When they heard these things, they became furious and ground their teeth at him.
Acts 7:34 NET
Stephen was brought to the religious leaders because some of the Jews couldn’t debate him because he was filled with the Holy Spirit and God’s Word. His arguments and Words always convicted them, but they didn’t want to submit to truly serving God.
So they lied about him to get him in trouble with the religious “authorities.” He was brought to the religious leaders to be dealt with. There, Stephen began to recount Jewish History from the time of Abraham, all the way to King David and beyond.
Everything was good until he mentioned Jesus. When he did that, all hell broke loose, literally.
They rushed him, took him outside of the city and stoned him.
This is still the way it is today! Everything is good if you talk about a “general” god. People are ok with that.
But once you start talking about Jesus, things turn nasty. That is because Jesus calls us to turn from our sins and live for Him. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin. And people don’t want to be convicted. They want to live the way they want.
The thing is, this is going to become worse! Christian persecution is already bad in other parts of the world. But we are going to experience it here.
True Christians will have to make decisions to stand for Christ and not be afraid of what the world will say and do.
First, it will come as shaming and mean words. Then, it will move from that to physical.
Are you strong enough in your faith to face that? Do you have other Christians that will encourage you and be there for you? Do you know enough of God’s Word to know when others are not speaking the truth or twisting the Word of God?
You have all the time and resources available to you now! The times are challenging, but Jesus has overcome the world.
Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit, empower me to stand and proclaim Your Word and Your Kingdom to this generation. Help me to keep my eyes on You and not worry about the threats and actions of darkness. I thank You that when I am weak, You are strong.
Peace
Todd