LIVING STONES (PART II)

Sermon Summary & Slides

The Saints, the Assassins, and the Sidelines

• Core message: In current times, people fall into three categories

  • Saints: Those actively serving God’s kingdom

  • Assassins: Those opposing God’s work

  • Sidelines: Those remaining passive/neutral

• No true sidelines exist - everyone must choose a side

• Reference to Charlie Kirk’s recent death as example of someone who stepped up courageously

Stephen’s Story (Acts 6-8)

• Started as table server, remained faithful in small things

  • Led to signs and wonders, kingdom expansion

  • Faced opposition from fellow Jews (friendly fire)

• Argued with wisdom and spirit that opponents couldn’t match

  • Full of Holy Spirit, saw Jesus standing at God’s right hand

  • Died forgiving his killers, like Jesus

• Persecution scattered believers who continued preaching everywhere

• Saul (future Paul) watched from sidelines but later became powerful apostle

Call to Action - Moving from Sidelines

• Christians elected as officials in God’s government

• Time to shift from passive observation to active engagement

• Recipe for effective Christian arguers (5 F’s):

  • Faith-based - Focus on Jesus and kingdom values

  • Fearless - Take courage, God is with you

  • Fluent - Be educated and prepared

  • Friendly - Maintain optimism and humor

  • Fire - Bring passion and persistence

• Church should inform politics with kingdom values, not partisan politics

Practical Applications

• Avoid friendly fire among Christians unless safety/salvation issues involved

• Expect lies and opposition - they did it to Jesus first

• Remember: center of God’s will is best place, not necessarily safest

• Future self will only regret not doing more for God

• Victory already decided - we’re just in the ring before victory speech