REFLECTIONS ON THE CHURCH: BUILT ON THE ROCK, ANCHORED BY OBEDIENCE, RESISTANT TO PERSECUTION

Trevor S Ferguson

February 29, 2020

Matthew 16:13-18 (KJV)
[13] When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
[14] And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
[15] He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
[16] And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
[17] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
[18] And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 7:24-27 KJV

[24] Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

[25] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

[26] And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

[27] And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Acts 8:1-4 (KJV)
[1] And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
[2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
[3]  As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
[4] Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

INTRODUCTION

The church of Jesus Christ is the vehicle through which God has purposed to bring salvation to all humanity. Through the church, God desires to reconcile mankind to God and prepare a people who will become the bride of Christ, thus fulfilling God’s purpose in creating man.

Although the church is not specifically mentioned in the Old Testament, it was always part of the plan of God. In Ephesians 1:4, Paul writes that God had chosen us (that is the members of the church) before the foundation of the world. It is through the church that God has opened up the door of salvation to all men, thus breaking down the middle wall of partition the divided Jews and Gentiles.

If this vehicle called the church is to accomplish its grand purpose, it must have the capacity to withstand that harsh the realities of the world and the oppressive actions of the devil. Today, I want to reflect on some of these properties, which I believe will be instructive to us as believers and will help to ensure that we remain part of this wonderful body. I will focus on three main points:

1. The church is built upon the rock of revelation of God in Jesus Christ
2. Members of the church remain anchored to the rock only to the extent that we walk in obedience to Jesus Christ
3. The church of God is resistant to persecution (and as such will accomplish God’s purpose in preparing a people for his name).

EXPOSITION

Let us look at each of these in turn

Reflection #1: The church is built upon the rock of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ

Matthew 16:13-18 records two important statements. Firstly, Peter’s confession of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Son of God, and secondly, Jesus’ declaration concerning building the church upon a rock. Verses 16 and 18 contain the key statements:

Vs. 16: “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Vs. 18 “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

While some have argued that the rock mentioned in this verse refers to Peter and his centrality in the establishment of the church, I believe that the more appropriate interpretation focuses on Peter’s confession of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and Son of God. In fact, no one can come to God except he or she recognizes Jesus Christ as the son of God. Jesus himself declared in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” It is the recognition and confession of Jesus Christ as the Messiah, that forms the first step in the process of salvation, and which became a great stumbling block for the Jews. In John 8:24, Jesus told the multitude – “if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins”. Note here that the ‘he’ is in italics, so Jesus’ words were - “if ye believe not that I am” – a clear reference to his deity. This affirms that recognition of the deity of Jesus Christ is a fundamental component of salvation.

It is important also to recognize that Jesus Christ was actually “God in man”, i.e. he had a dual nature; being fully God and fully man. In 2^nd Corinthians 5:19 Paul tells us that “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself”. He further states in 1^st Timothy 3:16:

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”

Colossians 2:8-9 further admonishes us:

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

Thus, the divine nature of Jesus Christ is central to our understanding of who he is and his offer of salvation.

While some have struggled to accept the divinity of Jesus Christ, others have had difficulty accepting is humanity. John warns against such teaching in 1^st John 4:2-3:

“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God …”

So then, correct understanding of God and his manifestation as Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is central to the Christian faith. Peter’s proclamation in Matthew 16:16 “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” acknowledges both the humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. He was the Messiah – the one promised by God who would deliver Israel; but not only was he the Messiah, he was the son of God, hence divine. This then becomes the rock upon which Christ would build his church. Let us continue to recognize and declare that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God and that through him all humanity has the hope of salvation.

Reflection #2: Individual church members, local congregations and organizations remain anchored to the rock only to the extent that we walk in obedience to Jesus Christ

Many persons today will make a confession of faith in Jesus Christ but fail to walk in obedience to his words. Others seek to bank on the security in the vehicle called the church and fail to realize that individual responsibility and accountability are also central to salvation. I would like to remind us today, that confession without obedience is inadequate, and cannot result in a lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus established this principle with his first major sermon – the sermon on the mount in Matt 5-7. As he closes the sermon in Matthew 7:24 – 25, he admonished the multitude: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock”.

Those who heard and obeyed were likened to the man who built his house on the rock. This house was strong and resilient. It could withstand the wind, the rain and the flood.

On the contrary, the man who failed to obey was likened unto a foolish man. The foolish man’s house is built of the sand and was unable to withstand the elements – “the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:27).

James echoed these teachings of Jesus in his letter to the church. In James 1:22 he admonishes us – “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves”.

Jesus again emphasized the importance of obedience to the word in the gospel of John.

John 14:21 tells us “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him”. Furthermore, John 15:10 says: “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love”. So, again we see that obedience to God’s word is essential if we are to continue in a meaningful relationship with him. As members of the church of God, let us commit to walking in obedience to God’s word, because only through obedience can we remain anchored to the rock.

Reflection #3: The Church of God is Resistant to Persecution

Jesus first declaration concerning the church includes that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The interpretation of this statement is also a point of debate. Some emphasize the churches ability to withstand the oppressive attacks of the powers of hell (i.e. the devil and his angels), while others emphasize the offensive acts of the church through evangelism in pushing against the gates of hell and pulling persons out of Satan’s grasp and into a salvation. Both positions are in fact true. Satan’s forces have not been able and will not be able to stop the evangelistic efforts of the church and neither will his evil acts of oppression stop believers from serving the true and living God. The history of the church gives testimony to this. From the day of Pentecost, we see the great power of the gospel message to snatch men and women from Satan’s grasp with three thousand souls being added to the church. Throughout Acts and the epistles, we see the rapid and massive spread of the church so that within a single generation the Christian message had spread and taken root throughout the Roman empire and beyond.

With such rapid spread the devil began to turn on the heat of oppression. In Acts 4, Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin to answer charges following the healing of the lame man. They were eventually let go but were commanded not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Peter and John’s response is instructive:

“But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).

In Acts 5, the apostles are again imprisoned, but the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and let them out. In Acts 6, Stephen is accused of blasphemy and brought before the Sanhedrin. Acts 7 records Stephen’s defense before the Sandhedrin and thereafter being stoned to death as the first martyr of the church. Acts 8: 1-4 records the more widespread persecution of the church but countered that “they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word”.   

The rest of Acts and sections of the epistles records how much the Apostles were persecuted for preaching the gospel, but how much they persisted despite strenuous opposition. This was no easy or simple task; they faced persecution and oppression wherever they went but kept on teaching and preaching. Paul writes in 2^nd Corinthians 4:8-11:

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

Finally, Hebrews 11:32 – 40 contains a passage which focuses mainly on the Old Testament saints and martyrs, but is still very instructive to us, and reminds us that the devil and his persecutory strategies, cannot stop the people of God:

³² And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: ³³ Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴ Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.
³⁵ Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: ³⁶ And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
³⁷  They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; ³⁸ (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
³⁹ And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: ⁴⁰ God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

So down here we may suffer, down here we will face persecution, down here we will face oppression! We may be sick naked and distressed! But one of these days, if we hold to God’s unchanging hands, we will join with the saints of all ages in a great gathering in the air. I don’t know about you, but I am planning to be there! We shall gather around the throne of God, singing the song of the ages! It will be joy unspeakable and full of glory! No man can stop the church of God! The devil cannot stop the church of God! The church is built on a firm foundation, with the apostles and prophets and Jesus Christ himself as the chief cornerstone!

CONCLUSION

As your theme says, “The Church is still unstoppable, unbreakable and unconsumable!”.

It is built upon the rock of the revelation of God in Christ, anchored to the rock by obedience to the word of God and is resistant to persecution, oppression and opposition. Let us pledge to do our part in preserving this powerful life changing organism. God bless you, in Jesus name! 

PREACH THE WORD: Pointers from Paul for End-time Evangelism

Trevor Ferguson

July 1, 2018

1^st Timothy 4:1-2
¹ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
² Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

2^nd Timothy 3:1-5
¹ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
² For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
³ Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
⁴ Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2^nd Timothy 4:1-5
¹ I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
² Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
⁴ And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
⁵ But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

**Message delivered for opening session at bethel United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic) Convocation 2018**

INTRODUCTION

The theme for this year’s convocation calls on us to examine our approach to evangelism in the end-time and discover how we can operate in the miraculous power of God. For today’s message, I will focus on the broad principles of end-time evangelism and our approach to preaching the gospel in the end-time.

Now, some may ask, what do we mean by the end-time?

The end-time refers to the period preceding the return of Jesus Christ, when he will come to take his church out of the world and execute judgment up mankind. The bible refers to this period as the “last days” or “latter times”, in several Old and New Testament passages, while in the book of Daniel, this period is referred to as the “time of the end”. For us today the end-time refers to the period of time from the present to the time of Christ’s return; but in a broader context the end-time can refer to the period of time spanning the entire church age (from Pentecost to the return of Jesus Christ). Indeed, the Apostles expected Christ to return within their life time, and in every generation since then, believers have actively looked for the coming of Christ in their days.

We note that the theme presupposes that we are living in the end-time and that the return of Jesus Christ will be sometime soon, so this can be taken as given. It is important to note that 'soon' does not denote a specific or maximum number of days or years but suggest that Jesus could come at any time in the near future, including today! However, as Peter points out, a day with the Lord is like a thousand years and a thousand years as one day, therefore no one has the authority to put a date on the timing of Christ's return. In fact, the scriptures clearly teach that no one knows the day, or the hour in which the Lord will return, not even the angels in heaven. Therefore, we will actively look or watch for Christ’s return at any time during our life time; but we must also understand that that it is quite possible that his return may take longer than we think.

The major responsibility for the church in the end-time is to preach the gospel message. The passage of focus for this year's convocation, instructs us to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature; in short, we are commanded to evangelize. The question posed indirectly by the theme is how do we approach evangelism in the end-time? Do we need special methods? Do we need new methods? How do we structure our evangelistic strategies in the end-time?

As I reflected on the theme, I was directed to book of 2nd Timothy and Paul's charge to Timothy, his son in the gospel, with regards to his ministry in the end-time. Now Paul is regarded by many as the greatest evangelist of all times; in less than three decades he evangelized all of Asia Minor and significant parts of Europe! He raised up great churches and his ministry was accompanied by miracles of healing, raising of the dead and casting out devils. He was operating in the miraculous. Clearly if we want to learn evangelism, we must listen to Paul. So today I would like to share with you what I would like to call "Pointers from Paul for End-time Evangelism"

The text comes to us from 1^st Timothy 4: 1-2, 2^nd Timothy 3:1-5 & 2^nd Timothy 4: 1-5

The message can be summed up in three words "PREACH THE WORD!", which I will use as the main theme or take-home message today. If you remember nothing else today, don’t forget: PREACH THE WORD!

EXPOSITION

For the rest of our deliberations today, I want us to focus on three main points highlighting the context in which we evangelize in the end-time, the content of the end-time evangelistic message and our attitude and approach to end-time evangelism.

Point #1: People in the end-time will not like sound doctrine

This relates to the background or context within which we evangelize. The scriptures in 1^st Timothy 4:1-2, 2^nd Timothy 3:1-5 and 2nd Timothy 4: 3-4 illustrates this well. 1^st Timothy 4 tells us that in the end-time there will be great apostasy. Many will abandon true biblical faith and will instead will follow after seducing, deceptive spirits, and doctrines or teachings of demonic origin! This is happening today! Not only are we seeing strange teachings being promoted by many, but we also see persons who openly worship Satan!

In 2^nd Timothy 3, Paul outlines for Timothy at least 18 characteristics of people in the end-time. It is important to note these, so that we understand the people to whom we must minister. People will be: 1) lovers of their own selves, 2) covetous [i.e. lovers of money], 3) boasters, 4) proud, 5) blasphemers [abusive, slanderers], 6) disobedient to parents, 7) unthankful [ungrateful], 8) unholy, 9) without natural affection [i.e. without love], 10) trucebreakers [unforgiving, merciless], 11) false accusers [slanderers], 12) incontinent [i.e. without self-control], 13) fierce [brutal, cruel], 14) despisers of those that are good, 15) traitors [betrayers], 16) heady [rash, reckless], 17) high minded [i.e. conceited, puffed up with pride], 18) lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

When we understand that these are the types of persons to whom we must evangelize, we realize the end-time evangelism is no small feat. People will not be easily won over; We can’t just go around having church as usual, sing a few songs, preach half-prepared sermons, and expect people will respond in large numbers. That won’t work! We have to get back to the power and presence of God, so that the anointing can break the yolk; We must break through the powers of darkness, so that the light of the glorious gospel to shine through! We need the power and the presence of God!

How do we get there?  This brings us to point #2

Point #2 The end-time evangelist must preach the word!

This was most likely Paul’s final word to the church, his final charge to Timothy. He knew that death was near, and he had one final charge for his son. From the deep recesses of his inner being and calling on God as his witness, he wrote his final charge, summarized in three words: PREACH THE WORD! We note the use of the word ‘therefore’ in verse 1 of 2^nd Timothy 4. This suggest that we must look at the preceding text. We have just looked at 2 Timothy 3:1-5, so we know that this speaks to our response in a context of a depraved, apostate world.

So, how do you evangelize in this fierce, self-loving, pleasure seeking, apostate world? PREACH THE WORD! We note also that verses 16 - 17 of chapter 3 also provide additional rationale for Paul’s charge. Listen to what Paul says:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Note therefore, that if we are to preach the word, we must be familiar with the word! Listen also to Paul’s word to Timothy in 2^nd Timothy 2:15:  

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

We further emphasize that the word of God is powerful and effective. This is illustrated in Hebrews 4:12:  

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  

It is clear therefore that the word of God has the power to penetrate human thought and to convict mankind of sin. Our words may have some power, but they are impotent when compared to the word of God. If we are going to effectively evangelise in the end-time, we must PREACH THE WORD.

I would also like to make some secondary points that follows on the charge to preach the word; we want to look at when to preach, what to preach and how to preach. 

Point 2 (a) The end-time evangelist must be ready to preach at all times. Paul charges Timothy to be instant, to be prepared and ready to preach at all times, whether the conditions are favourable or unfavourable, whether the people are willing to hear or hostile; the end-time preacher must be bold, thick-shinned, broad-backed, not easily discouraged.

Point 2 (b) The end-time preacher must correct, rebuke and encourage. This speaks to the content of the message. The end-time preacher must correct misinformation or error; he must rebuke sin and false teachers and their teaching; he must encourage those are seeking after God, he must encourage those that are growing in Christ, he must encourage the weak and feeble minded. The content of the end-time message must be bible-based, comprehensive and complete.

Point 2 (c) The end-time preacher must exercise great patience and provide careful instruction.  This speaks to the issue of how to preach. Our attitude and posture while we preach is equally important as our content; because if we have good content and bad attitude we will not be successful. Paul says we should exercise great patience (long suffering). People will often take some time to respond to the gospel message. We must patiently wait as we continue to proclaim the word and pray for Divine revelation.

The end-time preacher must also provide careful instruction. Isaiah 28:10 says
“… precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:” We need to ensure that the word is presented in a logical, sequential manner that everyone can understand. We cannot presume that people are familiar with complex doctrinal issues, but we must take them through step by step.

Point #3 The end-time evangelist must be vigilant and prepared for all facets of ministry

This second section of Paul’s charge to Timothy now turns the focuses on the preacher. It is important to recognise that the attitude and mindset of the preacher is critical to the effectiveness of the message.  So, as we look at verse 5 of 2^nd Timothy 4, I would like to emphasize four subpoints pertaining to the end-time preacher. These are self-explanatory, so I will just let them speak for themselves.

Point 3 (a) The end-time evangelist must keep a clear mind, being sober and vigilant at all times

Point 3 (b) The end-time evangelist must be prepared to endure hardship and should not be afraid to suffer for the gospel

Point 3 (c) The end-time evangelist must consistently evangelize both within the local church community and where necessary as an itinerant preacher 

Point 3 (d) The end-time evangelist must discharge all the duties of his/her ministry 

If we put these into practice, I firmly believe that we will see great success, we will see miracles, signs and wonders, and the name of Jesus will be magnified.

LIVE THE WORD

Now some may say that I am not a preacher and therefore, this word does not apply to me. That is far from the truth. This word applies to you! The preacher or evangelist is not limited to those who preach behind a pulpit, but all of us are preachers and evangelists in one way or another. In all our interactions with family, friends, co-workers, fellow students or the people in our communities, we must preach the word, and more importantly we must LIVE THE WORD!  In this sense we become, as Paul said to the Corinthians, living epistles or walking sermons, seen and read by all. This applies to each and every Christian. Just as the preacher must preach, every Christian must live!

So, the we can extend the sermon theme; We have already declared that the end-time evangelist must PREACH THE WORD; Now we can add, every Christian must LIVE THE WORD!

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

In conclusion therefore, as we open Convocation 2018, we have shown that we are living in the last days, a period characterized by self-love, self-indulgence and apostacy, the end-time evangelist must:

•        Preach the Word
•        Be ready to preach at all times
•        Correct, rebuke and encourage
•        Exercise great patience and provide careful instruction
•        Be vigilant and prepared for all facets of ministry
•        Keep a clear mind, being sober and vigilant at all times
•        Be prepared to endure hardship and should not be afraid to suffer for the gospel
•        Consistently evangelize both within the local church community and where necessary as an itinerant preacher
•       The end-time evangelist must discharge all the duties of his/her ministry

Every Christian must LIVE THE WORD

God bless you all, as we put these words into practice. In Jesus Name!

I See Jesus – Lessons on Spiritual Vision from the Life of Stephen

Trevor S Ferguson

November 11, 2017

Acts 6:1-10 (KJV)
¹  And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
²  Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
³  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
⁴  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
⁵  And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
⁶  Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
⁷  And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
⁸  And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
⁹  Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
¹⁰  And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.

Acts 7:54-60 (KJV)
⁵⁴  When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
⁵⁵  But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
⁵⁶  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
⁵⁷  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
⁵⁸  And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
⁵⁹  And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
⁶⁰  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

INTRODUCTION

The ability to see is probably the most important of our five senses. One source suggests that we perceive 80% of all sensory impressions by our sight. While the eyes can compensate for loss of many aspects other senses, it is difficult for the other senses to compensate for loss of vision.

As is the case with physical vision, spiritual vision is critical to our Christian life. Spiritual vision in this context refers to our ability to see the things of God, and the way in which we interpret the things happening to us and the things happening around us, in relation to God and his actions. What we see, and how we view our situations and circumstances, will have profound effects on our outlook, our attitudes, and our levels of effectiveness.

Many Christians have poor spiritual vision. We often fail to see the hand of God in our circumstances, and at other times misinterpret the situation, concluding that God has given up on us, or that he has forsaken us. The situation is probably best illustrated with the case Elisha’s servant in 2^nd Kings 6. He saw with his physical eyes, all the armies of Syria which had come to capture Elisha, but could not see that the mountains were filled with horses and chariots of fire around Elisha. Naturally therefore, he was full of fear, thinking that they would be captured and perhaps killed by the Syrians. It was not until Elisha had prayed for God to open his spiritual eyes that he saw the horses and chariots of fire. Now that he had correct spiritual vision, his perspectives changed.

In a similar way, many of us a troubled and perplexed by the circumstances we have faced, or are currently facing in our lives. Poor spiritual vision causes us to live in fear and to adopt a negative and defeatist attitude. As a result, we are ill equipped to deal with the struggles of the Christian life and as such find little joy in serving God. Today, I want to encourage our hearts and share with us some insights from the life of Stephen, who in his moment of greatest crisis, saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God. This spiritual vision helped him to face martyrdom with amazing peace and Christian grace, to the extent of praying for his attackers, even in the face of death! I believe that reflections of the life of Stephen will therefore produce practical insights that can guide us in our walk with Christ and in our ministry endeavors.

EXPOSITION

Let us get to the lessons to be learnt from this text. After reflecting on this passage of scripture for some time and seeking God’s insight into the passage, I have summarized my reflections into five lessons. These will serve as our focus today.

Lesson #1: You are not too anointed to serve tables. (In fact, this could be stated in the reverse - you do need to be anointed to serve tables!)

Stephen was one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, when murmuring arose between the Grecian and Hebrew Christians. The problem was that the Grecian widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. The problem was brought to the attention of the apostles, who sought to correct this by appointing seven men, commonly known as the seven deacons, who were to give oversight to the distribution of food. The apostles themselves would focus on the ministry of the word and to prayer.

It is important to note the qualifications that the apostles listed in choosing these seven deacons. They were to be honest men, full of the Holy Ghost and full of wisdom. Stephen was additionally described as being full faith and of the Holy Ghost. Note also that their task was not to be in pulpit ministry, or to become well known, but to simply ensure that all the persons were fairly attended to during the sharing of meals. The point I would like to bring across is that although many of us may have a great level of anointing we should never consider ourselves as being too anointed to do the menial tasks in the church. Whatever we are asked to do let us do it as unto God. Regardless of what God has done through us in the past, or the number of spiritual gifts we possess we must be willing to respond to the call of God or to the recommendation of our leaders, and be willing to do the simple and non-glamourous task. If we can’t be faithful in the little things, we have in effect disqualified ourselves for the big things.  We are not too anointed to serve tables.

Lesson #2: Use your gifts, fulfil your ministry

This second lesson speaks to those of us who are often afraid to step up in ministry, despite that fact that they have been anointed and called of God. We see in verse 8, that Stephen did great wonders and miracles among the people. Again, the statement is prefixed by stating that he was full of faith and of power. We note that Stephens only appointment at that point was in the administrative role as supervisor over the distribution of meals. This however did not stop him from participating fully in ministry.

The bible does not provide full details with regards to the context under which Stephen operated, what we know is that he was able, he was willing, he was available, and God used him. There are many people today, who have the anointing of God on their lives, but are afraid and unwilling to make themselves available to God. Some may contend that they are not appointed as ministers and therefore are unwilling to make themselves available. Today God is challenging you to come out from under the shadows, allow the anointing that God has placed on your life to come to the fore and watch God work. He will accomplish great things through you if you will make yourself available to Him! Use your gift; fulfil your ministry!

Lesson #3: Study the word, defend the faith

For persons who have been involved in ministry for some time, it is well known that once you step up and step out for God, you will face opposition. Stephen had to face that opposition head on. As soon as God started to work through him, the opposition arose. The scripture said that members of the synagogue of the Libertines, the Cyrenians and the Alexandrians began to dispute with Stephen. They stirred up the people, possibly bribing some to tell lies against Stephen and eventually had him arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin. They thought they had him, but God was with him. The scripture says that when they looked upon him and saw his face, his face shone like that of an angel.

Stephens defense before that Sanhedrin was a lesson in Jewish history and stunning defense of the Christian faith. He took them step by step from God’s call of Abraham, through the influence of Joseph in delivering his family from famine, and the call of Moses in delivering the people from Egypt. He describes the setting up of the tabernacle in the wilderness and the eventual building of the temple by Solomon. He ends with the way Israel persecuted the prophets and laid the charge for the crucifixion of Jesus, squarely and the feet of the Jews. Of course, this made the Jews furious and eventually to him being stoned to death.

The point being made here is that Stephen had a tremendous command of the old testament scripture and was able to give a stout defense of the faith, based on his knowledge of the word of God. In a similar way, we must study the word of God so that we can defend the things that we believe. Note that this is not just my saying but is a requirement of the word of God. Peter charged us in 1^st Peter 3: 15 “… be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you …” 

Paul also charges us in 2^nd Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” It is critical that we put this in practice today. Few people have a good understanding of the things that we believe and what makes us different from other churches. If we do not take this seriously, the Pentecostal movement will begin to morph into something that is indistinguishable for the myriad church groups in operation today. Stephen died for truth, let us live and defend this truth or as Jude instructs us: “… earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”  Study the word. Defend the faith!

Lesson #4: Jesus stands with us in times of great opposition or adversity

This lesson is critical to the concept of spiritual vision outlined earlier. The word that struck me is that while the Jews were angry and gnashing their teeth at Stephen, he looked straight up into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. In the midst of this great opposition Stephen saw Jesus! The Jews were angry, but Stephen saw Jesus! Death might have been near, but Stephen saw Jesus! There was very little he could do to save himself, but Stephen saw Jesus!

What did this mean for Stephen? Firstly, it was an affirmation of his faith, the gospel he was speaking about was real, and not a figment of his imagination. Jesus was real, Jesus was alive, Jesus was in heaven and Jesus was in a position of prominence and power. With this vision of Jesus, the fury of the Jews did not matter, because Jesus was greater than the Jews and Stephen was on Jesus’ side. Secondly, it was an assurance of a heavenly home for Stephen. The Jews might have been in a rush to usher his life out, but Jesus was waiting to welcome him home!

Child of God, we do not need to fear death! As Paul remind us in 2^nd Corinthians 5:8 “… to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” So regardless of what men may want to do to us, we are safe in the arms of Jesus.

For us today, we need to know that as Jesus stood for Stephen, Jesus stands with us in times of great adversity and opposition. The problem is that often we do not see him. Why is this so? We usually focus on the problem and not on Jesus. But look at vs 55-56 again, while the Jews were angry and gnashing their teeth at him, Stephen looked steadfastly into heaven! Stephen saw Jesus because he looked for him! The song writer reminds us: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.”  

Can you see Jesus today? Can you see him in the midst of your problems? Can you feel his presence in the midst of your pain? Look steadfastly up into heaven. As another song writer says: there is life for a look at the crucified one, there is life at this moment for thee … look, look, look and live! There is life at this moment for you. The writer to the Hebrews also advises us that “… unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” If we look, we will see him! If we see him our perspectives will change. Turn your eyes upon Jesus!

Lesson #5: Even in apparent defeat, our faith can have profound, long lasting effects

This last lesson is also important because sometimes our focus on earthly and immediate results causes us to misinterpret the effects of events and circumstances in our lives. Some may have concluded that Stephen’s life ended in defeat, because he paid the ultimate price for his faith. Contrary to what many of us would have expected, Jesus did not step in and destroy the Jews in Stephen’s defense. But in the broader scheme of things, Stephen’s death achieved much for the early church, and we today may still be reaping the benefits. It is heartwarming to note how similar to Jesus Stephen had become, so that like Jesus he prayed for forgiveness for his attackers even as his own life was being ushered out.

Additionally, a brief note in verse 58, points us to an important observer at the stoning of Stephen – the scripture says they laid their clothes at a young man’s feet whose name was Saul. Many believe that the testimony and martyrdom of Stephen had a profound effect on Saul, who later was to become the Apostle Paul. While Stephen was going out, God was paving the heart of a young man who had the training and passion to take this gospel to the whole world. We note also that at Jesus’ death on the cross, many thought that this was the end of the ministry of Jesus – here we are today, two thousand years later, celebrating Jesus. Do not be despondent because things did not work you the way you expected. God is working out all things for our good.     

CONCLUSION

So today, we have been challenged by the life of Stephen, to recognize that we are not too anointed to serve in the simple tasks; we need to use our gifts and fulfil our ministry; we must study the word and defend the faith; we must recognize that Jesus stands with us in times of great opposition and adversity and that even in apparent defeat our faith can have profound and long-lasting effects. I challenge everyone reading this blog, to apply these principles to your life. This will serve to strengthen our individual lives and will strengthen the church as we seek to impact the world for the cause of Christ.

If you are not yet saved, you have a great witness before you today. I implore you to put your trust in the God that Stephen so eloquently defended. As he stood for Stephen, he will stand for you too. Put your trust in Him today. God bless you! In Jesus name!

The Multiplication Principle for Blessings and Miracles (Faith Requires Action)

Trevor S Ferguson

March 4, 2017

2 Kings 4:1-7 (KJV)
¹Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.
²And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me, what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
³Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.
⁴And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full.
⁵So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.
⁶And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed.
⁷Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest.

John 6:8-11 (KJV)
⁸One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,
⁹There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
¹⁰And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
¹¹And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

John 2:3-5 (KJV)
³And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
⁴ Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
⁵His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

INTRODUCTION

Most people desire to experience the miracles and blessings of God, but often times we struggle to find these experiences and instead live our lives with pain, distress and suffering. This problem is somewhat counterintuitive, because not only do we want to receive God’s blessings, but it is God’s desire to bless us abundantly. If we want to be blessed and God wants to bless us, why then is there a disconnect?

The problem is that many persons who are seeking God’s blessings have the wrong mind-set and use a wrong approach. We have been led to believe in a certain type of passive faith. With this kind of faith, we don’t have to do anything to receive our miracles! All that is required is that we just pray and leave it to Jesus, or just ‘name it and claim it’, but beyond that little action is required. A careful study of the scriptures however will reveal that miracles are not usually associated with passive faith. Indeed, most miracles are preceded by, or accompanied by significant action on the part of the recipient. We see this in the Old Testament miracles associated with Elijah and Elisha as well as in the miracles of Jesus himself. 

Today, I want to share with you what I will call ‘The Multiplication Principle for Blessings and Miracles’. The central tenet of this message is that we need to do something in order to experience the miracles of God. Expressed in other terms this is to say – Faith Requires Action!

Let me take a minute to highlight the mathematical properties of multiplication. Now, multiplication is one of the basic mathematical functions, the others being addition, subtraction and division. An important property of multiplication is that any number multiplied by zero is still zero; so for multiplication to work we have to start with something. If we start at zero, regardless how large the multiplier is, we will still remain at zero. Therefore, where the multiplication principle is applied we must start with something before we can get anything or reach anywhere. Most miracles and blessings usually operate on a multiplication principle.

EXPOSITION

Let us look at the text. The lead passage today – 2^nd Kings 4:1-7 – relates the story of the miraculous intervention of God, through the prophet Elisha, in addressing the plight of the widowed wife of a prophet, whose sons were about to be taken away to serve as slaves, to pay off debt left by her husband. She therefore went to Elisha, who was now the head of the school of prophets, to seek his help and advice.

Elisha first asks, what shall I do for thee? The tone of this first question suggest that Elisha did not have an immediate answer. He did not possess the resources to pay the woman’s debt, and had no legal grounds to prevent the creditors from taking her sons. So then, his initial response, like that of the woman’s, was one of bewilderment. Before he could finish that thought however, the Spirit of God began to intervene. He switches tone suddenly and ask a very important question – what do you have in your house? This is a question that every miracle seeker needs to ask today, because the answer to our problems is often sitting right there in our houses!

The woman responded – the only thing I have is a small pot of oil. This was most likely a small bottle of olive oil, to be used for anointing. Elisha’s next response continues the new tone, as his inspiration continues to flow. His unspoken words, were probably Great! That’s enough – I now have something to work with! Something God can multiply! He therefore says to her – go borrow, vessels from thy neighbours, empty vessels, borrow not a few – get as many as you can. When you are done, shut yourself in your house and start pouring into the vessels and put aside the vessels that are full.

Note that up to this point he has not told her how this is going to solve her problems; he has given her some instructions and will only advise her of the next steps when she has faithfully completed these tasks.

The woman and her sons act in obedience; they gathered as many vessels as they could and the began pouring. As they acted in obedience the miracle began to unfold. They poured into one bottle until it was full, but discovered that the source bottle still had the same amount of oil; they filled the second bottle and behold the same thing happened; they poured another, and another and another and the oil kept flowing until they had filled all the bottles they had. Then the oil stopped flowing – our miracles are limited only by the extent of our faith.

Now fully aware that God was at work, the woman went back to the Elisha, who now advises her sell the oil, pay off her debt and live off the rest. God had not only addressed her most pressing needs, but he had also addressed her ongoing needs – ensuring provision for the day to day needs of life.

Now what can we learn from this encounter? How is this applicable to the church as Alleppo? Firstly, I want to return to the multiplication principle. This is hinged on the question: What do you have in your house? God will take what we have and multiply it supernaturally to meet our needs! This could be anything: it may be a talent – we may be good at art, or singing, or science or math – God can use these inherent talents and turn them into great blessings. We may have a plot of land, or inherited as small house form a parent or grandparent – God can take that and turn it into a source of blessing! We may be good at speaking or selling – God can take that and make it a source of blessings – where we serve as motivational speakers or sales representatives. Whatever we have, regardless of how little it may be – God can apply the multiplication principle and turn it into somethings great. Remember however that zero multiplied by anything is still zero – we cannot just come to God empty handed. Use what you have. God will make it great.

It is important to realize that this is not the only scripture that demonstrates the multiplication principle.  Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand and four thousand also demonstrates the principle. We also see this is the account of the prophet Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in 1^st Kings 17. In the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus took the five barley loaves and two small fishes and multiplied it to feed five thousand, and the disciples picked up twelve baskets of left overs. In the feeding of the four thousand, Jesus took the seven loaves and a few fishes and multiplied it to feed four thousand, and the disciples picked up seven baskets of left overs. In the account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath, Elijah asked the woman to bake him a cake, but the woman had only a handful of meal and a small cruse of oil enough to make only a single meal, but in obedience to the words of Elijah, she baked him the cake first and the morsel of meal and cruse of oil lasted the entire duration of the famine!

The second major principle demonstrated by this miracle is the principle of obedience. In order for us to receive our miracle from God we must be willing to do what he tells us to do! What we are told may not immediately make sense to us, but if we follow in obedience God will bring great things to pass. In the account of the prophet’s widow, she was told to borrow containers from her neighbours and poor oil from a small container. This, on the surface, looks impossible and nonsensical. On top of that he did not explain to her how this exercise would solve her problems. Despite this however she acted in obedience to the word of the prophet and received a mighty miracle from God. The principle of obedience is also highlighted in the other miracles we have looked at so far. In the feeding of the five thousand and the four thousand the disciples acted in obedience to Jesus’ words – make the people sit down, begin to distribute the food. The widow of Zarephath had to obey Elijah’s word – bake me a cake first! For her there were clear risks involved. She had only enough for one meal, if she gave first to Elijah and the miracle did not occur she would have nothing left. But she believed the word of the prophet and acted in faith. She received her miracle!

One of the best examples of the principle of obedience however is the miracle at the feast of Cana in Galilee, where Jesus turned water into wine. Note that this was Jesus’ first miracle, so the people had no track record to rely on. It was simply a matter of trusting that something miraculous will happen. The scripture says when the people wanted wine, Mary reported the problem to Jesus. Here again his initial response is not reassuring, but Mary calmly said to the people – whatever he says unto you do it! Jesus then told them to fill the water pots with water and the to draw from the water pots and give to the governor of the feast. Up to this point all we have is obedience. He did not explain that he was going to turn the water into wine! He did not let them taste the water so that they could see that it had turned into wine. We are not even sure if the colour of the water had changed. But when they acted in obedience the miracle happened!

Somebody is looking to God today for a miracle – God is saying to you – Whatever I have said unto you do it! Somebody is seeking God’s blessings – whatever he says unto you do it! Alleppo is seeking God for a refreshing – whatever he says unto you, do it!

Now some may be countering – God has not told me to do anything! Maybe it’s just that you are not listening! My suggestion is start by doing what is written in his word. If we live by the principles in the revealed word of God we will begin to see God’s blessings. As we draw closer to God he will begin to speak to us – through visions, dreams, or inspired ideas. He will speak to us through our pastors, men and women of God, friends, relatives and even strangers. When he begins to speak to us then we must act in faith! Remember that faith requires action and miracles often use the multiplication principle. When we begin to act, God will multiply our efforts and the little that we have and turn it into something great! It is time for a refreshing, it is time to see the hand of God at work, it is time for your miracle, it is time for your blessing!

CONCLUSION

I close by summarizing a basic three steps process for receiving your miracle. (1)  Have faith in God – Believe that God can do it; Believe that he will do it for you! (2)  Obey his word – Act in faith – Do what he tells you to do; do what you can do! (3)  Wait patiently on God – sometimes the answer is delayed, but God will come through in time.

It is time for your miracle, let God multiply your efforts as you act in faith!