As we read the gospel records, we read eyewitness accounts of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus.

In a sense, the gospels are just the beginning of Christ's work. The adventure continues in the

Book of Acts. In this study with

Scott Pauli, we consider the continuing work of Christ through the Holy Spirit, who works

through the apostles in the New Testament Church. Now, let's get in on the adventure.

Today we turn our attention to an amazing Bible character.

His name is Stephen.

Stephen is the first martyr in the early church and a man who is mightily used of God,

both as a deacon in the church and as a witness of the gospel

outside of the church. One of my dearest friends by the same name, who is now with the Lord,

reminds me so much of this man we see reflected on the pages of Holy Scripture. Today, I want

to show you, though, that the great thing about his life

was not him, it was his God. In fact, he would be the first to say that because it's exactly

what he said. Would you look with me again at Acts chapter number six? We find his name first

mentioned in verse number five.

The Bible says, they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.

So the first mention of him, that's a good first mention, isn't it?

Full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.

Again, in verse number eight, and Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. So we have what's in him and we have what's coming out of him. He is a man

full of God and overflowing. His cup is running over. He was such a blessing to others, such a

witness to others.

And, of course, that stirred up the enemies too.

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