Heralds Digest

   “ And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.” Acts 6 : 8 , 10 KJV Only those who are in the spirit can appreciate the sweet last lane, in support of the scriptural affirmation “ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake ”. Since the recalcitrant resistance and conspiracy of the certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen, finally led to the martyrdom of Stephen, sometimes it does appears that troubles do have the final say. But no, “ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” because Stephen got a standing ovation from Jesus Christ and the host of heaven for a job well done before his transition to glory. Also, Jesus had to personally appear to one of arch persecuto...

  “ And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.” Acts 5 : 40 - 42 KJV The reason why the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ is ceasing from believers’ lifestyles has never been our confrontation with the challenges of life. Sometimes, challenges, oppression, persecution and oppositions even create the needed opportunities for a deeper encounter with the Commissioner, Jesus Christ. Commission ceases only from a lifestyle that ceases to sustain an encounter with the Commissioner. Little wonder why grown men and disciples of Jesus Christ here were elated by their shameful beating at the council of elders; and they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus...