16+17