A Faith That Draws or Drives
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5
Stephen’s story teaches us that we have a faith that draws men to God—or drives them against us. Acts 6:8 says Stephen, “a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.” Yet, despite his faithfulness, opposition arose. When the Sanhedrin heard his defense, “they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.”
Stephen’s boldness in standing on the truth reminds us that the Gospel provokes strong reactions. As believers, we must understand that living faithfully for Christ will sometimes make others uncomfortable. When we stand on the Word of God, people will either be drawn to Him or reject Him—and us.
Scripture calls us to remain firm in our faith, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through us. Stephen proclaimed the truth and stood upon the truth of the Word of God even as he faced death. His story challenges us to trust God’s purposes, even when our faith leads to resistance.
If you have a deep faith in Christ, don’t be surprised when people do not want to be around you any longer. That’s okay. The most important thing is that you stand on the Word of God and let God sort things out. Like Stephen, we are called to reflect Christ’s light, trusting that His truth will prevail.
Stephen’s story teaches us that we have a faith that draws men to God—or drives them against us. Acts 6:8 says Stephen, “a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.” Yet, despite his faithfulness, opposition arose. When the Sanhedrin heard his defense, “they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him.”
Stephen’s boldness in standing on the truth reminds us that the Gospel provokes strong reactions. As believers, we must understand that living faithfully for Christ will sometimes make others uncomfortable. When we stand on the Word of God, people will either be drawn to Him or reject Him—and us.
Scripture calls us to remain firm in our faith, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through us. Stephen proclaimed the truth and stood upon the truth of the Word of God even as he faced death. His story challenges us to trust God’s purposes, even when our faith leads to resistance.
If you have a deep faith in Christ, don’t be surprised when people do not want to be around you any longer. That’s okay. The most important thing is that you stand on the Word of God and let God sort things out. Like Stephen, we are called to reflect Christ’s light, trusting that His truth will prevail.
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2 Comments
Westside Church stands firm on God’s word. That is the reason I attend and invite others to hear truth in the Word.
Before I accepted Jesus as my Savior I lived a worldly life. When I accepted Jesus as my Savior those people didn't want to even talk to me anymore. Now where I live, my neighbors don't believe in God or Jesus, and wear shirts in protest of Him. They think that I don't have peace because I don't want to live like them. I will always stand for Jesus. I pray they may be won over to Jesus.