The Study Corner    

What is one of the major responsibilites of any christian parent? “pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)

Here are some selcetions to remind us what to pray about for our children.

That Jesus will call them and no one will hinder them from coming.

[bibleblock]Matthew 19:13-15[/bibleblock]

That they will respond in faith to Jesus’ faithful, persistent call.

[bibleblock]2 Peter 3:9[/bibleblock]

That they will experience sanctification through the transforming work of the Holy Spirit and will increasingly desire to fulfill the greatest commandments.

[bibleblock]Matthew 22:37-39[/bibleblock]

That they will not be unequally yoked in intimate relationships, especially marriage.

[bibleblock]2 Corinthians 6:14[/bibleblock]

That their thoughts will be pure.

[bibleblock]Philippians 4:8[/bibleblock]

That their hearts will be stirred to give generously to the Lord’s work.

[bibleblock]Exodus 35:29[/bibleblock]

That when the time is right, they will GO!

[bibleblock]Matthew 28:18-20[/bibleblock]

And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them”(Acts 7:59-60, ESV).

Stephen is listed as the first Christian martyr. The first person to be put to death for believing in Jesus. The first of many, known and unknown, who through the centuries and even today look to heaven and commit their spirits into God’s hands.

It’s not just that Stephen died, it’s how he died that’s important. Yes, he was executed under false accusations and he was stoned to death–a painful, drawn out way to die. He did get a glimpse of heaven and saw the glorious risen Son of God…waiting for him.
But in his final moments, Stephen echoes Jesus. He did what Jesus did–he committed his spirit into the loving, faithful hands of God the Father. Luke 23:46 records, “Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’” (ESV).

Stephen also extended forgiveness to his executioners, just as Jesus did. “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do’” (Luke 23:34, ESV).

Now, it’s quite possible some of the people stoning Stephen had seen Jesus die. Maybe Stephen had been there too. We don’t know how long he was a follower of Jesus or what he’d already witnessed.

But whatever the circumstances, Stephen had Jesus’ example of how to die, and he followed it. Just like Jesus, Stephen committed himself to God and forgave those who hated him. Following Jesus is not only about how we live but how we die too.

So, if you’re ever called on to die for Jesus, to give up your life because of your faith in Him, remember Stephen and be bold to follow the example of Jesus.

NotReligion

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