What does it really cost to follow Jesus?

In this powerful message, Pastor Luke Taylor explores the story of Stephen — the first Christian martyr — from Acts 6–8 as part of the “Ignition: The Church Unleashed” series. This sermon dives deep into faithful witness, persecution, courage, grace under pressure, and the unstoppable spread of the early Church.

Stephen wasn’t one of the apostles. He was an ordinary believer, full of faith, grace, and the Holy Spirit, who boldly stood for Jesus even when it cost him everything. Through Stephen’s story, we see how God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things, how the Gospel spreads through adversity, and why the Church cannot be stopped.

This message covers:

• The story of Stephen in Acts 6–8

• The first martyr of the Christian Church

• Persecution in the early Church

• Faithfulness under pressure

• Signs, wonders, and the Holy Spirit

• Saul of Tarsus before becoming Paul

• What it means to truly witness for Jesus

• Grace, forgiveness, and courage in suffering

• How God uses hardship to spread the Gospel

• The unstoppable mission of the Church

Whether you’re studying the Book of Acts, looking for a biblical teaching on persecution and discipleship, or wanting encouragement to stand firm in your faith, this sermon will challenge and inspire you.