WEBVTT

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 Well, good morning. It's good to see all of you this morning.

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 Reminded through that song the significance of those,

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! There's two truths that get coupled together in that final song that we sang.

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! The first is about trusting, and the next is about waiting.

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 Have you thought about that?

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 Have you thought about what does it mean to trust in the Lord?

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 Or maybe better, what does it look like to trust the Lord?

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 How does that play out? How would I describe it?

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 Well, it's the second part of that song, trusting and waiting.

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 That's one of the key ways that faith in God plays out.

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 And it's one of the key ways that God allows faith to grow in our lives.

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 Grows in our life as we learn to wait.

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 I don't know about you, waiting is not easy.

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 I won't ask for a show of hands, but how many of you waiting?

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 Oh, I'm great at waiting. I'm a really good waiter.

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 I think in this culture, we have been conditioned not to wait.

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 We have learned that we don't have to wait.

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 When we want something, we can get that something.

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 And fast food is one of those ways where we want something,

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 we just go and find it, we get it.

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 But there's something significant.

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 I wonder if maybe in our spiritual lives,

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 one of the reasons why there's a deficiency of faith

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 is because we have not learned to wait.

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 Just think about it.

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 Think about the testimony of the Scripture

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 and the key individuals throughout the Bible

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 that we would call men of faith.

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 They're heroes of faith.

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 They're in Acts chapter 11.

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 Sorry, it's in the book of Hebrews chapter 11.

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 It talks about these people who are people of faith.

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 Well, what was true about them is that God made them wait.

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 Abraham, he had to wait for 25 years after the promise was given

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 before God would finally give him the son,

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 the seed that he was waiting for.

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 And then it wouldn't be for another 1,500 years

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 before Christ would be born.

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 The actual seed that was promised there to Abraham.

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 And then we think about David, anointed king.

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 He has to wait.

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 Person after person after person throughout the Scripture.

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 And the testimony of faith has been cultivated by waiting.

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 Reminded of the psalmist who says,

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 I would have lost heart unless I had believed

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 that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

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 Wait on the Lord.

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 Be of good courage.

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 And he will strengthen your heart.

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 This morning we're going to look at a man who has learned faith.

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 A man who is an example of faith in the Lord Jesus, Stephen.

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 And we know his story as it's presented to us in the book of Acts.

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 But here's a man who is full of faith.

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 Well, we don't have all of the ways in which that faith was cultivated.

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 But we're going to see what that faith looked like.

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 How that faith showed up.

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 And it should be an encouragement to every one of us

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 that God instrumentally through his Holy Spirit can make us people of faith.

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 People of faith.

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 Well, I mentioned last week the significance of Sunday school teachers in my life.

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 Those who were servants of the Lord Jesus.

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 Who were instrumental in conditioning me to know what does faith look like?

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 What do people who love Jesus look like?

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 Well, this morning I want to just give you a quick example in history of a person of faith.

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 Not necessarily the person that you would expect.

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 Not a person who would necessarily rise to the top of heroes of the faith as it were.

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 But this man named Edward Kimball in 1855 was a Sunday school teacher.

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 And God was working in his heart to help him understand the significance of speaking to a young man

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 that was in his Sunday school class about the gospel.

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 See, he had this young man on his mind.

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 This young man's name was Dwight L. Moody.

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 I'm sure you are familiar with him.

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 Dwight was 17 years old at the time and he worked as a clerk in a shoe shop.

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 And he knew very little about the Bible.

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 He knew very little about the gospel.

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 But Kimball had developed this burden for this young man.

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 He wanted him to know the scriptures.

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 He wanted him to understand the gospel.

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 And so God had laid this burden on his life

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 and he was looking for opportunities to share this extended ministry of the gospel to this young man.

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 But there was just one problem.

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 He was afraid.

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 He was scared.

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 I imagine that all of us can identify with that to one degree or the other.

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 And Kimball was not afraid just from the threats of persecution.

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 He wasn't afraid of that.

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 But he was afraid for this young man that he would be embarrassed in being called out,

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 the gospel being made clear in front of his friends, in front of his co-workers.

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 And he was also concerned, Kimball was concerned about his own ability to be able to share this message effectively to this young man.

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 So as Kimball thought about this and went about sharing this,

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 he walked up to the store and then walked right by.

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 Afraid about the opportunity.

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 But he stopped.

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 He turned around.

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 And he decided that he was going to go inside.

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 He found Dwight L. Moody in the back.

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 And it was there that he began to share with D.L. Moody the gospel.

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 Be able to share with him the significance of the work of Christ.

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 And as Kimball approached him, he placed his hands on his shoulder.

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 And he says, let me tell you about Jesus.

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 Years later, Kimball recalled how inadequate he felt in that moment.

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 And I imagine every one of us can identify with that.

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 How inadequate we feel in those moments of sharing the gospel or sharing the truth with others.

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 He couldn't even remember exactly what he had said.

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 But God had used that conversation.

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 And God had used the gospel to change the life of this young man.

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 And D.L. Moody, of course, has been used of the Lord prominently in so many ways throughout the church.

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 Throughout the 19th century.

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 And God used this faithful man who felt very inadequate to speak and to serve the gospel.

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 He had particularly a responsibility in this church.

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 He had a responsibility to students.

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 But he also had a responsibility to speak.

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 His particular ministry, Kimball's ministry, was assigned to him to teach a Sunday school class.

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 But he recognized that the service that he was to give was not just a service in the classroom.

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 It was a service of speaking and testifying of the work of God.

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 This morning we come to another man.

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 That we find who is a servant of the Lord Jesus.

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 Who has been given a role to play.

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 A function to perform in the life of the church.

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 We're going to find that Stephen not just has a role to serve.

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 He also has a role to speak.

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 That's where we're going to get started.

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 As we look at this together in Acts chapter 6.

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 Beginning in verse 8.

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 I want to see, first of all, a young man.

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 A man who is empowered by the Lord to serve and to speak.

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 God has called all of us through the power of his Holy Spirit.

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 Who have believed in Jesus Christ as our Savior.

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 Not only to serve, but also to speak for the name of the Lord.

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 We'll read this passage for us and we'll dive into our text.

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 Beginning in verse 8 it says this.

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 And Stephen, full of grace and power.

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 Was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

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 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the freedmen.

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 As it was called.

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 And of the Cyrenians and of the Alexandrians.

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 And of those from Cilicia and Asia.

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 Rose up and disputed with Stephen.

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 But they could not withstand the wisdom.

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 And the spirit with which he was speaking.

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 Then they secretly instigated men.

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 Who said, we have heard him speak.

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 Speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.

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 And they stirred up the people.

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 And the elders and the scribes.

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 And they came upon him.

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 And seized him.

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 And brought him before the council.

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 And they set up false witnesses.

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 Who said, this man never ceases to speak words.

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 Against this holy place.

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 And the law.

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 For we have heard him say.

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 That this Jesus of Nazareth.

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 Will destroy this place.

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 And change the customs.

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 That Moses delivered to us.

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 And gazing at him.

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 All who sat in the council.

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 Saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

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 Over the next several weeks.

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 We're going to be looking at this defense.

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 That Stephen will give in chapter 7.

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 We're going to see how God instrumentally used this man.

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 To speak for the name of the Lord.

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 You see.

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 We began to see last week.

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 That this church was multiplying.

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 We saw that in Acts chapter 6 verse 1.

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 In the days when the disciples were increasing in number.

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 And while that was an incredible thing.

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 That God was working among his people.

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 That the multiplication was taking place.

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 Of the disciples among God's people.

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 It created a challenge as well.

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 While this work was happening.

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 And the people were united.

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 In several ways.

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 They're giving their worship.

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 Their fellowship.

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 What was it was a testimony to God's grace.

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 That was upon the entire assembly.

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 But now there is an opportunity for division.

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 To happen.

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 And as this church expands.

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 And multiplies.

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 Now there is a group of individuals.

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 These Hellenistic widows.

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 That seem to be.

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 Or at least complaining.

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 About being neglected.

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 In the distribution that's happening.

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 These Hellenistic widows.

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 Are Jewish in nature.

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 They have the same ancestry.

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 As their brothers and sisters.

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 There in Israel.

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 But they.

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 While they share the same commitment to scripture.

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 There is something different.

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 About them.

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 They're coming from a different culture.

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 They're different.

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 They're coming from.

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 From a different standpoint.

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 Of customs.

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 And especially.

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 They're coming from.

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 A different language.

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 They're Greek speakers.

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 Along the way.

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 They had been displaced.

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 Their relatives.

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 Distant relatives.

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 Have been displaced.

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 Through various occupations.

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 And through various exiles.

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 Whether it was the exile of the Assyrians.

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 In 722 BC.

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 Or the exile of the Babylonians.

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 That happened in 586.

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 They were displaced.

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 From the location there.

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 In Israel.

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 And in 332.

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 When Alexander the Great came.

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 And swept through the region.

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 He would bring along with him.

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 In the empire.

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 A brand new language.

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 A brand new customs.

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 And so.

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 Those who were displaced.

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 Because of these exiles.

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 That happened.

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 Those who had been.

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 Moved out of the.

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 The normal places.

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 In Israel.

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 Are now.

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 Learning this language.

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 Learning these customs.

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 Learning this way of life.

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 And so a church.

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 That had grown to thousands.

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 Is now experiencing.

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 The challenge.

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 Of a group that seems to be.

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 Neglected.

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 They're not as connected.

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 They're distant.

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 In some way.

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 And so the apostles.

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 Come up with a plan.

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 They come up with a plan.

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 Of service.

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 And that becomes.

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 The key.

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 Of what we studied last week.

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 The significance.

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 Of our service.

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 To the Lord Jesus.

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 We saw service.

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 Happening in two different ways.

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 Last week.

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 In Acts chapter.

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 chapter 6 verse 4.

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 The apostles say this.

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 We will devote ourselves.

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 To prayer.

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 And to the ministry.

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 Of the word.

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 That word for ministry.

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 Is the word service.

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 It's the word.

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 Diakonia.

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 It's the deaconing.

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 Ministry.

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 Of these apostles.

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 And they will employ.

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 A servant team.

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 A team who has the.

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 The special care.

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 Of serving.

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 These widows.

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 And it uses.

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 The word.

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 Diakonia.

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 The verb.

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 Form.

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 Of this word.

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 That emphasizes.

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 The significance.

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 Again.

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 Of service.

00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:09.939
 You can see now.

00:13:09.979 --> 00:13:10.919
 How these two are related.

00:13:11.759 --> 00:13:12.219
 The apostles.

00:13:12.459 --> 00:13:13.479
 Who are serving.

00:13:13.860 --> 00:13:14.559
 In ministry.

00:13:14.559 --> 00:13:15.120
 Of the word.

00:13:15.979 --> 00:13:17.279
 And these deacons.

00:13:17.360 --> 00:13:18.099
 Or servant leaders.

00:13:18.099 --> 00:13:19.240
 Who were to minister.

00:13:19.699 --> 00:13:20.719
 To the physical needs.

00:13:21.259 --> 00:13:22.639
 Of these Hellenistic widows.

00:13:22.679 --> 00:13:23.299
 Who were among them.

00:13:24.459 --> 00:13:24.919
 But the.

00:13:25.079 --> 00:13:26.419
 There were special qualifications.

00:13:26.939 --> 00:13:27.959
 That were necessary.

00:13:27.959 --> 00:13:28.819
 For this group.

00:13:29.419 --> 00:13:30.860
 In verse 3.

00:13:30.959 --> 00:13:31.759
 Of chapter 6.

00:13:31.879 --> 00:13:32.439
 Therefore brothers.

00:13:32.559 --> 00:13:33.019
 Pick out.

00:13:33.139 --> 00:13:33.919
 From among yourselves.

00:13:34.360 --> 00:13:35.740
 Seven men of good repute.

00:13:36.399 --> 00:13:37.500
 Full of the spirit.

00:13:37.599 --> 00:13:38.079
 And wisdom.

00:13:38.579 --> 00:13:39.500
 Whom we will appoint.

00:13:39.579 --> 00:13:40.079
 To this duty.

00:13:41.039 --> 00:13:41.879
 Now this is where.

00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:42.779
 Things.

00:13:43.059 --> 00:13:43.959
 Get really exciting.

00:13:44.379 --> 00:13:45.099
 In our passage.

00:13:45.939 --> 00:13:46.779
 Now the church.

00:13:46.860 --> 00:13:47.979
 Is beginning to expand.

00:13:48.259 --> 00:13:48.939
 And now.

00:13:49.279 --> 00:13:49.959
 The leadership.

00:13:50.459 --> 00:13:51.120
 Is beginning.

00:13:51.279 --> 00:13:51.899
 To accommodate.

00:13:52.559 --> 00:13:53.399
 This expansion.

00:13:53.559 --> 00:13:53.819
 And now.

00:13:53.899 --> 00:13:54.279
 Is beginning.

00:13:54.279 --> 00:13:55.219
 To employ.

00:13:55.579 --> 00:13:56.559
 Among themselves.

00:13:56.559 --> 00:13:57.419
 Other gifted.

00:13:57.980 --> 00:13:58.419
 Men.

00:13:58.419 --> 00:13:59.099
 To do.

00:13:59.099 --> 00:13:59.699
 The work.

00:14:00.500 --> 00:14:01.219
 God is beginning.

00:14:01.219 --> 00:14:02.199
 To multiply.

00:14:02.199 --> 00:14:03.379
 Among his people.

00:14:03.379 --> 00:14:04.599
 And distribute.

00:14:04.959 --> 00:14:06.039
 Among his people.

00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:07.099
 Opportunities.

00:14:07.099 --> 00:14:08.019
 For service.

00:14:09.219 --> 00:14:10.539
 It's an exciting time.

00:14:10.539 --> 00:14:11.579
 In the life.

00:14:11.959 --> 00:14:12.879
 Of the early church.

00:14:13.759 --> 00:14:14.719
 And these men.

00:14:15.559 --> 00:14:16.819
 Who were Greeks.

00:14:17.059 --> 00:14:17.559
 Among.

00:14:17.819 --> 00:14:18.399
 The people.

00:14:19.099 --> 00:14:19.819
 Are serving.

00:14:20.019 --> 00:14:21.059
 With exceptional character.

00:14:21.139 --> 00:14:21.620
 We see.

00:14:21.799 --> 00:14:22.419
 Their character.

00:14:22.559 --> 00:14:23.240
 In verse 5.

00:14:24.219 --> 00:14:24.559
 It says.

00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:25.259
 And what they said.

00:14:25.339 --> 00:14:25.719
 Pleased.

00:14:25.720 --> 00:14:26.019
 The whole.

00:14:26.100 --> 00:14:26.740
 Whole gathering.

00:14:26.740 --> 00:14:27.660
 And they chose.

00:14:27.660 --> 00:14:28.320
 Stephen.

00:14:28.320 --> 00:14:29.220
 A man.

00:14:29.500 --> 00:14:29.840
 Full.

00:14:30.040 --> 00:14:30.639
 Of faith.

00:14:31.080 --> 00:14:31.519
 And.

00:14:32.100 --> 00:14:32.800
 The Holy Spirit.

00:14:33.879 --> 00:14:34.580
 The two things.

00:14:34.660 --> 00:14:35.100
 That stand out.

00:14:35.160 --> 00:14:35.639
 About Stephen.

00:14:36.379 --> 00:14:36.980
 He's a man.

00:14:37.019 --> 00:14:37.759
 Of great character.

00:14:38.620 --> 00:14:39.240
 As we move.

00:14:39.360 --> 00:14:39.720
 Into.

00:14:40.340 --> 00:14:41.100
 Verse 8.

00:14:41.180 --> 00:14:41.580
 We're going to see.

00:14:41.660 --> 00:14:42.379
 That he was a man.

00:14:42.860 --> 00:14:43.920
 Of great.

00:14:44.100 --> 00:14:44.800
 Speaking ability.

00:14:45.620 --> 00:14:46.379
 He was a man.

00:14:46.399 --> 00:14:46.980
 Of conviction.

00:14:47.180 --> 00:14:47.779
 Who spoke.

00:14:48.300 --> 00:14:48.980
 For Christ.

00:14:49.340 --> 00:14:50.139
 Spoke for God.

00:14:50.139 --> 00:14:51.939
 We see.

00:14:52.840 --> 00:14:53.759
 In chapter 6.

00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:54.279
 Verse 8.

00:14:54.419 --> 00:14:54.720
 Stephen.

00:14:55.039 --> 00:14:55.439
 Full.

00:14:55.740 --> 00:14:56.639
 Of grace.

00:14:57.100 --> 00:14:57.879
 In power.

00:14:58.480 --> 00:14:59.699
 Was doing great wonders.

00:14:59.840 --> 00:15:00.259
 And signs.

00:15:00.319 --> 00:15:00.899
 Among the people.

00:15:02.059 --> 00:15:02.799
 And in verse 10.

00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:04.240
 They could not withstand.

00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:04.939
 The wisdom.

00:15:05.379 --> 00:15:06.179
 And the spirit.

00:15:06.279 --> 00:15:06.799
 With which.

00:15:07.159 --> 00:15:08.139
 Stephen was speaking.

00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:08.960
 He was a man.

00:15:09.000 --> 00:15:10.019
 Of great character.

00:15:10.860 --> 00:15:11.460
 And a man.

00:15:11.980 --> 00:15:12.659
 Of great.

00:15:13.879 --> 00:15:14.319
 Conviction.

00:15:14.480 --> 00:15:15.000
 To speak.

00:15:16.360 --> 00:15:17.220
 As we've developed this.

00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:17.980
 We're going to develop this.

00:15:17.980 --> 00:15:18.299
 Some more.

00:15:18.379 --> 00:15:18.840
 As we continue.

00:15:18.840 --> 00:15:19.860
 To work our way through.

00:15:19.860 --> 00:15:20.600
 Seeing.

00:15:20.940 --> 00:15:22.039
 The work of God.

00:15:22.220 --> 00:15:23.000
 Through Stephen.

00:15:23.120 --> 00:15:23.740
 In speaking.

00:15:23.960 --> 00:15:24.039
 But.

00:15:24.620 --> 00:15:24.800
 But.

00:15:24.860 --> 00:15:24.980
 But.

00:15:24.980 --> 00:15:25.379
 As we.

00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:26.680
 As we come to this passage.

00:15:26.759 --> 00:15:27.620
 We begin to see.

00:15:28.039 --> 00:15:28.200
 The.

00:15:28.700 --> 00:15:28.940
 The.

00:15:29.039 --> 00:15:29.159
 The.

00:15:29.259 --> 00:15:30.419
 The thing that Stephen.

00:15:30.419 --> 00:15:30.820
 Is doing.

00:15:30.899 --> 00:15:31.500
 In speaking.

00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:31.940
 For the.

00:15:32.019 --> 00:15:32.600
 For the Lord.

00:15:33.019 --> 00:15:34.080
 And then the opposition.

00:15:34.080 --> 00:15:35.000
 That he faces.

00:15:36.259 --> 00:15:37.300
 Maybe we might begin.

00:15:37.300 --> 00:15:38.159
 To ask the question.

00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:39.320
 Now wait a second Stephen.

00:15:40.200 --> 00:15:41.340
 You're experiencing.

00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:42.800
 Opposition.

00:15:43.620 --> 00:15:44.039
 Stephen.

00:15:44.379 --> 00:15:45.180
 You're speaking.

00:15:45.300 --> 00:15:45.820
 In the temple.

00:15:46.019 --> 00:15:47.100
 You're disputing.

00:15:47.340 --> 00:15:48.019
 With these.

00:15:48.240 --> 00:15:49.080
 With the synagogue.

00:15:49.220 --> 00:15:49.680
 Of the freemen.

00:15:49.679 --> 00:15:50.579
 These individuals.

00:15:51.419 --> 00:15:52.399
 You've been called.

00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:53.239
 For a purpose.

00:15:53.839 --> 00:15:54.439
 You've been called.

00:15:54.519 --> 00:15:55.399
 To serve tables.

00:15:55.719 --> 00:15:56.679
 What are you doing?

00:15:57.279 --> 00:15:57.719
 Speaking.

00:15:58.059 --> 00:15:58.699
 In the synagogue.

00:15:58.959 --> 00:15:59.799
 Speaking in the temple.

00:16:00.620 --> 00:16:01.559
 Stay in your lane.

00:16:01.659 --> 00:16:01.979
 Stephen.

00:16:02.599 --> 00:16:03.239
 Do the work.

00:16:03.319 --> 00:16:03.919
 That you've been called.

00:16:03.919 --> 00:16:04.339
 To do.

00:16:04.759 --> 00:16:05.079
 Maybe.

00:16:05.559 --> 00:16:06.239
 That might be.

00:16:06.620 --> 00:16:07.559
 Something we would say.

00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:08.699
 And yet.

00:16:09.299 --> 00:16:10.519
 While he was called.

00:16:10.519 --> 00:16:11.039
 To serve.

00:16:11.239 --> 00:16:12.459
 He had a primary function.

00:16:12.459 --> 00:16:13.419
 That every single one.

00:16:13.419 --> 00:16:13.939
 Of us have.

00:16:14.880 --> 00:16:15.600
 We have all.

00:16:15.680 --> 00:16:16.120
 Been called.

00:16:16.120 --> 00:16:16.700
 To speak.

00:16:17.280 --> 00:16:18.060
 We have all.

00:16:18.100 --> 00:16:18.540
 Been called.

00:16:18.540 --> 00:16:19.260
 To witness.

00:16:20.040 --> 00:16:20.400
 We have all.

00:16:20.440 --> 00:16:20.860
 Been called.

00:16:21.280 --> 00:16:21.920
 To testify.

00:16:22.600 --> 00:16:23.100
 To the wonder.

00:16:23.500 --> 00:16:23.960
 Of who God is.

00:16:24.020 --> 00:16:24.480
 That is our.

00:16:24.900 --> 00:16:25.520
 That is our.

00:16:25.800 --> 00:16:26.740
 Primary function.

00:16:27.100 --> 00:16:27.760
 And it often.

00:16:27.760 --> 00:16:28.860
 Goes along with.

00:16:29.280 --> 00:16:29.880
 The serving.

00:16:30.040 --> 00:16:30.820
 Function as well.

00:16:30.940 --> 00:16:31.060
 And.

00:16:31.060 --> 00:16:31.940
 And Stephen.

00:16:32.280 --> 00:16:33.180
 Is fulfilling.

00:16:33.880 --> 00:16:34.820
 His call.

00:16:35.100 --> 00:16:35.600
 To speak.

00:16:35.600 --> 00:16:37.440
 We keep coming.

00:16:37.519 --> 00:16:38.080
 Back to this.

00:16:38.159 --> 00:16:38.620
 But I want to just.

00:16:38.720 --> 00:16:39.379
 Remind you again.

00:16:39.680 --> 00:16:40.379
 Acts chapter 1.

00:16:40.440 --> 00:16:40.779
 Verse 8.

00:16:40.840 --> 00:16:41.159
 Remember.

00:16:41.519 --> 00:16:42.340
 What Jesus.

00:16:42.560 --> 00:16:43.720
 Is calling his disciples.

00:16:43.860 --> 00:16:44.560
 All of his disciples.

00:16:44.560 --> 00:16:44.940
 To do.

00:16:45.840 --> 00:16:46.279
 He says.

00:16:46.379 --> 00:16:47.500
 You will receive power.

00:16:47.779 --> 00:16:48.779
 When my Holy Spirit.

00:16:48.779 --> 00:16:49.740
 Has come upon you.

00:16:49.879 --> 00:16:50.460
 And you.

00:16:50.460 --> 00:16:51.860
 Will be my.

00:16:51.980 --> 00:16:52.620
 What church?

00:16:53.560 --> 00:16:54.639
 You'll be my witnesses.

00:16:55.720 --> 00:16:56.899
 That's what God has called.

00:16:57.759 --> 00:16:58.159
 His.

00:16:58.860 --> 00:16:59.580
 His believers.

00:17:00.100 --> 00:17:01.100
 Those who trust in him.

00:17:01.180 --> 00:17:01.399
 To do.

00:17:01.480 --> 00:17:02.200
 To be his witnesses.

00:17:03.080 --> 00:17:04.000
 We see that in Matthew.

00:17:04.099 --> 00:17:04.740
 Chapter 28.

00:17:04.819 --> 00:17:05.579
 Verses 19 and 20.

00:17:06.459 --> 00:17:07.000
 The call.

00:17:07.240 --> 00:17:08.019
 For discipleship.

00:17:08.839 --> 00:17:09.379
 Go therefore.

00:17:09.699 --> 00:17:10.419
 Make disciples.

00:17:10.419 --> 00:17:11.059
 Of all nations.

00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:11.879
 Baptizing them.

00:17:11.919 --> 00:17:12.679
 In the name of the Father.

00:17:12.679 --> 00:17:13.399
 The Son.

00:17:13.500 --> 00:17:14.240
 And the Holy Spirit.

00:17:14.899 --> 00:17:15.439
 Teaching.

00:17:16.199 --> 00:17:16.639
 Them.

00:17:17.459 --> 00:17:18.019
 To observe.

00:17:18.179 --> 00:17:19.059
 All that I've commanded you.

00:17:19.839 --> 00:17:20.259
 And behold.

00:17:20.319 --> 00:17:21.240
 I'm with you always.

00:17:21.659 --> 00:17:22.379
 To the end.

00:17:22.480 --> 00:17:23.079
 Of the age.

00:17:23.659 --> 00:17:24.339
 God has called.

00:17:24.859 --> 00:17:25.219
 Us.

00:17:25.699 --> 00:17:26.119
 Believers.

00:17:26.359 --> 00:17:27.179
 In Jesus Christ.

00:17:27.899 --> 00:17:28.500
 Disciples.

00:17:28.740 --> 00:17:29.419
 Of Christ.

00:17:29.819 --> 00:17:30.699
 To make disciples.

00:17:31.859 --> 00:17:32.639
 And to do it through.

00:17:33.219 --> 00:17:33.519
 Teaching.

00:17:33.519 --> 00:17:35.839
 And then.

00:17:36.839 --> 00:17:38.240
 We find in Acts chapter 2.

00:17:39.180 --> 00:17:40.240
 As soon as the Holy Spirit.

00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:40.980
 Indwells.

00:17:40.980 --> 00:17:42.139
 A group of individuals.

00:17:42.940 --> 00:17:44.379
 Every single believer.

00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:46.359
 Has the Holy Spirit.

00:17:46.539 --> 00:17:47.420
 Indwelling them.

00:17:47.579 --> 00:17:48.879
 And then what do we find them doing?

00:17:48.980 --> 00:17:49.700
 Well we find them.

00:17:49.759 --> 00:17:50.420
 In Acts chapter 2.

00:17:50.460 --> 00:17:51.000
 Verse 11.

00:17:51.799 --> 00:17:52.160
 It says.

00:17:52.259 --> 00:17:53.039
 We hear them.

00:17:53.119 --> 00:17:53.660
 Telling.

00:17:53.839 --> 00:17:54.839
 In our own tongues.

00:17:54.839 --> 00:17:55.960
 The mighty works of God.

00:17:55.960 --> 00:17:58.240
 Those who are empowered.

00:17:58.240 --> 00:17:59.380
 By the Spirit.

00:17:59.779 --> 00:18:00.640
 Will speak.

00:18:00.920 --> 00:18:01.539
 Of the power.

00:18:01.880 --> 00:18:02.340
 Of God.

00:18:02.720 --> 00:18:03.500
 They will testify.

00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:04.420
 To the wonder.

00:18:04.799 --> 00:18:05.740
 Of who God is.

00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:06.240
 That's what.

00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:07.960
 That's what God has called us to do.

00:18:08.019 --> 00:18:08.600
 To testify.

00:18:09.100 --> 00:18:10.079
 To the wonder of him.

00:18:11.059 --> 00:18:12.460
 And I want you to see this.

00:18:12.559 --> 00:18:14.160
 And there's a spoiler alert.

00:18:14.940 --> 00:18:15.220
 That.

00:18:15.819 --> 00:18:17.620
 At the end of chapter 7.

00:18:17.779 --> 00:18:18.960
 Stephen is going to get martyred.

00:18:19.299 --> 00:18:19.940
 And when.

00:18:20.279 --> 00:18:21.319
 The saints.

00:18:21.420 --> 00:18:22.180
 In Jerusalem.

00:18:22.740 --> 00:18:23.740
 Leave Jerusalem.

00:18:23.740 --> 00:18:24.859
 They're scattered.

00:18:25.140 --> 00:18:26.200
 What do we find them doing?

00:18:27.099 --> 00:18:28.400
 Well in Acts chapter 8.

00:18:28.460 --> 00:18:29.059
 Verse 4.

00:18:29.140 --> 00:18:29.880
 It says this.

00:18:30.740 --> 00:18:31.920
 Those who were scattered.

00:18:32.079 --> 00:18:32.640
 Went about.

00:18:32.859 --> 00:18:33.480
 Doing what?

00:18:34.539 --> 00:18:35.099
 Preaching.

00:18:35.579 --> 00:18:36.380
 The word.

00:18:36.620 --> 00:18:37.059
 Of God.

00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:38.839
 They went about preaching.

00:18:39.200 --> 00:18:39.500
 Why?

00:18:40.299 --> 00:18:41.640
 Because their primary.

00:18:42.819 --> 00:18:43.299
 Responsibility.

00:18:43.559 --> 00:18:44.880
 Their primary calling.

00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:46.720
 Is to speak.

00:18:46.980 --> 00:18:47.599
 The things.

00:18:47.720 --> 00:18:48.220
 That God.

00:18:48.420 --> 00:18:49.000
 Has done.

00:18:49.960 --> 00:18:51.059
 To make him known.

00:18:52.620 --> 00:18:53.120
 And I think.

00:18:53.240 --> 00:18:53.380
 That.

00:18:53.740 --> 00:18:54.339
 That.

00:18:54.339 --> 00:18:54.500
 That.

00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:55.380
 We find.

00:18:55.660 --> 00:18:56.500
 In this.

00:18:56.660 --> 00:18:57.460
 In this narrative.

00:18:57.759 --> 00:18:57.920
 Here.

00:18:58.019 --> 00:18:58.920
 In Acts chapter 6.

00:18:58.980 --> 00:18:59.400
 Verse 8.

00:18:59.720 --> 00:19:00.779
 A recognition.

00:19:01.339 --> 00:19:01.460
 That.

00:19:01.460 --> 00:19:03.400
 That while God may be calling us.

00:19:03.400 --> 00:19:04.039
 To service.

00:19:04.299 --> 00:19:05.799
 It doesn't dismiss us.

00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:06.940
 From the responsibility.

00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:07.839
 And the privilege.

00:19:08.640 --> 00:19:09.579
 Of speaking for him.

00:19:10.519 --> 00:19:11.559
 We are called to serve.

00:19:12.259 --> 00:19:13.599
 We are also called to speak.

00:19:14.680 --> 00:19:16.319
 Are you speaking for God?

00:19:17.680 --> 00:19:18.859
 Are you fulfilling.

00:19:19.420 --> 00:19:20.339
 That incredible.

00:19:21.279 --> 00:19:21.839
 Privilege.

00:19:21.839 --> 00:19:22.660
 That we have.

00:19:22.660 --> 00:19:24.259
 As God's people.

00:19:24.259 --> 00:19:24.279
 As God's people.

00:19:24.380 --> 00:19:25.300
 To speak for him.

00:19:26.300 --> 00:19:27.040
 Are there.

00:19:27.259 --> 00:19:28.000
 There ways.

00:19:28.140 --> 00:19:28.580
 In which.

00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:29.580
 Even through.

00:19:29.740 --> 00:19:30.640
 Throughout this week.

00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:31.800
 That God is giving you.

00:19:31.900 --> 00:19:32.700
 Not only opportunities.

00:19:32.700 --> 00:19:33.680
 To speak for him.

00:19:33.840 --> 00:19:34.640
 But opportunities.

00:19:34.640 --> 00:19:35.420
 For you.

00:19:35.880 --> 00:19:37.180
 To proclaim.

00:19:37.180 --> 00:19:38.680
 The praises of him.

00:19:38.680 --> 00:19:39.560
 Who called you.

00:19:39.560 --> 00:19:40.140
 Out of darkness.

00:19:40.140 --> 00:19:41.140
 Into his marvelous light.

00:19:41.960 --> 00:19:43.360
 That's what God has called us to.

00:19:44.299 --> 00:19:44.580
 And so.

00:19:44.700 --> 00:19:45.779
 I want to just pause here.

00:19:45.860 --> 00:19:46.259
 For a moment.

00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:46.680
 Okay.

00:19:46.940 --> 00:19:47.220
 We don't.

00:19:47.220 --> 00:19:48.160
 We don't normally do this.

00:19:48.279 --> 00:19:48.320
 But.

00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:48.660
 But.

00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.700
 But there in your notes.

00:19:49.779 --> 00:19:50.660
 I've got three.

00:19:51.019 --> 00:19:51.460
 Questions.

00:19:51.700 --> 00:19:52.460
 I want you to.

00:19:52.640 --> 00:19:54.100
 To begin to consider.

00:19:54.700 --> 00:19:56.240
 And maybe you can't answer them.

00:19:56.240 --> 00:19:56.680
 Right now.

00:19:56.779 --> 00:19:56.880
 But.

00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:57.140
 But.

00:19:57.340 --> 00:19:58.460
 But your homework assignment.

00:19:58.460 --> 00:19:59.240
 For this week.

00:19:59.240 --> 00:20:01.420
 Is to take seriously.

00:20:01.420 --> 00:20:02.279
 The word of God.

00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:03.579
 And the commitment.

00:20:03.579 --> 00:20:04.660
 That God has called us.

00:20:04.660 --> 00:20:05.859
 Not just to serve.

00:20:06.319 --> 00:20:07.359
 But also to speak.

00:20:08.180 --> 00:20:09.539
 That's what God has called us to.

00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:10.900
 So.

00:20:11.539 --> 00:20:13.059
 You have a space in your notes.

00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:15.400
 And I want to just ask you.

00:20:15.660 --> 00:20:16.519
 These three questions.

00:20:16.640 --> 00:20:16.900
 First.

00:20:17.660 --> 00:20:19.220
 How have you experienced.

00:20:19.620 --> 00:20:20.539
 Either this week.

00:20:20.620 --> 00:20:21.559
 Or last week.

00:20:22.319 --> 00:20:23.779
 The power of God.

00:20:23.819 --> 00:20:24.700
 Or the hand of God.

00:20:24.740 --> 00:20:25.200
 In your life.

00:20:26.120 --> 00:20:27.079
 If we're going to do.

00:20:27.160 --> 00:20:27.960
 What they did in Acts.

00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:28.440
 Chapter 2.

00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:29.079
 Verse 11.

00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:30.480
 That we're going to.

00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.400
 We're going to.

00:20:31.640 --> 00:20:32.640
 Make known.

00:20:32.779 --> 00:20:34.099
 Among the peoples.

00:20:34.539 --> 00:20:36.339
 What God has done for us.

00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:39.339
 The powerful working of God.

00:20:39.400 --> 00:20:40.420
 If we're going to do that.

00:20:40.559 --> 00:20:41.740
 We need to be aware.

00:20:42.000 --> 00:20:43.299
 Of the things that God is doing.

00:20:43.460 --> 00:20:44.460
 In our lives.

00:20:44.539 --> 00:20:45.579
 So that we can communicate.

00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:47.039
 Those things with others.

00:20:48.259 --> 00:20:49.579
 I think part of the problem.

00:20:49.940 --> 00:20:50.599
 That we have.

00:20:50.640 --> 00:20:51.599
 At least part of the problem.

00:20:51.599 --> 00:20:52.839
 That I often have.

00:20:54.079 --> 00:20:54.500
 Is I.

00:20:55.380 --> 00:20:56.839
 Is I don't take note.

00:20:56.839 --> 00:20:57.559
 Of the ways.

00:20:57.559 --> 00:20:58.019
 In which.

00:20:58.380 --> 00:20:59.059
 God is faithful.

00:21:00.059 --> 00:21:00.839
 I'm not calling it.

00:21:00.839 --> 00:21:01.519
 To my attention.

00:21:02.519 --> 00:21:03.000
 I'm not.

00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:03.599
 I'm not.

00:21:04.140 --> 00:21:04.500
 Looking.

00:21:04.500 --> 00:21:05.420
 For ways.

00:21:05.539 --> 00:21:06.140
 That God has.

00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:07.000
 Demonstrated.

00:21:07.099 --> 00:21:08.039
 His dependability.

00:21:08.740 --> 00:21:09.519
 The ways that God.

00:21:09.599 --> 00:21:10.460
 Has answered prayer.

00:21:11.059 --> 00:21:11.920
 The ways that God.

00:21:11.920 --> 00:21:12.640
 Has shown up.

00:21:12.740 --> 00:21:13.220
 In my life.

00:21:13.279 --> 00:21:14.180
 And drawing attention.

00:21:14.680 --> 00:21:15.440
 To the wonder.

00:21:15.579 --> 00:21:16.220
 Of who he is.

00:21:16.500 --> 00:21:16.759
 And.

00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:18.359
 And if we're ever going to.

00:21:18.359 --> 00:21:19.720
 To talk about.

00:21:19.720 --> 00:21:20.519
 And celebrate.

00:21:20.519 --> 00:21:21.319
 The work of God.

00:21:21.700 --> 00:21:23.119
 Proclaim among the nations.

00:21:23.119 --> 00:21:24.619
 What God has done for us.

00:21:25.400 --> 00:21:26.299
 We have to.

00:21:27.039 --> 00:21:27.480
 Pause.

00:21:28.160 --> 00:21:29.140
 And take time.

00:21:29.539 --> 00:21:30.099
 To be aware.

00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:30.920
 Of that work.

00:21:31.759 --> 00:21:32.839
 So how is God.

00:21:32.980 --> 00:21:34.200
 This past week.

00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:36.039
 Or the week before.

00:21:36.700 --> 00:21:38.160
 Demonstrated his faithfulness to you.

00:21:38.879 --> 00:21:39.140
 What.

00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:40.740
 What can you speak about.

00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:42.160
 Second is this.

00:21:42.160 --> 00:21:44.220
 Who.

00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:45.300
 Are you going to tell.

00:21:46.700 --> 00:21:47.500
 Who are you going to tell.

00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:49.519
 If God has called us.

00:21:49.580 --> 00:21:50.220
 To speak for him.

00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:50.860
 To testify.

00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:51.640
 To him.

00:21:52.680 --> 00:21:54.100
 Who is that person.

00:21:54.500 --> 00:21:55.880
 That God has put in your circle.

00:21:56.480 --> 00:21:57.259
 That you can share.

00:21:57.620 --> 00:21:58.360
 That work with.

00:21:59.340 --> 00:22:00.279
 And maybe you don't know.

00:22:00.360 --> 00:22:00.740
 Right now.

00:22:01.060 --> 00:22:02.320
 And maybe God will just.

00:22:02.779 --> 00:22:03.800
 Open the door.

00:22:03.880 --> 00:22:04.900
 For you to be able to do that.

00:22:05.160 --> 00:22:06.480
 And you didn't really have.

00:22:06.680 --> 00:22:07.400
 Somebody in mind.

00:22:07.400 --> 00:22:07.920
 But I.

00:22:08.300 --> 00:22:09.600
 I want to encourage you.

00:22:09.779 --> 00:22:10.140
 This week.

00:22:10.460 --> 00:22:11.720
 To find somebody.

00:22:12.519 --> 00:22:13.779
 Somebody that knows.

00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:15.480
 Knows the Lord Jesus.

00:22:15.480 --> 00:22:16.160
 As their savior.

00:22:16.279 --> 00:22:17.240
 Somebody you can encourage.

00:22:17.340 --> 00:22:17.540
 To say.

00:22:17.600 --> 00:22:17.900
 You know what.

00:22:17.940 --> 00:22:18.759
 God did this for me.

00:22:18.840 --> 00:22:19.180
 This week.

00:22:19.400 --> 00:22:20.660
 And I just want you to know.

00:22:21.180 --> 00:22:22.300
 The third thing is.

00:22:22.640 --> 00:22:23.940
 There is somebody.

00:22:24.700 --> 00:22:25.500
 This week.

00:22:25.860 --> 00:22:27.480
 That you're totally unaware of.

00:22:28.259 --> 00:22:30.120
 And probably doesn't know Jesus.

00:22:30.860 --> 00:22:31.960
 And I want to encourage you.

00:22:32.019 --> 00:22:32.380
 This week.

00:22:32.440 --> 00:22:32.940
 To pray.

00:22:33.340 --> 00:22:33.960
 Every day.

00:22:34.340 --> 00:22:35.440
 That God will give you.

00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:36.080
 An opportunity.

00:22:36.640 --> 00:22:37.320
 To share.

00:22:37.880 --> 00:22:39.060
 The gospel with.

00:22:39.160 --> 00:22:39.700
 Or to share.

00:22:39.880 --> 00:22:40.720
 Plant a seed.

00:22:41.040 --> 00:22:42.140
 Of what God has done.

00:22:42.140 --> 00:22:42.900
 Done in your life.

00:22:43.200 --> 00:22:44.180
 So that you can have.

00:22:44.360 --> 00:22:45.720
 This gospel opportunity.

00:22:46.480 --> 00:22:47.560
 Somewhere in your week.

00:22:48.580 --> 00:22:48.860
 Listen.

00:22:49.460 --> 00:22:50.400
 God cares about this.

00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:50.960
 More than you do.

00:22:52.340 --> 00:22:52.580
 And.

00:22:52.700 --> 00:22:52.860
 And.

00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.440
 God will answer that prayer.

00:22:55.380 --> 00:22:56.000
 I remember.

00:22:56.660 --> 00:22:57.380
 Going to.

00:22:57.700 --> 00:22:58.520
 To seminary.

00:22:58.680 --> 00:22:59.040
 And thinking.

00:22:59.560 --> 00:23:00.680
 I had this class.

00:23:00.780 --> 00:23:01.380
 I was taking.

00:23:01.500 --> 00:23:02.140
 I didn't know.

00:23:02.380 --> 00:23:02.980
 How in the world.

00:23:03.020 --> 00:23:03.740
 I was going to complete.

00:23:03.740 --> 00:23:04.259
 The assignment.

00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:04.940
 I needed to.

00:23:05.060 --> 00:23:06.020
 To share the gospel.

00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:06.540
 With at least.

00:23:06.880 --> 00:23:07.580
 Five people.

00:23:07.880 --> 00:23:08.560
 During that semester.

00:23:08.559 --> 00:23:08.859
 And I thought.

00:23:08.940 --> 00:23:09.940
 I don't even know.

00:23:10.099 --> 00:23:11.299
 Who I can share this with.

00:23:11.720 --> 00:23:12.940
 I'm never around.

00:23:13.399 --> 00:23:14.259
 Unsaved people.

00:23:14.339 --> 00:23:14.839
 Long enough.

00:23:14.919 --> 00:23:15.639
 To be able to.

00:23:15.799 --> 00:23:16.619
 To share the gospel.

00:23:17.539 --> 00:23:18.279
 Do you realize.

00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:19.700
 That through that semester.

00:23:19.819 --> 00:23:20.500
 As I was praying.

00:23:20.599 --> 00:23:20.960
 For God.

00:23:21.019 --> 00:23:21.859
 To give me an opportunity.

00:23:22.460 --> 00:23:23.240
 He didn't just give me.

00:23:23.319 --> 00:23:24.000
 Five opportunities.

00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:25.179
 He gave me.

00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:26.379
 Twenty five opportunities.

00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:28.440
 Because God cares.

00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:29.000
 About this.

00:23:29.799 --> 00:23:31.059
 And so often.

00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:32.139
 The problem.

00:23:32.139 --> 00:23:33.019
 That I have.

00:23:33.279 --> 00:23:34.539
 Is that the opportunities.

00:23:34.539 --> 00:23:35.419
 That he places.

00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:36.919
 Are always there.

00:23:36.920 --> 00:23:38.360
 Or regularly there.

00:23:38.620 --> 00:23:39.640
 But I don't see them.

00:23:39.680 --> 00:23:41.160
 Because my eyes are closed.

00:23:42.120 --> 00:23:42.740
 And unaware.

00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:44.400
 Of the work.

00:23:44.519 --> 00:23:45.420
 That God wants to do.

00:23:46.080 --> 00:23:46.480
 Instrumentally.

00:23:46.920 --> 00:23:47.400
 Through me.

00:23:47.480 --> 00:23:48.680
 Just through availability.

00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:50.779
 And speaking for him.

00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:53.240
 Would you do that this week?

00:23:54.180 --> 00:23:55.000
 Would you do that?

00:23:56.100 --> 00:23:56.400
 You see.

00:23:56.480 --> 00:23:57.019
 God cares.

00:23:57.519 --> 00:23:57.920
 About.

00:23:58.539 --> 00:23:59.640
 About your speaking.

00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:01.259
 And he has called us all.

00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:02.200
 To speak for him.

00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:02.820
 Next.

00:24:03.140 --> 00:24:04.080
 We see in verse eight.

00:24:04.120 --> 00:24:04.920
 That he equips us.

00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:05.940
 With grace and power.

00:24:06.060 --> 00:24:06.580
 And this is.

00:24:06.579 --> 00:24:08.519
 This is the incredible part of it too.

00:24:08.919 --> 00:24:09.720
 Is it isn't just.

00:24:09.939 --> 00:24:11.039
 Give us a command.

00:24:11.299 --> 00:24:12.879
 And tell us what to do.

00:24:13.059 --> 00:24:14.519
 But he empowers us.

00:24:14.619 --> 00:24:15.799
 With his Holy Spirit.

00:24:15.859 --> 00:24:16.639
 To make it happen.

00:24:17.259 --> 00:24:18.599
 He doesn't abandon us.

00:24:18.679 --> 00:24:19.980
 To work this out.

00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:20.579
 On our own.

00:24:20.819 --> 00:24:21.199
 But he.

00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:22.099
 He gives us.

00:24:22.159 --> 00:24:22.759
 The indwelling.

00:24:22.960 --> 00:24:23.759
 Holy Spirit.

00:24:23.879 --> 00:24:24.059
 Who.

00:24:24.359 --> 00:24:24.559
 Who.

00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:25.759
 Who doesn't just give us.

00:24:26.119 --> 00:24:27.079
 Marginal power.

00:24:27.079 --> 00:24:28.059
 But gives us.

00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:29.379
 The power of God.

00:24:29.699 --> 00:24:30.579
 To accomplish.

00:24:30.899 --> 00:24:31.319
 The task.

00:24:31.439 --> 00:24:32.240
 He's called us to.

00:24:32.720 --> 00:24:32.980
 Oh.

00:24:33.059 --> 00:24:33.740
 This is amazing.

00:24:33.839 --> 00:24:34.339
 Look at this.

00:24:34.619 --> 00:24:35.179
 Verse eight.

00:24:35.180 --> 00:24:36.700
 And Stephen.

00:24:36.700 --> 00:24:37.799
 What is that next word?

00:24:39.100 --> 00:24:39.539
 Full.

00:24:39.900 --> 00:24:40.840
 Of grace.

00:24:41.060 --> 00:24:41.740
 And power.

00:24:42.940 --> 00:24:44.060
 He's full.

00:24:44.320 --> 00:24:45.200
 Of grace.

00:24:45.440 --> 00:24:46.060
 In power.

00:24:47.060 --> 00:24:48.380
 Now we've talked about this.

00:24:48.460 --> 00:24:48.840
 A little bit.

00:24:48.880 --> 00:24:50.320
 What does it mean to be full of grace?

00:24:50.580 --> 00:24:52.240
 Well it's not just that Stephen understood.

00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:54.240
 What salvation looked like.

00:24:54.279 --> 00:24:55.940
 And then experienced the grace of God.

00:24:56.000 --> 00:24:56.820
 In salvation.

00:24:57.019 --> 00:24:57.080
 But.

00:24:57.440 --> 00:24:58.779
 But that the grace of God.

00:24:58.860 --> 00:24:59.779
 Had ministered to him.

00:24:59.779 --> 00:25:00.980
 His presence.

00:25:00.980 --> 00:25:03.059
 Through the spirit.

00:25:03.539 --> 00:25:05.180
 Was active in his life.

00:25:06.399 --> 00:25:06.980
 He was.

00:25:07.019 --> 00:25:07.859
 He was a man who.

00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:08.779
 Who understood.

00:25:08.980 --> 00:25:09.619
 And recognized.

00:25:09.619 --> 00:25:10.019
 That.

00:25:10.180 --> 00:25:10.940
 That God was.

00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:12.579
 Was present in his life.

00:25:13.619 --> 00:25:14.480
 And Stephen.

00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:16.899
 Like all of us.

00:25:17.599 --> 00:25:18.379
 Can enjoy.

00:25:19.180 --> 00:25:19.819
 This.

00:25:20.139 --> 00:25:20.579
 Quality.

00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.220
 Being full.

00:25:22.839 --> 00:25:23.759
 Of grace.

00:25:24.200 --> 00:25:24.819
 In power.

00:25:24.819 --> 00:25:27.460
 Maybe you say.

00:25:27.559 --> 00:25:28.379
 I don't feel so.

00:25:28.899 --> 00:25:29.899
 Full of grace.

00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:30.399
 Or power.

00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:32.460
 Well this is something.

00:25:32.539 --> 00:25:33.339
 That God makes available.

00:25:33.539 --> 00:25:34.720
 To every believer.

00:25:35.279 --> 00:25:36.279
 In Jesus Christ.

00:25:37.240 --> 00:25:38.240
 Those who have.

00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:39.339
 Who have committed.

00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:40.200
 Themselves to him.

00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:40.879
 Who recognize.

00:25:41.500 --> 00:25:42.159
 Their sin.

00:25:42.419 --> 00:25:43.480
 Who have come to a place.

00:25:43.480 --> 00:25:44.500
 Of asking Jesus.

00:25:44.500 --> 00:25:45.200
 For forgiveness.

00:25:45.200 --> 00:25:46.079
 Who recognize.

00:25:46.079 --> 00:25:46.700
 That Jesus.

00:25:47.059 --> 00:25:47.279
 Is the.

00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:48.639
 Is the only way.

00:25:48.679 --> 00:25:49.279
 Of salvation.

00:25:49.679 --> 00:25:50.659
 That he died.

00:25:50.859 --> 00:25:51.939
 And rose again.

00:25:52.159 --> 00:25:52.960
 And makes.

00:25:53.559 --> 00:25:54.599
 Salvation possible.

00:25:54.599 --> 00:25:55.319
 When we.

00:25:55.679 --> 00:25:56.299
 Come to faith.

00:25:56.339 --> 00:25:56.839
 In Christ.

00:25:57.419 --> 00:25:58.259
 He gives.

00:25:58.599 --> 00:25:59.559
 The Holy Spirit.

00:26:01.139 --> 00:26:01.939
 And God.

00:26:02.659 --> 00:26:03.039
 Promises.

00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:04.139
 To let us.

00:26:04.679 --> 00:26:05.119
 Take part.

00:26:05.859 --> 00:26:06.980
 In this same kind.

00:26:06.980 --> 00:26:08.319
 Of work of God.

00:26:08.399 --> 00:26:09.000
 In our lives.

00:26:09.099 --> 00:26:09.199
 The.

00:26:09.199 --> 00:26:10.319
 The evidence.

00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:11.819
 Of great grace.

00:26:11.919 --> 00:26:12.480
 That was upon.

00:26:12.639 --> 00:26:13.799
 The entire congregation.

00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:15.079
 We can enjoy too.

00:26:15.219 --> 00:26:16.139
 Because that grace.

00:26:16.439 --> 00:26:16.919
 And power.

00:26:17.099 --> 00:26:17.459
 Come.

00:26:17.799 --> 00:26:18.159
 Through.

00:26:18.799 --> 00:26:19.819
 The Holy Spirit himself.

00:26:22.859 --> 00:26:23.579
 You see.

00:26:23.579 --> 00:26:24.259
 Stephen.

00:26:24.259 --> 00:26:24.819
 Stephen will enjoy.

00:26:24.819 --> 00:26:25.859
 This great grace.

00:26:26.740 --> 00:26:27.480
 And we see.

00:26:27.679 --> 00:26:28.759
 This working out.

00:26:29.039 --> 00:26:30.399
 In Acts chapter 6.

00:26:30.439 --> 00:26:30.819
 We find.

00:26:30.960 --> 00:26:32.299
 In verse 3.

00:26:32.639 --> 00:26:33.859
 You need to find men.

00:26:33.899 --> 00:26:34.460
 Who are full.

00:26:34.460 --> 00:26:35.339
 Of the Holy Spirit.

00:26:35.399 --> 00:26:35.839
 And wisdom.

00:26:36.699 --> 00:26:37.099
 And then.

00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:38.279
 In chapter 6.

00:26:38.319 --> 00:26:38.799
 Verse 5.

00:26:38.919 --> 00:26:39.899
 And so they chose Stephen.

00:26:40.059 --> 00:26:40.779
 He was full.

00:26:40.779 --> 00:26:41.279
 Of faith.

00:26:41.319 --> 00:26:41.839
 In the spirit.

00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:43.240
 Then in verse 8.

00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:43.859
 Stephen.

00:26:44.059 --> 00:26:44.359
 Full.

00:26:44.519 --> 00:26:45.199
 Of grace.

00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:45.980
 And power.

00:26:47.099 --> 00:26:47.759
 This word.

00:26:47.839 --> 00:26:48.240
 To fill.

00:26:48.399 --> 00:26:48.819
 Is to be.

00:26:49.220 --> 00:26:49.879
 Is to.

00:26:49.880 --> 00:26:51.620
 To be complete.

00:26:52.520 --> 00:26:53.920
 Is to have totality.

00:26:53.920 --> 00:26:54.600
 Of fullness.

00:26:55.780 --> 00:26:56.140
 Is that.

00:26:56.700 --> 00:26:57.600
 Every part.

00:26:57.680 --> 00:26:58.600
 Of Stephen's life.

00:26:58.780 --> 00:26:59.460
 Was abandoned.

00:26:59.940 --> 00:27:00.480
 To God.

00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:01.860
 It was submitted.

00:27:02.160 --> 00:27:03.280
 To his word.

00:27:03.400 --> 00:27:03.900
 And submitted.

00:27:04.060 --> 00:27:05.060
 To the spirit's work.

00:27:05.260 --> 00:27:05.840
 And direction.

00:27:06.020 --> 00:27:06.660
 In his life.

00:27:07.560 --> 00:27:08.600
 Stephen was totally.

00:27:08.780 --> 00:27:09.220
 Controlled.

00:27:09.340 --> 00:27:09.880
 By faith.

00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:11.220
 The Holy Spirit.

00:27:11.580 --> 00:27:12.300
 In grace.

00:27:12.380 --> 00:27:12.840
 In power.

00:27:12.840 --> 00:27:13.400
 Were evident.

00:27:13.540 --> 00:27:14.060
 In his life.

00:27:14.120 --> 00:27:15.120
 Because he had abandoned.

00:27:15.560 --> 00:27:15.920
 Himself.

00:27:16.720 --> 00:27:17.940
 To the Lord himself.

00:27:18.140 --> 00:27:18.600
 To God.

00:27:18.599 --> 00:27:20.699
 So that in Acts chapter 7.

00:27:20.699 --> 00:27:21.299
 Verse 55.

00:27:21.519 --> 00:27:22.179
 We see this again.

00:27:23.059 --> 00:27:23.419
 But he.

00:27:23.619 --> 00:27:24.399
 Speaking of Stephen.

00:27:24.659 --> 00:27:25.039
 Full.

00:27:25.379 --> 00:27:26.679
 Of the Holy Spirit.

00:27:26.919 --> 00:27:27.259
 Gazed.

00:27:27.359 --> 00:27:27.799
 Into heaven.

00:27:28.799 --> 00:27:29.859
 And saw the glory.

00:27:30.299 --> 00:27:30.879
 Of God.

00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:31.799
 And Jesus.

00:27:31.959 --> 00:27:32.740
 Standing at the right hand.

00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:33.119
 Of God.

00:27:34.159 --> 00:27:34.740
 He is full.

00:27:34.839 --> 00:27:35.299
 Of the spirit.

00:27:36.319 --> 00:27:37.059
 Full of the spirit.

00:27:37.179 --> 00:27:37.799
 So that in.

00:27:38.179 --> 00:27:38.899
 Chapter 6.

00:27:38.939 --> 00:27:39.439
 Verse 5.

00:27:40.039 --> 00:27:41.500
 It embodies faith.

00:27:41.579 --> 00:27:42.139
 Full of faith.

00:27:42.839 --> 00:27:44.000
 In verse 8.

00:27:44.139 --> 00:27:44.819
 Full of grace.

00:27:44.819 --> 00:27:45.319
 And power.

00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:46.779
 In verse 10.

00:27:47.099 --> 00:27:48.279
 It's full of wisdom.

00:27:48.279 --> 00:27:48.940
 They could not.

00:27:49.259 --> 00:27:50.279
 Withstand the wisdom.

00:27:50.720 --> 00:27:51.259
 And the spirit.

00:27:51.379 --> 00:27:52.139
 With which he spoke.

00:27:54.180 --> 00:27:54.980
 Great grace.

00:27:55.299 --> 00:27:55.920
 Was upon him.

00:27:56.759 --> 00:27:57.639
 The power of God.

00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:58.980
 Was alive.

00:27:59.099 --> 00:27:59.740
 In his life.

00:28:01.039 --> 00:28:02.139
 And this is something.

00:28:02.240 --> 00:28:02.920
 The apostle Paul.

00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:04.059
 Addresses consistently.

00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.599
 What does it mean.

00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:06.559
 To have a life.

00:28:06.960 --> 00:28:08.379
 That is full of power.

00:28:09.139 --> 00:28:09.740
 Is it something.

00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:11.399
 That we can access.

00:28:12.119 --> 00:28:13.059
 The apostle Paul.

00:28:13.139 --> 00:28:13.819
 Writing to the church.

00:28:13.859 --> 00:28:14.279
 Of Ephesus.

00:28:14.420 --> 00:28:15.680
 In Ephesians chapter 1.

00:28:15.720 --> 00:28:16.240
 Verse 15.

00:28:16.279 --> 00:28:16.839
 Says this.

00:28:16.839 --> 00:28:17.819
 He says.

00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:18.740
 For this reason.

00:28:19.319 --> 00:28:19.919
 Because I have heard.

00:28:19.919 --> 00:28:20.679
 Of your faith.

00:28:20.720 --> 00:28:21.720
 In the Lord Jesus.

00:28:22.139 --> 00:28:23.159
 And your love.

00:28:23.159 --> 00:28:24.279
 Towards all the saints.

00:28:24.379 --> 00:28:25.639
 I do not cease.

00:28:25.639 --> 00:28:27.139
 To give thanks for you.

00:28:27.459 --> 00:28:28.199
 Remembering you.

00:28:28.259 --> 00:28:28.859
 In my prayers.

00:28:30.679 --> 00:28:31.259
 The apostle Paul.

00:28:31.359 --> 00:28:32.279
 Sees this church.

00:28:33.119 --> 00:28:33.879
 They have been united.

00:28:34.099 --> 00:28:34.919
 To one another.

00:28:35.439 --> 00:28:36.279
 And united to Christ.

00:28:36.359 --> 00:28:36.919
 Through faith.

00:28:37.699 --> 00:28:38.859
 But he prays for them.

00:28:39.699 --> 00:28:40.819
 What does the apostle.

00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:41.220
 Pray.

00:28:41.359 --> 00:28:41.639
 Paul.

00:28:41.859 --> 00:28:42.799
 Pray for them.

00:28:42.799 --> 00:28:44.619
 Well in verse 19.

00:28:44.700 --> 00:28:45.180
 We find.

00:28:45.859 --> 00:28:46.859
 What he prays for them.

00:28:47.220 --> 00:28:47.639
 He prays.

00:28:47.879 --> 00:28:49.159
 That you might understand.

00:28:49.379 --> 00:28:50.279
 The immeasurable.

00:28:50.980 --> 00:28:51.740
 Greatness.

00:28:52.099 --> 00:28:53.319
 Of his power.

00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:54.379
 Towards us.

00:28:54.460 --> 00:28:55.059
 Who believe.

00:28:55.839 --> 00:28:56.799
 According to the working.

00:28:56.899 --> 00:28:58.419
 Of his great might.

00:28:58.919 --> 00:29:00.059
 That he worked in Christ.

00:29:00.119 --> 00:29:00.819
 When he raised him.

00:29:00.899 --> 00:29:01.359
 From the dead.

00:29:01.539 --> 00:29:02.680
 And seated him.

00:29:02.859 --> 00:29:03.879
 At his right hand.

00:29:03.919 --> 00:29:04.720
 In the heavenly places.

00:29:06.359 --> 00:29:07.339
 The apostle Paul.

00:29:07.399 --> 00:29:08.500
 Is praying for this church.

00:29:08.700 --> 00:29:09.279
 That they.

00:29:09.279 --> 00:29:10.319
 Would understand.

00:29:10.319 --> 00:29:12.099
 The power of God.

00:29:12.240 --> 00:29:13.039
 That is resident.

00:29:13.179 --> 00:29:13.659
 In their lives.

00:29:15.599 --> 00:29:16.240
 We.

00:29:16.579 --> 00:29:17.399
 Are aware.

00:29:17.639 --> 00:29:18.279
 Of God's power.

00:29:19.419 --> 00:29:20.099
 I think we know.

00:29:20.259 --> 00:29:20.859
 Intellectually.

00:29:21.279 --> 00:29:21.679
 That.

00:29:21.919 --> 00:29:23.240
 That God indwells.

00:29:23.339 --> 00:29:23.939
 His people.

00:29:24.700 --> 00:29:25.119
 With.

00:29:25.339 --> 00:29:25.939
 The power.

00:29:26.079 --> 00:29:26.819
 Of the Holy Spirit.

00:29:28.039 --> 00:29:29.299
 But the apostle Paul.

00:29:29.559 --> 00:29:30.339
 Recognizes that.

00:29:30.559 --> 00:29:32.000
 That while the church.

00:29:32.159 --> 00:29:32.720
 Understood.

00:29:33.000 --> 00:29:33.519
 The significance.

00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:34.679
 Of this truth.

00:29:35.419 --> 00:29:36.259
 They were not.

00:29:36.439 --> 00:29:37.319
 Putting their place.

00:29:37.460 --> 00:29:38.259
 Their faith.

00:29:38.259 --> 00:29:39.259
 In that truth.

00:29:39.259 --> 00:29:39.799
 Truth.

00:29:40.039 --> 00:29:40.839
 To the extent.

00:29:40.920 --> 00:29:41.299
 That they actually.

00:29:41.379 --> 00:29:42.319
 Got to experience.

00:29:42.319 --> 00:29:42.960
 That power.

00:29:43.680 --> 00:29:44.400
 That power.

00:29:44.400 --> 00:29:45.019
 Of God.

00:29:45.220 --> 00:29:45.940
 In life.

00:29:46.319 --> 00:29:46.879
 To do what God.

00:29:46.960 --> 00:29:47.480
 Has called them.

00:29:47.619 --> 00:29:47.879
 To do.

00:29:49.700 --> 00:29:50.579
 This immeasurable.

00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:51.180
 Greatness.

00:29:51.940 --> 00:29:52.720
 This power.

00:29:53.500 --> 00:29:54.279
 This great might.

00:29:54.379 --> 00:29:54.460
 He.

00:29:54.599 --> 00:29:55.579
 He emphasized it.

00:29:55.660 --> 00:29:56.259
 Three times.

00:29:56.500 --> 00:29:57.539
 In one little verse.

00:29:59.000 --> 00:29:59.900
 What does this power.

00:30:01.039 --> 00:30:01.480
 Accomplish.

00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:02.440
 In the life.

00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:02.940
 Of a believer.

00:30:03.759 --> 00:30:04.039
 I think.

00:30:04.160 --> 00:30:04.879
 It accomplishes.

00:30:04.920 --> 00:30:05.660
 A number of things.

00:30:05.980 --> 00:30:06.379
 First.

00:30:06.599 --> 00:30:06.960
 I think.

00:30:07.039 --> 00:30:07.960
 It accomplishes.

00:30:08.359 --> 00:30:08.799
 Transformation.

00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:10.119
 That God.

00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:10.779
 Helps us.

00:30:11.299 --> 00:30:11.839
 To be holy.

00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:12.819
 As he is holy.

00:30:12.940 --> 00:30:13.400
 He helps us.

00:30:13.440 --> 00:30:14.019
 To say no.

00:30:14.099 --> 00:30:14.500
 To sin.

00:30:15.480 --> 00:30:16.099
 And I think.

00:30:16.200 --> 00:30:16.279
 That.

00:30:16.759 --> 00:30:17.259
 Another thing.

00:30:17.339 --> 00:30:17.660
 That God.

00:30:17.779 --> 00:30:18.180
 Helps us.

00:30:18.220 --> 00:30:18.539
 To do.

00:30:18.619 --> 00:30:19.619
 With his great power.

00:30:20.200 --> 00:30:21.339
 Is he helps us.

00:30:21.339 --> 00:30:22.160
 To carry out.

00:30:22.279 --> 00:30:22.920
 The mundane.

00:30:23.359 --> 00:30:23.960
 The often.

00:30:24.220 --> 00:30:25.019
 Very mundane.

00:30:25.019 --> 00:30:25.619
 Things.

00:30:25.680 --> 00:30:26.200
 Of life.

00:30:27.220 --> 00:30:27.440
 The.

00:30:27.599 --> 00:30:28.460
 The working.

00:30:28.599 --> 00:30:29.200
 That we do.

00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:30.319
 The family.

00:30:30.720 --> 00:30:31.160
 Nurturing.

00:30:31.400 --> 00:30:31.879
 That we do.

00:30:32.140 --> 00:30:32.900
 The community.

00:30:33.400 --> 00:30:33.720
 Living.

00:30:33.920 --> 00:30:34.400
 And loving.

00:30:34.799 --> 00:30:35.279
 That we do.

00:30:35.519 --> 00:30:35.819
 Those.

00:30:35.940 --> 00:30:36.400
 Those things.

00:30:36.400 --> 00:30:36.720
 That we.

00:30:36.860 --> 00:30:37.660
 That we dismiss.

00:30:37.759 --> 00:30:37.980
 As well.

00:30:38.040 --> 00:30:38.620
 That's not really.

00:30:38.620 --> 00:30:39.500
 That important.

00:30:40.180 --> 00:30:40.620
 That's really.

00:30:40.620 --> 00:30:41.940
 Not that powerful.

00:30:42.140 --> 00:30:42.200
 But.

00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:42.540
 But.

00:30:42.680 --> 00:30:42.860
 But.

00:30:42.860 --> 00:30:43.300
 Anything.

00:30:43.300 --> 00:30:44.140
 That you would say.

00:30:44.360 --> 00:30:44.640
 You know what.

00:30:44.660 --> 00:30:45.600
 That is really hard.

00:30:46.360 --> 00:30:46.600
 Like.

00:30:46.660 --> 00:30:47.480
 It's really hard.

00:30:47.560 --> 00:30:48.680
 To love that person.

00:30:49.280 --> 00:30:49.600
 Or.

00:30:49.759 --> 00:30:50.740
 It is really hard.

00:30:50.840 --> 00:30:51.259
 To forgive.

00:30:51.660 --> 00:30:52.320
 That person.

00:30:52.500 --> 00:30:52.980
 Did you see.

00:30:53.100 --> 00:30:53.800
 What they did to me.

00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:54.759
 Or.

00:30:55.140 --> 00:30:55.380
 Man.

00:30:55.460 --> 00:30:56.360
 It is really hard.

00:30:56.400 --> 00:30:57.240
 To show up to work.

00:30:57.540 --> 00:30:58.240
 When I'm not.

00:30:58.420 --> 00:30:58.900
 Appreciated.

00:30:59.580 --> 00:30:59.800
 Or.

00:30:59.880 --> 00:31:00.180
 It is.

00:31:00.280 --> 00:31:01.320
 It is really hard.

00:31:01.400 --> 00:31:01.540
 To.

00:31:01.660 --> 00:31:02.820
 To cross the street.

00:31:02.920 --> 00:31:04.220
 And have that conversation.

00:31:04.620 --> 00:31:04.900
 Whatever.

00:31:04.900 --> 00:31:06.080
 You would say.

00:31:06.240 --> 00:31:07.740
 That is really hard.

00:31:08.120 --> 00:31:09.080
 I'm not sure.

00:31:09.080 --> 00:31:10.320
 That I can really do that.

00:31:10.380 --> 00:31:10.680
 I'm going to.

00:31:10.840 --> 00:31:11.460
 Leave that.

00:31:11.560 --> 00:31:12.540
 To somebody else.

00:31:12.680 --> 00:31:13.700
 Those are the very things.

00:31:13.780 --> 00:31:14.900
 That God wants to empower us.

00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:15.180
 To do.

00:31:16.700 --> 00:31:17.200
 He wants to.

00:31:17.400 --> 00:31:18.360
 He wants to show up.

00:31:18.580 --> 00:31:19.140
 In our life.

00:31:20.240 --> 00:31:20.840
 He wants.

00:31:21.160 --> 00:31:21.900
 The Holy Spirit.

00:31:22.080 --> 00:31:22.180
 To.

00:31:22.900 --> 00:31:23.900
 To have his way.

00:31:24.560 --> 00:31:25.220
 In not only.

00:31:25.360 --> 00:31:26.259
 Directing our steps.

00:31:26.360 --> 00:31:27.320
 In leading us.

00:31:27.580 --> 00:31:28.280
 But to help us.

00:31:28.340 --> 00:31:28.759
 Do the things.

00:31:28.820 --> 00:31:29.759
 That we would often say.

00:31:30.200 --> 00:31:30.720
 No to.

00:31:32.019 --> 00:31:32.460
 Those.

00:31:33.460 --> 00:31:33.940
 Disciplines.

00:31:33.940 --> 00:31:34.380
 Of life.

00:31:34.380 --> 00:31:35.240
 Those areas.

00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:35.960
 Of service.

00:31:36.440 --> 00:31:37.360
 That he's called us to.

00:31:38.420 --> 00:31:39.140
 And this is.

00:31:39.320 --> 00:31:40.519
 What God wants to accomplish.

00:31:41.200 --> 00:31:42.299
 He wants to accomplish that.

00:31:42.480 --> 00:31:42.840
 In our.

00:31:42.940 --> 00:31:43.500
 In our lives.

00:31:43.680 --> 00:31:44.740
 Through his power.

00:31:44.860 --> 00:31:45.519
 He makes it.

00:31:46.100 --> 00:31:46.460
 Available.

00:31:46.799 --> 00:31:46.920
 Well.

00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:48.340
 How do I get this power?

00:31:49.360 --> 00:31:49.620
 Well.

00:31:50.080 --> 00:31:50.940
 Just briefly.

00:31:51.519 --> 00:31:52.380
 Just two verses.

00:31:52.480 --> 00:31:53.820
 I want to draw your attention to.

00:31:54.120 --> 00:31:54.880
 Or two passages.

00:31:55.220 --> 00:31:56.100
 First in Ephesians.

00:31:56.160 --> 00:31:56.779
 Chapter 5.

00:31:56.799 --> 00:31:57.340
 Verse 18.

00:31:58.259 --> 00:31:59.000
 Ephesians 5.

00:31:59.019 --> 00:31:59.340
 18.

00:31:59.460 --> 00:32:00.039
 Says this.

00:32:00.039 --> 00:32:02.740
 And do not get drunk with wine.

00:32:02.740 --> 00:32:04.200
 For that is debauchery.

00:32:04.279 --> 00:32:05.200
 But be filled.

00:32:05.420 --> 00:32:05.879
 With.

00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:06.759
 The spirit.

00:32:08.059 --> 00:32:08.940
 Addressing one another.

00:32:09.059 --> 00:32:09.539
 In psalms.

00:32:09.599 --> 00:32:10.119
 In hymns.

00:32:10.480 --> 00:32:11.399
 In spiritual songs.

00:32:11.519 --> 00:32:11.759
 Singing.

00:32:11.879 --> 00:32:13.019
 And making melody to the Lord.

00:32:13.299 --> 00:32:14.099
 With your hearts.

00:32:14.259 --> 00:32:15.039
 Giving thanks.

00:32:15.180 --> 00:32:15.579
 Always.

00:32:15.960 --> 00:32:16.619
 For everything.

00:32:16.740 --> 00:32:17.480
 To God the Father.

00:32:17.559 --> 00:32:18.960
 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

00:32:19.379 --> 00:32:20.579
 Submitting to one another.

00:32:20.980 --> 00:32:21.980
 Out of reverence.

00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:23.159
 For Christ.

00:32:23.779 --> 00:32:23.980
 Okay.

00:32:24.880 --> 00:32:26.259
 The main reason.

00:32:26.380 --> 00:32:27.480
 Why I have this verse.

00:32:27.680 --> 00:32:28.779
 Is to let you see.

00:32:29.160 --> 00:32:30.079
 You are called.

00:32:30.339 --> 00:32:31.099
 I am called.

00:32:31.180 --> 00:32:32.660
 To be filled.

00:32:32.779 --> 00:32:33.319
 With the spirit.

00:32:33.700 --> 00:32:34.160
 Now it doesn't mean.

00:32:34.240 --> 00:32:35.599
 We get more of the Holy Spirit.

00:32:35.599 --> 00:32:36.039
 In our life.

00:32:36.180 --> 00:32:36.920
 But what that means.

00:32:36.920 --> 00:32:37.700
 Is we allow.

00:32:38.000 --> 00:32:38.400
 The spirit.

00:32:38.559 --> 00:32:39.140
 To occupy.

00:32:39.620 --> 00:32:40.660
 More of our life.

00:32:40.819 --> 00:32:41.500
 Instead of just.

00:32:41.799 --> 00:32:42.519
 Setting him into.

00:32:42.720 --> 00:32:43.700
 A corner of our life.

00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:45.220
 Or you can have that space.

00:32:45.299 --> 00:32:45.680
 No we say.

00:32:45.920 --> 00:32:47.180
 You can have every space.

00:32:47.200 --> 00:32:47.740
 Of my life.

00:32:48.019 --> 00:32:48.980
 You can dominate.

00:32:49.140 --> 00:32:49.779
 Every place.

00:32:49.779 --> 00:32:50.500
 Of my life.

00:32:51.720 --> 00:32:52.519
 And it leads to.

00:32:53.019 --> 00:32:53.259
 Singing.

00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:54.640
 Psalms and hymns.

00:32:55.339 --> 00:32:55.980
 It leads to.

00:32:56.500 --> 00:32:56.940
 Thanksgivings.

00:32:56.960 --> 00:32:57.819
 Because this is the work.

00:32:57.839 --> 00:32:58.559
 Of God in our life.

00:32:58.700 --> 00:32:59.259
 To help us.

00:32:59.440 --> 00:33:00.119
 Actually be thankful.

00:33:00.220 --> 00:33:00.579
 Instead of.

00:33:00.879 --> 00:33:02.559
 What we do by nature.

00:33:02.599 --> 00:33:02.920
 And that is.

00:33:03.099 --> 00:33:03.500
 Complain.

00:33:05.220 --> 00:33:05.480
 But.

00:33:06.359 --> 00:33:07.039
 Take that.

00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:08.440
 Along with Colossians.

00:33:08.519 --> 00:33:09.000
 Chapter 3.

00:33:09.079 --> 00:33:10.000
 16 and 17.

00:33:10.640 --> 00:33:11.579
 And we begin to see.

00:33:11.740 --> 00:33:12.420
 How submitting.

00:33:13.059 --> 00:33:14.779
 To the spirit.

00:33:15.660 --> 00:33:16.579
 And allowing the spirit.

00:33:16.579 --> 00:33:17.640
 To fill our life.

00:33:18.279 --> 00:33:19.900
 Is coupled together.

00:33:20.359 --> 00:33:21.099
 With the significance.

00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:22.000
 Of the word of God.

00:33:22.059 --> 00:33:22.680
 Notice this.

00:33:23.259 --> 00:33:24.680
 Let the word of Christ.

00:33:24.940 --> 00:33:25.339
 Dwell.

00:33:25.660 --> 00:33:26.119
 In you.

00:33:26.640 --> 00:33:27.059
 Richly.

00:33:27.920 --> 00:33:28.559
 What does it produce?

00:33:28.700 --> 00:33:28.839
 Well.

00:33:29.099 --> 00:33:29.500
 What do you know?

00:33:29.559 --> 00:33:30.759
 It produces the same kind of thing.

00:33:31.259 --> 00:33:32.539
 Teaching and admonishing one another.

00:33:32.900 --> 00:33:33.480
 In all wisdom.

00:33:33.680 --> 00:33:34.640
 Singing psalms and hymns.

00:33:34.680 --> 00:33:35.379
 And spiritual songs.

00:33:35.660 --> 00:33:36.180
 With thanksfulness.

00:33:36.319 --> 00:33:37.059
 In your hearts to God.

00:33:37.240 --> 00:33:37.980
 Whatever you do.

00:33:38.059 --> 00:33:38.740
 In word or deed.

00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:39.500
 Do everything.

00:33:39.599 --> 00:33:40.839
 In the name of the Lord Jesus.

00:33:41.220 --> 00:33:42.519
 Giving thanks to God the Father.

00:33:42.599 --> 00:33:43.119
 Through him.

00:33:43.940 --> 00:33:45.359
 It accomplishes the same work.

00:33:45.420 --> 00:33:45.839
 That means.

00:33:46.099 --> 00:33:46.500
 To be.

00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:47.920
 Filled with the spirit.

00:33:48.339 --> 00:33:49.680
 And to allow the word of God.

00:33:49.680 --> 00:33:51.360
 To dwell in us richly.

00:33:52.259 --> 00:33:52.920
 Is really.

00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:54.580
 Two different ways.

00:33:54.620 --> 00:33:55.500
 To say the same thing.

00:33:57.259 --> 00:33:58.340
 So how do we do this?

00:33:58.480 --> 00:33:58.660
 Well.

00:34:00.019 --> 00:34:00.920
 Allow the word of God.

00:34:00.960 --> 00:34:01.799
 To dwell in you richly.

00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:04.100
 I think we can access that.

00:34:04.180 --> 00:34:04.700
 A little bit more.

00:34:05.460 --> 00:34:06.460
 That means you have to.

00:34:06.960 --> 00:34:08.220
 Pour yourself in.

00:34:08.340 --> 00:34:09.220
 To the word of God.

00:34:09.980 --> 00:34:10.940
 That means you have to.

00:34:12.019 --> 00:34:13.240
 Love the word of God.

00:34:13.460 --> 00:34:14.940
 To allow the word of God.

00:34:15.019 --> 00:34:16.300
 To have its way in your life.

00:34:16.300 --> 00:34:18.900
 To want to fellowship with God.

00:34:19.019 --> 00:34:19.700
 Through the scriptures.

00:34:20.680 --> 00:34:21.920
 To set up.

00:34:22.340 --> 00:34:23.100
 To set up.

00:34:23.340 --> 00:34:24.560
 A daily.

00:34:24.940 --> 00:34:25.800
 And we might say.

00:34:26.200 --> 00:34:26.780
 Regiment.

00:34:27.840 --> 00:34:29.420
 Maybe a better word is.

00:34:29.900 --> 00:34:30.460
 A daily.

00:34:30.900 --> 00:34:31.440
 Time.

00:34:31.680 --> 00:34:32.340
 Of fellowshipping.

00:34:32.539 --> 00:34:33.000
 With God.

00:34:33.260 --> 00:34:33.840
 In the scriptures.

00:34:34.940 --> 00:34:36.400
 Those intimate moments.

00:34:36.400 --> 00:34:37.200
 That you can share.

00:34:37.740 --> 00:34:38.180
 With.

00:34:38.620 --> 00:34:39.700
 The God of the universe.

00:34:40.360 --> 00:34:41.720
 As he is informing your heart.

00:34:41.780 --> 00:34:42.240
 About his.

00:34:42.460 --> 00:34:42.980
 His word.

00:34:43.240 --> 00:34:44.440
 And you are opening.

00:34:44.440 --> 00:34:45.280
 Your heart.

00:34:45.280 --> 00:34:46.700
 Not only to listen.

00:34:47.320 --> 00:34:47.900
 But to obey.

00:34:48.000 --> 00:34:48.660
 What God has said.

00:34:49.640 --> 00:34:51.000
 It's those kinds of people.

00:34:51.160 --> 00:34:51.600
 That enjoy.

00:34:52.180 --> 00:34:53.460
 The fullness.

00:34:53.780 --> 00:34:54.680
 Of the Holy Spirit.

00:34:55.240 --> 00:34:56.280
 In the kind of power.

00:34:56.920 --> 00:34:57.580
 That Stephen.

00:34:58.100 --> 00:34:59.200
 Is beginning to demonstrate.

00:34:59.300 --> 00:34:59.980
 And by the way.

00:35:00.420 --> 00:35:01.660
 The rest of the church.

00:35:01.780 --> 00:35:02.340
 Was also.

00:35:03.140 --> 00:35:03.620
 Experiencing.

00:35:03.740 --> 00:35:04.420
 Great grace.

00:35:04.580 --> 00:35:05.360
 Was upon them all.

00:35:05.519 --> 00:35:06.519
 And it showed up.

00:35:06.560 --> 00:35:07.840
 In the same kinds of things.

00:35:08.620 --> 00:35:09.180
 It showed up.

00:35:09.200 --> 00:35:09.800
 In their unity.

00:35:10.080 --> 00:35:10.600
 It showed up.

00:35:10.600 --> 00:35:11.240
 In their fellowship.

00:35:11.519 --> 00:35:12.040
 It showed up.

00:35:12.040 --> 00:35:12.680
 In their worship.

00:35:12.860 --> 00:35:13.340
 It showed up.

00:35:13.420 --> 00:35:13.960
 In their giving.

00:35:14.260 --> 00:35:15.080
 All of these things.

00:35:15.079 --> 00:35:16.500
 That only the Holy Spirit.

00:35:16.500 --> 00:35:17.480
 Could accomplish.

00:35:17.799 --> 00:35:18.920
 In their lives.

00:35:20.799 --> 00:35:22.039
 So are you a believer.

00:35:22.400 --> 00:35:23.980
 In the Lord Jesus Christ.

00:35:24.759 --> 00:35:26.259
 Have you come to a place.

00:35:26.259 --> 00:35:26.980
 In your life.

00:35:27.279 --> 00:35:28.519
 Of committing yourself.

00:35:28.519 --> 00:35:29.019
 To him.

00:35:29.579 --> 00:35:30.480
 Asking forgiveness.

00:35:30.739 --> 00:35:31.420
 Of your sin.

00:35:31.940 --> 00:35:32.840
 Confessing him.

00:35:33.079 --> 00:35:33.819
 As Lord.

00:35:33.940 --> 00:35:34.619
 Of your life.

00:35:34.900 --> 00:35:35.840
 And believing that God.

00:35:35.920 --> 00:35:37.019
 Raised Jesus from the dead.

00:35:37.219 --> 00:35:38.779
 If you have done that.

00:35:39.500 --> 00:35:40.360
 Then you are.

00:35:40.559 --> 00:35:41.179
 Not only.

00:35:41.539 --> 00:35:42.460
 A person.

00:35:42.460 --> 00:35:43.539
 Who is trusted.

00:35:43.539 --> 00:35:44.039
 In Jesus.

00:35:44.039 --> 00:35:44.860
 But you have.

00:35:44.860 --> 00:35:46.360
 The indwelling Holy Spirit.

00:35:46.480 --> 00:35:46.920
 In your life.

00:35:49.780 --> 00:35:51.059
 So if you have the Holy Spirit.

00:35:51.139 --> 00:35:51.559
 In your life.

00:35:52.619 --> 00:35:53.960
 Are you one who is growing.

00:35:54.220 --> 00:35:55.019
 In your relationship.

00:35:55.019 --> 00:35:55.519
 With God.

00:35:56.260 --> 00:35:57.119
 Are you growing.

00:35:57.119 --> 00:35:58.079
 In the grace.

00:35:58.480 --> 00:35:59.659
 Of the Lord Jesus Christ.

00:35:59.780 --> 00:36:00.800
 So that people see.

00:36:01.240 --> 00:36:02.460
 There's something different.

00:36:02.559 --> 00:36:03.220
 About you.

00:36:03.860 --> 00:36:04.300
 Today.

00:36:04.679 --> 00:36:05.820
 That wasn't true of you.

00:36:06.780 --> 00:36:07.099
 Say.

00:36:07.740 --> 00:36:08.539
 Weeks ago.

00:36:08.900 --> 00:36:09.500
 Months ago.

00:36:09.659 --> 00:36:10.280
 Years ago.

00:36:10.280 --> 00:36:11.860
 That there is this.

00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:12.720
 This growing.

00:36:13.120 --> 00:36:13.760
 In grace.

00:36:14.180 --> 00:36:14.740
 A growing.

00:36:14.980 --> 00:36:16.000
 In the knowledge of God.

00:36:16.360 --> 00:36:17.180
 A growing.

00:36:17.180 --> 00:36:17.900
 In the.

00:36:18.019 --> 00:36:19.040
 The work of God.

00:36:19.120 --> 00:36:19.660
 In your life.

00:36:19.720 --> 00:36:21.000
 As the Holy Spirit.

00:36:21.000 --> 00:36:22.560
 Is changing you.

00:36:22.640 --> 00:36:23.760
 And transforming you.

00:36:25.760 --> 00:36:27.120
 And this is only going to happen.

00:36:27.360 --> 00:36:28.760
 As we.

00:36:29.300 --> 00:36:30.040
 Are actively.

00:36:30.440 --> 00:36:31.000
 Fellowshiping.

00:36:31.420 --> 00:36:32.000
 With God.

00:36:32.460 --> 00:36:33.040
 In his word.

00:36:34.060 --> 00:36:35.519
 Do you have a regular pattern.

00:36:36.220 --> 00:36:37.580
 Do you have a regular pattern.

00:36:38.000 --> 00:36:38.740
 Of life.

00:36:38.739 --> 00:36:40.119
 In accessing.

00:36:41.199 --> 00:36:41.599
 Devouring.

00:36:42.599 --> 00:36:43.039
 Meditating.

00:36:43.159 --> 00:36:43.739
 On the scripture.

00:36:45.099 --> 00:36:46.099
 Is it something that you do.

00:36:46.479 --> 00:36:47.019
 As a.

00:36:47.019 --> 00:36:48.019
 As a normal.

00:36:48.439 --> 00:36:49.419
 Way of life.

00:36:50.239 --> 00:36:51.579
 If you want to enjoy.

00:36:52.019 --> 00:36:53.339
 The power of the spirit.

00:36:53.459 --> 00:36:54.519
 Filling your life.

00:36:54.719 --> 00:36:55.819
 And giving you power.

00:36:55.979 --> 00:36:56.739
 For daily living.

00:36:56.819 --> 00:36:57.679
 For Christian living.

00:36:58.919 --> 00:37:00.099
 It happens this way.

00:37:00.379 --> 00:37:01.559
 The same way it happened for the Stephen.

00:37:01.779 --> 00:37:02.500
 And we're going to see.

00:37:02.619 --> 00:37:03.559
 In Acts chapter 7.

00:37:03.739 --> 00:37:04.239
 We're going to see.

00:37:04.339 --> 00:37:05.139
 That this man.

00:37:05.419 --> 00:37:05.699
 Knew.

00:37:05.919 --> 00:37:06.459
 The Bible.

00:37:06.759 --> 00:37:07.179
 I mean.

00:37:07.179 --> 00:37:08.679
 It's incredible.

00:37:08.819 --> 00:37:09.519
 He knew the Bible.

00:37:09.599 --> 00:37:10.500
 There's no wonder.

00:37:10.500 --> 00:37:11.599
 Why he's able.

00:37:11.899 --> 00:37:12.559
 To dispute.

00:37:12.799 --> 00:37:13.000
 With the.

00:37:13.059 --> 00:37:14.079
 The freedmen.

00:37:14.399 --> 00:37:14.839
 The synagogue.

00:37:14.980 --> 00:37:15.539
 Of the freedmen.

00:37:15.779 --> 00:37:16.179
 That are.

00:37:16.279 --> 00:37:16.759
 That are here.

00:37:17.179 --> 00:37:17.659
 Because.

00:37:18.139 --> 00:37:19.579
 He knew the word of God.

00:37:20.799 --> 00:37:21.980
 He allowed that word.

00:37:22.319 --> 00:37:22.919
 To shape him.

00:37:23.259 --> 00:37:23.879
 To change him.

00:37:24.679 --> 00:37:25.119
 Finally.

00:37:25.239 --> 00:37:26.480
 In verses 9 to 15.

00:37:26.599 --> 00:37:27.159
 We're going to see.

00:37:27.559 --> 00:37:28.239
 That the Holy Spirit.

00:37:28.319 --> 00:37:29.119
 Will embolden us.

00:37:29.199 --> 00:37:29.659
 To speak.

00:37:29.899 --> 00:37:30.719
 With wisdom.

00:37:31.039 --> 00:37:31.399
 And.

00:37:31.839 --> 00:37:32.339
 The spirit.

00:37:32.340 --> 00:37:35.880
 He will embolden us to speak.

00:37:37.980 --> 00:37:38.420
 God.

00:37:38.940 --> 00:37:39.800
 Delights in this.

00:37:40.019 --> 00:37:41.019
 Notice in verse 9.

00:37:41.940 --> 00:37:42.780
 Then some of those.

00:37:42.900 --> 00:37:44.100
 Who belong to the synagogue.

00:37:44.100 --> 00:37:44.860
 Of the freedmen.

00:37:45.140 --> 00:37:46.100
 As it was called.

00:37:46.640 --> 00:37:47.800
 And of the Cyrenians.

00:37:47.920 --> 00:37:49.160
 And of the Alexandrians.

00:37:49.519 --> 00:37:50.680
 And of those from Cilicia.

00:37:50.840 --> 00:37:51.300
 And Asia.

00:37:51.440 --> 00:37:52.860
 Rose up and disputed with Stephen.

00:37:53.100 --> 00:37:55.059
 But they could not withstand.

00:37:55.500 --> 00:37:56.360
 The wisdom.

00:37:56.860 --> 00:37:57.780
 And the spirit.

00:37:57.780 --> 00:37:58.980
 With which he was speaking.

00:37:58.980 --> 00:38:01.699
 That was a work of God.

00:38:02.139 --> 00:38:02.480
 In him.

00:38:04.000 --> 00:38:04.940
 The Jerusalem Talmud.

00:38:05.059 --> 00:38:05.920
 Claims that there were about.

00:38:06.360 --> 00:38:07.880
 480 synagogues.

00:38:08.019 --> 00:38:08.920
 In Jerusalem.

00:38:09.579 --> 00:38:09.920
 Now.

00:38:10.219 --> 00:38:11.219
 There was a temple.

00:38:11.360 --> 00:38:11.740
 Obviously.

00:38:11.920 --> 00:38:12.420
 In Jerusalem.

00:38:12.559 --> 00:38:13.679
 And the temple was a place.

00:38:13.840 --> 00:38:15.079
 Not only of worship.

00:38:15.240 --> 00:38:16.380
 But also of sacrifice.

00:38:16.500 --> 00:38:17.000
 It was a way.

00:38:17.280 --> 00:38:18.179
 That the people could.

00:38:18.300 --> 00:38:19.039
 Could work through.

00:38:19.579 --> 00:38:19.860
 The.

00:38:20.099 --> 00:38:20.699
 The.

00:38:21.039 --> 00:38:22.079
 The atoning.

00:38:22.559 --> 00:38:23.420
 The sacrificial.

00:38:23.639 --> 00:38:24.679
 Kinds of things.

00:38:25.099 --> 00:38:25.579
 To.

00:38:25.900 --> 00:38:26.260
 To.

00:38:26.260 --> 00:38:26.380
 To.

00:38:27.019 --> 00:38:28.320
 Follow after the law.

00:38:28.980 --> 00:38:29.820
 But the synagogue.

00:38:29.820 --> 00:38:30.380
 Itself.

00:38:30.440 --> 00:38:31.199
 Was a place for people.

00:38:31.199 --> 00:38:31.699
 To gather.

00:38:32.519 --> 00:38:33.420
 It was a place for people.

00:38:33.460 --> 00:38:34.059
 To be taught.

00:38:34.260 --> 00:38:35.000
 It was a place for them.

00:38:35.099 --> 00:38:35.579
 To learn.

00:38:35.780 --> 00:38:37.380
 It happened in smaller places.

00:38:37.619 --> 00:38:39.059
 It was more about community.

00:38:39.900 --> 00:38:41.880
 And there were several synagogues.

00:38:42.619 --> 00:38:43.059
 480.

00:38:43.360 --> 00:38:44.039
 Of them.

00:38:44.219 --> 00:38:45.440
 Spread throughout Jerusalem.

00:38:45.639 --> 00:38:45.719
 And.

00:38:45.900 --> 00:38:46.579
 And we find.

00:38:47.079 --> 00:38:48.280
 The mention of.

00:38:48.440 --> 00:38:49.360
 A number of them here.

00:38:51.260 --> 00:38:52.159
 Interestingly enough.

00:38:52.699 --> 00:38:53.400
 The freedmen.

00:38:53.880 --> 00:38:54.400
 As it's.

00:38:54.840 --> 00:38:55.559
 Named here.

00:38:55.559 --> 00:38:56.559
 Were descendants.

00:38:57.179 --> 00:38:57.860
 Of Jewish.

00:38:58.099 --> 00:38:58.539
 Slaves.

00:38:58.539 --> 00:38:59.360
 That were captured.

00:38:59.639 --> 00:39:00.259
 In AD.

00:39:00.619 --> 00:39:01.019
 63.

00:39:01.539 --> 00:39:01.639
 Or.

00:39:02.000 --> 00:39:02.300
 Excuse me.

00:39:03.179 --> 00:39:04.119
 63 BC.

00:39:04.380 --> 00:39:05.219
 They were taken to Rome.

00:39:05.679 --> 00:39:06.159
 Later.

00:39:06.259 --> 00:39:06.900
 They were granted.

00:39:07.099 --> 00:39:07.460
 Freedom.

00:39:07.779 --> 00:39:08.639
 And they found.

00:39:08.759 --> 00:39:09.400
 Their way back.

00:39:09.460 --> 00:39:10.039
 To Jerusalem.

00:39:11.099 --> 00:39:11.719
 And here they are.

00:39:11.800 --> 00:39:12.239
 They are.

00:39:12.699 --> 00:39:13.179
 Zealous.

00:39:13.559 --> 00:39:14.840
 For the things of God.

00:39:15.759 --> 00:39:16.179
 And they are.

00:39:16.279 --> 00:39:17.159
 Particularly zealous.

00:39:17.159 --> 00:39:17.599
 For.

00:39:18.039 --> 00:39:18.759
 Their understanding.

00:39:18.920 --> 00:39:19.380
 Of the law.

00:39:21.779 --> 00:39:22.500
 We find.

00:39:22.599 --> 00:39:22.860
 In verses.

00:39:23.000 --> 00:39:23.779
 11 to 14.

00:39:24.619 --> 00:39:25.279
 Their opposition.

00:39:25.280 --> 00:39:27.120
 We see.

00:39:27.120 --> 00:39:27.640
 At least.

00:39:28.000 --> 00:39:28.260
 Eight.

00:39:28.260 --> 00:39:29.380
 Action verbs.

00:39:29.380 --> 00:39:30.720
 Of hostility.

00:39:31.300 --> 00:39:32.440
 Of how this group.

00:39:33.040 --> 00:39:34.120
 Of individuals.

00:39:34.120 --> 00:39:35.100
 Was opposing.

00:39:35.760 --> 00:39:36.660
 The testimony.

00:39:36.980 --> 00:39:37.580
 The word.

00:39:37.840 --> 00:39:38.519
 Of Stephen.

00:39:39.640 --> 00:39:40.500
 They rose up.

00:39:40.840 --> 00:39:41.300
 We find.

00:39:41.640 --> 00:39:42.460
 In verse 9.

00:39:43.180 --> 00:39:44.180
 They disputed.

00:39:44.340 --> 00:39:44.700
 We find.

00:39:44.780 --> 00:39:45.380
 In verse 9.

00:39:46.180 --> 00:39:47.240
 They instigated.

00:39:47.380 --> 00:39:47.760
 We find.

00:39:47.840 --> 00:39:48.580
 In verse 11.

00:39:49.340 --> 00:39:50.320
 They stirred up.

00:39:50.760 --> 00:39:51.640
 In verse 12.

00:39:52.440 --> 00:39:52.799
 They.

00:39:53.480 --> 00:39:54.400
 Came upon.

00:39:54.519 --> 00:39:55.199
 In verse 12.

00:39:55.359 --> 00:39:56.199
 They seized.

00:39:56.339 --> 00:39:56.879
 And brought.

00:39:57.059 --> 00:39:57.839
 In verse 12.

00:39:58.079 --> 00:39:58.679
 They set up.

00:39:58.739 --> 00:39:59.379
 False witnesses.

00:39:59.779 --> 00:40:00.879
 In verse 13.

00:40:01.679 --> 00:40:02.299
 We find.

00:40:02.359 --> 00:40:03.119
 Their hostility.

00:40:04.119 --> 00:40:04.879
 To the message.

00:40:05.000 --> 00:40:05.539
 Of truth.

00:40:06.920 --> 00:40:07.599
 This is something.

00:40:07.599 --> 00:40:08.759
 That Christ himself.

00:40:09.819 --> 00:40:10.239
 Cautioned.

00:40:10.359 --> 00:40:10.779
 And warned.

00:40:11.059 --> 00:40:11.539
 The disciples.

00:40:11.960 --> 00:40:12.500
 To expect.

00:40:13.579 --> 00:40:14.059
 We find.

00:40:14.159 --> 00:40:14.460
 On the night.

00:40:14.500 --> 00:40:15.059
 Before Jesus.

00:40:15.179 --> 00:40:15.699
 Was crucified.

00:40:15.879 --> 00:40:16.000
 He.

00:40:16.319 --> 00:40:17.219
 Wanted his apostles.

00:40:17.219 --> 00:40:18.079
 To recognize.

00:40:18.079 --> 00:40:18.440
 That.

00:40:18.639 --> 00:40:19.219
 That even.

00:40:19.339 --> 00:40:19.879
 In speaking.

00:40:20.219 --> 00:40:20.940
 With wisdom.

00:40:21.059 --> 00:40:21.480
 And speaking.

00:40:21.480 --> 00:40:22.240
 Full of faith.

00:40:22.659 --> 00:40:23.300
 And speaking.

00:40:23.440 --> 00:40:24.079
 In the power.

00:40:24.340 --> 00:40:25.320
 Of the Holy Spirit.

00:40:25.420 --> 00:40:26.400
 Does not guarantee.

00:40:26.860 --> 00:40:27.519
 That those.

00:40:27.679 --> 00:40:28.280
 Who hear.

00:40:28.380 --> 00:40:29.039
 Will be receptive.

00:40:30.659 --> 00:40:31.240
 As a matter of fact.

00:40:31.320 --> 00:40:31.960
 Jesus warned.

00:40:31.960 --> 00:40:32.659
 That they would be.

00:40:33.219 --> 00:40:33.920
 There would be many.

00:40:34.079 --> 00:40:34.840
 Who would oppose.

00:40:35.699 --> 00:40:36.340
 John 15.

00:40:36.440 --> 00:40:36.980
 Verse 18.

00:40:37.119 --> 00:40:37.679
 Says this.

00:40:38.480 --> 00:40:39.800
 If the world hates you.

00:40:40.500 --> 00:40:41.599
 Know that it hated me.

00:40:41.639 --> 00:40:42.579
 Before it hated you.

00:40:43.420 --> 00:40:44.539
 If you were of the world.

00:40:44.599 --> 00:40:45.559
 The world would love you.

00:40:45.559 --> 00:40:46.380
 As its own.

00:40:46.500 --> 00:40:46.639
 But.

00:40:46.980 --> 00:40:48.280
 Because you are not.

00:40:48.320 --> 00:40:49.039
 Of the world.

00:40:49.599 --> 00:40:50.559
 But I chose you.

00:40:50.639 --> 00:40:51.340
 Out of the world.

00:40:51.840 --> 00:40:52.820
 Therefore the world hates you.

00:40:53.660 --> 00:40:54.420
 Remember the word.

00:40:54.500 --> 00:40:55.200
 That I said to you.

00:40:55.260 --> 00:40:56.260
 A servant is not greater.

00:40:56.320 --> 00:40:56.960
 Than his master.

00:40:57.200 --> 00:40:58.640
 If they persecuted me.

00:40:59.300 --> 00:41:00.660
 They will also persecute you.

00:41:01.440 --> 00:41:02.600
 If they kept my word.

00:41:03.059 --> 00:41:04.720
 They will also keep yours.

00:41:04.860 --> 00:41:05.059
 But.

00:41:05.660 --> 00:41:06.700
 All of these things.

00:41:06.780 --> 00:41:07.780
 They will do to you.

00:41:07.780 --> 00:41:08.640
 On account.

00:41:09.000 --> 00:41:09.860
 Of my name.

00:41:10.660 --> 00:41:12.500
 Because they do not know him.

00:41:12.579 --> 00:41:13.660
 Who sent me.

00:41:15.460 --> 00:41:16.140
 You see.

00:41:17.140 --> 00:41:17.620
 The apostles.

00:41:18.100 --> 00:41:18.480
 Were prepared.

00:41:19.200 --> 00:41:19.960
 In that sense.

00:41:19.960 --> 00:41:21.159
 And so.

00:41:21.159 --> 00:41:22.320
 When opposition would come.

00:41:22.740 --> 00:41:24.039
 We find in Acts chapter 4.

00:41:24.139 --> 00:41:25.079
 21 to 22.

00:41:25.440 --> 00:41:26.420
 Opposition would come.

00:41:27.500 --> 00:41:28.179
 Verse 21 says.

00:41:28.340 --> 00:41:29.260
 When they had further.

00:41:29.699 --> 00:41:30.480
 Threatened them.

00:41:30.860 --> 00:41:31.579
 They let them go.

00:41:31.720 --> 00:41:33.039
 Finding no way to punish them.

00:41:33.079 --> 00:41:33.880
 Because the people.

00:41:34.220 --> 00:41:34.659
 For all.

00:41:34.780 --> 00:41:35.820
 Were praising God.

00:41:35.880 --> 00:41:36.720
 For what had happened.

00:41:37.860 --> 00:41:38.980
 Opposition would come again.

00:41:39.039 --> 00:41:39.760
 In chapter 5.

00:41:39.940 --> 00:41:41.099
 Verses 41 to 42.

00:41:41.460 --> 00:41:42.599
 They left the presence.

00:41:42.699 --> 00:41:43.380
 Of the council.

00:41:44.000 --> 00:41:44.480
 Rejoicing.

00:41:44.800 --> 00:41:46.139
 That they were counted worthy.

00:41:46.139 --> 00:41:48.099
 To suffer dishonor.

00:41:48.299 --> 00:41:48.980
 For the name.

00:41:50.019 --> 00:41:50.639
 And every day.

00:41:50.759 --> 00:41:51.299
 In the temple.

00:41:51.480 --> 00:41:52.500
 And from house to house.

00:41:52.920 --> 00:41:54.639
 They did not cease teaching.

00:41:54.839 --> 00:41:55.339
 And preaching.

00:41:56.019 --> 00:41:57.019
 That the Christ.

00:41:57.199 --> 00:41:58.339
 Is Jesus.

00:41:59.339 --> 00:42:00.679
 So the apostles were ready.

00:42:01.639 --> 00:42:02.299
 And Stephen.

00:42:02.980 --> 00:42:03.679
 Was ready.

00:42:04.480 --> 00:42:05.339
 And even though.

00:42:05.599 --> 00:42:06.699
 This group.

00:42:07.179 --> 00:42:08.679
 Employed mob tactics.

00:42:09.779 --> 00:42:10.719
 And even though.

00:42:10.719 --> 00:42:12.899
 They seek to discredit.

00:42:13.059 --> 00:42:14.279
 And misrepresent Stephen.

00:42:15.119 --> 00:42:15.859
 We find.

00:42:16.259 --> 00:42:17.159
 That all they could.

00:42:17.339 --> 00:42:18.459
 Draw attention to.

00:42:18.519 --> 00:42:19.359
 All they could see.

00:42:19.699 --> 00:42:20.719
 In light of.

00:42:20.879 --> 00:42:21.639
 All that they had done.

00:42:21.719 --> 00:42:22.139
 To Stephen.

00:42:22.219 --> 00:42:22.659
 And all the.

00:42:22.859 --> 00:42:23.899
 The ways that.

00:42:24.019 --> 00:42:25.339
 They were mishandling him.

00:42:26.119 --> 00:42:26.779
 We find.

00:42:27.379 --> 00:42:28.599
 There is this calm.

00:42:29.099 --> 00:42:29.980
 That seems to.

00:42:30.259 --> 00:42:30.619
 Rest.

00:42:31.039 --> 00:42:31.619
 On Stephen.

00:42:31.679 --> 00:42:32.059
 That he.

00:42:32.399 --> 00:42:33.139
 In verse 15.

00:42:34.259 --> 00:42:35.219
 They looked at him.

00:42:35.439 --> 00:42:35.879
 And they saw.

00:42:36.000 --> 00:42:36.939
 That he had the face.

00:42:37.539 --> 00:42:38.099
 Of an angel.

00:42:39.219 --> 00:42:40.159
 There is this calm.

00:42:40.159 --> 00:42:41.099
 About his life.

00:42:41.719 --> 00:42:42.460
 Because his heart.

00:42:42.539 --> 00:42:42.960
 Is settled.

00:42:43.699 --> 00:42:44.079
 His heart.

00:42:44.159 --> 00:42:44.619
 Is fixed.

00:42:44.699 --> 00:42:45.119
 In the truth.

00:42:45.179 --> 00:42:46.000
 That God has given.

00:42:46.639 --> 00:42:47.739
 And he is committed.

00:42:47.739 --> 00:42:48.480
 To whatever.

00:42:49.219 --> 00:42:49.879
 Will happen.

00:42:50.059 --> 00:42:50.599
 For the sake.

00:42:51.299 --> 00:42:51.879
 Of the cause.

00:42:55.599 --> 00:42:56.279
 This morning.

00:42:56.279 --> 00:42:56.679
 As we.

00:42:57.379 --> 00:42:57.960
 As we.

00:42:58.199 --> 00:42:59.399
 Close our time together.

00:43:00.539 --> 00:43:01.039
 I guess.

00:43:01.139 --> 00:43:01.440
 There are.

00:43:01.559 --> 00:43:01.920
 There are two.

00:43:02.039 --> 00:43:02.440
 Takeaways.

00:43:02.599 --> 00:43:03.159
 First is.

00:43:03.699 --> 00:43:04.339
 Where has God.

00:43:04.420 --> 00:43:04.879
 Called you.

00:43:05.119 --> 00:43:05.599
 To serve.

00:43:06.839 --> 00:43:07.519
 What is.

00:43:07.719 --> 00:43:08.339
 What is God.

00:43:09.139 --> 00:43:09.960
 What is God.

00:43:09.960 --> 00:43:10.720
 Entrusted.

00:43:10.720 --> 00:43:11.599
 To you.

00:43:12.320 --> 00:43:12.579
 To.

00:43:12.800 --> 00:43:13.820
 To carry out.

00:43:13.940 --> 00:43:15.119
 And to represent him.

00:43:15.260 --> 00:43:16.059
 Wherever you are.

00:43:16.260 --> 00:43:17.099
 Maybe that's.

00:43:17.320 --> 00:43:17.760
 Maybe that's.

00:43:17.920 --> 00:43:18.960
 A ministry of prayer.

00:43:19.139 --> 00:43:19.780
 And that happens.

00:43:19.780 --> 00:43:20.460
 At a distance.

00:43:21.179 --> 00:43:22.079
 Maybe it's a.

00:43:22.220 --> 00:43:23.099
 Just simple as.

00:43:23.360 --> 00:43:24.740
 As being a faithful mom.

00:43:24.840 --> 00:43:25.639
 Or a faithful dad.

00:43:25.840 --> 00:43:26.539
 Maybe that's being.

00:43:26.619 --> 00:43:27.460
 The kind of employee.

00:43:27.460 --> 00:43:28.360
 That represents.

00:43:28.559 --> 00:43:29.340
 The Lord Jesus.

00:43:29.340 --> 00:43:30.119
 In your workplace.

00:43:30.220 --> 00:43:30.460
 You're.

00:43:30.840 --> 00:43:31.260
 Working.

00:43:31.599 --> 00:43:32.079
 Heartily.

00:43:32.400 --> 00:43:33.280
 As to the Lord.

00:43:33.360 --> 00:43:34.079
 And not to men.

00:43:35.240 --> 00:43:36.199
 But God has called us.

00:43:36.199 --> 00:43:37.059
 All to serve.

00:43:37.059 --> 00:43:37.920
 The body.

00:43:38.019 --> 00:43:38.500
 As well.

00:43:38.500 --> 00:43:39.719
 There's a service.

00:43:40.139 --> 00:43:40.559
 That God has.

00:43:40.960 --> 00:43:41.500
 That God has.

00:43:41.639 --> 00:43:42.980
 Given to us.

00:43:43.420 --> 00:43:44.239
 The privilege.

00:43:44.239 --> 00:43:45.420
 Of ministering.

00:43:45.480 --> 00:43:46.000
 To the needs.

00:43:46.139 --> 00:43:47.139
 Within our fellowship.

00:43:48.000 --> 00:43:49.079
 As we represent.

00:43:49.420 --> 00:43:50.579
 Our love for the Lord Jesus.

00:43:50.920 --> 00:43:51.400
 The second.

00:43:51.860 --> 00:43:52.380
 Takeaway.

00:43:52.539 --> 00:43:53.400
 From our time together.

00:43:53.460 --> 00:43:53.920
 This morning.

00:43:54.440 --> 00:43:54.820
 Is.

00:43:55.539 --> 00:43:56.519
 How might you.

00:43:57.519 --> 00:43:58.039
 Grow.

00:43:59.340 --> 00:43:59.579
 And.

00:43:59.699 --> 00:44:00.460
 Take advantage.

00:44:00.460 --> 00:44:01.239
 Of the opportunity.

00:44:01.360 --> 00:44:01.900
 To speak.

00:44:01.900 --> 00:44:02.599
 For Jesus.

00:44:02.940 --> 00:44:03.380
 This week.

00:44:03.380 --> 00:44:05.079
 What is a way.

00:44:05.140 --> 00:44:05.519
 In which.

00:44:05.660 --> 00:44:06.220
 That you can.

00:44:06.940 --> 00:44:07.500
 Testify.

00:44:07.619 --> 00:44:08.180
 To the wonder.

00:44:08.900 --> 00:44:10.019
 Of who Christ is.

00:44:10.820 --> 00:44:11.440
 And you can.

00:44:11.940 --> 00:44:12.300
 You can.

00:44:12.420 --> 00:44:13.240
 You can demonstrate.

00:44:13.480 --> 00:44:13.500
 A.

00:44:13.720 --> 00:44:14.519
 Not only a love.

00:44:14.579 --> 00:44:15.079
 For Jesus.

00:44:15.340 --> 00:44:15.480
 But.

00:44:15.860 --> 00:44:16.300
 But that.

00:44:16.640 --> 00:44:17.180
 That Christ.

00:44:17.180 --> 00:44:17.740
 Is working.

00:44:17.940 --> 00:44:18.480
 In your life.

00:44:18.599 --> 00:44:19.500
 And you're taking advantage.

00:44:20.240 --> 00:44:21.200
 Of the opportunities.

00:44:21.200 --> 00:44:22.400
 To share that with others.

00:44:23.160 --> 00:44:24.140
 May God help us.

00:44:24.260 --> 00:44:24.740
 This week.

00:44:25.019 --> 00:44:25.760
 To speak for him.

00:44:26.760 --> 00:44:27.180
 Father.

00:44:27.180 --> 00:44:27.780
 We praise you.

00:44:27.900 --> 00:44:28.539
 For the example.

00:44:28.840 --> 00:44:29.220
 Of Stephen.

00:44:29.219 --> 00:44:31.319
 Thank you.

00:44:31.480 --> 00:44:31.739
 Lord.

00:44:31.980 --> 00:44:32.219
 That.

00:44:33.219 --> 00:44:34.139
 That the ministry.

00:44:34.139 --> 00:44:35.019
 That you've given.

00:44:35.239 --> 00:44:36.480
 Is not just a ministry.

00:44:36.959 --> 00:44:37.899
 To the apostles.

00:44:38.659 --> 00:44:39.699
 And not just a ministry.

00:44:39.699 --> 00:44:40.879
 To the upper echelon.

00:44:40.959 --> 00:44:41.079
 Not.

00:44:41.279 --> 00:44:42.219
 Not just a ministry.

00:44:42.219 --> 00:44:43.099
 To leaders.

00:44:43.599 --> 00:44:44.099
 But Lord.

00:44:44.159 --> 00:44:44.799
 It's a ministry.

00:44:44.799 --> 00:44:45.859
 That you have entrusted.

00:44:46.199 --> 00:44:46.899
 To each.

00:44:47.199 --> 00:44:48.099
 One of us.

00:44:48.639 --> 00:44:49.519
 Who has the.

00:44:49.919 --> 00:44:50.239
 Spirit.

00:44:50.459 --> 00:44:51.359
 Living within us.

00:44:52.799 --> 00:44:53.239
 Father.

00:44:53.339 --> 00:44:54.139
 Help us to be faithful.

00:44:55.219 --> 00:44:56.179
 Faithful to serve.

00:44:57.119 --> 00:44:57.959
 Faithful to speak.

00:44:57.960 --> 00:45:00.159
 And faithful.

00:45:01.079 --> 00:45:01.539
 To.

00:45:02.559 --> 00:45:04.039
 To represent you faithfully.

00:45:04.039 --> 00:45:04.720
 Even when.

00:45:05.300 --> 00:45:06.099
 There's opposition.

00:45:06.260 --> 00:45:06.699
 And adversity.

00:45:07.740 --> 00:45:08.539
 Thank you for.

00:45:08.659 --> 00:45:09.240
 This example.

00:45:09.460 --> 00:45:09.780
 From your.

00:45:09.880 --> 00:45:10.420
 Your scripture.

00:45:10.860 --> 00:45:11.519
 Your word today.

00:45:12.199 --> 00:45:13.460
 I pray that you'd help us.

00:45:14.179 --> 00:45:15.220
 To be able to see.

00:45:15.340 --> 00:45:15.860
 That work.

00:45:16.019 --> 00:45:16.720
 In our lives.

00:45:17.260 --> 00:45:18.300
 As we seek to minister.

00:45:18.420 --> 00:45:18.840
 To others.

00:45:19.240 --> 00:45:19.900
 In Jesus name.

00:45:20.000 --> 00:45:20.159
 Amen.

00:45:21.920 --> 00:45:22.679
 God bless you.

00:45:22.800 --> 00:45:23.440
 Have a great week.

00:45:27.960 --> 00:45:41.059
 Say bye.

00:45:45.179 --> 00:45:48.920
發現 lik ahoshkaura yeahoshka remainshereoshka kam charity。