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April 26th: Peaceful Hearts
Fourth Sunday of Easter: Stephen is the first martyr of the Christian Church. His story is told in Acts 7:51-8:1a. While we will not read the whole story, you are encouraged to read the story to understand the full context of his life in Christ. Stephen exemplifies what Jesus said in John 14:1-7, 25-27; his heart was not troubled but peaceful. Our message “Peaceful Hearts” will be based on selections from Acts and John.
Acts 7:51-8:1a
51 Stephen said, “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you are forever opposing the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do.
52 Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, and now you have become his betrayers and murderers.
53 You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.”
54 When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth at Stephen.[a]
55 But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
56 “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
57 But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him.
58 Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
60 Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.[b]
8 1 And Saul approved of their killing him.
John 14:1-7 &
John 14:25-27
1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe[a] in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?[b]
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.”[c]
5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
7 If you know me, you will know[d] my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
25 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you.
26 But the Advocate,[a] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.