Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  2024  Day 41

February 10;        Acts 7:1;         96/260;        ‘Know the Word’

Acts 7:1 Then the high priest said, "Are these things so?

Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit and power.  He performed powerful signs and wonders among the people.  As always, the religious leaders resented the power of the Lord flowing through Stephen.  They disputed the things Stephen said, but his wisdom far exceeded theirs.  These religious leaders influenced men to lie about what Stephen said, falsely accusing him of blasphemy.  They brought Stephen before a religious council to question him.  Those in the council as they looked at Stephen saw that his face was like the face of an angel.  I believe that Stephen’s righteous conduct affected even his outward appearance.  The council asked Stephen if what was said about him was true.  In chapter 7, Stephen gives a history lesson of Israel to these religious leaders.  I said all of that to say that Stephen, who was a waiter had incredible insight into the Word of God.  As a Pastor, this excites me so.  Whatever your role in life is, if Jesus Christ is the foundation of your life, you can know the Word of God as well as you choose to.  The decision you make concerning the time you spend in the things of God is up to you.  Stephen, a non full time minister was used very mightily by the Lord.  His knowledge of the Word of God played a huge role in the Lord being able to use him.  When he was verbally challenged by religious leaders, Stephen knew more than they did.  How I admire Stephen.  He was grateful for  what Jesus did for him and purposed to know the Word.  This resulted in a life used powerfully by God.  You can too.