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Acts 6:8-7:60

It was obviously the fruit of Children’s Ministry!

A shout-out to every Awana leader, every nursery worker, every children’s Sunday School, every behind-the-scenes servant who makes VBS such a memorable week, and to every exhausted children’s camp sponsor. To you we give a long, drawn out, loud and raucous standing ovation. As Paul said to the hard working church impacters, “Don’t loose heart in doing well” and “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, KNOWING that your labor is NOT in vain!” YOU are the difference makers for the church of today and the leaders of tomorrow!

When you think about it, this story of the first Christian martyr is an enormous shot-in-the-arm of spiritual adrenaline for children’s ministers. One day, Stephen is nominated by popular vote to the task of financial oversight and mercy service. Having handled that small assignment well and being marked as a champion of faith, wisdom and Holy Spirit character, he fills his spare time with going around the city to various Bible study gatherings and unpacking the wonderful narrative of redemption that exalts Christ. Not everyone was excited about his interpretation of the text and many well-trained theologians took exception to his teaching. Yet, when given opportunity to debate the Word, they found themselves on the “losing end” of the discussion every time. So, when your best counter-point has failed, you fall back on your default response. Physical violence!

Here he is, a Greek-born Hebrew young man shoved into the center of the Supreme Court of Israel with trumped up charges and bribed witnesses misrepresenting his teaching. “Guilty till proven innocent” is the mode of operation. But they got the shock of their lives! Rather than wilt under the pressure or lose his train of thought or stammer in nervous confusion, Stephen narrates the greatest Old Testament Talk-Thru of the scriptures—and all without his iPad or his PowerPoint slides!

When the heat is on, it is too late to “learn” or to prepare your defense. Perhaps it was this circumstance that stirred Peter to later pen, “Be ready at all times to give a defense for the hope that is within you!” Stephen was primed and ready. As the Holy Spirit took control of his mind, he courageously laid out a Biblical defense in response to unwarranted charges. Where did he learn these great truths? Every synagogue had children’s classes where the Word that was taught in the homes was reinforced and explained by knowledgeable Bible teachers. All those truths planted in his young mind and heart suddenly made sense when he was born again and filled with the Holy Spirit!

So, a HUGE shout-out to everyone of you who tirelessly and faithfully and patiently layers in the simple teaching of Biblical truths in your homes, in Awana Club, in Sunday School, at VBS, and Children’s Camp. One day the Spirit of God will bring all those lessons to the mind of the now grown-up student and through their mouth will proclaim the wonderful mystery of the narrative of redemption. Just when they need an answer for their hope, what you have taught them WILL be brought to mind. Thanks for faithfully modeling and teaching the church of today and the leaders of tomorrow!

And right when he had their undivided attention, the “charged” Stephen turned the tables and leveled indictment charges against his accusers. “You stiff-necked people, and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you!”

They were immediately filled with RAGE, but Stephen was simply filled with the SPIRIT.

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom