Verse 15 - "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel."
I think of Matthew 28:20 - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
The people looked INTENTLY at Stephen trying to see what this man really was about, what was driving him, motivating him - and they saw the face of an angel. Stephen is about to face stoning to death, but his obedience and love of Jesus never fails - and the presence of God is with him till the end. I think his face was angelic, because being sold out for Christ gives us that appearance.
7 So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem continued to grow rapidly. Even a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
It has been very exciting reading through Acts. The verses that have caught my attention all seem to be showing us that the church is growing and that the good news is being spread throughout the land. People are responding to the call, stepping up to the plate and becoming obedient disciples.
Lord, help me to do my part, help me to be an obedient disciple in your name.
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
How awesome is this ??? We are to pray without ceasing, and this just confirms it again. And to give OURSELVES to the ministry of the word.
what does it mean to give yourself ??? That means to Love the way that Jesus loves us. To put others ahead of us. To continually go before God for prayer, for direction. That means to not depend on yourself, but to depend on the Heavenly Father to help you out.
And to give yourself completely for the ministry of the word. I know there are many of you thinking, I can not go and talk to someone, I'm to shy. But Jesus said that we should be able to win them over without any words. So to give yourself completely means to completely follow Jesus's example for us. To live like Christ wants us to live, and to be that Shining example, and if you can Boldly speak to someone about the word of GOD then to do so thru Christ.
Heavenly Father, it is too easy for us to selfishly put ourselves before others. Please bring it to our attention when we do so. Father teach and guide us, so that we may step out Boldly to continue in the ministry of your word. Watch over our ministers here at Charter Oak. Put a hedge of protection around those who are trying to spread your word. And Father most importantly thank you for helping us to grow in your word and in your ways. Thru Jesus Name...amen.
Charter Oak Church is a family of Jesus followers who want to reach out to those who are searching and equip believers to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.
Verse 15 - "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel."
ReplyDeleteI think of Matthew 28:20 - "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
The people looked INTENTLY at Stephen trying to see what this man really was about, what was driving him, motivating him - and they saw the face of an angel. Stephen is about to face stoning to death, but his obedience and love of Jesus never fails - and the presence of God is with him till the end. I think his face was angelic, because being sold out for Christ gives us that appearance.
7 So the word of God continued to spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem continued to grow rapidly. Even a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
ReplyDeleteIt has been very exciting reading through Acts. The verses that have caught my attention all seem to be showing us that the church is growing and that the good news is being spread throughout the land. People are responding to the call, stepping up to the plate and becoming obedient disciples.
Lord, help me to do my part, help me to be an obedient disciple in your name.
4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome is this ??? We are to pray without ceasing, and this just confirms it again. And to give OURSELVES to the ministry of the word.
what does it mean to give yourself ??? That means to Love the way that Jesus loves us. To put others ahead of us. To continually go before God for prayer, for direction. That means to not depend on yourself, but to depend on the Heavenly Father to help you out.
And to give yourself completely for the ministry of the word. I know there are many of you thinking, I can not go and talk to someone, I'm to shy. But Jesus said that we should be able to win them over without any words. So to give yourself completely means to completely follow Jesus's example for us. To live like Christ wants us to live, and to be that Shining example, and if you can Boldly speak to someone about the word of GOD then to do so thru Christ.
Heavenly Father, it is too easy for us to selfishly put ourselves before others. Please bring it to our attention when we do so. Father teach and guide us, so that we may step out Boldly to continue in the ministry of your word. Watch over our ministers here at Charter Oak. Put a hedge of protection around those who are trying to spread your word. And Father most importantly thank you for helping us to grow in your word and in your ways. Thru Jesus Name...amen.