Stephens Sermon
Stephen's story recorded in Acts is for spurring us on in the courage and the power that we have in Jesus by the power of the Holy Ghost.Man said of Stephen: "serve at tables" Acts 6:2-5
Jesus said of Stephen: "Preach a mighty sermon before the council till you are put to death by stoning" Acts 7
Stephens sermon is one of the best recorded in Acts. First he demonstrates an amazing Holy Ghost filled knowledge of the scripture then he brings out the truth which divides.
For they resisted the Holy Ghost. They persecuted the Just One namely Jesus. That day it is possible some of those who heard Stephens sermon and put him to death would have committed the unpardonable sin. They would have trampled underfoot the Son of God and done despite unto the spirit of grace. (Hebrews)
Even in Stephens death the Lord had his purpose being unfolded for one man who was consenting unto his death was Saul. The Lords purpose can not be thwarted for no matter where Saul went the Lord would have his way in Saul and would strike him blind by his consuming light and cause him to be born again.
Add Your Comment(11)
Stephens SermonPosted by Correy Tuesday, February 28, 2006
After reading many creeds and belief statements
I decided to stick to my own
11 Comments:
Stephen was certainly a man of God. I have often wondered how many times this scene played out in the mind of Saul before he became a believer.
Stephen - the first martyr of the Christian church. I wonder if there is more like Stephen faithful and willing to be put to death by law.
Isnt it amazing, and horrifying at the same time what some believes endure for holding to the name of Jesus. Martyrdom is the ultimate sacrifice possible for our Faith in Jesus.
It is His strength which allows them to endure these tests with the integrity of their faith in tact, if not with their lives.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." - John 15:12-14
I like Stephen's sermon because he points out all the bad people in Israels history and tells them that they are those people.
Quite powerful,
Doug
Good stuff. Aren't we glad HE changed us...resurrected us...from being EXACTLY like them, and gave us faith to believe on the Christ, His Son, whom He drew us to?
grateful for grace,
The DOGpreacher
Stephen cried with a loud voice, Lord, don't hold this sin against them. After he had said this, he died....but I get angry when somebody drives too slow for my taste.
Yes that is such an amazing thing for Stephen to say. And very soon the man who was consenting to his death was born again. (Saul/Paul)
I did some further thinking about your question of when I was saved. I thought alot about this statement, "The Lords purpose can not be thwarted for no matter where Saul went the Lord would have his way in Saul".
I deleted my orginal answer and replaced it with a more accurate one and it is my hope I convey that I did place thought into the statment above as it pertains to my testimony.
You consider all of the early saints of the N.T.: their faith, their faithfulness and their courage were truly remarkable.
In Scripture we have accounts like Stephen's and James', who were martyred for their steadfast faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. And then, we have historical documents (some reliable, some not so much) which point to Peter's crucifixion, Paul's beheading, Timothy's stoning... etc.
Oh how I pray the Lord would strengthen my inner-man to be able to be as faithful and brave for the Way. The worst I ever had to face was a fist fight and the threat of a fist fight and I feared. What would I do if I were faced with graver threats?
I can only pray that the Lord give me the strength and faithfulness to stand and to withstand for His honour and glory.
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13)
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