The First Martyr: Faith That Stands

Services

SUNDAY  9 AM CONTEMPORARY SERVICE  10:10 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL  11 AM TRADITIONAL SERVICE

by: Rev. Margaret Rountree

09/12/2025

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Pastor’s Note

The First Martyr: Faith That Stands

Acts 7:54-8:3

Dear Church Family,

            This week, we turn to one of the most powerful and sobering passages in the book of Acts, the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian faith. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed the truth of Jesus Christ even as opposition rose against him. His words cut to the heart of the Jewish ruling council, and in their anger, they dragged him out and took his life. Yet, in those final moments, Stephen’s eyes were lifted to heaven, and he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing (rather than sitting) at the right hand of God the Father.

            Our focus this week is on faith that stands. It is easy to think of God’s blessings as comfort, ease, and prosperity and often, He does pour those gifts into our lives. But sometimes, God’s blessing is found in the very pain we would rather avoid. The blessing is His presence in the trial, His strength in our weakness, and His peace in our storm. Just as Stephen stood firm, even as stones rained down, we are called to stand firm in the faith, not because Jesus promises us cash and prizes, but rather because He promises us Himself. 

           The good news is that God is always with us. He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Whatever you may be walking through, whether joy or sorrow, triumph or trial, your faith is anchored in the unshakable love of Christ.

           So, let us be a people who stand rather than sit. Let us be a people who trust that God is with us, not only in the sunshine but also in the storm. May our lives, like Stephen’s, bear witness to a faith that is built on the Cornerstone, Jesus the Christ.

Standing with you in faith,

Pastor Margaret

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Pastor’s Note

The First Martyr: Faith That Stands

Acts 7:54-8:3

Dear Church Family,

            This week, we turn to one of the most powerful and sobering passages in the book of Acts, the stoning of Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian faith. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaimed the truth of Jesus Christ even as opposition rose against him. His words cut to the heart of the Jewish ruling council, and in their anger, they dragged him out and took his life. Yet, in those final moments, Stephen’s eyes were lifted to heaven, and he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing (rather than sitting) at the right hand of God the Father.

            Our focus this week is on faith that stands. It is easy to think of God’s blessings as comfort, ease, and prosperity and often, He does pour those gifts into our lives. But sometimes, God’s blessing is found in the very pain we would rather avoid. The blessing is His presence in the trial, His strength in our weakness, and His peace in our storm. Just as Stephen stood firm, even as stones rained down, we are called to stand firm in the faith, not because Jesus promises us cash and prizes, but rather because He promises us Himself. 

           The good news is that God is always with us. He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Whatever you may be walking through, whether joy or sorrow, triumph or trial, your faith is anchored in the unshakable love of Christ.

           So, let us be a people who stand rather than sit. Let us be a people who trust that God is with us, not only in the sunshine but also in the storm. May our lives, like Stephen’s, bear witness to a faith that is built on the Cornerstone, Jesus the Christ.

Standing with you in faith,

Pastor Margaret

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Kathy Veltman

This is a powerful story and message! Thank you Pastor Margaret for giving us another message from the Bible we can use today. And this message is even more apropos for our world today. As Christian’s we are called upon to show God’s love and Jesus’s teachings more and more. May my faith be strong when I am put to the “test”.
Thank you again