Acts 6:8–13 NLTStephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. 9 But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. 10 None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke. 11 So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.” 12 This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council.* 13 The lying witnesses said, “This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses.
1. THE WORLD IS OUR AIM
Mark 16:15–16, NKJVAnd He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Salt of The Earth
Matthew 5:13 NKJV“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
• Salt preserves and prevents decay
• Salt adds flavor
• If we lose our distinctiveness, our influence is diminished.
Light of the World
Matthew 5:14–16 NKJV“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Key Meaning:
• Light exposes darkness
• Light brings hope and direction
• Our “good works” are meant to point people to God, not just to ourselves. We are not called to just gather — we are called to go, influence, and transform.
2. OUR MOTIVATION IS LOVE
John 3:16–17 NKJV1For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Romans 2:4 NLTDon’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?
3. OUR METHOD IS THE MIRACULOUS
Mark 16:17–18, NKJVAnd these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Acts 1:4–8, NKJVAnd being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
TAKE ACTION
Repent & Consecrate — Humble ourselves before God, repent where we have been passive, and ask Him to cleanse our hearts.
Take Our Place in Prayer — Intercede for our leaders (whether we agree with them or not). Pray for protection over those in public service, over righteous voices, and over every innocent life. Bind the spirit of violence and lawlessness in the Name of Jesus. Stand as Watchmen – Don’t just pray once—stay on the wall. Be alert, be led by the Spirit, and respond when He calls you to intercede.
Speak Life Over the Nation — Declare God’s plans and purposes for this nation will prevail. Prophesy peace, righteousness, and justice. Call forth a great awakening.
Shine the Light Publicly — Refuse to be silent about truth and righteousness. Show the love of Christ to a hurting world. Model courage and compassion when others are afraid or divided.
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