Pulpit Area
First Baptist Church of Far Rockaway NY

- IN FOCUS -

"Stephens' Arrest and Speech" October 9th 2022

Cleveland volunteered at the city-run homeless shelter. he was a hard worker with a cheerful attitude. Ms. Martin, the supervisor, was very happy with Cleveland's participation especially because she seemed short of volunteers.

One day, she overheard Cleveland telling Jesse, a man living at the shelter, that the reason for his joy was Jesus. Jesse asked hime how he could get this "Jesus joy."

So Cleveland explained, "First, we tell Jesus that we are sorry for our sins. Then we thank Him for dying on the cross to take the punishment for our sins. And lastly, we ask Jesus to save us." Right then and there, Cleveland and Jesse bowed their heads, and Jesse asked Jesus to save him.

Now Cleveland's joy was so great, he felt like he could walk on air. But just as he was going back to clean up food that a child had dropped, Ms. Martin came up to him with anger written fll over her face.

"Cleveland, this is government-sponsored facility so you cannot come here and talk about your religion!"

How do you think Cleveland will respond to Ms. Martin? What will he say? Have you ever had someone challenge your Christian witness?
Today we will see how Stephen was able to witness with great power and grace.

Keep In Mind

"And Stephen, full of faith and powerr, did great wonders and miracles among the people" (Acts 6:8, KJV)

©   Ogbonnaya, Dr. Adonijah Okechukwu. Precepts for Living (2022-2023). UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Kindle Edition.