Acts 6:11-15, Stephen part 5 of 14
Author: R New
I'm a 1959 Baby Boomer which has allowed me to see drastic changes in the Christian landscape. I grew up going to Church every Sunday, in those days the Bible still had strong roots in America. In my 20's, I participated with the Church in public meetings. There were about eight of us who would go out to a street corner or public park to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There were horns, a bass drum, singing, and a short Salvation message from the Bible. Suddenly, that all changed. The city passed ordinances to prohibit that type of public "solicitation." Today, it seems almost illegal to mention the Gospel to the younger generation.
I retired at the age of 62. As a person living for the testimony of Jesus Christ, I always felt like a salmon swimming against the current. Work was always a struggle between trying to be a decent individual while dealing with "progressive" and "left wing" changes at the workplace.
It's clear that there is a force in the world that is quietly eliminating the Gospel of Jesus Christ while making Christians look like enemies of humanity. At the same time, there is a force in the world that has power over physiology and is able to form thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It is definitely against Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 is something I always want to cling to, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." I know the suffering of spiritual assault that hinders a constructive lifestyle & when frustration & anger seems to be the sole option - I know we can survive through the Cross of Christ. We have a home in the Kingdom of Heaven waiting for us.
King of Syria is destroyed, judgment of God continues against Israel, global government is God’s instrument of judgment.
Isaiah 9:8-12
Stephen does signs and wonders and unbelievers start arguments against him.
Acts 6:8-10, Stephen part 4 of 14
Unto us a Child is born, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6-7
Stephen chosen as one of the waiters of food tables.
Acts 6:5-7, Stephen part 3 of 14
Joy of the harvest, freedom from the oppressor, walking in peace.
Isaiah 9:3-5
Men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom chosen to be waiters to wait on food tables.
Acts 6:2-4, Stephen part 2 of 14
A Great Light shines in the land of the shadow of death.
Isaiah 9:1-2
Hellenists complain against the Hebrews over the distribution of food.
Acts 6:1, Stephen, part 1 of 14
Mediums, wizards, and a land of hunger, trouble, gloom and darkness.
Isaiah 8:19-22