Acts 7:51-53 (NKJV) 51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.”
Ritualism does not bring one into a right standing before God.
Allowing God to change our heart through being born again, obeying His Spirit, and taking steps of faith are the real signs of growth and a true relationship with God.
In the verses above, Stephen was speaking it for sure. And because of his passionate conclusion, he was stoned to death. Stephen spoke the truth. And it cost him his life.
Acts 7:59 (NKJV) 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Do we resist the Holy Spirit at times because we are afraid of the consequences?
Speaking and walking in the truth is going to ruffle some feathers from time to time.
People may not like us at times when we say what needs to be said. They may even tell us to our face, “I hate you.”
I’ve been there and I know how it feels to hear these words when you truly are concerned for someone’s life.
But always remember the importance of our words being spoken at the right moment in time; they do bring life!
If the occasion arises, and the Holy Spirit is prompting, speak it out loud and clear.
Fear only God.
The fear of man is not for Christians. We must have the fear of the Lord working and moving through our veins.
It is only then we will obey Him and show His love to others, not by tickling their ears with fluff, but by speaking into their lives what they need to hear.
You see, God knows the heart of every man. If we trust Him in this, we will speak exactly what they need to hear in that hour.
Do not resist the Holy Spirit. Let Him teach us and guide our hearts. Amen.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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