The Winslow mail., 1923-08-24

tribulation or distress or persecution
or famine or nakedness or peril or
sword?'-Rom. S:35.
DEVOTIONAL READING-Rom $751;
80.
PRIMARY TOPIC - How Stephen
Showed His Love for Jesus.
JUNIOR TOPIC - Stephen Speaks
Boldly for Jesus.
INTERMEDIARY AND SENIOR TOP.
IC-The First Christian Martyr.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
Spirit of Stephen in the Modern
Church.
I. Stephen, the Deacon (6:1-S).
The early church was threatened
with discussion over suspected partial
ity In the distribution Of aims. Up to
this time 1t would seem that the apos-
ties did all the work. In view of such
burdens, perhaps some things had been
neglected. However, the church proved
itself capable of meeting the eXigency.
A congregational meeting was called;
the case placed before the church and
the church instructed to select seven
spirit-flled men Of good reputation to
administer the temporalities of the
church, giving the apostles the neceS-
sary time for prayer and the ministry
Of Gods word. Thus we see how that
the Spirit-guided church was able to
solve its own problems, and how
church government developed. Just
as the deacon's Office sprang out of
this dissension, so new needs called
forth new officers. Among the seven
deacons, Stephen had first place. While
engaged in his duties as deacon he
sprang into the light as an eloquent
and powerful preacher. So mighty was
his ministry that the number of disci-
Piles greatly increased; even many Of
the priests believed.
II. Stephen Before the Council
(6:9-15).
1-Disputing With Stephen wv. 8,
10Y.
Certain foreign speaking Jews took
the lead in this controversy. Perhaps
the fact that Stephen was a Grecian
Jew provoked them to the act. He
was more than a match for them while
the debate was carried along the lines
of reason and Scripture.
2-Oharged With Blasphemy wv.
11-14.
They trumped up this charge and
endeavored to support 1t by secretly
finding and inducing men to perjure
themselves in their testimony. Stephen
showed in his preaching that Gods
purpose was progressive and that the
policy instituted by Moses should be
superseded by the new faith, since this
was the elimination of what Moses
began. He showed that the old dis
pensation would be superseded by the
new and that the church would come
out into the liberty Of Christ.
3-Stephen's Face Transfigured ".
15).
He was SO completely filled with
Christ that his face shone as the face
Of an angel. 1t was Christ shining
through him.
Ill. Stephens Defense (7:1-53).
In refuting their charge he showed
by the history of Gods dealing with
the Jews that they had always resisted
Him. Therefore their present attitude
was because they were unwilling to
move forward with the divine purpose.
AS pointed out by Sitter four points
stand out in his defense:
1. Gods dealings with the Jews
showed progress. The end was not
reached by a single leap but by grad
ual stages.
2. The temple was not the only holy
place. God appeared at different places
and at different times.
8. Israel invariably opposed Gcd as
He tried to lead them on.
4. He showed his loyalty to Moses
by constantly referring to him.
~. Stephen Stoned e 7:54-60).
Looked Steadfastly Into Heaven
". 55).
This was the secret Of his calm. If
he had looked about him he might
have been afraid.
2. He saw the glory of God.
A vision of Gods glory can only be
seen by those who are loyal unto Him,
even unto death.
8. He saw Jesus standing on the
right hand of God. The fact that
Jesus was standing shows that He is
actively interested in the suffering Of
His faithful witnesses.
4. Cast him out Of the city and
stoned him.
5. His prayer ". 60). How like that
Of Jesus on the cross. Christ so com
pletely filed him that he could thus
act.
6. He fell asleep ". 60). The Chris
tian's death is only a sleep. This sub
lime scene must have vitally affected
death.