The Kingdom of God is advanced as Christ followers put their faith in action.

 

In Acts chapter 7, Stephen puts his faith in action.  He was being accused of blasphemy against the Temple and the Law.  The ones who were making the false accusations were the same ones who made false accusations concerning Jesus.  They were the same ones who placed a death sentence on Jesus.  This was unjust and it compelled Stephen to stand for what is right.

 

At the end of Stephen’s address in Acts chapter 7, those who make the false accusations become angry and violently take Stephen’s life.  “And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” (Act 8:1-4 ESV)

 

Acts chapter 8 begins by declaring the result of Stephen putting his faith into action.  The result was both powerful and in fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy when He said “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Act 1:8 ESV)  Because Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit and put his faith in action, the kingdom of God is forced beyond the borders of the city of Jerusalem and extended to other people groups.

 

Notice with me some truths located in this paragraph of Scripture:

 

• Putting faith into action is the right thing to do.

• Putting faith into action costs us something.

• Putting faith into action will advance God’s kingdom.

 

 

Know that you are loved,