WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.839 So as we turn to look at Stephen's story, and as we think about the mission of Jesus, I just want to say again that Luke, who wrote the book of Acts, is a brilliant historian. 00:00:11.839 --> 00:00:28.019 I know some of us are into history, and nowadays if you read a modern history book, or you listen to a history podcast, what you'll get is that they will show a significant national or global event through the eyes of an individual. 00:00:28.019 --> 00:00:43.920 So you'll learn something of the significance of the outbreak of World War I through the diary of a Norwegian school teacher, or through the meetings that a British ambassador had in Vienna. 00:00:45.060 --> 00:00:56.100 And Dr. Luke is way ahead of his time, because as he tells us about the story of Jesus' mission, he does it by focusing on one individual, Stephen. 00:00:56.100 --> 00:01:06.180 He's recognized to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He's recognized to be a man of faith. He is full of grace and power. 00:01:06.780 --> 00:01:15.200 And Dr. Luke uses this one man to give us a window on the mission of Jesus at this particular stage. 00:01:15.200 --> 00:01:23.600 He's been growing in Jerusalem, but there's growing opposition, and now it's about to spread from Jerusalem, as Jesus promised. 00:01:24.780 --> 00:01:33.200 And so in his story, we discover something about the challenges, and how the first church faced those challenges. 00:01:34.020 --> 00:01:40.680 We see again something of their bold communication of truth in the face of hate. 00:01:40.680 --> 00:01:48.580 And we discover something about the pattern that the Christian life took from the earliest days. 00:01:49.660 --> 00:01:58.360 And what I hope that we'll get from this, so there's a lot to cover, but I hope that we'll get three key components of the ongoing mission of Jesus. 00:01:58.540 --> 00:02:00.840 This is where it's relevant for us today. 00:02:00.840 --> 00:02:05.640 We'll see the significance of service and mercy. 00:02:06.680 --> 00:02:10.020 We'll think about the importance of speaking truth. 00:02:10.819 --> 00:02:18.159 And we'll also learn something of the importance of seeing Jesus' glory and following Jesus' pattern. 00:02:18.780 --> 00:02:20.580 So that's where we're going this morning. 00:02:20.819 --> 00:02:24.719 And we're going to begin by thinking about Stephen's service. 00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:28.960 Acts chapter 6, verses 1 to 7. 00:02:28.960 --> 00:02:32.920 Now, picture this scenario. 00:02:34.219 --> 00:02:36.620 You walk into Becclew. 00:02:37.180 --> 00:02:39.600 It's a standard Sunday morning. 00:02:40.100 --> 00:02:44.200 But on this occasion, you have to show your passport. 00:02:45.379 --> 00:02:49.400 And when you show your passport, the church is then segregated. 00:02:50.219 --> 00:02:56.340 So we put the Scots over here, and we put the Americans over here, and Asians are at the back, 00:02:56.340 --> 00:02:58.879 and Europeans are at the front. 00:03:00.080 --> 00:03:04.259 And then we begin to relate to people differently depending on their background. 00:03:06.060 --> 00:03:13.580 Or it's after the service, and you have a need that you want to share with one of our deacons and our elders, 00:03:13.680 --> 00:03:14.819 and they turn to you and say, 00:03:14.819 --> 00:03:19.699 Sorry, I need to focus my attention on my own culture right now. 00:03:20.199 --> 00:03:22.120 You can just wait in line. 00:03:23.739 --> 00:03:26.079 That'd be an awful situation, wouldn't it? 00:03:26.400 --> 00:03:29.639 That'd be a terrible picture of the church. 00:03:29.719 --> 00:03:33.740 And thankfully, that's not what we're experiencing this morning. 00:03:33.740 --> 00:03:38.540 By God's grace, we want to give a loving welcome to everybody. 00:03:39.320 --> 00:03:44.080 But as we get into Acts chapter 6, we're getting this little glimpse into the reality 00:03:44.080 --> 00:03:46.620 that the church of Jesus is growing really quickly, 00:03:47.219 --> 00:03:49.200 and there are growing pains. 00:03:50.500 --> 00:03:55.200 That a growing church is also a messy church. 00:03:55.199 --> 00:04:00.339 That this church in Acts chapter 6 is multicultural, 00:04:01.539 --> 00:04:03.959 and there are multiple needs, 00:04:04.539 --> 00:04:08.060 and it's complicated to meet those needs, 00:04:08.539 --> 00:04:10.979 and some people are being left behind. 00:04:13.039 --> 00:04:18.259 And the problem that arises is actually more than just basic needs. 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:21.339 It's asking fundamental questions. 00:04:21.339 --> 00:04:28.759 Is it possible that any local church of Jesus can be a truly mixed group? 00:04:30.019 --> 00:04:37.599 Can the power of Jesus break down traditional, cultural, social barriers 00:04:37.599 --> 00:04:42.539 so that there is genuine unity and love on display? 00:04:44.439 --> 00:04:45.859 Acts chapter 6 really matters. 00:04:47.479 --> 00:04:49.739 Verse 1 tells us what the problem is. 00:04:49.740 --> 00:04:52.319 There's clearly poverty. 00:04:52.540 --> 00:04:54.780 There's widows who are struggling to survive. 00:04:55.639 --> 00:05:01.300 And while the widows from a Jewish background, Hebraic background, 00:05:01.740 --> 00:05:03.340 they're being cared for. 00:05:03.660 --> 00:05:08.160 Those from a Greek background, when they come to the church food bank, 00:05:09.240 --> 00:05:10.199 they're missing out. 00:05:11.060 --> 00:05:12.620 There's a lack of organization. 00:05:12.980 --> 00:05:14.639 People are falling through the cracks. 00:05:14.639 --> 00:05:17.379 And so this comes to the attention of the apostles. 00:05:18.100 --> 00:05:19.379 And they have a solution. 00:05:19.740 --> 00:05:23.860 With two distinct, but very much related ideas. 00:05:24.360 --> 00:05:25.639 Look with me at your Bibles. 00:05:26.240 --> 00:05:31.819 The first solution, there in verse 2, is this. 00:05:33.259 --> 00:05:39.180 It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the Word of God 00:05:39.180 --> 00:05:41.460 in order to wait on tables. 00:05:42.720 --> 00:05:44.420 They continue in verse 4. 00:05:44.420 --> 00:05:47.660 We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word. 00:05:47.660 --> 00:05:50.580 So the apostles, they're going to keep praying. 00:05:51.080 --> 00:05:53.220 And they're going to keep on teaching the gospel. 00:05:54.259 --> 00:05:56.819 Because Jesus called them to do that. 00:05:57.100 --> 00:06:02.840 And also because they understand that as the message of Jesus' sacrificial love 00:06:02.840 --> 00:06:06.319 and generous grace is being taught to Christians, 00:06:06.800 --> 00:06:11.280 that's what promotes mercy for all kinds of people. 00:06:11.279 --> 00:06:14.179 So that's one answer to their problem. 00:06:15.299 --> 00:06:16.819 We need to keep hearing the gospel. 00:06:16.979 --> 00:06:17.779 And we need to keep praying. 00:06:17.779 --> 00:06:23.899 But the second answer is that the church should choose wise, 00:06:24.439 --> 00:06:27.619 spirit-filled men who will organize care for the poor. 00:06:27.699 --> 00:06:30.399 It's there in verse 3. 00:06:30.679 --> 00:06:33.899 We will turn this responsibility over to them. 00:06:33.899 --> 00:06:40.819 And so the church from the beginning understands that the mission of Jesus requires both words, 00:06:41.259 --> 00:06:44.259 gospel words, but also actions. 00:06:45.199 --> 00:06:48.679 And they both matter and each serve the other. 00:06:49.620 --> 00:06:53.399 Just as an aside, it's why churches like ours have elders and deacons. 00:06:53.479 --> 00:06:55.539 Those are both spiritual roles. 00:06:56.319 --> 00:06:59.599 While the elders focus principally on word and prayer, 00:06:59.759 --> 00:07:01.379 spiritual, pastoral matters, 00:07:01.379 --> 00:07:06.219 the deacons serve us in practical material mercy matters. 00:07:06.339 --> 00:07:11.199 And they both belong together for the sake of the church fellowship. 00:07:12.439 --> 00:07:15.980 What's the outcome of this proposal? 00:07:16.500 --> 00:07:19.279 Well, we discover in verse 5, it pleases the whole group. 00:07:19.980 --> 00:07:23.139 And so the church chooses seven men. 00:07:24.659 --> 00:07:28.319 Interestingly, at least a number of them are from a Greek background, 00:07:28.319 --> 00:07:30.939 making sure there's good representation. 00:07:31.839 --> 00:07:33.279 And Stephen is highlighted, 00:07:33.680 --> 00:07:36.279 a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. 00:07:37.019 --> 00:07:41.379 And as they are set aside for caring for the poor and extending mercy, 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:42.699 verse 7, 00:07:43.159 --> 00:07:44.459 the word of God spread, 00:07:44.839 --> 00:07:47.379 the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, 00:07:47.800 --> 00:07:50.659 and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. 00:07:51.699 --> 00:07:53.719 The church keeps growing. 00:07:53.720 --> 00:07:56.160 Former opponents of Jesus, 00:07:56.400 --> 00:07:57.060 the priests, 00:07:57.700 --> 00:08:00.340 are now placing their faith in Jesus as Lord. 00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:07.220 And so Luke shows us something of the servant heart of Stephen, 00:08:08.340 --> 00:08:09.700 as the head of the seven. 00:08:11.060 --> 00:08:12.080 And what he does, 00:08:12.880 --> 00:08:14.820 is he makes the love of God visible. 00:08:16.060 --> 00:08:17.140 And what happens, 00:08:17.560 --> 00:08:20.400 is that some of those fractures in the church community, 00:08:20.920 --> 00:08:21.620 they are healed. 00:08:21.620 --> 00:08:24.579 And the effect is that, 00:08:24.660 --> 00:08:26.819 that word and action in the church, 00:08:27.000 --> 00:08:28.519 they line up. 00:08:30.600 --> 00:08:32.639 And so we have this wonderful moment where, 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:34.019 outsiders, 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:36.259 people from Greek culture, 00:08:36.720 --> 00:08:37.799 former opponents, 00:08:38.159 --> 00:08:38.500 together, 00:08:38.659 --> 00:08:41.019 they're experiencing Jesus' love within the church. 00:08:41.560 --> 00:08:42.899 The power of the gospel, 00:08:44.120 --> 00:08:45.740 the power of the good news of Jesus, 00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:46.659 and his saving work, 00:08:46.820 --> 00:08:48.600 is again being put on display. 00:08:48.600 --> 00:08:52.700 So that says to us, 00:08:53.159 --> 00:08:54.860 that the church on mission, 00:08:55.440 --> 00:08:58.480 must practice service, 00:08:58.960 --> 00:08:59.759 and mercy. 00:09:01.840 --> 00:09:04.560 One objection that's sometimes made to Christianity, 00:09:04.800 --> 00:09:06.540 goes along lines like these, 00:09:06.600 --> 00:09:08.960 aren't Christians all hypocrites? 00:09:09.680 --> 00:09:13.279 Or maybe someone will look at the bad record of the church, 00:09:13.279 --> 00:09:16.720 times where the church has been guilty of abuse, 00:09:16.720 --> 00:09:17.819 or exclusion. 00:09:18.459 --> 00:09:20.639 Now how do we respond to that? 00:09:20.899 --> 00:09:21.059 Well, 00:09:21.779 --> 00:09:23.220 sometimes one response, 00:09:23.500 --> 00:09:25.480 is honestly to hold our hands up. 00:09:26.399 --> 00:09:27.639 That through history, 00:09:28.120 --> 00:09:29.699 and in the present moment, 00:09:30.079 --> 00:09:31.439 the church of the Lord Jesus, 00:09:31.919 --> 00:09:34.579 well often does fail to represent Jesus well. 00:09:35.539 --> 00:09:36.559 We know our own hearts. 00:09:36.559 --> 00:09:39.599 We can be, 00:09:39.779 --> 00:09:41.059 the church in the past, 00:09:41.159 --> 00:09:43.199 has at times been a poor advert, 00:09:43.939 --> 00:09:45.419 for a God of love, 00:09:45.739 --> 00:09:46.579 and grace. 00:09:48.099 --> 00:09:49.839 But there is another response. 00:09:51.119 --> 00:09:52.099 And it's interesting, 00:09:52.219 --> 00:09:52.559 isn't it, 00:09:52.579 --> 00:09:54.219 that many people now, 00:09:54.359 --> 00:09:56.000 are rediscovering, 00:09:57.059 --> 00:09:58.339 that actually Christianity, 00:09:58.339 --> 00:10:00.779 has had a massively good influence, 00:10:00.899 --> 00:10:02.359 on the Western world. 00:10:02.360 --> 00:10:04.879 And so we can lovingly point people, 00:10:05.000 --> 00:10:07.680 towards the goodness, 00:10:08.580 --> 00:10:09.759 that followers of Jesus, 00:10:09.860 --> 00:10:11.000 the Christian church has brought. 00:10:11.080 --> 00:10:12.180 So whether we're thinking about, 00:10:12.300 --> 00:10:13.320 health care, 00:10:14.060 --> 00:10:15.019 or education, 00:10:15.759 --> 00:10:17.399 whether we look at statistics, 00:10:17.580 --> 00:10:18.879 that show that Christians are, 00:10:19.200 --> 00:10:19.820 on average, 00:10:20.120 --> 00:10:20.899 more generous, 00:10:21.080 --> 00:10:22.720 spend more time giving to charity, 00:10:22.840 --> 00:10:23.800 and serving others. 00:10:24.159 --> 00:10:25.180 Whether we think about, 00:10:25.360 --> 00:10:27.000 the church from the earliest days, 00:10:27.080 --> 00:10:28.460 and securing rights for women, 00:10:28.560 --> 00:10:29.560 and for the marginalized. 00:10:30.019 --> 00:10:30.980 Whether we think about, 00:10:30.980 --> 00:10:32.259 that Christian impact, 00:10:32.320 --> 00:10:33.700 on the ending of slavery. 00:10:34.300 --> 00:10:35.480 We can see, 00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:36.399 that when Christians, 00:10:36.560 --> 00:10:38.560 are following Jesus pattern, 00:10:39.920 --> 00:10:40.899 genuinely the church, 00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:41.800 does make the world, 00:10:41.860 --> 00:10:42.680 a better place. 00:10:43.519 --> 00:10:44.460 Not perfectly, 00:10:44.639 --> 00:10:45.159 but does. 00:10:47.500 --> 00:10:49.139 Think about the life of Jesus, 00:10:49.620 --> 00:10:50.820 the one we're called to follow. 00:10:51.279 --> 00:10:52.440 What was the accusation, 00:10:52.440 --> 00:10:53.120 against Jesus? 00:10:53.220 --> 00:10:54.320 Not that he didn't care enough, 00:10:54.360 --> 00:10:55.680 it was that he cared too much. 00:10:57.019 --> 00:10:57.360 Jesus, 00:10:57.519 --> 00:10:58.519 you care too much, 00:10:58.560 --> 00:10:59.139 for the poor. 00:10:59.139 --> 00:11:01.039 You're spending too much, 00:11:01.080 --> 00:11:01.539 with the weak, 00:11:01.580 --> 00:11:02.279 and the excluded, 00:11:02.500 --> 00:11:03.399 and the marginalized. 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:06.759 That's our model. 00:11:07.860 --> 00:11:08.819 And especially, 00:11:09.019 --> 00:11:10.019 as we understand, 00:11:10.879 --> 00:11:12.059 the death of Jesus, 00:11:13.340 --> 00:11:14.340 as the answer, 00:11:14.600 --> 00:11:16.299 to our spiritual poverty, 00:11:16.799 --> 00:11:18.379 our need of mercy, 00:11:18.759 --> 00:11:19.639 from God. 00:11:21.120 --> 00:11:21.480 And so, 00:11:21.539 --> 00:11:22.539 the church of Jesus, 00:11:22.539 --> 00:11:23.580 must always be, 00:11:23.659 --> 00:11:25.200 a community of loving service, 00:11:25.200 --> 00:11:27.100 and not just, 00:11:27.440 --> 00:11:29.440 looking after, 00:11:29.620 --> 00:11:30.560 my kind of people. 00:11:31.640 --> 00:11:32.360 You'll think back, 00:11:32.440 --> 00:11:32.740 to that, 00:11:33.080 --> 00:11:34.340 segregation model. 00:11:35.660 --> 00:11:36.720 Not just forming, 00:11:36.879 --> 00:11:37.580 cozy cliques, 00:11:37.680 --> 00:11:38.680 while I notice the people, 00:11:38.820 --> 00:11:39.680 who are like me. 00:11:41.480 --> 00:11:42.780 We see that too much, 00:11:42.820 --> 00:11:43.300 in our world. 00:11:43.400 --> 00:11:45.020 We see the tribalism. 00:11:46.200 --> 00:11:46.379 You know, 00:11:46.379 --> 00:11:47.020 let's cancel, 00:11:47.120 --> 00:11:47.879 and exclude those, 00:11:47.940 --> 00:11:48.680 who think differently, 00:11:48.680 --> 00:11:49.280 to us. 00:11:50.140 --> 00:11:51.240 It's the negative side, 00:11:51.320 --> 00:11:51.520 I think, 00:11:51.560 --> 00:11:52.680 of rising nationalism. 00:11:52.679 --> 00:11:53.839 The church, 00:11:53.879 --> 00:11:54.679 has an invitation, 00:11:54.819 --> 00:11:55.419 an opportunity, 00:11:55.419 --> 00:11:56.199 to show, 00:11:56.359 --> 00:11:57.500 a different way. 00:11:58.759 --> 00:11:59.659 And we need to both, 00:11:59.759 --> 00:12:01.500 show and experience, 00:12:02.559 --> 00:12:04.059 the wide-reaching love, 00:12:04.139 --> 00:12:05.079 of the Lord Jesus. 00:12:06.519 --> 00:12:07.739 The one who showed, 00:12:07.819 --> 00:12:08.519 and invites us, 00:12:08.579 --> 00:12:09.239 to show mercy, 00:12:09.399 --> 00:12:10.359 to whoever, 00:12:11.839 --> 00:12:13.219 in whatever situation. 00:12:16.019 --> 00:12:16.979 I would suggest, 00:12:17.079 --> 00:12:18.079 that's the kind of community, 00:12:18.079 --> 00:12:19.079 that we all want. 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:21.279 The kind of community, 00:12:21.279 --> 00:12:22.319 we all want, 00:12:22.399 --> 00:12:23.019 for ourselves, 00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:23.759 and for the people, 00:12:23.799 --> 00:12:24.720 around us. 00:12:25.720 --> 00:12:26.620 The kind that would, 00:12:26.659 --> 00:12:27.179 show love, 00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:27.959 for our neighbor. 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:30.220 That would welcome, 00:12:30.220 --> 00:12:31.439 people all the way in. 00:12:32.399 --> 00:12:33.379 Where everybody, 00:12:33.600 --> 00:12:34.240 would be seen, 00:12:34.679 --> 00:12:35.339 and noticed. 00:12:37.679 --> 00:12:38.579 So let's pray, 00:12:38.699 --> 00:12:39.579 that by God's grace, 00:12:39.679 --> 00:12:40.220 this church, 00:12:40.259 --> 00:12:41.539 would be that church. 00:12:42.399 --> 00:12:43.459 For one another, 00:12:44.339 --> 00:12:45.939 for our local community, 00:12:46.159 --> 00:12:47.899 for our city. 00:12:47.899 --> 00:12:51.120 Well that's Stephen's, 00:12:51.340 --> 00:12:51.939 service, 00:12:52.059 --> 00:12:52.559 but we need to, 00:12:52.679 --> 00:12:53.759 keep pressing on, 00:12:53.819 --> 00:12:54.399 to think about, 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:56.120 Stephen's speech, 00:12:56.220 --> 00:12:56.939 which takes up, 00:12:57.299 --> 00:12:58.639 so much of, 00:12:59.159 --> 00:13:00.679 chapter seven. 00:13:00.799 --> 00:13:02.079 Just to make the observation, 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:03.360 that to understand, 00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:05.519 the power of words, 00:13:05.559 --> 00:13:07.279 and the power of speech, 00:13:08.539 --> 00:13:09.779 especially those spoken, 00:13:09.899 --> 00:13:10.379 in a particular, 00:13:10.539 --> 00:13:11.600 historic moment, 00:13:12.019 --> 00:13:12.939 we need to know, 00:13:13.039 --> 00:13:14.159 the context. 00:13:14.159 --> 00:13:14.319 Christ. 00:13:15.519 --> 00:13:17.139 So maybe we have, 00:13:17.139 --> 00:13:17.860 at least some of us, 00:13:17.879 --> 00:13:18.779 will be familiar with, 00:13:18.839 --> 00:13:19.039 you know, 00:13:19.079 --> 00:13:20.500 Churchill's famous speech, 00:13:21.139 --> 00:13:21.319 you know, 00:13:21.339 --> 00:13:22.120 we shall defend, 00:13:22.120 --> 00:13:23.360 our island nation, 00:13:23.480 --> 00:13:24.899 whatever the cost may be, 00:13:25.360 --> 00:13:26.240 and we shall fight them, 00:13:26.319 --> 00:13:26.879 on the beaches, 00:13:27.100 --> 00:13:27.719 and so on, 00:13:27.740 --> 00:13:28.919 we shall never surrender. 00:13:29.959 --> 00:13:30.839 Those words, 00:13:30.919 --> 00:13:31.860 need a context, 00:13:31.939 --> 00:13:33.159 to understand the power. 00:13:34.179 --> 00:13:34.819 And here is, 00:13:35.179 --> 00:13:35.459 you know, 00:13:35.539 --> 00:13:36.100 Churchill, 00:13:36.339 --> 00:13:37.199 powerfully, 00:13:37.679 --> 00:13:39.059 faced with the threat, 00:13:39.159 --> 00:13:40.439 of Nazi Germany, 00:13:41.039 --> 00:13:42.120 calling the nation, 00:13:42.120 --> 00:13:43.060 to courage, 00:13:43.379 --> 00:13:44.480 and sacrifice, 00:13:45.060 --> 00:13:46.740 in the face of global war. 00:13:48.279 --> 00:13:48.860 Now we're going to get, 00:13:48.919 --> 00:13:49.580 to Stephen's sermon, 00:13:49.679 --> 00:13:50.019 in a moment, 00:13:50.080 --> 00:13:51.539 what was his context? 00:13:52.259 --> 00:13:52.740 Because I think, 00:13:52.799 --> 00:13:53.539 to see his context, 00:13:53.539 --> 00:13:54.600 helps us to understand, 00:13:54.679 --> 00:13:55.200 his courage, 00:13:55.279 --> 00:13:55.940 and sacrifice. 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:56.879 It's there, 00:13:56.960 --> 00:13:58.600 in the end of, 00:13:59.240 --> 00:14:00.580 chapter six. 00:14:02.019 --> 00:14:02.919 And we discover, 00:14:03.080 --> 00:14:04.259 in verses eight to ten, 00:14:04.500 --> 00:14:05.560 he's being opposed, 00:14:06.419 --> 00:14:07.580 by the religious leaders, 00:14:07.580 --> 00:14:08.060 of his day, 00:14:08.120 --> 00:14:09.120 but they can't stand up, 00:14:09.180 --> 00:14:09.840 to his wisdom, 00:14:09.940 --> 00:14:10.500 because his wisdom, 00:14:10.500 --> 00:14:11.840 comes from the spirit of God. 00:14:13.080 --> 00:14:13.799 And we discover, 00:14:13.940 --> 00:14:15.100 that just like Jesus, 00:14:15.840 --> 00:14:17.200 he is falsely accused, 00:14:17.279 --> 00:14:18.480 people are getting together, 00:14:18.720 --> 00:14:19.919 to make false claims, 00:14:19.980 --> 00:14:20.580 that he's guilty, 00:14:20.580 --> 00:14:21.879 of speaking blasphemy. 00:14:23.220 --> 00:14:24.379 In verse 12, 00:14:24.500 --> 00:14:25.279 he is seized, 00:14:25.379 --> 00:14:27.240 and placed under arrest, 00:14:27.279 --> 00:14:29.299 by the religious officials. 00:14:29.659 --> 00:14:30.519 So by the time, 00:14:30.620 --> 00:14:32.080 we get to chapter seven, 00:14:32.159 --> 00:14:32.960 and the high priest, 00:14:33.039 --> 00:14:33.919 saying to Stephen, 00:14:34.220 --> 00:14:35.799 are these charges, 00:14:35.799 --> 00:14:36.560 true? 00:14:36.559 --> 00:14:40.199 what follows, 00:14:40.279 --> 00:14:41.399 will determine, 00:14:41.879 --> 00:14:42.659 whether he lives, 00:14:42.719 --> 00:14:43.359 or dies. 00:14:45.199 --> 00:14:45.859 And so, 00:14:46.039 --> 00:14:47.159 Dr. Luke, 00:14:47.399 --> 00:14:48.399 records, 00:14:48.719 --> 00:14:49.739 the courage, 00:14:50.159 --> 00:14:51.379 and the sacrifice, 00:14:51.379 --> 00:14:52.699 of Stephen, 00:14:53.059 --> 00:14:54.439 the follower of Jesus, 00:14:54.959 --> 00:14:55.959 as he speaks, 00:14:56.379 --> 00:14:57.199 the truth. 00:14:57.200 --> 00:14:59.879 And it reminds us, 00:14:59.920 --> 00:15:00.600 that in the mission, 00:15:00.660 --> 00:15:01.100 of the church, 00:15:01.140 --> 00:15:01.720 and we've been seeing, 00:15:01.800 --> 00:15:02.660 in this the book of Acts, 00:15:04.100 --> 00:15:05.200 the church, 00:15:05.280 --> 00:15:06.160 both grows, 00:15:07.020 --> 00:15:08.060 and is opposed. 00:15:09.100 --> 00:15:09.879 That the message, 00:15:09.879 --> 00:15:10.580 of God's love, 00:15:10.620 --> 00:15:11.060 and grace, 00:15:11.140 --> 00:15:11.700 through Jesus, 00:15:11.800 --> 00:15:12.759 is both accepted, 00:15:12.879 --> 00:15:13.280 by some, 00:15:13.320 --> 00:15:13.840 and rejected, 00:15:13.980 --> 00:15:14.640 by others. 00:15:15.520 --> 00:15:16.160 And here, 00:15:16.220 --> 00:15:17.340 in this most hostile, 00:15:17.640 --> 00:15:18.280 territory, 00:15:18.840 --> 00:15:19.700 the Holy Spirit, 00:15:19.780 --> 00:15:20.480 enables Stephen, 00:15:20.480 --> 00:15:21.060 to speak. 00:15:21.059 --> 00:15:23.339 And what I want to do, 00:15:23.359 --> 00:15:24.079 I don't want to look, 00:15:24.199 --> 00:15:24.879 at the sermon, 00:15:25.000 --> 00:15:25.959 in great detail, 00:15:26.959 --> 00:15:28.199 but just to recognize, 00:15:28.379 --> 00:15:29.359 that what Stephen does, 00:15:29.419 --> 00:15:30.079 is he follows, 00:15:30.219 --> 00:15:30.959 the sweep, 00:15:31.359 --> 00:15:32.319 of Old Testament, 00:15:32.459 --> 00:15:33.559 Israel, 00:15:34.479 --> 00:15:35.500 beginning with Abraham, 00:15:35.799 --> 00:15:36.739 the father of faith, 00:15:37.159 --> 00:15:37.859 going all the way, 00:15:37.899 --> 00:15:38.879 down to the prophets. 00:15:39.299 --> 00:15:40.279 And he weaves, 00:15:40.379 --> 00:15:41.739 into that story, 00:15:42.399 --> 00:15:43.759 two important themes, 00:15:43.899 --> 00:15:44.599 two threads, 00:15:44.599 --> 00:15:45.599 you can trace, 00:15:45.939 --> 00:15:46.419 throughout. 00:15:46.899 --> 00:15:47.359 One, 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:48.639 is the theme, 00:15:48.739 --> 00:15:49.399 of redemption. 00:15:51.059 --> 00:15:52.379 God's love, 00:15:52.419 --> 00:15:53.099 reaches people, 00:15:53.219 --> 00:15:54.099 outside Israel. 00:15:54.779 --> 00:15:56.199 But the other thread, 00:15:57.239 --> 00:15:57.979 is rejection. 00:15:59.000 --> 00:15:59.639 That pattern, 00:15:59.719 --> 00:16:00.399 that God sends, 00:16:00.500 --> 00:16:00.919 messengers, 00:16:01.059 --> 00:16:01.699 his messengers, 00:16:01.839 --> 00:16:02.459 and his message, 00:16:02.539 --> 00:16:03.399 is often rejected. 00:16:04.019 --> 00:16:05.000 And it's an amazing, 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:05.559 analysis, 00:16:05.719 --> 00:16:06.739 in the heat of the moment. 00:16:07.939 --> 00:16:08.739 And it's a trend, 00:16:08.819 --> 00:16:09.239 that we see, 00:16:09.319 --> 00:16:10.059 continue through, 00:16:10.139 --> 00:16:10.879 church history. 00:16:12.199 --> 00:16:12.859 Right now, 00:16:12.959 --> 00:16:13.179 today, 00:16:13.179 --> 00:16:13.819 there are hundreds, 00:16:13.939 --> 00:16:14.399 of millions, 00:16:14.519 --> 00:16:15.539 of followers of Jesus. 00:16:16.500 --> 00:16:17.399 Every country, 00:16:17.479 --> 00:16:18.079 that we could go to, 00:16:18.139 --> 00:16:18.739 every culture, 00:16:18.819 --> 00:16:19.639 that's represented. 00:16:20.179 --> 00:16:20.839 And millions, 00:16:20.840 --> 00:16:22.220 tens of millions, 00:16:22.220 --> 00:16:22.620 of them, 00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:23.340 are facing, 00:16:23.340 --> 00:16:24.420 hatred and persecution. 00:16:26.440 --> 00:16:27.620 And at the same time, 00:16:27.700 --> 00:16:28.360 there are millions, 00:16:28.480 --> 00:16:28.800 of people, 00:16:28.960 --> 00:16:29.660 in the world today, 00:16:29.780 --> 00:16:30.480 who have turned, 00:16:30.540 --> 00:16:31.040 their back, 00:16:31.060 --> 00:16:31.519 on Jesus, 00:16:31.680 --> 00:16:32.399 and God's message, 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:33.060 of salvation. 00:16:33.180 --> 00:16:33.680 What we see, 00:16:33.759 --> 00:16:34.660 in chapter seven, 00:16:35.700 --> 00:16:36.360 is a trend, 00:16:36.440 --> 00:16:37.200 we see continue. 00:16:38.740 --> 00:16:39.639 Well let's trace, 00:16:39.740 --> 00:16:40.200 the redemption, 00:16:40.519 --> 00:16:41.340 theme together. 00:16:42.340 --> 00:16:42.960 Thinking about, 00:16:43.080 --> 00:16:43.500 how God, 00:16:43.840 --> 00:16:44.960 calls people, 00:16:45.340 --> 00:16:46.060 from outside, 00:16:46.180 --> 00:16:46.500 of Israel. 00:16:46.620 --> 00:16:47.500 Look at verse two, 00:16:47.600 --> 00:16:48.420 as he introduces, 00:16:48.419 --> 00:16:49.039 Abraham. 00:16:49.039 --> 00:16:50.860 Where was Abraham, 00:16:51.139 --> 00:16:52.219 this ex-pagan, 00:16:52.319 --> 00:16:53.039 when he was called, 00:16:53.159 --> 00:16:53.719 by God? 00:16:54.319 --> 00:16:55.019 He was in, 00:16:55.019 --> 00:16:56.559 Mesopotamia, 00:16:57.740 --> 00:16:58.519 modern day, 00:16:58.740 --> 00:16:59.379 Iraq, 00:16:59.719 --> 00:17:00.939 when he receives, 00:17:01.079 --> 00:17:02.639 God's promises. 00:17:03.719 --> 00:17:04.420 Good news, 00:17:04.460 --> 00:17:04.940 of redemption, 00:17:05.139 --> 00:17:05.460 comes, 00:17:06.139 --> 00:17:06.740 to somebody, 00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:07.500 who's on the outside. 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:09.740 The next character, 00:17:09.740 --> 00:17:10.539 of significance, 00:17:11.399 --> 00:17:12.099 is Joseph. 00:17:13.200 --> 00:17:14.180 Look at verse nine, 00:17:14.940 --> 00:17:15.759 here is Joseph, 00:17:15.759 --> 00:17:17.200 he sold as a slave, 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:18.519 into Egypt. 00:17:19.480 --> 00:17:20.140 But what's true, 00:17:20.200 --> 00:17:21.180 of Joseph in Egypt? 00:17:22.259 --> 00:17:23.259 God was with him. 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:25.259 God gave Joseph wisdom. 00:17:26.200 --> 00:17:26.960 God enabled him, 00:17:27.039 --> 00:17:28.180 to gain the good will, 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:28.559 of Pharaoh, 00:17:28.640 --> 00:17:29.279 so he's raised, 00:17:29.279 --> 00:17:30.619 up to the palace. 00:17:31.900 --> 00:17:32.879 He is outside, 00:17:32.980 --> 00:17:33.420 of Israel, 00:17:34.640 --> 00:17:35.519 but God is with him. 00:17:36.420 --> 00:17:37.460 The next character, 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:39.299 Moses. 00:17:40.879 --> 00:17:41.279 Moses, 00:17:41.559 --> 00:17:42.019 we discover, 00:17:42.099 --> 00:17:42.839 has been chosen, 00:17:43.279 --> 00:17:44.619 as God's rescuer, 00:17:44.619 --> 00:17:47.139 while he was, 00:17:48.059 --> 00:17:48.699 in Egypt. 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:49.959 And then, 00:17:50.019 --> 00:17:50.699 as he has to run, 00:17:50.879 --> 00:17:51.359 from Egypt, 00:17:51.959 --> 00:17:52.619 where does God, 00:17:52.699 --> 00:17:53.379 meet with him? 00:17:54.219 --> 00:17:55.159 Outside Israel, 00:17:55.559 --> 00:17:56.979 Mount Sinai, 00:17:57.619 --> 00:17:58.319 to announce, 00:17:58.619 --> 00:17:59.719 God's future, 00:18:00.079 --> 00:18:00.599 rescue. 00:18:01.739 --> 00:18:02.619 And the point, 00:18:02.739 --> 00:18:03.099 that Stephen, 00:18:03.099 --> 00:18:04.219 wants to introduce, 00:18:04.299 --> 00:18:05.719 and Jesus did it as well, 00:18:06.379 --> 00:18:07.759 is that God's grace, 00:18:07.839 --> 00:18:09.159 reaches beyond, 00:18:09.739 --> 00:18:10.259 barriers. 00:18:10.539 --> 00:18:11.079 One of the things, 00:18:11.119 --> 00:18:11.659 that people hated, 00:18:11.659 --> 00:18:12.259 about Jesus. 00:18:12.259 --> 00:18:14.019 That God, 00:18:14.079 --> 00:18:14.819 is in the business, 00:18:14.819 --> 00:18:16.759 of rescuing people, 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:18.319 of restoring people, 00:18:18.319 --> 00:18:19.420 to peace, 00:18:19.420 --> 00:18:20.460 with himself, 00:18:20.460 --> 00:18:21.859 and that's not, 00:18:21.859 --> 00:18:22.940 limited to certain, 00:18:22.940 --> 00:18:23.700 kind of people, 00:18:23.779 --> 00:18:24.180 in certain, 00:18:24.180 --> 00:18:25.279 kind of places. 00:18:26.220 --> 00:18:27.039 Takes us back, 00:18:27.619 --> 00:18:28.220 to the story, 00:18:28.279 --> 00:18:29.220 of the Greek widows. 00:18:29.519 --> 00:18:30.319 There was mercy, 00:18:30.700 --> 00:18:31.379 from Jesus, 00:18:31.700 --> 00:18:32.480 for them. 00:18:33.359 --> 00:18:33.720 So, 00:18:33.859 --> 00:18:34.559 Stephen's sermon, 00:18:34.640 --> 00:18:35.559 really drives home, 00:18:35.619 --> 00:18:35.879 the fact, 00:18:35.960 --> 00:18:36.619 that God has always, 00:18:36.619 --> 00:18:37.160 been pleased, 00:18:37.220 --> 00:18:38.119 to surprise people, 00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:38.940 with his grace. 00:18:38.940 --> 00:18:41.660 But there's another theme, 00:18:41.720 --> 00:18:42.500 a negative theme, 00:18:42.539 --> 00:18:43.059 and it's the theme, 00:18:43.120 --> 00:18:43.740 of rejection. 00:18:45.000 --> 00:18:45.460 So, 00:18:45.519 --> 00:18:46.039 we read, 00:18:46.100 --> 00:18:46.920 about Joseph, 00:18:47.059 --> 00:18:47.840 in verse 9, 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:50.180 the brother, 00:18:50.279 --> 00:18:51.140 who was sold, 00:18:51.779 --> 00:18:52.720 into slavery. 00:18:52.880 --> 00:18:53.180 Why? 00:18:54.299 --> 00:18:54.880 His brothers, 00:18:54.980 --> 00:18:55.420 were jealous, 00:18:55.539 --> 00:18:55.980 of the fact, 00:18:56.059 --> 00:18:56.600 that God, 00:18:57.080 --> 00:18:58.420 was going to use him, 00:18:58.900 --> 00:18:59.799 to become a person, 00:18:59.880 --> 00:19:00.580 of significance. 00:19:01.620 --> 00:19:02.200 And then, 00:19:02.259 --> 00:19:02.680 he focuses, 00:19:02.680 --> 00:19:03.820 a lot of attention, 00:19:03.820 --> 00:19:05.100 on the story, 00:19:05.220 --> 00:19:05.720 of Moses. 00:19:06.920 --> 00:19:07.360 Moses, 00:19:07.359 --> 00:19:08.119 who was called, 00:19:08.219 --> 00:19:09.599 to be God's rescuer, 00:19:09.859 --> 00:19:10.379 and Moses, 00:19:10.479 --> 00:19:11.279 who seemed to experience, 00:19:11.359 --> 00:19:11.959 a lifetime, 00:19:12.459 --> 00:19:13.479 of being rejected, 00:19:13.619 --> 00:19:14.659 and who made you, 00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:15.599 ruler and judge, 00:19:15.639 --> 00:19:16.339 over us? 00:19:16.500 --> 00:19:17.439 The people say, 00:19:17.919 --> 00:19:18.839 repeatedly, 00:19:19.579 --> 00:19:20.879 climaxing there, 00:19:21.339 --> 00:19:22.500 in verse 39, 00:19:22.659 --> 00:19:23.359 our ancestors, 00:19:23.539 --> 00:19:24.839 refused to obey him, 00:19:25.299 --> 00:19:25.699 instead, 00:19:26.059 --> 00:19:27.559 they rejected him. 00:19:29.959 --> 00:19:30.939 And the climax, 00:19:30.939 --> 00:19:31.759 of the sermon, 00:19:31.879 --> 00:19:32.559 that we read, 00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:34.139 that's where the real, 00:19:34.539 --> 00:19:35.839 emotional heat, 00:19:36.000 --> 00:19:36.500 comes, 00:19:36.500 --> 00:19:37.660 from Stephen. 00:19:37.759 --> 00:19:38.480 Because what does he say, 00:19:38.539 --> 00:19:39.660 to that current generation? 00:19:39.759 --> 00:19:40.000 He says, 00:19:40.059 --> 00:19:40.819 they're stiff-necked. 00:19:41.539 --> 00:19:42.319 He says, 00:19:42.380 --> 00:19:43.400 that they are following, 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:44.640 the same pattern. 00:19:45.420 --> 00:19:46.339 Just as people, 00:19:46.460 --> 00:19:47.220 in the past, 00:19:47.720 --> 00:19:49.460 rejected God's messengers, 00:19:49.960 --> 00:19:50.920 killed the prophets, 00:19:51.119 --> 00:19:51.460 that said, 00:19:51.519 --> 00:19:52.500 Jesus was coming, 00:19:53.440 --> 00:19:54.160 he turns to them, 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:54.420 and says, 00:19:54.880 --> 00:19:55.759 and you actually, 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:57.559 killed God's righteous one. 00:19:57.559 --> 00:20:02.019 It's as if he says to them, 00:20:02.059 --> 00:20:03.359 you have great privilege, 00:20:04.619 --> 00:20:05.700 but you failed, 00:20:05.819 --> 00:20:07.039 in your responsibility. 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:09.539 Because they don't recognize, 00:20:10.079 --> 00:20:11.000 that in Jesus, 00:20:11.179 --> 00:20:12.019 God was bringing, 00:20:12.019 --> 00:20:12.659 redemption. 00:20:13.659 --> 00:20:15.259 They don't recognize, 00:20:15.679 --> 00:20:17.019 Jesus is God's son, 00:20:17.299 --> 00:20:18.539 the righteous one. 00:20:18.539 --> 00:20:21.359 And so, 00:20:21.480 --> 00:20:22.359 Stephen speaks, 00:20:22.420 --> 00:20:23.460 this powerful, 00:20:23.920 --> 00:20:25.039 speech, 00:20:26.079 --> 00:20:27.079 that is full, 00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:28.279 of grace and truth. 00:20:29.619 --> 00:20:30.759 And it says, 00:20:30.920 --> 00:20:32.000 to us today, 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:33.539 that the church, 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:34.599 on mission, 00:20:35.139 --> 00:20:36.259 must speak, 00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:37.159 the truth, 00:20:37.980 --> 00:20:38.759 in love. 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:40.539 We must speak, 00:20:41.639 --> 00:20:43.339 about God's grace, 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:44.519 to us, 00:20:44.920 --> 00:20:45.680 in Jesus. 00:20:45.680 --> 00:20:48.299 the one who is sent, 00:20:48.440 --> 00:20:49.039 to deal, 00:20:49.400 --> 00:20:50.039 with the sin, 00:20:50.120 --> 00:20:51.200 that we cannot deal with, 00:20:51.279 --> 00:20:52.000 by ourselves. 00:20:52.560 --> 00:20:53.740 The one who has come, 00:20:53.820 --> 00:20:54.299 in love, 00:20:54.380 --> 00:20:55.240 to restore us, 00:20:55.299 --> 00:20:56.000 to relationship, 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:56.740 with God. 00:20:56.880 --> 00:20:57.600 The one who, 00:20:57.600 --> 00:20:58.480 gives us this, 00:20:58.880 --> 00:20:59.600 loving invitation, 00:20:59.900 --> 00:21:01.360 into the kingdom, 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:02.980 that has no end. 00:21:04.900 --> 00:21:05.519 And it's, 00:21:05.580 --> 00:21:06.560 it's our confidence, 00:21:06.680 --> 00:21:07.200 in the gospel, 00:21:07.320 --> 00:21:08.100 of God's grace, 00:21:08.360 --> 00:21:08.940 that gives us, 00:21:09.019 --> 00:21:09.840 the impetus, 00:21:10.940 --> 00:21:12.279 for church mission. 00:21:14.220 --> 00:21:15.180 It's what gives us, 00:21:15.180 --> 00:21:15.820 the encouragement, 00:21:16.019 --> 00:21:16.980 to invite people, 00:21:17.340 --> 00:21:18.480 to come to Jesus, 00:21:18.640 --> 00:21:19.299 in faith, 00:21:19.740 --> 00:21:20.259 today. 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:23.000 To understand, 00:21:23.380 --> 00:21:24.440 that just as was true, 00:21:24.440 --> 00:21:25.160 for Abraham, 00:21:25.980 --> 00:21:26.920 Jesus is still, 00:21:27.019 --> 00:21:28.460 the one who speaks to, 00:21:28.680 --> 00:21:29.560 and seeks, 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:30.259 after, 00:21:30.660 --> 00:21:31.580 those who naturally, 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:32.620 are not seeking him. 00:21:35.160 --> 00:21:35.600 Maybe, 00:21:35.759 --> 00:21:36.580 this is your story, 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:37.519 or you know someone, 00:21:37.740 --> 00:21:38.799 in this experience, 00:21:38.940 --> 00:21:40.060 I woke up one day, 00:21:40.180 --> 00:21:41.160 and I just had to, 00:21:42.400 --> 00:21:43.420 get to a church. 00:21:45.180 --> 00:21:45.960 I hadn't read, 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:46.820 the Bible for years, 00:21:46.900 --> 00:21:47.840 but then I just felt like, 00:21:47.940 --> 00:21:49.420 I had to pick it up, 00:21:49.460 --> 00:21:49.700 and read, 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:50.880 and discover about Jesus. 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:52.500 It's because Jesus, 00:21:52.720 --> 00:21:53.460 is looking to seek, 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:54.019 and to save. 00:21:56.680 --> 00:21:57.779 The same story, 00:21:57.860 --> 00:21:58.860 that was true of Joseph, 00:21:59.200 --> 00:22:00.160 is still true, 00:22:00.240 --> 00:22:01.060 for people today, 00:22:01.299 --> 00:22:01.940 that Jesus, 00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:03.460 reaches down, 00:22:03.640 --> 00:22:05.080 to rescue those, 00:22:05.320 --> 00:22:05.900 in dark, 00:22:06.160 --> 00:22:07.200 situations. 00:22:07.200 --> 00:22:11.120 those who would testify, 00:22:11.299 --> 00:22:12.360 I have tried everything, 00:22:13.019 --> 00:22:14.380 and I'm not happy, 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:15.480 and my life's a mess. 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:17.860 I've chased pleasure, 00:22:17.980 --> 00:22:19.299 and I've come up empty. 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:20.700 Lord, 00:22:20.700 --> 00:22:22.039 it's the story of many, 00:22:22.180 --> 00:22:22.380 it was, 00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:23.940 it was a failure, 00:22:24.160 --> 00:22:24.880 a disaster, 00:22:25.160 --> 00:22:26.420 a bad diagnosis, 00:22:26.420 --> 00:22:27.779 that brought me to pray, 00:22:28.220 --> 00:22:29.460 and to seek God, 00:22:29.519 --> 00:22:30.920 and to receive his love. 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:33.279 Jesus is still doing that. 00:22:33.279 --> 00:22:36.460 Jesus is still working, 00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:37.519 the way he worked, 00:22:37.579 --> 00:22:38.759 in Moses' life, 00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:41.680 shaping our circumstances, 00:22:42.200 --> 00:22:43.399 to call people, 00:22:43.720 --> 00:22:44.559 to himself. 00:22:48.559 --> 00:22:49.460 Maybe you moved, 00:22:49.559 --> 00:22:50.599 to a new neighborhood, 00:22:50.740 --> 00:22:51.819 or a new school, 00:22:52.079 --> 00:22:53.000 or to university, 00:22:53.240 --> 00:22:54.859 and your colleague, 00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:56.019 or your flatmate, 00:22:56.119 --> 00:22:56.859 or your neighbor, 00:22:57.000 --> 00:22:57.399 or the people, 00:22:57.480 --> 00:22:58.740 that sat next to you, 00:22:59.099 --> 00:23:00.079 they were Christians, 00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:02.059 and they invited you, 00:23:02.139 --> 00:23:02.839 to read the Bible, 00:23:02.839 --> 00:23:03.379 with them, 00:23:03.519 --> 00:23:04.659 and they loved you. 00:23:05.659 --> 00:23:06.519 Maybe that's what's happening, 00:23:06.619 --> 00:23:07.740 in your story right now. 00:23:09.899 --> 00:23:11.399 Jesus is still working, 00:23:11.879 --> 00:23:13.019 still looking to redeem, 00:23:13.119 --> 00:23:13.899 and show grace, 00:23:13.959 --> 00:23:14.859 and so the invitation, 00:23:14.859 --> 00:23:15.459 is both, 00:23:16.819 --> 00:23:17.459 if you're not yet, 00:23:17.459 --> 00:23:18.220 following Jesus, 00:23:18.759 --> 00:23:19.740 come to Jesus. 00:23:21.740 --> 00:23:22.480 And for those of us, 00:23:22.500 --> 00:23:23.259 who are Christians, 00:23:23.639 --> 00:23:25.159 let's go for Jesus, 00:23:25.720 --> 00:23:27.220 to bring this message. 00:23:29.240 --> 00:23:30.500 But speaking the truth, 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:30.980 in love, 00:23:30.980 --> 00:23:31.599 love, 00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:32.200 also involves, 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:32.740 the church, 00:23:32.860 --> 00:23:34.360 sounding a loving warning, 00:23:35.599 --> 00:23:37.220 that rejecting Jesus, 00:23:38.259 --> 00:23:39.160 is serious. 00:23:40.360 --> 00:23:41.120 Some of us, 00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:42.140 a few Saturdays ago, 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:42.620 were at the, 00:23:42.620 --> 00:23:44.000 the Solace conference here, 00:23:44.539 --> 00:23:45.480 maybe you'll remember, 00:23:46.140 --> 00:23:47.539 the quote, 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:49.120 from Pendulet, 00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:51.099 a famous magician, 00:23:51.319 --> 00:23:51.819 who's also, 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:53.019 a kind of prominent, 00:23:53.220 --> 00:23:53.539 atheist. 00:23:54.360 --> 00:23:55.380 He spoke about the time, 00:23:55.380 --> 00:23:56.000 where one of his, 00:23:56.000 --> 00:23:57.160 audience members, 00:23:57.340 --> 00:23:58.220 at the end of, 00:23:58.340 --> 00:23:58.760 one of his, 00:23:59.080 --> 00:24:00.240 comedy magic shows, 00:24:00.540 --> 00:24:01.080 came up to him, 00:24:01.140 --> 00:24:02.060 and gave him the gift, 00:24:02.120 --> 00:24:02.620 of a Bible. 00:24:04.060 --> 00:24:04.760 He was not, 00:24:04.820 --> 00:24:06.000 a friend of Christianity, 00:24:06.780 --> 00:24:07.140 but, 00:24:07.260 --> 00:24:08.060 but Pendulet, 00:24:08.140 --> 00:24:08.660 spoke about, 00:24:08.900 --> 00:24:10.280 the respect that he had, 00:24:10.900 --> 00:24:11.960 for that man, 00:24:13.160 --> 00:24:13.880 in honoring him, 00:24:13.920 --> 00:24:15.020 by giving him a Bible. 00:24:15.120 --> 00:24:16.040 And he went on to say, 00:24:16.460 --> 00:24:17.660 I've always said, 00:24:18.080 --> 00:24:19.800 I don't respect people, 00:24:19.799 --> 00:24:21.159 who don't, 00:24:21.159 --> 00:24:22.659 proselytize. 00:24:23.919 --> 00:24:25.339 It might seem quite shocking. 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:27.180 But he went on to say, 00:24:27.599 --> 00:24:28.799 if you believe, 00:24:29.039 --> 00:24:30.259 there is a heaven, 00:24:30.419 --> 00:24:31.180 and hell, 00:24:32.379 --> 00:24:33.659 and people could be, 00:24:33.839 --> 00:24:34.940 going to hell, 00:24:35.079 --> 00:24:36.159 and not getting, 00:24:36.159 --> 00:24:37.680 eternal life, 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:41.419 if you decide, 00:24:41.579 --> 00:24:42.839 not to tell them, 00:24:43.960 --> 00:24:45.000 because of social, 00:24:45.000 --> 00:24:46.240 awkwardness. 00:24:47.740 --> 00:24:48.619 He said, 00:24:48.619 --> 00:24:49.759 that's a profoundly, 00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:51.719 unloving thing to do. 00:24:53.919 --> 00:24:55.359 Amazing words. 00:24:57.539 --> 00:24:58.099 Stephen, 00:24:58.299 --> 00:24:59.000 sounded, 00:24:59.339 --> 00:24:59.939 a loving, 00:25:00.539 --> 00:25:00.879 warning. 00:25:02.299 --> 00:25:03.699 And it still echoes today, 00:25:03.819 --> 00:25:04.739 the warning of, 00:25:04.879 --> 00:25:05.379 verse 51, 00:25:05.919 --> 00:25:06.419 pride, 00:25:06.739 --> 00:25:07.759 being stiff-necked, 00:25:09.179 --> 00:25:10.219 refusing to follow, 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:11.159 the evidence, 00:25:11.839 --> 00:25:12.519 about Jesus, 00:25:12.679 --> 00:25:13.439 as the son of God, 00:25:13.479 --> 00:25:14.019 and savior. 00:25:15.579 --> 00:25:16.559 He warned them, 00:25:16.639 --> 00:25:17.459 about resisting, 00:25:17.619 --> 00:25:18.479 the Holy Spirit, 00:25:18.619 --> 00:25:20.819 what does that look like? 00:25:22.879 --> 00:25:23.779 Maybe it looks like, 00:25:23.779 --> 00:25:24.919 ignoring our conscience. 00:25:26.579 --> 00:25:27.619 Maybe it looks like, 00:25:27.619 --> 00:25:29.019 refusing to take seriously, 00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:30.199 the teaching of the Bible. 00:25:32.019 --> 00:25:33.339 Maybe it's when you hear, 00:25:33.599 --> 00:25:34.879 a sermon in, 00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:36.159 a church, 00:25:36.239 --> 00:25:37.079 and you're convicted, 00:25:37.259 --> 00:25:38.279 but you don't act on it, 00:25:38.319 --> 00:25:39.699 and it's soon forgotten about. 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:42.980 And ultimately, 00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:45.279 Stephen warns, 00:25:45.279 --> 00:25:46.319 about the danger, 00:25:46.319 --> 00:25:49.140 of rejecting Jesus, 00:25:50.380 --> 00:25:52.400 rejecting God's righteous one. 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:54.100 Jesus, 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:54.779 the one who came, 00:25:54.860 --> 00:25:56.039 to demonstrate to us, 00:25:56.100 --> 00:25:56.940 the love of God. 00:25:58.640 --> 00:25:59.480 The only one, 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:00.600 who can forgive our guilt, 00:26:00.660 --> 00:26:01.400 and our shame, 00:26:01.980 --> 00:26:02.960 who can bring us back, 00:26:03.039 --> 00:26:03.400 to God, 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:04.580 bring us into the world, 00:26:04.640 --> 00:26:05.160 and the life, 00:26:05.240 --> 00:26:06.100 that we all want. 00:26:06.099 --> 00:26:08.219 To say, 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:08.899 like the crowds, 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:09.839 in Jesus' day, 00:26:10.339 --> 00:26:11.419 away with him, 00:26:12.419 --> 00:26:13.819 we won't have him, 00:26:13.879 --> 00:26:14.559 as our king. 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:17.279 That's a profoundly, 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:18.319 serious thing. 00:26:20.679 --> 00:26:22.099 And recognizing that, 00:26:24.240 --> 00:26:25.480 we urge each one of us, 00:26:25.559 --> 00:26:27.139 to come to the Lord Jesus, 00:26:28.139 --> 00:26:29.859 to turn from sin, 00:26:29.859 --> 00:26:32.599 to trust in him. 00:26:33.939 --> 00:26:35.379 And that we would be a church, 00:26:35.979 --> 00:26:37.479 who would speak the truth, 00:26:38.219 --> 00:26:39.000 in love. 00:26:42.439 --> 00:26:43.319 One last thing, 00:26:43.439 --> 00:26:43.939 to say, 00:26:44.339 --> 00:26:45.179 about Stephen, 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:46.500 as he gives us an insight, 00:26:46.579 --> 00:26:47.619 into the church of Jesus, 00:26:47.719 --> 00:26:48.119 on mission, 00:26:48.219 --> 00:26:49.000 we need to think about, 00:26:49.119 --> 00:26:49.899 Stephen's stoning, 00:26:49.979 --> 00:26:51.039 and what it teaches us. 00:26:52.079 --> 00:26:53.979 Because as he draws attention to, 00:26:54.059 --> 00:26:55.299 so Stephen is the first, 00:26:55.699 --> 00:26:56.199 martyr, 00:26:56.339 --> 00:26:57.459 the first person killed, 00:26:58.000 --> 00:26:59.159 for faith in Jesus. 00:26:59.160 --> 00:27:00.460 And we see, 00:27:00.460 --> 00:27:01.360 see something of the, 00:27:01.360 --> 00:27:02.259 the horror of that, 00:27:02.340 --> 00:27:02.940 but we also, 00:27:03.100 --> 00:27:03.580 at the same time, 00:27:03.640 --> 00:27:04.759 see the beauty of his life, 00:27:04.820 --> 00:27:05.360 on display. 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:07.240 And I would suggest, 00:27:07.380 --> 00:27:08.259 that we're being presented, 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:08.920 with two, 00:27:09.140 --> 00:27:10.960 opposite world views. 00:27:11.980 --> 00:27:13.420 We're seeing the outcome, 00:27:13.560 --> 00:27:15.040 of two very different, 00:27:15.160 --> 00:27:16.820 reactions to Jesus, 00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:18.540 being followed through. 00:27:19.580 --> 00:27:21.019 So we have the enemies, 00:27:21.160 --> 00:27:22.519 and the opponents of Stephen, 00:27:22.900 --> 00:27:23.840 who make themselves, 00:27:23.940 --> 00:27:24.300 the enemies, 00:27:24.400 --> 00:27:25.420 the opponents of Jesus. 00:27:25.860 --> 00:27:26.900 How are they described? 00:27:26.900 --> 00:27:29.240 Verse 54, 00:27:29.320 --> 00:27:29.820 they're furious, 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:30.960 they're gnashing their teeth. 00:27:31.960 --> 00:27:33.340 We see them engage, 00:27:33.460 --> 00:27:35.080 in mob violence, 00:27:35.160 --> 00:27:36.280 having falsely accused, 00:27:36.360 --> 00:27:37.660 they now drag him, 00:27:37.780 --> 00:27:38.780 out of town, 00:27:39.080 --> 00:27:40.660 so that they can stone him. 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:41.780 We see Saul, 00:27:42.140 --> 00:27:44.580 approving of their killing. 00:27:45.019 --> 00:27:46.480 There is this understanding, 00:27:47.040 --> 00:27:48.820 that the church of Jesus, 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:50.980 must be silenced, 00:27:51.160 --> 00:27:52.120 by hate. 00:27:52.119 --> 00:27:55.659 that's on display. 00:27:57.319 --> 00:27:58.439 The early decades, 00:27:58.539 --> 00:27:59.199 early centuries, 00:27:59.319 --> 00:28:00.039 of the church, 00:28:00.379 --> 00:28:01.439 intensify that, 00:28:01.539 --> 00:28:02.219 still further. 00:28:03.339 --> 00:28:04.799 But we also see Stephen, 00:28:05.599 --> 00:28:06.899 and we've been told, 00:28:07.039 --> 00:28:07.699 that he is a man, 00:28:07.719 --> 00:28:09.119 who's filled with the Holy Spirit, 00:28:09.239 --> 00:28:10.359 the Spirit of Christ. 00:28:11.719 --> 00:28:12.939 When we look at Stephen, 00:28:13.619 --> 00:28:14.719 we see a picture, 00:28:14.859 --> 00:28:16.379 of here as a follower of Jesus, 00:28:16.819 --> 00:28:17.859 living by faith, 00:28:17.899 --> 00:28:18.879 and dying by faith. 00:28:18.880 --> 00:28:22.560 What does he see, 00:28:23.080 --> 00:28:25.520 in his last moments? 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:26.480 Verse 55, 00:28:27.420 --> 00:28:27.720 Stephen, 00:28:27.900 --> 00:28:28.760 full of the Holy Spirit, 00:28:28.900 --> 00:28:29.860 looked up to heaven, 00:28:30.900 --> 00:28:32.520 and saw the glory of God, 00:28:33.260 --> 00:28:34.160 and Jesus, 00:28:34.700 --> 00:28:35.200 standing, 00:28:35.560 --> 00:28:37.200 at the right hand of God. 00:28:38.160 --> 00:28:39.360 He sees the reality, 00:28:39.480 --> 00:28:40.320 of the risen Lord, 00:28:40.400 --> 00:28:41.860 returned to the throne of heaven. 00:28:42.140 --> 00:28:42.820 His Savior, 00:28:42.940 --> 00:28:44.400 the one he will soon be with. 00:28:44.740 --> 00:28:45.720 And so Stephen, 00:28:46.340 --> 00:28:46.880 worships, 00:28:46.880 --> 00:28:47.760 worships, 00:28:48.080 --> 00:28:50.800 in the face of the world's fury, 00:28:51.140 --> 00:28:52.920 because he sees, 00:28:53.440 --> 00:28:54.500 and knows, 00:28:55.280 --> 00:28:56.580 that Jesus is Lord, 00:28:57.380 --> 00:28:58.540 and that Jesus alone, 00:28:58.660 --> 00:28:59.380 deserves glory. 00:29:01.780 --> 00:29:02.740 That's striking. 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:05.900 What he says, 00:29:06.740 --> 00:29:07.940 may be even more striking. 00:29:09.820 --> 00:29:10.520 Verse 59, 00:29:10.740 --> 00:29:13.620 while they were stoning him, 00:29:13.760 --> 00:29:15.440 context is so important, 00:29:15.440 --> 00:29:16.240 for words. 00:29:16.880 --> 00:29:19.000 As he is being put to death, 00:29:19.180 --> 00:29:20.200 Stephen prayed, 00:29:20.760 --> 00:29:21.600 Lord Jesus, 00:29:22.180 --> 00:29:23.580 receive my spirit. 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:25.340 Then he fell on his knees, 00:29:25.420 --> 00:29:26.100 and cried out, 00:29:26.220 --> 00:29:26.480 Lord, 00:29:26.640 --> 00:29:29.240 do not hold this sin against them. 00:29:31.200 --> 00:29:31.720 Lord Jesus, 00:29:31.840 --> 00:29:32.780 receive my spirit. 00:29:32.900 --> 00:29:33.340 He lives, 00:29:33.900 --> 00:29:34.880 and he dies, 00:29:35.300 --> 00:29:35.720 trusting, 00:29:36.220 --> 00:29:37.980 in the risen Lord Jesus, 00:29:38.340 --> 00:29:39.340 in the reality, 00:29:39.480 --> 00:29:40.000 and the hope, 00:29:40.080 --> 00:29:41.320 of life beyond death, 00:29:41.380 --> 00:29:42.760 of life with Jesus. 00:29:42.759 --> 00:29:43.859 He is calm, 00:29:43.859 --> 00:29:44.599 because he knows, 00:29:44.599 --> 00:29:46.079 Jesus has won the victory, 00:29:46.539 --> 00:29:47.900 Jesus has gone before him, 00:29:47.940 --> 00:29:49.079 and where Jesus now is, 00:29:49.140 --> 00:29:50.299 Stephen will shortly be. 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:52.240 And then he prays, 00:29:52.299 --> 00:29:54.019 forgive their sin. 00:29:54.720 --> 00:29:56.359 In his dying breath, 00:29:57.000 --> 00:29:58.680 he expresses love, 00:29:58.680 --> 00:30:00.379 for his enemies. 00:30:01.379 --> 00:30:02.339 He seeks, 00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:04.200 their salvation. 00:30:04.200 --> 00:30:07.840 And what would drive him, 00:30:07.840 --> 00:30:08.720 to do that, 00:30:08.779 --> 00:30:10.580 as he is being stoned to death, 00:30:11.019 --> 00:30:11.779 surely, 00:30:13.180 --> 00:30:15.240 it's because he knows, 00:30:16.319 --> 00:30:18.480 the Lord Jesus dying words, 00:30:19.319 --> 00:30:19.900 Father, 00:30:20.740 --> 00:30:21.559 forgive them. 00:30:22.080 --> 00:30:22.860 They don't know, 00:30:22.860 --> 00:30:24.460 what they are doing. 00:30:24.460 --> 00:30:28.600 And with that, 00:30:29.140 --> 00:30:30.059 phase one, 00:30:30.299 --> 00:30:31.460 of Jesus' mission, 00:30:31.620 --> 00:30:32.759 draws to a close. 00:30:34.000 --> 00:30:35.500 And Stephen's life, 00:30:35.620 --> 00:30:36.240 shows us, 00:30:36.620 --> 00:30:37.140 the church, 00:30:37.240 --> 00:30:38.620 that changes the world, 00:30:39.400 --> 00:30:40.680 is a church, 00:30:40.880 --> 00:30:41.620 where members, 00:30:41.799 --> 00:30:43.000 are seeing, 00:30:43.620 --> 00:30:45.059 Jesus' glory. 00:30:46.340 --> 00:30:48.319 And where church members, 00:30:48.600 --> 00:30:49.380 follow, 00:30:49.799 --> 00:30:50.980 Jesus' pattern, 00:30:51.319 --> 00:30:52.180 of forgiveness, 00:30:53.019 --> 00:30:54.420 and loving sacrifice. 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:58.720 Jesus wants, 00:30:58.900 --> 00:30:59.360 the clue, 00:31:00.039 --> 00:31:01.960 and every local church, 00:31:02.660 --> 00:31:03.779 to be places, 00:31:04.860 --> 00:31:05.539 where you and I, 00:31:05.640 --> 00:31:06.799 can belong to. 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:11.480 As Luke showed us, 00:31:11.539 --> 00:31:13.279 these two very different ways, 00:31:13.360 --> 00:31:14.180 of looking at Jesus, 00:31:14.340 --> 00:31:15.880 these two very different world views, 00:31:15.960 --> 00:31:16.680 as we close, 00:31:16.779 --> 00:31:18.720 just ask yourself the question, 00:31:18.860 --> 00:31:20.160 which set of values, 00:31:20.319 --> 00:31:21.539 and beliefs, 00:31:22.400 --> 00:31:23.519 comes across, 00:31:23.620 --> 00:31:24.259 as more, 00:31:24.460 --> 00:31:25.500 attractive, 00:31:26.539 --> 00:31:28.200 which response, 00:31:28.200 --> 00:31:29.460 to Jesus, 00:31:30.259 --> 00:31:31.200 moves us closer, 00:31:32.400 --> 00:31:33.640 to the kind of world, 00:31:33.799 --> 00:31:34.660 we all want. 00:31:36.340 --> 00:31:37.579 Tim Keller's wife, 00:31:37.680 --> 00:31:38.380 Kathy Keller, 00:31:38.579 --> 00:31:39.259 once said, 00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:40.200 Christians, 00:31:40.640 --> 00:31:42.279 are often criticized, 00:31:42.840 --> 00:31:44.200 for being fundamentalists. 00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:46.259 If you've ever been accused, 00:31:46.360 --> 00:31:46.460 of that, 00:31:46.500 --> 00:31:47.440 being a fundamentalist. 00:31:47.440 --> 00:31:50.380 she said, 00:31:50.440 --> 00:31:51.820 it very much depends, 00:31:52.080 --> 00:31:52.259 though, 00:31:52.320 --> 00:31:52.880 doesn't it, 00:31:53.180 --> 00:31:55.380 what your fundamentals are. 00:31:57.380 --> 00:31:58.640 When the church, 00:31:58.640 --> 00:32:00.259 follows the fundamentals, 00:32:00.259 --> 00:32:01.120 of Jesus, 00:32:02.720 --> 00:32:03.900 that's a profoundly, 00:32:03.900 --> 00:32:04.420 positive, 00:32:04.539 --> 00:32:05.480 and beautiful thing. 00:32:06.279 --> 00:32:07.500 Because it creates, 00:32:07.559 --> 00:32:08.120 a community, 00:32:08.120 --> 00:32:08.620 of love, 00:32:08.680 --> 00:32:09.380 and grace. 00:32:09.720 --> 00:32:10.180 Why? 00:32:11.140 --> 00:32:12.759 Because when we follow Jesus, 00:32:13.100 --> 00:32:14.539 enemies are being forgiven. 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:17.480 Kindness is being extended, 00:32:17.640 --> 00:32:18.880 beyond differences. 00:32:19.460 --> 00:32:19.840 Truth, 00:32:19.960 --> 00:32:20.640 and love, 00:32:20.820 --> 00:32:22.519 are being held together. 00:32:23.019 --> 00:32:23.900 God's grace, 00:32:24.140 --> 00:32:25.000 is being seen, 00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:26.240 and heard. 00:32:26.240 --> 00:32:30.160 Isn't this the kind, 00:32:30.200 --> 00:32:30.920 of community, 00:32:31.920 --> 00:32:33.079 that you and I, 00:32:33.160 --> 00:32:34.359 want to be a part of? 00:32:35.559 --> 00:32:36.559 Doesn't this get us, 00:32:36.700 --> 00:32:37.940 closer to the world, 00:32:38.059 --> 00:32:38.720 that Jesus, 00:32:39.140 --> 00:32:41.059 came to create, 00:32:41.240 --> 00:32:41.880 one day? 00:32:43.900 --> 00:32:45.099 That's the mission, 00:32:45.480 --> 00:32:46.940 of the church of Jesus, 00:32:47.240 --> 00:32:48.859 to be this kind, 00:32:48.940 --> 00:32:49.920 of community, 00:32:50.359 --> 00:32:51.660 that would bring people, 00:32:51.940 --> 00:32:52.259 in, 00:32:52.700 --> 00:32:53.839 to both hear, 00:32:54.319 --> 00:32:55.519 and to experience, 00:32:55.519 --> 00:32:56.879 the good news, 00:32:57.240 --> 00:32:58.519 of the love of God, 00:32:59.000 --> 00:32:59.879 through Jesus.