What would it be like to have to stand boldly for our faith – even if it meant our very life? Let’s take a walk with Stephen and others this morning and imagine.

 

Acts 7:56

“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (NIV)

 

• God separated the veil so that Stephen could see into the throne room of heaven
• Stephen was one of the Seven chosen to serve the widows
  • The Apostles had laid hands on him (Acts 6:2)
• Here we find him quoting scripture, speaking eloquently, and boldly in front of the Sanhedrin
• He was filled with the Holy Spirit (Vs. 55)
• Jesus is standing!
  • He normally is seated at the Father’s right hand
  • He is standing to show His support
  • He is standing to welcome the first Christian martyr into glory!

APPLICATION:

• God will give us the words to speak when it becomes necessary – to speak boldly
• No matter your position God can use you
  • Stephen was a waiter (Acts. 6:1-6)
• Jesus is on our side and stands from His throne when we are in need of Him
  • He doesn’t just sit there!
• We shouldn’t just sit there either.
  • We should stand for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted

 

She was 17 years old. He stood glaring at her, his weapon before her face. “Do you believe in God?” She paused. It was a life-or-death question. “Yes I believe in God.” “Why?” asked her executioner. But he never gave her the chance to respond. The teenage girl lay dead at his feet!

(Excerpt from the book: Jesus Freak)

 

This isn’t a story that happened in a Muslim country or even in China. This particular story did not happen in ancient times, but it happened at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, on April 20, 1999. Do you believe in Jesus?

Whenever I read stories like this one, and the biblical account of Stephen I am amazed at the courage and the fortitude that believers have when faced with certain martyrdom. God always gives His full attention when one of His own is being persecuted or about to be killed for their faith.

 

In the case of Stephen in Acts chapter seven, we see Jesus standing next to the Father. Stephen has His full attention. Jesus is standing with His arms open wide and with a look of confidence. Much like a father watching his child performing on stage – the child is looking nervously at her dad – and dad gives her a nod and a smile – telling her “you’ve got this!”

 

When we look at Stephen we don’t see anyone special. He is not an Apostle, and wasn’t a part of Jesus inner circle. He was selected by the Apostles to be a “waiter” to take care of the needs of the widows so that they could handle more important issues. He was ordinary. But here in Acts we see God using him – speaking through him. Stephen, filled with the Spirit of God, preaches to the Sanhedrin with supernatural boldness.

 

Warren Wiersbe in his commentary says this, “You wonder what kind of a world we live in when good and godly men like Stephen can be murdered by religious bigots! But we have similar problems in our “enlightened” age today: taking hostages, bombings that kill or maim innocent people, assassinations, and all in the name of politics or religion. The heart of man has not changed, nor can it be changed apart from the grace of God.” We live in a sin sick world!

 

The statistics are staggering. Over 100,000 Christians are persecuted every day across the globe today. There are approximately 30,000 believers imprisoned for their faith in North Korea alone. In countries like Pakistan, India, Iraq and Iran it is not safe to claim the name of Christ. And as we see in Exodus at the time of Israel’s enslavement, God hears the cries of His people. He knows each of them by name!

 

Much like Stephen we are no one special. I don’t know about you, but I am pretty ordinary. But, when we are put in situations where we must stand for our faith, God will give us the words to speak and the courage to stand. God used Stephen’s death to launch His believers from Jerusalem into Samaria and all of Judea. He can use you as well, in ways that you can not imagine.

 

We are instructed to be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is within us at all times (1 Peter 3:15). If we are going to Transform Chino, then we need to be prepared. Do you believe? If so, then be prepared. You might just be called on to take a stand!

 

Pray that you would be prepared to speak with courage and boldness should the opportunity come.

 

If you would like more information on how you can be an advocate for the persecuted Christians around the world visit Christian Freedom International at www.christianfreedom.org