1. Christ Baptist Church Fall 2015 / Spring 2016

3. 4. How did they express love to one another? 5.What is important about each qualification for selecting the seven deacons? V3,5 Why do you think this was important? 6.What are the dangers of putting people who are not spiritually minded in places of leadership? How did God bless the church after the problem was solved? v7

4. 7.How did Stephen demonstrate stewardship and faithfulness? What were the circumstances which led to Stephen’s arrest? Who brought charges against Stephen and what accusations did they make? Parallel this to the way Jesus was treated Debate / Argue Hired False witness Stirred up the people Executed him

5. Stephen’s response is 53 verses Did Stephen answer the charges directly when questioned by the high priest? Which Jewish leaders does Stephen mention in this section? Why was Joseph sold into slavery? By whom? v9 …But God was with him, and rescued him from his trouble…

6. Which Jewish leader does Stephen mention in this section? What kind of man did Moses become? V22 How does this compare to Exodus 4:10? What did Moses think he could do for his fellow Israelites which they did not understand? What special purpose did God have for Moses? Did Moses run ahead of God?

7. According to verse 35, how did his fellow Israelites treat Moses? What was God’s plan for Moses and how was that plan fulfilled? v36 What promise had Moses made to the people in verse 37? See Acts 3:22-23 From verses 42 and 43, give some specific sins and God’s specific judgment. Thought Question Thought Question - In what ways was Moses like Jesus Christ?

8. Moses built the tabernacle and Solomon the temple for God’s dwelling place. Does God live in a building? 1 Kings 8:27; Acts 7:49 -- Isa 66:1-2; In his closing remarks how does Stephen address the council? What were the accusations? V51-53 8. What do you learn about God from Stephen’s sermon?

9. How did the Sanhedrin respond to Stephen’s speech? v54 What made the Sanhedrin cry out and cover their ears? V55,56 Mark 14:61-64 Why did the men stone Stephen? 9. What kind of man was Stephen? Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death. Leviticus 24:16

10. Are we like Moses making excuses when we really do have God given capabilities (Gifts)? Will you be courageous and willing to stand up for Jesus? 10.In what ways would you like to be more like Stephen? How can you follow his example this week?