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Jason Smotherman - August 25, 2024
Sunday: Let Stephen's Church Be My Church, Part 9
In Part 9 of Open Heaven, Pastor Jay drew parallels between the church of Samson and the church of Stephen in Acts 2. Judges 16:6 (ESV), Delilah is asking Samson: Tell me where your great strength lies, and how you might be bound, that one can subdue you. Samson was: 1. Seduced: The allure of the world took Samson's eyes off his source. 2. Sourced: A sensual spirit found Samson's strength was tied to his holiness. Holiness is less about what we are not touching as much as it is about what we are allowing to touch us. 3. Separated: Samson didn't even know the Lord's spirit had left him. Being separated from God never happens in one step. Compare this with Stephen's Church. In Acts 2:42-47 (MEV), we read of an alive church; Stephen's Church. And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly (they were devoted) in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Stephen's church was: 1. Alive and growing 2. Devoted 3. Together 4. Walking in the Miraculous Our Prayer: Let Stephen's Church Be My Church
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Jason Smotherman - August 25, 2024
Sunday: Let Stephen's Church Be My Church, Part 9
In Part 9 of Open Heaven, Pastor Jay drew parallels between the church of Samson and the church of Stephen in Acts 2. Judges 16:6 (ESV), Delilah is asking Samson: Tell me where your great strength lies, and how you might be bound, that one can subdue you. Samson was: 1. Seduced: The allure of the world took Samson's eyes off his source. 2. Sourced: A sensual spirit found Samson's strength was tied to his holiness. Holiness is less about what we are not touching as much as it is about what we are allowing to touch us. 3. Separated: Samson didn't even know the Lord's spirit had left him. Being separated from God never happens in one step. Compare this with Stephen's Church. In Acts 2:42-47 (MEV), we read of an alive church; Stephen's Church. And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly (they were devoted) in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. Stephen's church was: 1. Alive and growing 2. Devoted 3. Together 4. Walking in the Miraculous Our Prayer: Let Stephen's Church Be My Church
