The Rock Church of Fenton Sermons

When Stephen was put on trial, he was charged with speaking against Moses, God, the temple and the law. Under the power of the Holy Spirit, Stephen answers all of these charges. He explains that Moses was a forerunner of Christ rejected by the people. The holy place was merely a shadow of the true and eternal temple not made with hands. The law was our schoolmaster, showing us our depravity and need for a Redeemer. All of these things pointed to the fullness of God in the person of Jesus and just as the patriarchs rejected the forerunners, the present council had rejected Jesus and now the messenger Stephen. At times, our gospel witness will be on trial in the same way. Will you be as faithful as Stephen? 

Stephen was a man described as full of faith, the Holy Spirit, grace and power. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Stephen possessed the kind of faith that trusted wholeheartedly in the One who commanded his eternal destiny. Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit, empowering him to accomplish great wonders for the Lord. The Bible warns us to not quench or grieve the Holy Spirit, as this will cost us the opportunity to be used of God in all the ways He intended. When we are fully surrendered to the Lord, it will show in our conduct as well as our countenance. When they gazed upon Stephen’s face, they saw him having a face as that of an angel.

Dan Smither from Key of Hope shares the heart of his ministry in South Africa from Isaiah 58:10. “If you pour out yourself for the hungry…then shall your light rise in the darkness.” This is how Jesus’ lived—a life of serving and selflessness. By pouring out himself, He brought us salvation. By pouring out ourselves, we shine the light of Christ.

What is God asking you to pour out for Him?

God chose the Israelites for a special purpose; they were a nation set apart to bring forth God's ultimate plan of redemption to the world. God maintained His relationship with them through the priests of the tribe of Levi. These priests would devote their lives to the Lord and be representatives and mediators between God and the people. When God sent His son into the world, he offered a gift of grace and forgiveness to all mankind, and if they would accept him, they would be invited to be part of His chosen people. They would become the Holy Nation, the Royal priesthood, and a kingdom of priests. The one who surrenders to Christ is enlisted as a priest, an emissary of God called to represent God to the world.

The Bible calls believers in Jesus to be thankful in our hearts to God. Christ followers are ever thankful for their salvation, always keeping in view that Jesus has redeemed us from every lawless deed. Christians are thankful for God’s continual provision. As we seek first His kingdom and righteousness, He has promised to always provide for our every physical and material need. We are also thankful for the stormy seasons through which God sustains our soul in the midst of pain and trial. Do you know the Lord? Are you ever thankful for all He has done and continues to do?

The Bible tells us that the path of the righteous is marked by wisdom. A wise person, first and foremost, fears the Lord. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of the wisdom that leads to salvation. A wise person has a teachable spirit. Their ears are open and their heart is receptive. A wise person receives their wisdom from the Lord. The Bible tells us that anyone who lacks wisdom can ask of God, who gives generously to all who ask of Him. Do you have this wisdom from above?

The Bible tells us that the path of the upright is blessed of the Lord. When we come to Jesus by faith, He changes our heart from the devastating effects of sin, to that which is upright and honors the Lord. When we are given a new heart, we are given a new mind, which leads us to new and life giving speech as well as new deeds that are honoring to God. The house, name and memory of the upright are blessed. Is your path one that is upright?

The Bible tells us that the path of the righteous is a diligent one. Christ-followers are called to be diligent in their work. Our work is to be found reliable, trustworthy, free of negligence. We are to be diligent in our relationships. Disciples of Jesus work hard to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, whether in the home, the church, or the world. We are to be diligent in our faith. We are diligent to know and observe the Word of God. Is the path of your life one marked by diligence?

The Bible tells us that we will all encounter various trials in this life. Perhaps you are currently going through a storm and wonder if there is any purpose to it. In the Scripture, we can see that trials come upon our lives for different reasons. Some trials are for the purpose of training us for a future moment that we have yet to encounter. Without proper training, we'd never get through what awaits us. Other trials are because of our sin or someone else's. All trials are in one way or another for the glory of God. Whatever your trial may be, there is a reason for it. Have you embraced your trial?