STEPHEN THE FIRST MARTYR.
THE APOSTLE STEPHEN.
Stephen was born in the 1st Century after our Lord’s death and resurrection.
Did you know he was a relative of Paul?
He was the first of seven deacons when the Disciples ordained them to serve the poor in Jerusalem. He was called the Archdeacon, the first or chief of them.
Stephen poured out his life to help poverty stricken people, and he had compassion for the grief stricken widows and did all he could to bring comfort and strengthen them in their loneliness and poverty. Stephen always seemed to put a smile on each 😩 ..😄! weary face.
He lived his life as an example of Jesus Christ, who said,
“I CAME NOT TO BE MINISTERED UNTO…BUT TO MINISTER AND GIVE MY LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY”
We shouldn’t wait to be served by others but serve them with a genuine and humble spirit.
“Lord, give me a servant’s heart like that of my Saviour.”
THE ENEMIES OF THE CROSS.
The Jewish authorities would argue with Stephen about his beliefs concerning the New way of living in Christ. These men could not outsmart him; he beat them every time.
Stephen was thoroughly versed in the Scriptures and would confuse and confound their religiosity. God had given him ‘His Spirit of Wisdom and Might.
Eventually, these men who were very good at spreading evil rumors about innocent people stirred up the ignorant common people against this man of God.
That’s why we should make reading the Bible the first and foremost thing in our lives. Can you confound the teacher’s of false religions who come knocking on your door, or do you shut the door in their faces.
Hey! they are lost souls who need Jesus as their Saviour.
These men said many evil things about Stephen, accusing him of blasphemy against the Torah, against Moses, and against God.
They quickly found other people to lie and act as false witnesses against him.
But Stephen was strong in the Lord and the Power of His Might.
But dear Stephen stood before all the people, and they were astonished as they gazed at his face. “His face had become the face of an angel!” Some people stepped back in fear. Stephen was glorious as he reflected the glory of God’s Shekinah.
This reminds us of how Mose’s face shone when he talked with God.
Stephen opened his mouth and spoke about all of God’s marvellous works and miracles performed in the past for the people of Israel. He reminded them of past rebellions, disobedience and ungratefulness for what He had done. He especially denounced the Jewish authorities, those who were sitting in judgement over him.
They were enraged as he defended his faith in Jesus Christ, whom they crucified.
As they tried to shout him down, he, being full of the Holy Spirit, did not react. He bore no bitterness or anger, for he knew he was doing the will of God, even if it would mean his death.
Acts 7:60.
Stephen interrupted the crowd and said. “Look!” “I can see the Heavens open and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God”
At once they grabbed him and dragged him away to be stoned to death. The stones were large and sharp and coming at him at great speed. Stephen was cut deeply and just as his Lord and Master his blood was poured out in Martyrdom. Almost passing out he prayed his final prayer.
“Oh, Lord, do not punish these people and find them guilty. Lay not this to their charge.”
Who does that sound like? Yes, Jesus! He cried from that cruel cross of shame. Father, please forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.”
Could you pray that prayer for your enemies?
Stephen had become just like His Saviour. Christ “in” Him, and he “in” Christ.
Dear Christian, the time is short and the world grows more 🖤 wicked every day. Christians are being persecuted world wide and many are losing their lives for the sake of the Gospel.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Settle it now, and ask yourself, am I ready to die for my Lord ?
If your answer is … Yes!
Then why won’t you witness for Him today? Are you really willing to die for Jesus, Some of you will not even say His name in front of an unbeliever. Some of you hardly attend Church. Many of you live like the world.
He is coming back soon and I’m afraid that He will say, “Depart from me, I never knew you!”
My heart ❤️ breaks for you, please heed my warning and totally surrender your life to Jesus.
Stephen died under a rubble of rocks. But Stephen’s Spirit entered into the arms of Jesus. No wonder He was standing waiting for Stephen to come home to be, FOREVER WITH HIS LORD.
“Well done dear Stephen.”
He was only the age of 29!
Amen.
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Light in the Darkness! 