September 29, 2024 Recap

I love Mondays. After Sunday's rest, I'm ready to hit the ground running. But, I enjoy taking a moment to reflect on what we talked about on Sunday.

BOLDNESS has been our theme over the last two weeks. BOLDNESS requires us to stand even though we may be ridiculed, rejected, or even stoned to death.

Stephen was such a man. The Book of Acts tells us that Stephen was of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom. He was also full of grace and power and performed great wonders and signs among the people. Stephen was Greek and chosen to be a deacon in order to serve the Hellenized Jews who had become obedient to faith in Christ. Many were continuing to turn to Jesus and trust in Him because of the teaching of the apostles. Acts 6:7 says even priests were responding to their message!

So what's the problem...

The problem is when the people followed Jesus the Messiah, the Jewish Council and Priests no longer had control of the people. Getting rid of Jesus was their solution to silence Him. But, that caused an explosion of faith. When the Holy Spirit filled the believers, grace and power moved throughout the city. They no longer had control. Threats, prison, and beatings could not stop these Spirit filled followers of Jesus. Being BOLD in the face of intimidation and lies was their response.

The same lie that the Jews used to crucify Jesus, destroy the Temple and in 3 days I will rebuild it, was the lie that they used against Stephen. And dragging him in front of the Council, the Sanhedrin, the High Priest asked Stephen, "Are these things so?" Stephen begins to give a chronological history of the Jewish nation and religion. He leaves nothing out and confirms, although he is Greek, that our Father is Abraham and Moses delivered the nation. When he finished speaking, he referred to the men as stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart. The men were outraged, gnashing their teeth, shouting, and covering their ears!!! Stephen was then stoned in the street.

BOLDNESS is what makes a person speak truth into a situation. The enemy is a liar; but, we have the WORDS of LIFE! I am fairly certain that we will not face death for our faith in Jesus Christ. But we most certainly will face the lies of the enemy. Lies that accuse or threaten. There are also times when an unbeliever will ask or say "Is Jesus real?" or "There's more than one way." How will you respond? Will you ask for the BOLDNESS that comes from the Spirit? Speaking the truth in love should always be our response when we are asked to give an account for what we believe. Defending our faith or confronting lies of the enemy will require us to put on the Full Armour of God and stand firm against his schemes.

I challenge you to strengthen your heart, mind, and soul in the Spirit and be BOLD!!