BulletproofPastor

History does repeat and society today is very similar to 1st century Roman rule of Corinth.

The Church at Antioch never held a congregational vote when the Holy Spirit said to separate Barnabas and Saul for missionary ministry. Most Churches today would split over something like that.

The fastest growing church was accomplished by new believers without any formal Bible training. They relied upon God’s leading and His Spirit within them.

From a terror to believers everywhere to the greatest church planter ever, Saul of Tarsus had a rough start to ministry.

Obedience is always rewarded but many times we don’t see it in this life. One day we will know how God has used seemingly small acts to accomplish great things.

Stephen's message reviews the long history of Israel's rejection of God's leadership. In closing, he declares the sins of the fathers are repeated by those in leadership still. Their convicted heart should have lead to repentance but they chose violent denial and hardness of heart.

If you're trying to impress an audience, highlighting a history of their failure isn't how to do it. Stephen's defense before a Jewish court charts an incredible history of rejection and failure to follow God's commands.

Stephen doesn't serve long as a deacon before attracting attention from his detractors.

Many modern churches doom themselves to decline and failure by tasking their pastor with tasks beyond prayer, teaching the Word, and making of disciples.

God controls every aspect of our daily lives and nothing goes without notice. Even prison doors can't stop His Word and the orders of man can't override the commands of God.