Scripture Union Daily Guide 13th September 2024 (Friday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Stephen Proclaims The Gospel – In Death
OPENING PRAYER: Oh Lord, grant me divine guidance as I read and meditate on your word in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 7:54-8:3
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
* Q3: Is there any command for me to obey?
* Q5: Is there any warning for me to heed?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 13th September 2024 – MESSAGE
Notice the response of Stephen’s audience to his message of truth (vs.54, 57). Contrast their response with the composure of Stephen (vs.55-56, 60). Why would Stephen’s claim in v.56 cause such an uproar and fury to the point of stoning and killing him? The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18). The same people who a short while ago condemned and killed Jesus for blasphemy, are now baying for Stephen’s blood, accusing him of blasphemy (vs.56-57).
Reflect on vs.59-60. What lessons do you draw from them? Stephen’s vision of Christ and the glory of God gave him comfort in his moment of death. May we find comfort and assurance in our moments of pain and struggles! Note the young man who gave approval for Stephen’s death and the persecution that arose afterwards (7.58; 8:1,3).
As we shall see in chapter 9, Saul would later have a dramatic encounter with the Christ whom he opposed and resisted. Truly, there is no one who is beyond redemption. Let us boldly bear witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, even when faced with death or persecution. Nevertheless, the persecution that arose dispersed the believers out of Jerusalem, into Judea and Samaria (compare 1:8).
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
God in heaven, strengthen the believers who are going through persecution because of bearing witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Numbers 6:26
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 257- Daniel 4-6
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Friday Sep 13, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Be Strong and of a good courage, fear not nor be afraid of them for the Lord thy God, He, it is that doth go with thee, He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deut. 31:6.
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ The Finance Committee members and their families.
‣ The grace of God upon their lives in discharging their responsibilities.
PRAY FOR:
‣ Travelling mercies as they travel to Ibadan for their meeting today.
‣ Fresh ideas to generate fund for the work at the various levels of our ministry.
‣ God will raise men and women of finance substance that will finance the work at Council, Region, Areas, Zones and Group Levels.
‣ God will increase each of us on every side so that we can easily give financial support to His work.
‣ Wisdom to manage our income judiciously.
Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.