BIBLE READINGS Acts 6:8-15 Acts 7:54-8:1 2 Corinthians 4:7–18 Luke 6:22–23 MY NOTES MIDWEEK READINGS Stephen's Speech - Acts 7:1-53 Saul Persecutes the Church – Acts 8:1-3 Philip Preaches in Samaria – Acts 8:4-25 5-Day Devotional: Living Like Stephen 5-Day Devotional: Living Like Stephen Day 1: When Conviction Costs Something Scripture: Acts 6:8 “Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people.” Stephen didn’t seek recognition—he simply lived his faith with power and grace. His integrity, compassion, and commitment to Jesus made a difference… and eventually made him a target. True discipleship often comes with a cost. Following Jesus isn’t always comfortable or popular, but it is powerful and meaningful. “Have you ever had to speak out for something you knew was right, even though it came with a steep cost?” Reflection Questions: When have I stood for something that mattered to me? What fears hold me back from bold faith? Day 2: Prophetic Voices Are Often Unwelcome Scripture: Acts 7:51–52 “You stiff-necked people… Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute?” Stephen speaks hard truth not to condemn, but to wake people up to God’s mercy. Throughout history, God’s people have resisted prophetic voices—especially when they call for repentance or challenge comfort. We’re invited not just to hear truth but to allow it to transform us. “God sends a prophetic word when God’s people get off track. When we stray from God’s ways of justice and mercy.” Reflection Questions: Am I open to being challenged by God’s word? How do I respond when truth makes me uncomfortable? Day 3: The Danger of Religious Zeal Without Grace Scripture: Acts 7:57–58 “They covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him… they stoned him.” Stephen’s killers were deeply religious, yet blind to their own hatred. This story warns us of the harm that can come when religious passion is divorced from love, humility, and grace. True Christianity isn’t just about belief—it’s about embodying the mercy of Christ. “Who poses a more dangerous threat to Christianity—secular people or misguided, over-zealous religious fanatics?” Reflection Questions: Is my faith driven by grace, or self-righteousness? Do I ever resist God’s call to forgive or love those who challenge me? Day 4: A Forgiveness That Changes Everything Scripture: Acts 7:60 “Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’” Stephen’s dying breath was a prayer of forgiveness. He mirrored Jesus on the cross. This kind of grace shakes the world. It disrupts cycles of harm and opens the door for transformation—maybe even for the people throwing the stones. “Of all the signs and wonders Stephen did… the most remarkable was his forgiveness.” Reflection Questions: Is there someone I need to forgive? What would it look like to forgive boldly like Jesus? Day 5: Choose the Cross Over the Crowd Scripture: Luke 9:23 “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” We live in a culture that often rewards comfort and going along with the crowd. But Jesus calls us to something harder—and better. Like Stephen, we are invited to take up the cross. It may cost us ease, approval, or popularity—but we gain purpose, presence, and joy in Christ. “I would rather die for following Jesus than live without him.” Reflection Questions: Where is Jesus calling me to courage? Am I willing to choose his way over what’s easy?