[Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 9/16/07
tedwards at onemain.com
tedwards at onemain.com
Fri Sep 21 14:55:06 CDT 2007
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THE GOSPEL OBSERVER
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"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching
them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20).
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September 16, 2007
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Contents:
1) Preaching Like Stephen (Larry Ray Hafley)
2) News & Notes
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Preaching Like Stephen
by Larry Ray Hafley
As Acts 2 has been styled the hub and heart of the precious,
pristine promises and panoramic prophecies of the Old Testament, so
Acts 7 is the hinge of the book of Acts. Prior to Stephen's
address, the gospel generally was confined to Jerusalem, but ever
afterward as the door of faith swung outward, the disciples,
ignited by the fires of persecution, "went every where preaching
the word" (Acts 8:4).
Stephen's discourse was occasioned by the Jews who charged that
he "ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place,
and the law . . . [and] that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy
this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us"
(Acts 6:13,14). In response to the question, "Are these things
so?," Stephen commenced his famous speech. All who would endeavor
to teach and preach Jesus Christ should imitate and emulate his
method and manner, for as "they were not able to resist the wisdom
and spirit by which he spake" (Acts 6:10), so none can do today.
What Stephen Did Not Preach
Stephen was on trial, not only for his life, but also for his
Lord. With oratorical skill, he could have saved his life. How?
First, by condemning the idolatry of those "uncircumcised
Gentiles," and lauding the "one, true and living God of Israel," he
could have obtained favor and escaped death. However, this would
have converted no one to Christ. They believed in Jehovah; they
abhorred idolatry. That was not the issue. A sermon like that of
Paul in Acts 17 would have enhanced his stature, perhaps, but he
did not preach what they wanted to hear. Rather, he preached what
they needed to hear. With personal comfort and convenience in mind,
one can avoid and evade the disfavor of the masses, but he will
answer to God for it (Ezek. 3:17-21).
Second, Stephen could have curried popular favor by contrasting
the gross immoralities of the Roman rulers with the pure and
blameless lives of "my dear brethren," the Pharisees (cf. Lk.
18:9-14; Phil. 3:3-6). All he would have said would have been true;
and it might very well have saved his life, but it was not what his
audience needed. It is so easy to "preach the truth" while
cautiously ignoring the real needs of lost and dying souls. Stephen
did not seek this diversionary escape hatch as hirelings will do.
Third, with sincere pride, Stephen could have noted the glories
of David and Solomon. With the recitation of the honor of ancient
Israel, he could have swelled the hearts of his audience. He could
have expressed his contempt for Caesar and Rome and told how the
glory of God's kingdom supersedes that of the kingdoms of men.
Again, it would have been the truth, but it was not the issue at
hand.
Fourth, he could have sought relief from his opposers by
appealing to the advice of Gamaliel (Acts 5:34-40). Political
expediency was not a breach through which Stephen would flee the
assaults against himself and the truth. "Testing the wind" and
"feeling the pulse" are activities best left meteorologists and
doctors. While exercising wisdom and judgment, faithful gospel
preachers will "cry aloud and spare not." They will not use
political tactics to advance themselves when truth is at stake.
Characteristics of Stephen's Preaching
The traits of Stephen's sermon are needed greatly. Observe
them. Study them. Apply them. Instruct a preacher of the gospel "in
the way of God more perfectly" if his efforts are not patterned
after those of the steadfast, stalwart Stephen.
1. Use of Scripture: The fiber and fabric of Stephen's address
is webbed and woven, laced and lined with Scripture. Note the
numerous citations and quotations of Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy,
Kings, Isaiah and Amos. He did not merely allude to a passage and
then launch out on the sea of human wisdom, traditions and
philosophies. He preached Scripture.
Do not allow a speaker's charm, poise, grace, wit, wealth,
wisdom and worldly attainments to blind and obscure "what" you are
hearing -- "Take heed what ye hear" (Mk. 4:24). While wit,
eloquence and humor may ornament and decorate a discourse, one
should leave "after dinner" speeches on a banquet table. They have
no place in the pulpit nor in the kingdom of God's dear Son. Does
the preacher use Scripture, cite Scripture, expound and explain
Scripture? Stephen did. Does he illustrate and demonstrate
Scripture? Stephen did. Does he read Scripture, giving the sense
and causing the understanding to be enlightened (1 Tim. 4:13; Neh.
8:8)? Stephen did. If a preacher does not, he needs to learn to do
so, or seek another field of work, for he will be a hindrance and a
detriment to the cause of Christ.
2. Application of Scripture: Stephen not only used Scripture,
he also applied it. Stephen, "full of faith and power," showed the
Jews that as their fathers had rejected Joseph, Moses and the
prophets, so they had repudiated the Just One of whom the prophets
spake (Acts 7:51,52). Though at first they did not recognize the
relevance, pertinence or significance of his history lesson, it was
brought down with the force of a sledge hammer as "they perceived
that he spake of them" (cf. Matt. 21:45; Acts 7:51-54). The
Scriptures were applied directly and personally to their lives, to
their particular situation.
Conservative Baptists will "amen" every admonition to worship
God "in spirit and in truth," and will agree that the Bible is "our
only rule of faith and practice," but when one deals directly with
their particular errors, he may then be able to reach the "honest
and good heart." Institutional brethren will applaud (often quite
literally!) every appeal to "make all things according to the
pattern." However, only when their specific errors are shown to be
contrary to the New Testament plan, can one begin to teach them the
truth and lead them from the errors of church-sponsored recreation,
sponsoring church arrangements, societies, etc. Christians want the
virtues of "modesty and morality" to be extolled, but what of
specific rebuke of bikinis, social drinking, dance halls, lottery
tickets and pornography viewed in the home on cable TV?
As Stephen applied Scripture in direct confrontation, so must
we (Gal. 2:11-14; 2 Tim. 2:16-18). Scripture not applied is
Scripture denied.
3. Origin of Scripture: While Stephen did not argue for the
veracity, integrity and authenticity of Scripture's Divine origin,
his words assumed them to be God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16). Genesis 12
was what "God . . . said" (Acts 7:2,3). In Genesis 15, "God spake"
(Acts 7:6). The "living oracles" were what "saith the Lord" (Acts
7:38,44,49,53). A preacher must ever speak so as to project the
Bible as the word of God, and expect his audience to receive it as
that (1 Thess. 2:13). This awesome, sublime fact should both humble
and embolden all who would preach the word.
4. Authority of Scripture: The origin of Scripture inherently
inscribes it with power and authority. Stephen's authority for his
declaration and proclamation of Jesus as the Just One was rooted in
the authority of the Scriptures. His words and arguments beat the
drum of scriptural authority which says, "To the law and to the
testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because
there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:20; Acts 7:37,44).
When one loses respect for the authority of the Scriptures, he
will appeal to them less frequently. It is not the reverse. He does
not make fewer references to Scripture and then lose respect for
it. No, first, he loses respect for the absolute authority of the
word of God and then he turns away his ears from the truth and is
turned unto fables. Sound doctrine and godly living are a
consequence of a deep and profound reverence for the authority of
Scripture.
5. Comfort of Scripture: Help and hope are not found in the
ingenious, clever reasonings of men, but in Scripture (Rom. 15:4).
Stephen did not cite learned men of wealth and influence who had
become "obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:7), for truth is not
established by who has or has not accepted it (Jn. 7:47-52; Acts
4:13; Phil. 3:3-7).
Stephen's comfort and confidence were based on him who is the
Rock, the firm foundation of God which standeth sure. He was not
puffed up by his own human energy nor by a spasm of enthusiasm
generated and inflated by his own mind. He knew that though one may
fluff a pillow, it still will not stand under weight or pressure.
Hence, his "true heart in full assurance of faith," rested and
relied on the "testimony of God" (2 Tim. 1:7,8; 1 Thess. 4:18).
6. Condemnation of Scripture: Initially, Stephen's debating and
preaching had resulted in a number of "negative" results. First, it
had drawn the ire of people who formerly had been respectful of the
new born faith (Acts 2:47; 5:11-16). Second, it created an outcry
that resulted in public disturbance and unfavorable publicity.
Third, it led to the separation of brethren who formerly had
rejoiced and eaten from house to house "with one accord" (Acts
2:46; 4:32; 8:1; 11:19). Talk about giving the church a "black eye"
before the public and "driving people away"!
Stephen had "aired the dirty linen" of Israel's rebellion and
apostasy before the world, and then he proceeded to convict his
audience of the same. He succeeded. His auditors were indeed
"convicted." With withering words of condemnation, Stephen
concluded, "Ye do always resist the Holy Spirit: as your fathers
did, so do ye" (Acts 7:51). He charged them with stubbornness and
hardness of heart and with being traitors, "betrayers and
murderers." His conclusions were those drawn from the well of truth
and righteousness and not from the reservoir or cistern of his own
feelings and opinions.
Is it possible that a man's preaching that results in such
havoc, misery, turmoil, suffering and death can ever be termed a
"success"? Yes, for it must be remembered that the word of God is a
savor of life and of death (2 Cor. 2:14-17). The problem is not of
the seed but of the soil (Lk. 8:11-15). Peter pointedly charged
those in Acts 2 with murder and 3000 souls responded in repentance
and baptism, but when Stephen did so, they killed him. The seed and
the sower were not the problem. It was the soil (Mk. 4:14-20).
John the Baptist told Herod it was "not lawful" for him to have
his brother's wife. For this plain, direct application and
condemnation, John was beheaded. In a similar vein, Paul told the
Corinthians that they accepted so gross an immorality that even the
Gentiles would not tolerate it (1 Cor. 5:1). He rebuked them for
it, and it resulted in repentance and restoration (1 Cor. 5; 2 Cor.
2; 7). What was the difference? Was Paul more tactful and less
abusive than John? No, the difficulty was in the soil, the heart,
not in the seed, the word.
Conclusion
Stephen had not learned how to "win friends and influence
people" by "accentuating the positive and eliminating the
negative." He did not seek to promote "self-esteem" and leave
people "feeling good about themselves." Peter's success on
Pentecost began with a total loss of self-esteem and good feelings
(Acts 2:37). They were brought to their spiritual knees as they saw
the true condition of their souls. After obedience in baptism, they
could rejoice in the remission of sins (Acts 2:38,41-47; 8:39;
16:34).
Likewise, Stephen sought to show the Jews their poverty of
spirit with the use, application, origin, authority, comfort, and
condemnation of Scripture. Therefore, we today, with a message of
peace on earth and good will toward men, must preach the truth, the
whole truth and only the truth and press it upon the hearts of men.
As Stephen's example demonstrates, our duty is not to promote
self-esteem or to attempt to make men feel good about themselves.
Our responsibility, devoid of the fear of men, is to sound out the
word of the Lord, to make all men see what is the fellowship of the
mystery of the gospel, to open their eyes, to turn them from
darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto the kingdom of God,
that they might receive forgiveness of sins and the inheritance
which is given to them that are sanctified by faith in Christ. In
short, "Preach the word."
-- Via Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 3, pp. 83-85, February 6, 1992
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News & Notes
It was good to see Luther and Agnes Shuff back with us on the
16th, after his recent gall-bladder surgery, which he is still
healing from.
Though normally it takes about four or five weeks before a
person who had a triple by-pass can drive again, my healing has been
coming along so well that I was able to resume this just 14 days
after the surgery! -- and for which I am thankful. Again, I
appreciate those of you who took the time to include me in your
prayers! Thank you! Anytime someone is healed, it is the Lord who
makes that possible; so He can ultimately be praised and thanked
for every healing!
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MYRTLE STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST
1022 Myrtle Street
Denham Springs, LA 70726
(225) 664-8208
Sunday: 9:15 AM, 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 PM
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520
e-mail: tedwards at onemain.com
web site: http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go
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