Pastor Tony Liuzzo (Lead Pastor) - Acts 1:8; 6:3-15; 7:1-3, 20-21 & 47-60; 8:1 & 4; 9:31; 11:9, 19, 21 & 21; 13:49; 16:5; Matthew 12:34 Let’s fast-forward for a moment. As the book of Acts unfolds, churches are established throughout the surrounding regions, spiritual leaders are trained, people are reached, and lives are transformed. And it wasn’t just a handful of people—the Bible repeatedly tells us that believers multiplied. The church was on fire, and the gospel was spreading rapidly. But when we trace that explosive growth backward, we discover a surprising catalyst in Acts 6 and 7. It did not begin with a great victory, a packed auditorium, or a powerful missionary campaign. It began with something that looked like a devastating setback. It began with persecution, suffering, and the death of a faithful servant named Stephen. Stephen was not an apostle or a well-known leader. He was a church volunteer...a man of godly character, full of faith and filled with the Holy Ghost. Yet through his courageous faith and willingness to give his life for Christ, God ignited a gospel movement that would help change the world. Series description: What if I told you that God created something to help us face life's challenges, engage in spiritual warfare, strengthen our families, discover our purpose, and live the life He intended for us? Wouldn't that become a priority? The good news is that God did create something that accomplishes all of this...the church. Before you dismiss that idea, let's clarify what we mean by "church." We're not talking about buildings, programs, traditions, or religious routines. We're talking about the church as God designed it. When the church functions according to God's plan, it is powerful, effective, life-changing, and essential. Yet many people view it as optional because they have never experienced what the church was meant to be. It's time to go back to the original blueprint. Let's examine God's purpose for the church and discover how it not only transforms individual lives but was designed to impact families, communities, and ultimately the world. CHURCH ON FIRE: Practices of a Spirit-Empowered Church "Courageous Faith" Lessons from the life of Stephen: 1. God can use anyone 2. Character matters 3. Jesus must remain the focus 4. Your faithfulness is never wasted A. Stephen's faithfulness pleased God B. Stephen's faithfulness influenced Saul C. Stephen's faithfulness was rewarded in heaven Illustration #1: Map of the places impact in the Book of Acts Illustration #2: Campfire Illustration #3: Anson Pryor praying with people in his neighborhood