I think I am going to share some of the scripture that I'm reading on facebook. I know that I am pretty lazy and I'm sure some people will read this post way before you read a Bible. So journal with me if you wish... or don't... but please dont take this from me.
Acts. The Early Church.
In Acts 7 Stephen explains how the Israelites acted toward God and their fellow people. He then explains how his fellow Christians are basically reverting to their past. He says in verse 51:
" 'And you continue, so bullheaded! Calluses on your hearts, flaps on your ears! Deliberately ignoring the Holy Spirit, you're just like your ancestors. Was there ever a prophet who didn't get the same treatment? Your ancestors killed anyone who dared talk about the coming of the 'Just One.' And you've kept up the family tradition - traitors and murders, all of you. You had God's Law handed to you by angels- gift wrapped! - and you squandered it! ''
54: At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, harldy noticed - HE ONLY HAD EYES FOR GOD, whom he saw in ALL his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at
God's side!"
57: Yelling and hissing, the mob drowned him out. Now in full stampede, they dragged him out of town and pelted him with rocks. The ringleaders took off their coats and asked a young man named Saul to watch them.
As the Rocks rained down
Stephen Prayed,
"Master Jesus, take my life."
Then he knelt down, praying loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Master, don't blame them for this sin"
Then he died.
--------------------------
So where are you in this story? I think everyone fits somewhere in it. Sometimes I feel like Stephen simply trying to help a fellow Christian and they nail me with a rock. Sometimes I am the crowd. It sucks either way. If you've been hurt by a Christian - whether you are one or not - understand that we are so far from perfect. We are often the bully- seldom the weak. If I have been that Christian I am truly sorry. Please forgive me and work with me to grow... but let me work with you too.
Lets put the stones down and talk.
Acts. The Early Church.
In Acts 7 Stephen explains how the Israelites acted toward God and their fellow people. He then explains how his fellow Christians are basically reverting to their past. He says in verse 51:
" 'And you continue, so bullheaded! Calluses on your hearts, flaps on your ears! Deliberately ignoring the Holy Spirit, you're just like your ancestors. Was there ever a prophet who didn't get the same treatment? Your ancestors killed anyone who dared talk about the coming of the 'Just One.' And you've kept up the family tradition - traitors and murders, all of you. You had God's Law handed to you by angels- gift wrapped! - and you squandered it! ''
54: At that point they went wild, a rioting mob of catcalls and whistles and invective. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, harldy noticed - HE ONLY HAD EYES FOR GOD, whom he saw in ALL his glory with Jesus standing at his side. He said, "Oh! I see heaven wide open and the Son of Man standing at
God's side!"
57: Yelling and hissing, the mob drowned him out. Now in full stampede, they dragged him out of town and pelted him with rocks. The ringleaders took off their coats and asked a young man named Saul to watch them.
As the Rocks rained down
Stephen Prayed,
"Master Jesus, take my life."
Then he knelt down, praying loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Master, don't blame them for this sin"
Then he died.
--------------------------
So where are you in this story? I think everyone fits somewhere in it. Sometimes I feel like Stephen simply trying to help a fellow Christian and they nail me with a rock. Sometimes I am the crowd. It sucks either way. If you've been hurt by a Christian - whether you are one or not - understand that we are so far from perfect. We are often the bully- seldom the weak. If I have been that Christian I am truly sorry. Please forgive me and work with me to grow... but let me work with you too.
Lets put the stones down and talk.
