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.
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Building Men Over MembershipsAre You Encouraging Others?Committing Others To ChristSharing Your StoryFaith Beyond Your FamilyGod’s Purpose In Your PainAligned PrayersPraying with PowerA Defining EncounterA Desire To ServeA Faithful and Helpful FriendRestoring Broken RelationshipsThe Power To RestoreA Guilt-Free LifeA Hand Of BlessingA Heart Of RepentanceAllowing God To Do The ChangingAre You Feeling Stuck?Trust His HeartBe Ready For InterruptionsFull of the Holy SpiritDefeating DepressionPowerful Prayers and a BurdenThe Triumphal EntrySurrender Your Life to ChristGratitude Is The Gateway To ContentmentGratitude Is A Defense Against AnxietyDealing With DoubtFocus On The WordGiving and ServingListening Instead Of Talking
February
3 Keys To A Heavenly PerspectiveA Faith Rooted in FactA Faith That Draws or DrivesWhy Support Israel?The Danger Of Being Full Of YourselfLiving Out The Great CommissionMaking SureGod Is All-SufficientGuided By ProblemsJoy In The Midst Of ProblemsRemember Who God IsA Brand New Glimpse Of JesusA Call To God’s ChurchA Childlike FaithA Christ-Honoring EpitaphA Church On FireA Faithful and Helpful FriendA Personal AnswerA Public AnswerBe Sensitive To Your WitnessAwakenings and Quiet TimesCraving Spiritual MilkEmbracing Your Second ChanceSigns Of True RevivalResisting EvilBe DifferentBe AstuteBe Loving
March
Witness with Your WordsGod’s Word Is EnoughStay Rooted In The TruthA Call to God’s ChurchFalse ProphetsJesus Intercedes for YouHave You Met Christ?Focus on the GiverEncountering God’s GraceStanding Accountable Before GodBe Ready for the End Jesus Understands Your PainLooking ForwardImmeasurably MoreLiving in DenialYour Salvation MomentWhat Does It Look Like To Be The Church?A Word of BlessingJesus Cares about YouThe PavementWhen You Need Hope The End Is Near Stand on the Word of GodA Gracious GiftCelebrating Through BaptismThe Promise of the Holy SpiritBe Aligned in PrayerI Am InnocentGod Draws Us to HimselfFind Rest in the LordBearing The Burdens Of OthersPrioritizing Your Love For Christ
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.