AUGUST 21 “INTIMACY AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE IN THE CHURCH- FIRST CHRISTIAN MARTYR”

Stephen was one of those seven deacons chosen by the early church. He was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Full of God’s grace and power. He witnessed in the Jewish synagogue in Jerusalem about the Messiah-ship of our Lord Jesus Christ. People with these characteristics often stir up opposition, although the opposition does not usually produce the kind of consequence that fell upon Stephen. Some members of the Synagogue tried to debate with Stephen, but his wisdom and knowledge of the Scripture was too much for them. Feeling grieved that they had lost the debate, they embarked upon a course of deceit and cunning that led to the first Christian martyrdom.

Satan wanted to use the death of Stephen to silence the church. God moving in His mysterious way, His wonders to perform, used the event to force the early Christians out of Jerusalem. This led to the expansion of Christ’s ministry to other parts of the then known world. Another positive thing that came out of the first Christian martyrdom is Saul who witnessed the stoning to death of Stephen and later became a Christian and a missionary for Jesus Christ.

According to the words of a hymn, which says:

 “Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face”

 Christians should not be afraid of martyrdom, if God so decides. God will use it to achieve a greater purpose. “In everything, God works for good for those who love him, who are called according to the will of God.” Romans 8:28

PRAYER: My Father and my Lord, we hold on to your promise that your church will continue to march on and the power of hell shall not prevail against her. We need your grace to hold on to you, when your church comes to the crossroad of life in Christ’s precious name we Pray, Amen.