"Now Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people." Acts 6:8 (NIV)
Know how to recognize a priceless person? Just look at their price tag! You can see what a person is worth by looking at what it takes to buy them off. I wonder how you and I would do if we had to face “faith’s final exam.” It is an exam that only a few Christians down through the ages have had to face. It is a test that has only one soul searching question.
Stephen faced this test when he was being judged for his faith in Acts 6. Faith’s final exam is “Would I be willing to give up my life for what I believe?” We sing about giving our all to Jesus and tell Him that we’d offer our very life for him. But what if the threats were real? It’s an important test, for your attitude towards dying for your faith has much to say about how you’ll live your faith!
Take a look at Stephen, for example. He showed himself to be a priceless person, a person who would not back down in his faith no matter what the threat. Stephen became the first Christian to actually die for his faith. What was the secret to such a great faith? Acts 6 tells us that Stephen lived as a man “full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” He had answered faith’s final exam long before he faced the court that would condemn him. When our children where growing up we often didn’t family night that included a short bible illustrated lesson. One even we taught the kids that we’re all like tubes of toothpaste. When the squeeze is put on us what comes out is whatever we’re full of! This means that we don’t have to “cram” for the tests of faith. Let Christ fill your heart and mind, your decisions and actions... today!
Family Discussion Question: Where do you need to be “full of faith” today?
For younger children: Make up some “price tags” to show the real value of some of the things in your home. Have your kids tell you how much things like furniture and appliances are worth...make up a tag and put it on those things. Then, ask them to put a price tag on a Bible.... then on themselves. Remind them of the incalculable value of the Bible, of the tremendous value God places on them.
Know how to recognize a priceless person? Just look at their price tag! You can see what a person is worth by looking at what it takes to buy them off. I wonder how you and I would do if we had to face “faith’s final exam.” It is an exam that only a few Christians down through the ages have had to face. It is a test that has only one soul searching question.
Stephen faced this test when he was being judged for his faith in Acts 6. Faith’s final exam is “Would I be willing to give up my life for what I believe?” We sing about giving our all to Jesus and tell Him that we’d offer our very life for him. But what if the threats were real? It’s an important test, for your attitude towards dying for your faith has much to say about how you’ll live your faith!
Take a look at Stephen, for example. He showed himself to be a priceless person, a person who would not back down in his faith no matter what the threat. Stephen became the first Christian to actually die for his faith. What was the secret to such a great faith? Acts 6 tells us that Stephen lived as a man “full of faith and the Holy Spirit.” He had answered faith’s final exam long before he faced the court that would condemn him. When our children where growing up we often didn’t family night that included a short bible illustrated lesson. One even we taught the kids that we’re all like tubes of toothpaste. When the squeeze is put on us what comes out is whatever we’re full of! This means that we don’t have to “cram” for the tests of faith. Let Christ fill your heart and mind, your decisions and actions... today!
Family Discussion Question: Where do you need to be “full of faith” today?
For younger children: Make up some “price tags” to show the real value of some of the things in your home. Have your kids tell you how much things like furniture and appliances are worth...make up a tag and put it on those things. Then, ask them to put a price tag on a Bible.... then on themselves. Remind them of the incalculable value of the Bible, of the tremendous value God places on them.
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