Stephen preached a very truthful and complete message showing how Christ was revealed ALL THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD, how did they respond? “…they CAST HIM OUT OF THE CITY and STONED HIM…the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of Saul (now Paul)…they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “LORD JESUS, RECEIVE MY SPIRIT.” Then he knelt down and CRIED OUT with a loud voice, “LORD, DO NOT HOLD THIS SIN AGAINST THEM.” Then, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:58-60)
In Stephens pain and suffering he prayed for the one’s inflicting the agony on him. “Put up with each other and FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER if any of you has a grievance against someone. FORGIVE AS THE LORD FORGAVE YOU.” (Col. 3:13) When Jesus was asked which is the greatest commandment? He said “LOVE GOD WITH YOUR ALL“ then He said, “The second is like it: ‘LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ Everything else hangs on these two commandments.” (Matt. 22:36-40)
REMEMBER, A COMMANDMENT IS NOT A SUGGESTION!
-Bill Stockham