Look at Stephen driving the crowds crazy. Hear Stephen expose their hypocrisy. I can imagine the high priest driving his index fingers into his ears to try and stop those convicting potent words of Stephen. Imagine the crowd gnash their teeth at Stephen’s cry. Imagine the bulging vein on Saul’s neck line. They couldn’t take it anymore. Stephen, full of the holy spirit, told it like it was. Can you smell their anger in the air? Can you hear the commotion? Can you hear the thud of the stones hitting flesh? Can you hear Stephen’s convicting words mingled with their vicious abuses and the rising dust? Can you hear the preacher’s words flavoured with pain? Can you hear Stephen’s “forgive them Lord” as they drag him out. Oh what a scene.
This is the funeral of a true prophet. There would be no politicians in the scene. There would be no celebrity homage. There would be no TV coverage. There would be no pomp and glory. No one to eulogise. It would be a different scene than the death of today’s star evangelist. It’s a different dimension altogether. Hell would breathe a sigh. Heaven would give a standing ovation. The King of Kings would rise to receive his knight.
Where are the Stephens today? Where are the preachers who would preach till they’re stoned? Where are the preachers who would tell the people what they need to hear and not what they want to hear? Where are the Stephens whose death would raise Pauls? Where are they?
Thursday, April 10, 2008
The death of a man of God.
If you want to see the death of a man of God then read Acts chapter 7. What a contrast to today’s so called prophets.
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6 comments:
Right said brother. Today, Christianity is all about money n TV shows. N thats one reason Y i don't go to any of the crusades or revival festivals. I'd rather stay home n read my own bible.
While stephen's smashed body and John the Baptist's head on a platter are reminders of the costly price Truth demands, can they become touchstones for an evangelist's life and death? How do we explain the frenzied media that dared the jungles of Africa to document the adventures of Livingstone? A classic example of exploitation for socio-political reasons. It is easy to criticise the evangelists and their crusades, but it's definitely better than sitting at home and reading the Bible!
Dear Karl,
I wanted to bring out the contrast between the 1st century Christianity and what passes for Christianity today. We are emphasizing on the minor things and leave out the majors. Our meetings are assessed by the crowd size and not by the presence of God. Our crusades are tailor made to keep the audience entertained rather than anything else. Our sermons are tinted with humour to keep the pew awake. You take a look at any NewTestament sermon and you would find Repentance as a major theme. But go to a crusade today and I bet you would hear more of miracles and blessings rather than repentance.
dear steve
while i agree with your "assessment" of today's crusades and sermons, i'm a little disconcerted with today's cynicism and criticism hurled against our preachers. we seem to specialize in 'hate game' and mudslinging when love remains the core of bible. we have enough divisions among us. i'm of the opinion that let's not point our fingers at anybody and assess other's spirituality. should you compare the first century evangelists, let's also keep in mind the believers who lived as a community after selling out their properties! That's christianity at it's best, the dream of Karl Marx- that's socialism and maxism's utopian dream! and you have it among the first century christians. contrast it with today's mad materialism and corny consumerism! we've lost the essence of christianity in the texture of our wallet. so, let God move in His own mysterious ways. he can use a donkey as well as a crusade preacher, with or without humour! it's after all His word, Let His kingdom come!
Dear Karl Marx,
As much as I'm discontent with the pulpit I'm even more discontent with my own prayer closet.
Yes, Love is the essence of Christianity. Love is the greatest.
God Bless you Karl.
Steve.
Dear bro steve
It's been a while since you posted anything!
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