Youth for the Lord, May 17, 2020

Hi Parents!
This week we are learning about Stephen. He is first mentioned in Acts 6: 5 where he is described as a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. That alone is impressive. He is chosen as one of 7 who would help distribute food among the needy. The Apostles were looking for men who were full of the Spirit and wisdom (verse 3) so we can add wisdom to Stephen credentials as well. In verse 8 we learn Stephen was also full of God's grace and power. Wow! The list keeps growing! Verse 8 also tells us he did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people... but we won't learn what those were until we go to heaven.

A small group of men from one of the synagogues debate with Stephen and loose. They drum up some false witnesses and soon get many others including the religious leader involved. When asked to explain Stephen gives a condensed history of the Jewish nation that shows how God has been rejected. Rather than defending himself, he was trying to get them to repent. As they stone him to death, Stephen asks God to forgive them (not hold this sin against them). Then at the very beginning of the next chapter we are introduced to Saul.

Please read Acts 6: 8 through 7: 60 with your children. Talk about these verses and the story they tell.

Thank you!
'See' you Sunday!
Chuck​