Upstart Apostles // Resilience in Adversity

This week Pastor David takes us through a familiar story with fresh eyes. Stephen’s name might ring a bell for some. Known as the first Christian martyr, is story often stops at his tragic death. However, there is so much more to Stephen than meets the eye. Pastor David pushes us beyond the close-up of Stephen’s martyrdom to reveal a bigger more beautiful picture. His story is a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.

Guess the Picture

Have you ever played this game? Where all you see is a very zoomed in part of a picture. Sometimes you get it, sometimes you don’t. As a result, nothing makes sense until the whole picture is revealed. This is how Pastor David approaches Stephen’s story. By zooming out, he uncovers the layers to Stephen that get overlook. Stephen’s resilience shines even when his situation is life or death.

Who is Stephen?

Not just a martyr. The Bible describes him as a man “full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” The apostles appointed Stephen to serve the poor and hungry. His story begins in Acts 6 when the apostles appoint him as one of the leaders to feed the widows. The story introduces him as a dynamic character. His grace and energy were evident, making him stand out. In fact, this brought opposition which tested his resilience.

Standing Firm

Despite the false accusations, Stephen did not waver. He defended himself and his faith with wisdom and the Holy Spirit. His eloquence and conviction stood unmatched. Making this resilience in the face of persecution is a powerful lesson.

Stephen’s story isn’t just about his death. Instead, its more about his faith and unwavering spirit. Stephen saw Jesus at the right hand of God, this brought peace know Jesus was with him in the trial. The vision Stephen had shows the ever-present Holy Spirit and the never ending reach of God’s love.

Refuge As Upstart Apostles

At Refuge Church, we believe in the importance of questioning and understanding our faith. Stephen’s story encourages us to critically examine our beliefs, just as he did. His deconstruction of his Jewish faith and his bold proclamation about God’s presence everywhere set a precedent for us. His resilience in questioning and reaffirming his faith serves as an inspiration.