to fight for my marriage thinking it would be ok men think they got it all taken care of when the reality is
we can do nothing in and of ourselves, Love ya man see at 11:45
Steve
| Stephen was one of seven men chosen from the Hellenists–a Greek-speaking wing of the church–to see that no widows were neglected in the daily distribution of food. He became known as a man “full of grace and power” whose speaking was inspired by the Spirit of God. The Jews brought false witnesses against him, accusing him of speaking against the Jewish law and Temple. Stephen had to stand trial before the Jewish Council. When he accused them of betraying and murdering their Messiah, they stoned him. The outcome was persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, the scattering of believers, and expanded missionary activity elsewhere.
Acts 6:1-6 – Appointed to distribute food 10 Life principles from Stephen
In Acts 6 & 7 Dr. Luke explores the life of a man called Stephen. Chapter 6 is primarily about his life whilst chapter 7 is primarily about his message. There are ten characteristics that made Stephen a truly great man: 1. 6:1 – He was relatable – he was chosen by the disciples to be a deacon because they needed a Greek. Stephen was probably a Greek (or at the very least had a Greek name). He spoke the same language – linguistically & culturally. 2. 6:2 – He was available & willing. “Serve tables? Sure I’ll do that!” 3. 6:3 – He had a good reputation with his peers – this means he was honest and reliable, faithful and friendly. It didn’t mean that everyone liked him but it did mean that he gave no reason for people to dislike him. 4. 6:3 – He was full of the Holy Spirit – an essential quality 5. 6:3 – He was full of wisdom – he knew how to apply Biblical truths 6. 6:8 – He was full of faith – the word full incidentally means to have control over not how much faith you have. faith controlled him. 7. 6:8 – He was full of power – notice the order that they come – faith then power. 8. 6:9 – He was an example – compare Pauls sermons with Stephens and there is a stricking resemblance. Stephen went to synagogues to challenge the leaders – so did Paul. 9. 6:15 – He had the look of heaven. C.H. Spurgeon, addressing his students concerning ministry, said, `Men, when you teach on heaven, let there always be a glow on your face, a gleam in your eye, and a grin on your lips. When you teach on hell, your normal face will do fine.’ 10. 7:1-60 – He believed that God controlled history – past, present and future. I have loved this brief study of Stephen and the Godly example he is to all of us! We were talking about common sense, WOW! Stephen sure had Godly Common sense!
Let’s read on to what Pastor Jim and Rodney have to say this morning……. |
Hi Guys:
The Bible is replete with other Godly examples of persons like Stephen. It is God in us that makes all the difference. As Peter addressed the Sanhedrin when questioned regarding the healing of the 38 year old man that was crippled, “Peter filled with the Holy Ghost said unto them…. (Acts 4:8). The difference is filled with the Holy Ghost which I believe is an empowerment that comes all the time and when especially needed to defend the Gospel. It is a Sovereign act of God and done especially to those whose heart is right towards God. To those who seek his face and come to Him with their whole heart as Jesus emptied himself (Phil 2:8 And being found in fashioned, as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”).
I say as for me… I need to be and continue to be emptied out of myself and submit to God’s will in every aspect of my life and become that servant. ( I Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps.)
Blessings.
Jim
Now here is a reply from Rodney Allison who has taken part in our Revival in Los Lunas………
I think we can only go by what the disciples themselves went by, examples. Every time God sends out a messenger or a prophet, He always confirms the message with a sign. Moses, Elijah, Joseph, Gideon, etc…. God is very clear about being known as the only true LIVING God and letting the hearers of His message know this by demonstration, both the OT and NT. This was one of the main callings of Christ on the earth, to approve the message of the love of the Father to the world by demonstration. To demonstrate the love of the message by the Holy Spirit. This was the authority that Christ walked in and that the religious leaders themselves were marveled by. There were many teachers in that time, but no authority. Christ not only taught but showed approval that He was sent by God by visible signs from the Holy Spirit. There was no confusion. Christ showed the signs of one being sent by the only true Living God. You either had to receive this or outright reject it as the leaders did. Visible signs of the fullness of the Holy Spirit takes out the confusion of the origin of the message and puts the conviction on the listener. The disciples that choose Stephen saw Christ walk in this authority of God as an example. Christ Himself said that His followers would do the same. The disciples themselves walked in visible signs of miracles both before and after Pentecost. In choosing Stephen, the disciples had a very clear understanding and reference point for choosing someone who displayed walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. We are only puzzled by it today because we have lost the example, the demonstration of the authority of the Message. Paul said that prophecy is the greatest gift, why? It demonstrates the authority of the message and the messenger.
Jesus at the well is a beautiful demonstration of this. Jesus prophesied to the lady at the well, she receives the message and accepts Him because of the prophecy. Then Christ explains that this is the kind of worship the Father seeks. Worship to God is not the sounds of our voices and music we play. The worship God seeks is the believer who allows themselves to be a full vessel of the Holy Spirit that He may be clearly heard and seen. God seeks this. I believe the disciples had no doubt by what criteria they were looking for when they choose Stephen.
1 Cor 2:4-5
4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
(NIV)
The evidence of proof would be:
Matt 11:4-5
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:
5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
(NIV)
This is what I am praying for in my life, to be filled with the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Eph 1:19-23
19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
(NIV)
Rod.
Thanks to Rod, Victor and Pastor Jim what a round table for our LORD!!!! Please continue posting! I also want to invite you to add your postings!!! Please pray about that! I love it when the Body of Christ comes together and shares.DONT BE SHY FOR JESUS! BE BOLD FOR JESUS!
In the Love of Christ, Dewey, Sharon and Family
Ruidoso, NM posted yesterday afternoon in the last 24 hours New Mexico has had 24 new fires. The Great news this morning, PRAISE GOD, is that the Los Alamos Fire Chief is saying that he believes Los Alamos will be spared from the fire PRAISE GOD! The fire is now over 90,000 acres.
to fight for my marriage thinking it would be ok men think they got it all taken care of when the reality is
we can do nothing in and of ourselves, Love ya man see at 11:45
Steve
| Stephen was one of seven men chosen from the Hellenists–a Greek-speaking wing of the church–to see that no widows were neglected in the daily distribution of food. He became known as a man “full of grace and power” whose speaking was inspired by the Spirit of God. The Jews brought false witnesses against him, accusing him of speaking against the Jewish law and Temple. Stephen had to stand trial before the Jewish Council. When he accused them of betraying and murdering their Messiah, they stoned him. The outcome was persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, the scattering of believers, and expanded missionary activity elsewhere.
Acts 6:1-6 – Appointed to distribute food 10 Life principles from Stephen
In Acts 6 & 7 Dr. Luke explores the life of a man called Stephen. Chapter 6 is primarily about his life whilst chapter 7 is primarily about his message. There are ten characteristics that made Stephen a truly great man: 1. 6:1 – He was relatable – he was chosen by the disciples to be a deacon because they needed a Greek. Stephen was probably a Greek (or at the very least had a Greek name). He spoke the same language – linguistically & culturally. 2. 6:2 – He was available & willing. “Serve tables? Sure I’ll do that!” 3. 6:3 – He had a good reputation with his peers – this means he was honest and reliable, faithful and friendly. It didn’t mean that everyone liked him but it did mean that he gave no reason for people to dislike him. 4. 6:3 – He was full of the Holy Spirit – an essential quality 5. 6:3 – He was full of wisdom – he knew how to apply Biblical truths 6. 6:8 – He was full of faith – the word full incidentally means to have control over not how much faith you have. faith controlled him. 7. 6:8 – He was full of power – notice the order that they come – faith then power. 8. 6:9 – He was an example – compare Pauls sermons with Stephens and there is a stricking resemblance. Stephen went to synagogues to challenge the leaders – so did Paul. 9. 6:15 – He had the look of heaven. C.H. Spurgeon, addressing his students concerning ministry, said, `Men, when you teach on heaven, let there always be a glow on your face, a gleam in your eye, and a grin on your lips. When you teach on hell, your normal face will do fine.’ 10. 7:1-60 – He believed that God controlled history – past, present and future. I have loved this brief study of Stephen and the Godly example he is to all of us! We were talking about common sense, WOW! Stephen sure had Godly Common sense!
Let’s read on to what Pastor Jim and Rodney have to say this morning……. |
Hi Guys:
The Bible is replete with other Godly examples of persons like Stephen. It is God in us that makes all the difference. As Peter addressed the Sanhedrin when questioned regarding the healing of the 38 year old man that was crippled, “Peter filled with the Holy Ghost said unto them…. (Acts 4:8). The difference is filled with the Holy Ghost which I believe is an empowerment that comes all the time and when especially needed to defend the Gospel. It is a Sovereign act of God and done especially to those whose heart is right towards God. To those who seek his face and come to Him with their whole heart as Jesus emptied himself (Phil 2:8 And being found in fashioned, as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”).
I say as for me… I need to be and continue to be emptied out of myself and submit to God’s will in every aspect of my life and become that servant. ( I Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps.)
Blessings.
Jim
Now here is a reply from Rodney Allison who has taken part in our Revival in Los Lunas………
I think we can only go by what the disciples themselves went by, examples. Every time God sends out a messenger or a prophet, He always confirms the message with a sign. Moses, Elijah, Joseph, Gideon, etc…. God is very clear about being known as the only true LIVING God and letting the hearers of His message know this by demonstration, both the OT and NT. This was one of the main callings of Christ on the earth, to approve the message of the love of the Father to the world by demonstration. To demonstrate the love of the message by the Holy Spirit. This was the authority that Christ walked in and that the religious leaders themselves were marveled by. There were many teachers in that time, but no authority. Christ not only taught but showed approval that He was sent by God by visible signs from the Holy Spirit. There was no confusion. Christ showed the signs of one being sent by the only true Living God. You either had to receive this or outright reject it as the leaders did. Visible signs of the fullness of the Holy Spirit takes out the confusion of the origin of the message and puts the conviction on the listener. The disciples that choose Stephen saw Christ walk in this authority of God as an example. Christ Himself said that His followers would do the same. The disciples themselves walked in visible signs of miracles both before and after Pentecost. In choosing Stephen, the disciples had a very clear understanding and reference point for choosing someone who displayed walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. We are only puzzled by it today because we have lost the example, the demonstration of the authority of the Message. Paul said that prophecy is the greatest gift, why? It demonstrates the authority of the message and the messenger.
Jesus at the well is a beautiful demonstration of this. Jesus prophesied to the lady at the well, she receives the message and accepts Him because of the prophecy. Then Christ explains that this is the kind of worship the Father seeks. Worship to God is not the sounds of our voices and music we play. The worship God seeks is the believer who allows themselves to be a full vessel of the Holy Spirit that He may be clearly heard and seen. God seeks this. I believe the disciples had no doubt by what criteria they were looking for when they choose Stephen.
1 Cor 2:4-5
4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
(NIV)
The evidence of proof would be:
Matt 11:4-5
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:
5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
(NIV)
This is what I am praying for in my life, to be filled with the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Eph 1:19-23
19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
(NIV)
Rod.
Thanks to Rod, Victor and Pastor Jim what a round table for our LORD!!!! Please continue posting! I also want to invite you to add your postings!!! Please pray about that! I love it when the Body of Christ comes together and shares.DONT BE SHY FOR JESUS! BE BOLD FOR JESUS!
In the Love of Christ, Dewey, Sharon and Family
Fort Sumner, NM at 3:30! The Sweet family has done such a wonderful work in preserving history here in New Mexico. The museum is not only about Billy The Kid, but History of New Mexico and Fort Sumner. The Billy The Kid Museum is the largest privately owned museum in the Southwest! Lars and I visited it a couple of years ago and it is fascinating!!! besides the Sweet family has given their lives to preserving history with no government funding! I am thankful for people like the Sweet family working hard everyday for the people of New Mexico to keep history alive! Go and Visit, you will learn and enjoy!
to fight for my marriage thinking it would be ok men think they got it all taken care of when the reality is
we can do nothing in and of ourselves, Love ya man see at 11:45
Steve
| Stephen was one of seven men chosen from the Hellenists–a Greek-speaking wing of the church–to see that no widows were neglected in the daily distribution of food. He became known as a man “full of grace and power” whose speaking was inspired by the Spirit of God. The Jews brought false witnesses against him, accusing him of speaking against the Jewish law and Temple. Stephen had to stand trial before the Jewish Council. When he accused them of betraying and murdering their Messiah, they stoned him. The outcome was persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, the scattering of believers, and expanded missionary activity elsewhere.
Acts 6:1-6 – Appointed to distribute food 10 Life principles from Stephen
In Acts 6 & 7 Dr. Luke explores the life of a man called Stephen. Chapter 6 is primarily about his life whilst chapter 7 is primarily about his message. There are ten characteristics that made Stephen a truly great man: 1. 6:1 – He was relatable – he was chosen by the disciples to be a deacon because they needed a Greek. Stephen was probably a Greek (or at the very least had a Greek name). He spoke the same language – linguistically & culturally. 2. 6:2 – He was available & willing. “Serve tables? Sure I’ll do that!” 3. 6:3 – He had a good reputation with his peers – this means he was honest and reliable, faithful and friendly. It didn’t mean that everyone liked him but it did mean that he gave no reason for people to dislike him. 4. 6:3 – He was full of the Holy Spirit – an essential quality 5. 6:3 – He was full of wisdom – he knew how to apply Biblical truths 6. 6:8 – He was full of faith – the word full incidentally means to have control over not how much faith you have. faith controlled him. 7. 6:8 – He was full of power – notice the order that they come – faith then power. 8. 6:9 – He was an example – compare Pauls sermons with Stephens and there is a stricking resemblance. Stephen went to synagogues to challenge the leaders – so did Paul. 9. 6:15 – He had the look of heaven. C.H. Spurgeon, addressing his students concerning ministry, said, `Men, when you teach on heaven, let there always be a glow on your face, a gleam in your eye, and a grin on your lips. When you teach on hell, your normal face will do fine.’ 10. 7:1-60 – He believed that God controlled history – past, present and future. I have loved this brief study of Stephen and the Godly example he is to all of us! We were talking about common sense, WOW! Stephen sure had Godly Common sense!
Let’s read on to what Pastor Jim and Rodney have to say this morning……. |
Hi Guys:
The Bible is replete with other Godly examples of persons like Stephen. It is God in us that makes all the difference. As Peter addressed the Sanhedrin when questioned regarding the healing of the 38 year old man that was crippled, “Peter filled with the Holy Ghost said unto them…. (Acts 4:8). The difference is filled with the Holy Ghost which I believe is an empowerment that comes all the time and when especially needed to defend the Gospel. It is a Sovereign act of God and done especially to those whose heart is right towards God. To those who seek his face and come to Him with their whole heart as Jesus emptied himself (Phil 2:8 And being found in fashioned, as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”).
I say as for me… I need to be and continue to be emptied out of myself and submit to God’s will in every aspect of my life and become that servant. ( I Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps.)
Blessings.
Jim
Now here is a reply from Rodney Allison who has taken part in our Revival in Los Lunas………
I think we can only go by what the disciples themselves went by, examples. Every time God sends out a messenger or a prophet, He always confirms the message with a sign. Moses, Elijah, Joseph, Gideon, etc…. God is very clear about being known as the only true LIVING God and letting the hearers of His message know this by demonstration, both the OT and NT. This was one of the main callings of Christ on the earth, to approve the message of the love of the Father to the world by demonstration. To demonstrate the love of the message by the Holy Spirit. This was the authority that Christ walked in and that the religious leaders themselves were marveled by. There were many teachers in that time, but no authority. Christ not only taught but showed approval that He was sent by God by visible signs from the Holy Spirit. There was no confusion. Christ showed the signs of one being sent by the only true Living God. You either had to receive this or outright reject it as the leaders did. Visible signs of the fullness of the Holy Spirit takes out the confusion of the origin of the message and puts the conviction on the listener. The disciples that choose Stephen saw Christ walk in this authority of God as an example. Christ Himself said that His followers would do the same. The disciples themselves walked in visible signs of miracles both before and after Pentecost. In choosing Stephen, the disciples had a very clear understanding and reference point for choosing someone who displayed walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. We are only puzzled by it today because we have lost the example, the demonstration of the authority of the Message. Paul said that prophecy is the greatest gift, why? It demonstrates the authority of the message and the messenger.
Jesus at the well is a beautiful demonstration of this. Jesus prophesied to the lady at the well, she receives the message and accepts Him because of the prophecy. Then Christ explains that this is the kind of worship the Father seeks. Worship to God is not the sounds of our voices and music we play. The worship God seeks is the believer who allows themselves to be a full vessel of the Holy Spirit that He may be clearly heard and seen. God seeks this. I believe the disciples had no doubt by what criteria they were looking for when they choose Stephen.
1 Cor 2:4-5
4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,
5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.
(NIV)
The evidence of proof would be:
Matt 11:4-5
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:
5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
(NIV)
This is what I am praying for in my life, to be filled with the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Eph 1:19-23
19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength,
20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,
23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
(NIV)
Rod.
Thanks to Rod, Victor and Pastor Jim what a round table for our LORD!!!! Please continue posting! I also want to invite you to add your postings!!! Please pray about that! I love it when the Body of Christ comes together and shares.DONT BE SHY FOR JESUS! BE BOLD FOR JESUS!
In the Love of Christ, Dewey, Sharon and Family