S5:014 Acts 7:54-8:3 – The first Christian martyr cover art

S5:014 Acts 7:54-8:3 – The first Christian martyr

S5:014 Acts 7:54-8:3 – The first Christian martyr

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What is a martyr? Why was Stephen's death so pivotal? Do people still get killed for following Jesus? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks the death of the first Christian martyr in Acts 7:54-8:3 and the history of followers of Jesus being killed for their faith. Then, Watermark’s International Missions Director, Bruce Kendrick, joins to discuss how we should think about persecution and martyrdom today. We don't have to fear death because Christ promises eternal life. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: Luke 21: 16 // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES: S4:266 – Acts 7-8 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-266-acts-7-8/id1600151923?i=1000735540307) // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken with Gregg Lewis - https://a.co/d/01I1REnl Serve international students in Dallas: https://www.watermark.org/outreach/international-students Learn more about international missions: https://www.watermark.org/discovermissions Learn about and pray for the persecuted church: https://www.opendoorsus.org/en-US/persecution/countries/ // WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY? Join The Journey is a realistic daily Bible reading plan that helps followers of Jesus at Watermark Community Church and beyond enjoy abiding in Jesus together. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we’re studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week’s passage. Then, for the next six days, we’ll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we’ll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God’s Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights. Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY: Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources Previous years’ print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma... Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org
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