Title: Stephen's Faith
Contents
Text: Acts 7:55-60
God is the source of life. That God created all things, and Jesus Christ, who was only begotten in the bosom of God, said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35), and “He who believes in me will live even if he dies, and he who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11). :25-26). A person has life from birth in this world to life in heaven, and the opposite of this life is death and death.
In death, there is ① a general death that separates the body from the soul in this world, and ② there is a spiritual death that requires eternal punishment in hell after death. All these deaths are the result of sin (Romans 6:23; Romans 5:12; 1 John 3:8).
The devil seizes the power of death (Hebrews 2:14) and drives people to death.
When a person commits a sin, he becomes a slave to the devil by being bound by sin. As a result, not only the physical body dies, but the soul suffers the punishment of God's wrath and suffers spiritual death in hell. Therefore, we must lay down our sins before Jesus, repent, and receive the forgiveness of our sins. And while serving God well, avoiding sins and drawing closer to God, we must live the life of the promised grace and blessings.
There are many blessings on this earth, but the one that everyone prefers is the 'blessing of longevity'. Because if you get sick and die, neither money nor riches nor fame is useless. As in Matthew 16:27, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? What will he give in exchange for his life?” The saints cherish and love the “life” that belongs to God, whether it is someone else’s or mine. You should.
I hope that all the members of the church will live a wonderful and enjoyable life with a young body and healthy physical strength for 5-10 years. But for us believers, there is an exceptional life. A typical example is the deacon Stephen.
Let's take a look at the life of deacon Stephen through today's text.
1. I was filled with the Holy Spirit.
“Filled with the Holy Spirit … ” (verse 55). The filling of the Holy Spirit is Jesus' wish, and it is the right image of the saints. If you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you will live by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25), you will have eternal life through the Spirit (Galatians 6:8), and you will be empowered to become a witness of Jesus (Acts 1:8). Also, if you are filled with the Holy Spirit, as in Acts 6:15, Stephen's face looks like that of an angel, his face brightens and looks great.
2. There is hope in heaven.
“Looking up to the sky … ” (verse 55). If you are filled with the Holy Spirit, you put your hope in heaven; otherwise, you put your hope on earth. In the kingdom of heaven there is the throne of Jesus and the glory of God (verse 55). Deacon Stephen, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, had a clear hope in heaven, so even though he was persecuted, he looked up to heaven, and then the gates of heaven were opened. Deacon Stephen entered the kingdom of heaven through that open door, and we will also enter. Hallelujah!!
3. I saw Jesus.
He had a thrilling moment to see Jesus through the open door. It is important that the gates of heaven have been opened, but the great thing about Deacon Stephen is that he met Jesus. How wonderful it would be to meet Jesus even in a dream. I wish you all the best of luck.
4. Approved.
Deacon Stephen was welcomed when he saw Jesus. The scene where Jesus, who was seated at the right hand of the heavenly throne, rises from the throne to receive Stephen the deacon is very moving. We pray for the wonderful blessing of being recognized and welcomed by Jesus like deacon Stephen.
5. I realized that the soul is more precious than the body.
“Lord Jesus, receive my soul” (verse 59). Because he knew the preciousness of the soul, he was not afraid of physical death. Those who do not know the value of the soul do nothing but prepare a grave for the body to be buried. Galatians 6:8 says, “He who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but whoever sows to the Spirit will also reap eternal life from the Spirit.”
6. The enemy also forgave.
“Lord, do not hold this sin against them,” and he fell asleep” (Acts 7:60). For the saints, martyrdom is the most thrilling and glorious parting beyond death (2 Corinthians 5:8). A martyr is not worthy of this world (Hebrews 11:38). That's why we leave this earth and go to a very good place, that heaven.
Dear saints,
In general, it is better to live than to die.
However, in the case of Christians, to be martyred after being faithful to the Lord is more blessed and more precious than living in this world. I pray that it will be an opportunity to upgrade your faith to the next level as you meditate on these verses during the week of Lent.
Hallelujah, Amen!!!