Stephen is Stoned 

 Acts chapter 7 

     His defense before the Sanhedrin begins well: "The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham." Stephen recalled the 12 patriarchs, Joseph, Egypt, Moses, the burning bush, Mt. Sinai, the promised land, David and Solomon. 

     Then, he got their attention: "You stiff-necked people. You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him..." 

     His listeners were furious. They covered their ears, yelling, dragging him out of the city, and began to stone him. A young man named Saul approved. 

     While stones kept coming, Stephen said, "Look, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." Then he fell to his knees and spoke eight remarkable words: "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." 

(C)  Church in Greek is ekklesia, and in Hebrew, gahal. Moses led the Old Testament church. Christ, Abraham's seed, leads the New Testament church - a pilgrim church, far from the promised land. 

     Contrary to some teachings, God does not continue to show love and forgiveness to those whose hearts turn away from Truth. 

     There was a pattern for the tabernacle. And there is a pattern for the church, written in the Gospels, Acts and Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Churches departing from divine revelation do not experience the Spirit's presence. 

     Jesus, seated at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19), stood to welcome the first martyr. The Savior, our intercessor and advocate, is ready to receive you and me. 

Monday: Persecution breaks out