The Early Church: Radical Allegiance

The Early Church: Radical Allegiance
Acts 6:3-7:60

Why were Christians persecuted?

1. Christianity was viewed as a strange and threatening .
2. Christians practiced a way of life that passed implicit on
3. Christians viewed their faith as ultimately and .
4. Christian to the lordship of Christ threatened Rome’s claim to .

 Κύριος Ἰησοῦς ( is Lord) vs Κύριος Καῖσαρ ( is Lord)

 48 “However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands.” Acts 7:48

 God lives wherever .

 How was Stephen able to speak with such wisdom and courage?

 For many of us, our greatest witness is our to .

 For the Christian, martyrdom is on the .

 11 “ are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12  and be , because great is your reward in heaven… Matthew 5:11-12

“The early martyrs paid an extreme price, their very lives. But the value of their example is not in the martyrdom itself, however noble and courageous, but in their commitment to . That we might not have to die for Christ is . How we for Christ is the real issue.” Jerry Sites

Christians are called to bear witness to Christ through their .

But Christians are called to bear witness to Christ through their .

 Jesus is !!!