Home / Meditation for Today / Meditation For Today June 21, 2018 : Topic - STEPHEN – THE CHURCH’S 1ST MARTYR

Meditation For Today June 21, 2018 : Topic - STEPHEN – THE CHURCH’S 1ST MARTYR

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--> Note :- Are you born again? You are never going to win the battle against the devil if you are not born again. I plead with you to give your life to Jesus today because the longer you stay in sin and remain unsaved, the more hardened your nature becomes against the purpose and the way God wants you to be for His purpose. To give your life to Jesus now, say this prayer: “Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. I know that I am a sinner and I cannot save myself but Jesus died for me and shed His blood that I might be saved. Today, I accept Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Jesus, I ask You to come into my heart, be my Lord, wash me with Your blood and make me whole. I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord. Thank You for saving me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.” I congratulate you and welcome you to the family of God if you have sincerely said that prayer. Now you are fit to discover, know and walk in your destiny. Call our helpline on +2348037252124, Join Our Daily Whatsapp Devotionals Group : +2347033046607 for Daily Devotionals, crucial discipleship and counselling.s"
Meditation For Today June 21, 2018 : Topic - STEPHEN – THE CHURCH’S 1ST MARTYR



STEPHEN – THE CHURCH’S 1ST MARTYR

‘They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” And then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them!' Having said this, he fell asleep." Acts 7: 59

On April 9, 2017, as Coptic Christians in Egypt gathered for Palm Sunday, a suicide bomber killed 45 people and wounded 119. Those 45 martyrs lost their lives for the sole reason of following Jesus.

The term martyr goes back to the early church meaning ‘a witness for Christ.’ It refers to a follower of Jesus who willingly loses their life rather than deny their faith. Stephen was the first martyr in the history of the church. Rather than defend himself when falsely accused by a group of religious leaders, Stephen chose to preach the Gospel of Christ from beginning to end in hopes that some might understand the Truth. Instead, the religious leaders became furious. Their anger and hatred towards Stephen revealed their hearts. Grabbing Stephen, they took him outside of the city – no trial, no formal conviction – and stoned him. It was the same type of scene as in the old South. Many in the white culture had this “lynch mob” mindset towards blacks whom they felt had gotten out of line.

But it’s not just Stephen’s incredible faithfulness to God even in the face of death that inspires. It’s also the spirit in which he faced death. Stephen’s final words, “Lord Jesus receive my spirit” and “do not hold this against them,” are almost identical to what Jesus said on the cross in Luke 23: 46: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” What we see in Stephen is not just unwavering faith, but a Christ-likeness in his witness – a peace and calm in the face of death. Even though Stephen faced a horrifically violent death by stoning, he was not afraid. Why? Because Christ conquered death and so too, would he. Just as Christ rose from the dead, so too will His followers.

Stephen faced death with a supernatural peace and calm assurance of eternity with Christ. When you face rejection, discrimination or even persecution, ask God for faith like Stephen.
Meditation For Today June 21, 2018 : Topic - STEPHEN – THE CHURCH’S 1ST MARTYR Meditation For Today June 21, 2018 : Topic - STEPHEN – THE CHURCH’S 1ST MARTYR Reviewed by Muyiwa Abodunrin (Muyilight) on June 20, 2018 Rating: 5

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