Pastor Tom Grieb continues our series, "Champions of the Church."

Stephen is one of the great heroes of the church.  He is best known as the first martyr of the church.  In this regard and in so many others Stephen is a real Champion of the Church.
He was one of seven tapped by the Apostles to oversee the distribution of food for widows in the church, but that wasn’t the limit of his contribution.  Stephen was, as the scripture reports, “a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.”  Stephen was always ready to make a defense of the gospel when the opportunity presented itself.  Eventually, Stephen was brought before the Sanhedrin on charges of blasphemy, which he did an eloquent job refuting.  The Sanhedrin didn’t take kindly to what he had to say and conspired to have him stoned.
Stephen was willing to give his all for the sake of Christ and paid the ultimate price by giving his life for the Kingdom.  He exhibited a Christ-like Spirit throughout.  I think of the countless people around the world who are presently being persecuted and, in some instances, being killed for the faith.  They too are willing to give their all for the sake of Christ.
We are left to consider what that means for us.  How are you giving your all for the sake of Christ and his Kingdom?