JICF Sunday Sermons JICF

Last Sunday, we read about Stephen being the first Christian martyr almost 2,000 years ago. In fact, the Apostle Paul reminded Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12 that "everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted". This Sunday, please join us to be encouraged by the testimonies of modern day Christians throughout the world who have been persecuted for their faith as we watch the video "The Power of the Persecuted Church".

Has God ever put you in a situation where you have to defend God's truth or confront sin? Think about current hot topics like LGBTQ. What did you do? Or what would you do if God puts you in a situation like that? In what situation should you confront or be more patient and tactful? Come and learn how Stephen reacted and learn how to apply the Bible in our various situations.

Stephen was a wonderful man, used by God in amazing ways. Yet his Christ-like ministry, while certainly used to draw people to Christ, provoked a familiar reaction from the Jews: Anger, slander and lies, leading to his arrest. Stephen's very godliness and wisdom led to his persecution. Stephen's lifestyle, ministry and character under trial is a much-needed example for us as we seek to stand for Christ and boldly speak the truth amongst people who could well react the same way the Jews did. Do you believe that God can use your life and words for His glory in your context?

What would you do if you have the greatest gift of all time and you want the whole world to know about it and to receive it? How would you empower a small group of your discouraged disciples to spread this Good News? Hear how the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus and makes him real to us.

As believers, we are all commanded to share the Good News about Jesus Christ. But as we present the evidence for the truth of the Good News, we should expect and be prepared for others to react in a variety of ways - and we need to understand what motivates others to react as they do!

Often, our discussions about God center on His love, forgiveness, and mercy, overlooking His holiness. God’s holiness and His nature are not two things, they are but one! God’s holiness is His nature, and God’s nature is His holiness. This holiness presents a dilemma for mortal beings—we are drawn to Him as our creator, yet we also feel small and unworthy in His presence.

In the Old Testament, God's wrath is portrayed as a response to human sin and disobedience, contrasting with human anger, which is often unjustified. The difference lies in the holiness and justification of God's wrath compared to the often unholy and rarely justified wrath of humans.