A Martyr’s Example: The Legacy of Stephen » Audio Archive

Broadcast Episode

Wednesday, January 01

A Martyr's Example: The Legacy of Stephen

Explore the steadfast faith and unwavering commitment of early Christians in the face of adversity through a detailed examination of the book of Acts. This narrative reveals the vital role of the Holy Spirit as the apostles courageously share the gospel, perform miracles, and establish communities of believers despite harsh persecution. Discover how these early martyrs, beginning with Stephen, exemplified the ultimate act of devotion by sacrificing their lives for the truth of Jesus Christ. Their sacrifices remind us of our mission to be bold and to share God's love with those around us. Reflect on the enduring message that real love and hope are always present, encouraging us to embrace our faith and new life.

Loading the player...

About Cornerstone Connection

Cornerstone Connection is the radio ministry of Gary Hamrick, pastor of Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, VA. It is Pastor Gary’s desire to teach God’s Word in a practical, relevant way that reaches listeners with the life-changing good news of Jesus Christ.

More from Cornerstone Connection

Broadcast Episode

Friday, January 17

What Tough Times Teach Us

Explore the teachings of Acts as it unfolds the journey of early Christians and the spread of the gospel despite severe persecution. The story highlights Paul's determination to strengthen the faith of Jesus' followers during tribulations, emphasizing that hardship is often a path to the kingdom of God. As Paul travels through Asia Minor and into Europe on his first missionary journey, he delivers the message of salvation through Jesus to both Jews and Gentiles. A notable miracle occurs in Lystra, where Paul heals a man crippled from birth, but the same crowd quickly turns hostile under the influence of dissenters. Despite this, Paul persists in his mission, exemplifying the resilience needed to maintain faith. This lesson empowers believers today to embrace adversity as part of their spiritual journey, reminding them of the call to live boldly in faith and share God's love amidst challenges.

Loading the player...

Broadcast Episode

Thursday, January 16

Embrace God's Grace: Understanding Salvation Beyond the Law

The message focuses on the transformative power of grace as taught in the book of Acts. It emphasizes that salvation is a free gift from God, given by grace through faith, and it cannot be earned by following the law or through good deeds. The concept of grace—God’s unmerited favor—is highlighted as central to understanding and receiving forgiveness and salvation. Through the narrative of the early church in Acts, the message illustrates how God can use ordinary people to spread His love and message and how the same empowering Spirit that worked in the apostles is available to believers today. Understanding and embracing this grace transforms lives, enabling individuals to live in a way that pleases God, beyond mere compliance with rules and laws.

Loading the player...

Broadcast Episode

Wednesday, January 15

Embrace God's Graces: Journey Through Acts

The heart of the problem is often a problem of the heart, and true change begins with a transformation of the heart. When the heart is aligned with the desire to please God, external rules and regulations become unnecessary, as individuals are internally motivated to act in ways that honor Him. In his teaching through Acts, the importance of having motivations rooted in the heart is discussed. The biblical narrative in Acts Chapter 13 highlights key moments such as Saul's name change to Paul for broader acceptance among Gentiles, and his commissioning for ministry. Paul's journey, including his travels from Syria to modern-day Turkey, marks the start of his mission to spread the gospel. This journey took 10 years of preparation and growth in faith before launching into public ministry. The importance of grace as God's unmerited favor is emphasized, contrasting it with adherence to the law. Understanding God's grace is crucial, as salvation and righteousness are achieved through faith in Jesus Christ and not by obedience to the law. This transformative message serves as a powerful reminder to live out one's faith with boldness and extend God's love to others.

Loading the player...

Broadcast Episode

Tuesday, January 14

Divine Justice: When God's Ways Challenge Our Understanding

The message emphasizes the importance of understanding and trusting in God's higher ways, even when faced with life's challenging and seemingly unfair situations. Through a study of Acts, particularly focusing on the contrasting fates of James and Peter, it explores the theological dilemmas that arise when prayers are answered differently for different people. Recognizing that some aspects of God's plans remain a mystery is essential for believers. The sermon encourages Christians to rely on the goodness and justice of God, believing that He will eventually make all things right, even if not in this lifetime. In moments of doubt or difficulty, believers are reminded to lean into their faith, knowing that God's wisdom is beyond human comprehension and that His nature is inherently good.

Loading the player...

Broadcast Episode

Monday, January 13

God’s Higher Ways: Lessons from Acts

Peter, despite being impulsive, demonstrated remarkable courage and boldness after being restored by Jesus. In Acts chapter 2, he delivered the first evangelical message, leading to the salvation of 3, 000 people, highlighting how God can use individuals despite their flaws. In moments of life's perceived unfairness, such as when God delivers one person while another suffers, it's essential to remember that His ways are higher and often beyond our understanding. Acts chapter 12 recounts Herod's persecution of the early church, which resulted in James's execution and Peter's miraculous escape from prison. This passage urges believers to remain steadfast in their faith amid adversity and to trust in God's overarching plan, even when life's events seem inexplicable from a human perspective.

Loading the player...

Cornerstone Connection

Christian talk radio with Gary Hamrick

Broadcast Episode