Click here to go to Acts 7
Stephen is the one before the counsel of religious leaders being falsely accused. He proceeds to give them a history lesson. I love reading through this history pointing out how God called certain people and how the Jewish people turned their back on God over and over, including killing many of the prophets.
The truth didn't set the leaders free, it pushed them to stone Stephen and it is here we are introduced to Saul. And the persecution of the church begins. 2000 years later there are still persecution happening to Christians through much of the world. If you've not heard of an organization called The Voice of the Martyrs you can check them out.
Stephen's lesson here reminded me of how God often uses those He has led away from home, out of their comfort zones.
ReplyDelete59 As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died.
ReplyDeleteThis reminds so much of what Jesus said on the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." and "Into thy hands, I commend my spirit."
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By the way, what is everyone doing for National Day of Prayer? We are getting all the churches in town together for prayer and singing this evening.
At Azusa Pacific University we encourage Faculty/Staff/Students to join together at our "prayer tower" our church pastor and members who are close join other church leaders at city hall.
ReplyDeleteActs 7
ReplyDeleteStephen tells them of their history and they continue to close their ears and not listen. Doing their own thing they do not want to be disturbed by hearing accusations against them that were true. So they remove him... permanently, except from their hearts that they too have killed an innocent man.