“Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in hearts and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.” These words were said in Acts 7:51 by Stephen. He was falsely accused of blasphemy and had to go before the council to plead his case. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he retold the story of Joseph and Moses initially being rejected, and the coming of Jesus. In their infinite denial, they decided to stone Stephen to death after his words cut to their heart. The word of God is being spoken clearly and freely out to the world. So many brothers and sisters in Christ are spreading the gospel. When you hear the truth of God, is your heart in denial or are you accepting it?
When we come to a piece of knowledge of God -that is rightly divided- from reading a book,
watching a video or by having a conversation with someone, whether we realize it or not, our hearts can’t help but to connect to those truthful words. We have to be eager to grasp the knowledge of God now while we can still freely get it. Our adversary, the devil, is always scheming to get us choked up on the truth of salvation. Take a look at our current state of affairs: the political climate alone is in complete disarray with everyone fighting for control. Satan isn’t even being sneaky with his attacks anymore. He has a clear agenda to destroy our world by distracting us from God and enticing us with foolishness.
When Stephen said those listening to him had uncircumcised hearts and ears he meant that they were unwilling to accept the truth of Jesus Christ by letting go of their former way of thinking. They were so ruled by the old dispensation that they could not see the goodness of the New Covenant that promised the birth of Jesus Christ as their Savior. They were so caught up in having a form of godliness that they continued to deny its power and decided to kill Stephen for spreading the gospel. Stephen was so full of the Holy Spirit that even as he was being stoned he kept his eyes on God and asked that their sin not be held against them. If we have the truth and the Holy Spirit in us we should not be easily moved just like our brother, Stephen. If we have the Holy Spirit in us then we cannot let the false powers of this earth dictate what comes out of our mouths. Do not be corrupted by the world, neither be afraid of it.
Place your feet on the firm foundation of your faith in God starting now. Not tomorrow or Monday morning. Start and continue your faith in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit right now. For our only hope will ever come from the belief and trust in God. Our only saving grace will be through salvation. This world must end and it currently is coming to an end. So before that moment while we can still make heaven our home, push through to hear the gospel and follow it. “The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: For thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” -Psalms 9:9-10.
Dear reader, we would like to leave you with this prayer:
Lord, we are forever thankful for your love for us. As the world comes to an end you are calling for all of your children to draw closer to You. We are thankful for the reminder that You are a refuge for us. We ask Lord, that You begin to tug on the hearts of the lost ones. Bring home our unsaved loved ones. Allow them to hear Your voice clearly. If we, ourselves, are not where we should be in You, we ask that You forgive us and direct us to Your path. We want a closer walk with You, Father. Build Your children up in You Father so that we may be strong and carry on in Your ways. We are forever thankful to You for all the grace and mercy You give us day in and day out. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
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