Unstoppable! 'New Leaders for Fresh Growth' — Acts 6:8-9

Sunday, March 26, 2023

Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. 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.
— Acts 6:8-9 NLT

Key Thought

Stephen was one of the seven men selected by the people and commissioned by the apostles to help make sure Greek-speaking widows were not neglected in the daily distribution of food to widows in need (Acts 6:5). This successful ministry didn't just help address the needs of those widows; it also reached the hearts of priests who had been critics of Jesus' ministry (Acts 6:7). The men who led this ministry also developed their leadership skills and evangelistic passion. Stephen and Philip (e.g., Acts 8:4-5) were two such men. These early leaders remind us that when we raise up new leaders to serve, we not only empower new ministries; we also open the door to a lifetime of leadership that enables the church to grow!

Today's Prayer

O LORD, I know that many young people are turning away from the call to follow Jesus, so I am especially thankful when I look among our young men and young women in our churches today and see many young adults who are passionately giving themselves in service to the lost and broken of our world. I am thankful that, like Jesus, these young Christians' hearts break for the least, last, and lost among us. Give those of us who are older the wisdom to encourage and empower younger disciples. Give those of us who are younger the perseverance and passion for following Jesus and serving those he longs to reach. I ask this in Jesus' name and for his cause. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Judges 2:6-10, Ecclesiastes 12:1-7
  • 1 Timothy 4:11-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 6:8-9 NLT — Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. 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.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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