Bold Faith: The Cost of Sharing Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Know What You Believe

Stephen’s testimony before the Sanhedrin shows the importance of knowing and understanding the foundations of our faith. He recounted the story of God’s work through Israel, demonstrating a deep grasp of Scripture and the gospel message. In a world where many have heard countless sermons, it is vital to be able to articulate what you believe and why, so that you can boldly share your faith even when it is costly. The ability to testify about Jesus comes from a heart and mind rooted in God’s truth, ready to speak with clarity and conviction when the opportunity arises. [45:50]

Acts 7:44-60 (ESV)
44 “Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. 45 Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, 46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,
49 “‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,
or what is the place of my rest?
50 Did not my hand make all these things?’
51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”
54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Reflection: If someone asked you today what you believe about Jesus and why, could you clearly and confidently share your story of faith? Take time to write out your testimony in your own words.

Day 2: Understand the Magnitude of the God We Serve

God is not confined to buildings or human limitations; He is the Creator of all, whose throne is heaven and whose power knows no bounds. When we share the gospel, we do so with the confidence that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead is with us and working through us. Too often, we worry about things God has already taken care of, forgetting that He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. Let your heart be filled with awe at the greatness of God, and let that awe embolden you to pray, care, and share with others, knowing that nothing is impossible for Him. [52:44]

Acts 7:48-50 (ESV)
48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,
49 “‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,
or what is the place of my rest?
50 Did not my hand make all these things?’

Reflection: What is one worry or fear you need to surrender to God’s greatness today, trusting that He is able to handle it far better than you can?

Day 3: Be Sold Out to the Cause of Christ

There is no middle ground in following Jesus; we are called to be all in, to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him wholeheartedly. Stephen’s unwavering commitment, even in the face of death, challenges us to examine our own devotion. The Holy Spirit fills and empowers every believer, leaving us without excuse to hold back. Being sold out means loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and loving our neighbors as ourselves, refusing to settle for lukewarm faith. [55:57]

Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been holding back from fully following Jesus, and what step can you take today to surrender it to Him?

Day 4: Trust Who You Know More Than What You See

When persecution scattered the early church, God used even their suffering to spread the gospel further than they could have imagined. Trusting Jesus means believing that He is at work even when circumstances are hard or confusing. God never wastes a moment of pain or difficulty; He uses every trial for His glory and our good. Like the early believers who buried Stephen, we are called to trust the One we know—Jesus—more than what we see, believing that He is sovereign and faithful in every situation. [59:39]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection: Think of a difficult situation you are facing or have faced—how might God be using it to impact others or grow your faith, even if you can’t see it yet?

Day 5: Share Your Testimony Boldly

One of the most powerful tools God has given us is our personal testimony—our story of how Jesus has changed our lives. Many people are open to hearing about faith when it is shared through real, personal stories. As parents, grandparents, and friends, we are called to share our testimonies with our families and those around us, so that others may know the hope we have in Christ. Don’t underestimate the impact of your story, no matter how simple it may seem; it is a testimony to God’s grace and power. [01:10:49]

Psalm 107:2 (ESV)
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
whom he has redeemed from trouble

Reflection: Who in your family or circle of friends needs to hear your story of how Jesus changed your life? Will you commit to sharing it with them this week?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a family to reflect on the true cost and calling of sharing our faith in Jesus. Looking at the story of Stephen in Acts 7, we see a man who was so convinced of the truth of Christ that he was willing to give his life for it. Stephen’s boldness wasn’t rooted in arrogance, but in a deep knowledge of what he believed and a powerful filling of the Holy Spirit. He knew the story of God’s people, he knew his audience, and he was unafraid to speak the truth, even when it cost him everything. This is a challenge for us: do we know what we believe, and are we willing to stand for it, no matter the cost?

We also considered the magnitude of the God we serve. God is not limited to buildings or traditions—He is the Creator of all, the One who sits enthroned above heaven and earth. If we truly believe in His power, why do we so often live as if He is powerless to use us or to change lives? The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, and that should give us confidence to share boldly, knowing that God can do more than we can imagine.

Being sold out to the cause of Christ means there is no middle ground. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Too often, we get distracted by our own comfort or concerns, but the call is to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbors as ourselves. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit, what more do we need to live out and share the gospel?

We must also learn to trust who we know—Jesus—more than what we see. Even in times of persecution, pain, or loss, God is at work. He never wastes a moment, and He can use even our hardest seasons to bring others to Himself. The story of Stephen’s death led to the spread of the gospel far beyond Jerusalem, reminding us that God’s purposes are bigger than our comfort.

Finally, a faith we are not willing to die for is a faith we will never truly live for. The early church understood this, and their willingness to lay down their lives changed the world. Our testimony—how Jesus has changed us—is one of the most powerful tools we have. Let’s commit to sharing our stories with our families and our community, so that others may know the hope we have in Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Knowing what you believe is foundational to sharing your faith. Stephen’s boldness came from a deep understanding of God’s story and his own testimony. We must be able to articulate not just what we believe, but why it matters, so that when the moment comes, we can speak with clarity and conviction. [45:50]
2. The magnitude of God should shape our confidence and our prayers. God is not confined to our limitations; He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. When we remember who He is, our fears shrink and our willingness to step out in faith grows, because we know He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. [52:44]
3. Being sold out to Christ means rejecting lukewarm faith and embracing wholehearted devotion. There is no room for half-heartedness in the kingdom; Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him completely. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we have all we need to live boldly for the gospel, regardless of the cost. [55:14]
4. Trusting Jesus more than our circumstances is essential, especially in times of suffering or uncertainty. God never wastes our pain; He uses even the hardest moments to advance His purposes and touch others’ lives. Our willingness to trust Him, even when we don’t understand, is a powerful witness to those around us. [58:02]
5. A faith worth living for is a faith worth dying for. The early church’s willingness to lay down their lives for Christ was not just about martyrdom, but about living every day with a sense of mission and urgency. Our testimony—how Jesus has changed us—is a gift to be shared, starting with our own families and extending to the world. [61:28]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Greeting and Family Emphasis
[02:10] - Introduction: The Price of Sharing
[04:30] - Stephen’s Testimony in Acts 7
[08:15] - Knowing What You Believe
[12:00] - The Magnitude of God
[16:00] - Being Sold Out to Christ
[20:00] - No Middle Ground in Faith
[23:00] - Trusting Christ Over Circumstances
[27:00] - God Never Wastes a Moment
[31:00] - A Faith Worth Dying For
[35:00] - The Power of Testimony
[39:00] - Sharing Your Story with Family
[43:00] - Invitation and Family Prayer
[47:00] - Announcements and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 7:54-60 (ESV) — > Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 8:1-4 (ESV) — > 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.

Observation Questions

What stands out about Stephen’s response to his accusers and to his own death in Acts 7:54-60? What does he pray for as he is being killed?
According to the sermon, what was the source of Stephen’s boldness in sharing his faith? [45:50]
What happened to the early church after Stephen’s death, according to Acts 8:1-4? How did the persecution affect the spread of the gospel?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say about the magnitude of God and how it should affect our confidence? [52:44]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Stephen was able to remain so calm and forgiving, even as he was being killed? What does this reveal about his relationship with God? [45:50]
The pastor said, “Being sold out to the cause of Christ means there is no middle ground.” What does it look like to be “all in” for Jesus, and why is lukewarm faith so dangerous? [55:14]
How does understanding the greatness and power of God change the way we approach sharing our faith or facing difficult situations? [52:44]
The sermon mentioned that God never wastes a moment, even in suffering or persecution. How might God use our hardest seasons for His purposes? [58:02]

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to know what we believe and why it matters. If someone asked you today what you believe about Jesus and why, how confident would you feel in your answer? What’s one step you could take this week to grow in your understanding? [45:50]
The pastor said, “If we truly believe in God’s power, why do we so often live as if He is powerless to use us or to change lives?” Is there an area in your life where you’ve been doubting God’s ability to work? What would it look like to trust Him more in that area? [52:44]
Stephen was willing to give up his life for the gospel. What is something you might be holding onto that keeps you from being “all in” for Jesus? What would it look like to surrender that to Him? [55:14]
The early church’s suffering led to the spread of the gospel. Can you think of a time when God used a hard or painful season in your life to help someone else or to grow your faith? How could you share that story with someone this week? [58:02]
The pastor encouraged everyone to share their testimony, especially with their families. Have you ever shared your story of coming to faith with your family or close friends? If not, what’s holding you back? If yes, what was the impact? [01:07:45]
The sermon said, “A faith we are not willing to die for is a faith we will never truly live for.” What does this mean for your daily life? Are there areas where you are living more for comfort than for Christ? [01:01:28]
The pastor gave a simple outline for sharing your testimony: your life before Christ, how you came to Christ, and how He has changed you. Take a few minutes to write out or share your story with the group. How can you look for opportunities to share it with someone outside this group this week? [01:09:30]

Sermon Clips

So when we're sharing the gospel and we're shaking in our boots, understand that the very God who resurrected out of the grave, that very God is the very God who's speaking through us. Look at your neighbor and say, that's the God you serve. Come on, tell them that. Do you smile in that? Yes or no? The Bible says, greater than he is in me than he is in the world, right? [00:52:32] (26 seconds) #ResurrectedPowerWithin

Guys, we are, from the very time that we are born again, understanding, understand this, we are called to give our lives up. The first thing Jesus said is when a man gives up his life, he will gain it. The Bible says to take up our cross and to follow him, to deny what? Ourselves. That's what this is all about. [00:54:25] (22 seconds) #CrossOfSelfDenial

If the Holy Spirit is filling you up, and he's already filled you up, what more do you need? What more do we need for the sake of the gospel? Understand this. We must be sold out to the cause of Christ. There cannot be any middle ground. There is no gray area in this. It's either for him or we're against him. The Bible's very plain. Be you hot or cold, but not lukewarm. [00:55:29] (31 seconds) #FullyCommittedToChrist

We must trust who we know. Can you imagine them carrying Stephen out of there, taking them to his burial, knowing that he gave his life for the sake of the gospel? He was beaten. He was bruised. He was bloody. They loved Stephen. And yet, we carried him to his burial, but yet they were looking at him, and what they were looking at was a reflection of exactly what God was calling them to do as well. [00:57:24] (28 seconds) #TrustInGodsPlan

God never wastes a moment, does he? He doesn't. Come on. How many of y 'all have been through a rough time, and you've seen God move through that rough time, and later on, God has used that rough time to touch other people's lives? Come on. [00:58:12] (15 seconds) #PurposeInEveryTrial

We shouldn't glorify our sin. We should glorify the grace that relieves us of our sin, that forgives us of our sin, amen? So I don't care how young you were. God, we should rejoice in that. I was eight. Dana was seven. How old were you? But what did it take? What happened that moment? I realized I needed Jesus in my life. [01:08:47] (20 seconds) #LeadByExamplePrayerLove

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