Standing Firm in Faith: The Cost and Courage of Following Christ

One thing I truly appreciate about the church I attend is its unwavering commitment to truth in our sermons. Our pastors don't shy away from tough topics, even when the truth may challenge us.

This past Sunday was a powerful reminder of the "cost" of being a Christian. It's a perspective we often overlook in our focus on the blessings, but it's a theme that runs throughout the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

Consider Elijah, a prophet of boldness and fire. When he stood against the corruption of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, he found himself hunted, fleeing for his life. In those lonely moments in a cave, Elijah's faith stood firm, even when he felt utterly alone (1 Kings 19:9-10).

Then there's Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, whose messages of judgment and repentance fell on deaf ears. His commitment to speaking truth landed him in prison, facing rejection and even a plot against his life (Jeremiah 20:1-3).

Turning to the New Testament, we see the pattern of hostility emerge swiftly. John the Baptist, a voice in the wilderness, faced imprisonment and ultimately execution for fearlessly proclaiming the truth about Jesus (Matthew 14:3-12).

The early disciples of Christ walked a path fraught with danger. Peter and John, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus despite threats and intimidation from religious leaders (Acts 4:18-20). Their unwavering commitment to truth led to beatings, imprisonment, and constant danger.

Let's journey into the narrative of Stephen, a man whose life exemplified unwavering faith and unyielding courage in the face of adversity.

In Acts 6, we find Stephen described as "a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5). He was chosen among the early disciples to serve the growing Christian community in Jerusalem.

As Stephen ministered to the people, performing signs and wonders by the power of the Holy Spirit, he caught the attention of some who were members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen. They disputed with Stephen but could not withstand the wisdom and Spirit by which he spoke (Acts 6:8-10).

However, these disputations soon turned into false accusations. In Acts 6:11-14, we read how they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God."

Summoned before the Sanhedrin, the council of Jewish religious leaders, Stephen faced the false charges brought against him. Here, in Acts 7, we witness Stephen's powerful defense, a stirring account of God's faithfulness throughout Israel's history.

In Acts 7:2-53, Stephen eloquently recounts the story of God's covenant with Abraham, the trials of Joseph, the exodus from Egypt, and the giving of the law through Moses. He speaks of the prophets who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, Jesus Christ.

Yet, as Stephen boldly proclaimed the truth, he did not mince words about the council's history of rejecting God's messengers. In Acts 7:51-53, he accuses them of resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors had done, culminating in the betrayal and murder of the Righteous One, Jesus.

Stephen's impassioned defense of the truth infuriated the religious leaders. Acts 7:54-58 describes how they were "cut to the heart" and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

This vision sealed Stephen's fate. In Acts 7:57-58, we read that they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord. They cast him out of the city and stoned him.

Even as the stones rained down upon him, Stephen, in his final moments, emulated the spirit of Christ. Acts 7:59-60 records his prayer: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin."

With these words of forgiveness on his lips, Stephen breathed his last, joining the ranks of the martyrs who had gone before him.

Among those present at Stephen's stoning was a young man named Saul of Tarsus. Acts 7:58 tells us that the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of Saul. He wholeheartedly approved of Stephen's death.

Saul's encounter with Stephen's unwavering faith and forgiveness left an indelible mark on his heart. The seeds of doubt were sown in his mind, prompting him to question his zealous persecution of the followers of Christ.

Years later, on the road to Damascus, Saul encountered the risen Christ in a blinding light. Acts 22:6-10 recounts this transformative moment, as Saul heard the voice of Jesus, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" Struck blind, Saul was led into the city where Ananias, a disciple of Jesus, prayed for his sight to be restored.

Acts 22:20 reveals the profound impact of Stephen's martyrdom on Saul: "And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him."

Saul's encounter with Stephen's unwavering faith and forgiveness haunted him. The memory of Stephen's radiant face, his words of forgiveness in the midst of persecution, could not be shaken.

This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Saul's transformation into the apostle Paul, one of the greatest champions of the Christian faith. From persecutor to preacher, Paul's life became a testament to the power of God's grace and the life-changing impact of encountering the truth of Christ.

The story of Stephen and Saul serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of standing firm in the truth of the Gospel. Stephen's unwavering faith, bold proclamation, and ultimate sacrifice planted seeds of doubt in Saul's heart, leading to his own encounter with the risen Christ.

May we, like Stephen, be filled with faith and courage to boldly proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ, suffering well, no matter the cost. And may we, like Saul, be open to the transforming power of God's grace, allowing our lives to become a testament to His unfailing love and mercy.

Jesus proclaimed, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own: but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:18-19).