I have interrupted the flow of our Sermon on the Mount study in order to share the ministry, the message, and the martyrdom of a First Century young man named Stephen. I do this because of the recent murder of a Twenty-First Century young man named Charlie Kirk (Turning Point, USA). The comparison is remarkable. Listen and see for yourself. My prayer is that Mr. Kirk's influence (already tremendous) will continue to impact people, as did Stephen's, until the Lord's Return! This is the first of ten messages on one of the most influential men for the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ who ever lived, Stephen. There is a reason why more information is recorded in the eternal Word of God on the martyrdom of Stephen than any other man's death except the Lord Jesus - that reason is twofold. First, Stephen's words and witness had an IRRESISTIBLE impact on the heart, soul, and mind of Saul of Tarsus (who became Paul, human author of about half of the New Testament). Second, it was Stephen's martyrdom that resulted in the great First Century persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, which forced Christians into the next two regions of Christ's Great Commission, Judea and Samaria. Stephen is my ultimate hero when it comes to understanding the importance of using the Old Testament to preach Jesus Christ! He is my hero when it comes to boldness in proclaiming Christ to a very hostile audience! He is my hero when it comes to giving his all for his Lord and Saviour and doing it with grace and forgiveness of those who killed him. Stephen well deserved the STANDING OVATION he received from the Lord Jesus! I cannot wait to meet him one day.
