Author: Elwood Hurst

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 Corinthians 8:1

As we teach or preach from this passage, we often place substantial emphasis on the “churches of Macedonia.” While the heart and activity of these churches are undoubtedly commendable, we cannot ignore the actual statement of verse one. The first verse clearly states what and to whom the Spirit of God is calling attention.

2 Corinthians 8:1 says, “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia.” The actual emphasis here is on the “grace of God.” Some call our Faith Promise Giving, Grace Giving.

God made the apostle and others aware of the dire need of the people. God led the apostle and leaders to make a collection to help meet those needs. God was looking for channels to supply those needs.

We see the first step in preparing these “channels” in verse five. Here the believers “first gave their own selves.” By giving themselves, they became a vessel of the Lord—a vessel He could use as a channel. There is a great blessing to those who give themselves.

The people were in deep poverty and “in a great trial of affliction” in verse two. Although challenged with issues, they experienced abundant joy and an earnest desire to be used of God to provide for the needs at hand. All of this is to the glory of the grace of God. God does not rebuke them for not having the supply, nor does He ask them to provide the resources. He merely wants channels through which He can supply His resources.

God’s supply of resources did not, and never will be lacking. He just wanted and still wants vessels to be channels through which He might supply the needs of the souls of people. This text is dealing primarily with financial needs, but He still desires channels to carry the gospel to the lost and to serve Him by delivering His vast supply to the needs of the world.

Our first step is to do as the Macedonians did: give ourselves and the lack of resources to God. His grace can not only change the channel, but He can also use that channel to supply His resources where needed. The passage applies not only to financial needs but also to the significant spiritual needs of the world. Yea, millions are in dire need of the gospel. As His channels, we are to take the Word and the good grace of God to them.

Is your life a channel of blessing?
Is the love of God flowing through you?
Are you telling the lost of the Savior?
Are you ready His service to do?

Make me a channel of blessing today,
Make me a channel of blessing, I pray;
My life possessing, my service blessing,
Make me a channel of blessing today.

Is your life a channel of blessing?
Are you burdened for those that are lost?
Have you urged upon those who are straying,
The Savior who died on the cross?

We cannot be channels of blessing
If our lives are not free from all sin;
We will barriers be and a hindrance
To those we are trying to win.

Harper G. Smith 1903

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

Luke 9:23-25
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?

The instructions given here come from the highest authority, Jesus Christ. It is vital to heed these instructions. The little word “if” indicates a possibility one would not follow Him. In fact, many do not follow Him. The high cost of a temporary gain produces a loss of life as a “castaway.” The right choice is to follow Jesus. God gives us guidance on how.

1. Deny self. Deny the personal gain and the temporary attractions of this world. We must disregard our desires of the flesh. Our desire should be to please our Savior. Our task may not be pleasant, or it may be very difficult. It could be to unpleasant or unfriendly people. Whatever or wherever the task, Jesus Christ knows all about the possibilities and the problems. He wants a submitted and committed follower – faithful.

2. Deliberate act. Often the statement of cross-bearing is misunderstood. Some people view this act as an adverse circumstance or uncontrollable hardship. The instruction here is to “take up his cross.” The follower deliberately and voluntarily picks up the cross in this step. The cross is not a very pleasant object to pick up and carry as Jesus did with His cross. But He did it voluntarily also. The system and desire to fulfill a task may cost one temporarily, but the benefits extend to eternity.

3. Daily process. The Christian life of service is not like a commitment to an eight-hour job. It is not a “try and quit if you do not like it” commitment. Service is a daily process in every waking hour for as long as we live. It is a commitment to follow His will and a responsibility to the instructions of our Savior. We must carry out the directions as He asks. This commitment may be a challenging one. But it is the process of following in the footsteps of our Savior.

4. Directed activity. Jesus does not give the assignment and then leave us to our own direction and schedule. Thankfully, He stays with us every step and every stage of our lives. His commission to go into all the world accompanies the promise of His presence unto the end of the world. The potential problem is that we get the instructions, pick up the cross, and take it the way we want or think best. God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ not only provide the tasks for us but the specific instructions: the precious Word of God and the presence of the Savior.

5. Delightful finish. Even if this commitment causes us to lose the favor and riches of this world, the great gain is an eternal reward far better than any temporary increase on the earth. It is better to give our lives for the sake of Christ and save others than to gain all the wealth of the world and lose our souls.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

Psalm 78

Space will not allow me to expand thoroughly on the details of this text. However, this passage of Scripture reveals a principle that seems to impact our present-day need of God’s supply of young men to His work. It convicts this father and could be a factor in the shortage of young preachers and missionaries today.

God still calls young men. They heed the call and faithfully serve where God leads. Fathers are not the ones who do the calling. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, He works in the hearts of these young men. It is a question in my mind if some of these same conditions mentioned in the passage partially account for the shrinking numbers of young men and women hearing the call of God today.

The psalmist, inspired by God, paints a sad picture and gives some clear instructions to fathers. He reminds them that God gave the law, and the testimony has been established. God wants the next generation to hear the declaration of not only God’s law but also His boundless and marvelous works. He delivered His people from bondage in Egypt. He showed His power over nature and miraculously divided the Red Sea. He allowed His people to cross on dry ground and escape the enemy. He supplied a band of millions of people through the wilderness with food and water from a rock. He delegated the fathers to pass these blessings on to the sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons. The desire and the goal of God is that these sons “set their hope in God and not forget the works of God and keep His commandments.” Thank God for good training and the records of godly and influential preachers of the past and present. But the hope and source of leading are of God. The Biblical record shows God’s desire for us to know His works, clear leading, and power.
Sadly, verse 8 says God could not recommend the example of the fathers because the fathers were “a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.” He continues in verse 10 to say they “kept not the covenant of God and refused to walk in his law.” The charges get even more severe in the following verses. Verse 41 states that they turned back and tempted God. God was “wroth.”

As fathers, may God help us make much of the mighty and wonderful works of GOD to our sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons and do our part of producing a generation of servants and soldiers for the work of our Lord. God help us not only to tell, but also to live the example that they may set their hope in God, be faithful to the Word, and to their calling.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.
Psalm 141:1-4

This Psalm begins with David’s urgent crying to the Lord for a listening ear. The nature of his plea is a CRY for help of a preventative nature. To this author, it seems we all should cry out to God for the same needs. This cry is not just a shallow, half-hearted request. David asks for it to be his Passover offering (v.2).

The first request pertains to a universal need of every person, Christian or not. He declares, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” The products of our lips can be either very helpful or very harmful. James 1:26 warns us to bridle (control) our tongue. Failure to do so deceives us, and our religion is vain. James also states in chapter 3, “If we offend not in word, the same is a perfect man (mature) and able to bridle the whole body.” He compares the power of the tongue to the bit in a horse’s mouth, the helm of a ship, and a flame of fire. He refers to the tongue as a world of iniquity. This small organ of our body “setteth on fire the course of nature; and is set on fire of hell.” This same little organ can also “bless God.” With this kind of potential in such a tiny organ, it is no wonder the psalmist pleads for help to control it in a way that blesses rather than harms.

David pleads again to God with a second request for the heart of the man controlling the tongue. “Incline not his heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity:” Jesus speaks to this in Matthew 12:34-35. “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.”

These words of Jesus Christ reveal that if we have a right heart, it will go a long way to controlling the little organ bent toward evil. In other words, the power of the tongue can be tempered or managed by the heart. We enjoy this control when we fill our minds with the Word of God and maintain a close relationship with Jesus Christ. A miracle occurs when a rough-talking sinner’s vocabulary changes after accepting Christ. His interpersonal relationships now grow from a heart of love instead of a bitter heart and tongue. We must thank our Savior for His amazing grace. His grace gives us good thoughts and words and cleanses us from the world’s filth.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20

Our text gives us a promise from the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Many of His soldiers have had to reclaim this promise on the mission field or in a difficult place of service. In times of hardship or opposition, the old man can descend into doubt and wonder, “Where is Jesus?” Whether we acknowledge it or not, Jesus’ promises never fail. Sometimes we fail to recognize the promised eternal presence of our Savior.

What is the most common reason? Probably denying His identity. John 1:11 states that even His own people “knew Him not.” Even when they were in His presence, His person and purpose were not acknowledged. Thus, these people did not enjoy the full blessing of being in the presence of the Son of God. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus even states He would have gathered His people to Himself as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. But they refused. This mentality robs a person of the blessing of Jesus Christ’s presence even when He is present and seeking to reach them.

At times, even believers and faithful laborers fail to recognize His presence. Circumstances, fear of danger, or lack of faith can blind us from recognizing His presence. Mark 6 tells the story of Jesus’ disciples out on the sea at night when a storm arose. The wind blew “contrary” to the effort of travel to the other side of the sea. They no doubt became heavily occupied in rowing and trying to accomplish their assignment. They knew Jesus remained behind on the shore and not in the boat with them. In the challenge of the task before them, they forgot Jesus’ power. He just fed more than five thousand people with the lunch of a lad. So, either Jesus was not on their mind, or they thought that Jesus was too far away to help. The Scripture states that though Jesus was on the shore “He saw them toiling” (Mark 6:48). Jesus does not assign a task and then leave the laborer alone. He comes to them even if He must walk on water. It must have been a great comfort to them to hear Jesus speak and tell them, “Be of good cheer. It is I; be not afraid.” Whatever the task and wherever He calls us, Jesus sees us toiling. He comes to our side bringing cheer and peace. As He promised, He will be with us even to the end of the age. We serve the same Jesus Who walked on water.

Sometimes things do not go the way we plan, or we misunderstand God’s plan. We fail to understand how God’s plan differed from our understanding. In Luke 24, two men headed to a village called Emmaus. As they traveled, they discussed the recent events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus. One expressed his misunderstanding of the mission of Jesus. He thought as many did that Jesus was come to “redeem Israel.” As they journeyed along, Jesus joined them. Their “eyes were holden (restrained) that they should not know Him.” These men did not know they walked in the very company of the resurrected Savior. They focused on the disappointment that their plan was not accomplished to “redeem Israel.” Jesus informed these men of their wrong expectations (vs. 25-26). He pointed them to the Word of God, which foretold the mission of Jesus. The Scriptures of the prophets spoke of the death and the glorification of Jesus Christ. Because they misunderstood the Scripture, they were with Jesus and did not know.

If we are serving Him, we need to know His plan. We will not be disappointed or come to the wrong conclusion about how things happen. We need reminding that He always carries out His plan. God announced His plan back in Genesis 3:15. What if Jesus was not present to inform these men? He is always where His people are laboring and serving to keep us on the right course. Oh, what a comforting fact to know Jesus will not only comfort and protect us, but He will lead us in the right plan.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
Hebrews 6:13-19

The problem of drifting away from God and His commands has existed since the fall of man. In our day we observe the influence of trends and ideas. A practice or teaching arises and becomes popular. Right or wrong, biblical or not, there always seems to be some who fall in ranks and drift away. These instances are observable all the way back to Noah’s day. Believing God and living a godly life was not the popular thing to do. In this age, we have an excellent and preserved Bible. It is accurate; God’s hand is upon it. He has used it to save souls and build lives and churches. Then, along came men claiming they had something better. Slowly but surely men who trusted that we had the Word of God began yielding to the enticing popularity of the new thing. We used to sing from old songbooks, the music that reaches down in the soul and honors God. Then there were those who thought the world’s music was entertaining and attractive to more people. While we remain thankful for modern conveniences, technology, communications, and the comfort of buildings, the principles mentioned above have changed in purpose. In varying degrees, the purpose changed from primarily honoring and worshipping God to pleasing and satisfying the carnal hunger of mankind.

It seems we need to reset our anchor. An anchor not solidly set on an immovable object or principle tends to drift under pressure. In our text, we see that the Christian possesses a hope produced by God Who cannot lie. This hope, according to verse nineteen, is an anchor to our soul. We need to set our hope in God and His promises and position ourselves on a steadfast, immovable anchor.

God made a seemingly impossible promise to Abraham. At seventy-five years of age, even in his day, fulfillment of this promise would be humanly impossible. God promised Abram he would become a great nation, yet he fathered no children. God told Abraham to leave his land and go to an unknown destination. Abraham believed God–not the possible doubts and questions of the human mind. God swore to him by “two immutable things” (v.18): the immutability of His counsel and the impossibility for God to lie. Because Abraham anchored not in the place of his nephew Lot, he was blessed. God counted him righteous because he simply believed God. Because Lot anchored elsewhere, he lost his wife and his testimony in the judgment of God.

Jesus established principles and standards while He was on earth for how and what He expected of His church. He also stated that not one jot or tittle of His Word would pass. So why do some think we can adjust and conform more to the world and be successful? It is an indescribable blessing that we are permitted as Abraham to believe God and simply become a child of His kingdom. His promise will not change, and our soul is anchored in an immoveable promise, not drifting with the tides of the contemporary values. Thank God for a secure Anchor of our soul. We may be out of style or unpopular by some standards, but our anchorage in Jesus puts us in the right place when He comes for us.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Acts 4:13

Jesus Christ chose fisherman to follow and learn of Him. They would carry on the message Jesus brought from Heaven to all mankind. Jesus spent three years training the twelve apostles. The men in this text were known as the “inner circle.” With their closeness and increased involvement in the training and work, they got to see many miracles performed by Jesus. They heard the best and most powerful preaching and teaching. These experiences alone would be better than any education from an institution of learning.

Jesus returned to the right side of the Father in Heaven (2:33). Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost is recorded in Acts 2. The Lord used his preaching to bring three thousand souls to salvation. In chapter three, Peter and the rest of the apostles preached strong messages to the people about Jesus and their rejection of Him as Savior.

Chapter three records Peter and John going into the temple. There they heard the invalid man’s call for alms. They replied that they had no silver or gold. But they claimed the power Jesus gave to the twelve and commanded the lame man to rise and walk. Peter helped the man to his feet, and the lame man left walking and leaping (not limping) and happy. The rest of chapter three and the start of chapter four speaks of the stir building among the people. Peter declared the power for this miracle came from the One they rejected and crucified. The religious crowd became offended over this. As a result of this preaching, five thousand men believed.

In chapter four, the preaching and exalting of Jesus stirred the religious authority and rulers and threatened their following. “Being grieved they laid hold of the men until the next day.” In verse six, the authorities confronted them. They asked the men by what power or authority they healed the invalid. They answered with another presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Verse twelve narrows the message down to a clear point: no salvation exists except through the Person of Jesus Christ. Thankfully the message is still good today. This message came from a man “filled with the Holy Ghost.”

This long trial in the record of Peter and John, who stood examined by religious and political men, reveals to this writer some of the same viewpoints and challenges we encounter today. The authorities perceived Peter and John as “unlearned and ignorant.” This misperception might have stemmed from Peter and John’s lack of temple education and hearing the real voices of religion. This elite crowd recognized no credentials. They only deemed the relationship to this One illegitimate, a Nazarite followed by simple fishermen into the “false” teaching. As Bible believers today, we seem “unlearned and ignorant” to the world and religious crowd. The god of this world has blinded their eyes to the truth. As Jesus commanded Peter, we must “be filled with the Spirit.” When filled with the Spirit, we can stand boldly and proclaim the precious Gospel like Peter and John. Even if questioned or rejected by the unsaved people of the world, we can prevail.

The authorities perceived one thing which could not be questioned. They understood these men had “been with Jesus.” By their boldness in preaching, the message of Jesus Christ and their strong convictions of the truth, no doubt remained that they had been with Jesus Christ. We may or may not have credentials the world expects or stand in the famous, higher levels of the religious world. But may God help us to live and proclaim the truth leaving no doubt WE HAVE BEEN WITH JESUS CHRIST. As with the leaders who sought the disciples, the world still recognizes a difference in the ones who have been with Jesus Christ.

God, help us to allow men to recognize Your presence in our lives that You may draw them to Yourself. Help us be faithful in the Word of God and prayer so faithfully that the presence of God shows on us.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

2 Corinthians 9:10-12
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

The concern of God for the ultimate need of mankind is great enough that He gave His only Son to bring sinners to reconciliation with Himself through Jesus Christ. Only Christ can meet this need; only the triune God should receive the glory.

As born again Christians, we should share the same value of reaching souls of men to point them to the Savior, the only One able to save them. A possible pitfall and tragic direction lie in some religious movements. They seem to hold a genuine burden for the needs of men. But to grow in number or recognition, they try to fulfill the work in ways other than God’s way, becoming like the lost to reach the sinner. This behavior leads to false security. Is our goal to meet the need of man through our own means and programs? Or is our goal to bring glory to God by meeting the needs of mankind?

These problematic approaches bring glory to man. The glory belongs to God and not to man. Our ultimate goal should be to bring glory to God by reaching mankind’s need for God. One author stated: “Increase of grace makes for an increase of thanksgiving to the glory of God.” To the saved soul, he or she will give thanksgiving to God instead of glory to man.

If we set our purpose and goal to bring glory to God, it will not diminish our hunger and desire to reach as many souls as possible. Instead, the desire increases to bring further glory to God. This goal not only honors God but also produces more lasting and genuine fruit. After all, it is God’s work, and He knows the best way. In fact, His way is the only way of salvation. His knowledge and plan far exceed ours and that of the world.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9

God crowned His creation by giving life to the first human being and naming him Adam. Even in a perfect environment, Adam failed God by disobeying a simple command. Adam plunged the whole human race into a condemned state before our Creator by passing along a nature prone to sin. Additionally, one of Adam’s sons was a murderer. Humankind neglected our Creator so much that God saved only one family when He restarted the human race: Noah’s family.

God used some great and godly people through history. We read about them in the Word of God. We learn of men like Abraham, a friend of God; David, a man after God’s own heart; and the heroes of the faith who challenge us in the Book of Hebrews. Even these men and women fought the common problem of mankind. They sinned and needed the grace of God.

On a darker side, God recorded names that bring evil to our minds, like Ahab and Jezebel, and Judas, who betrayed our Lord. Many others in history, both ancient and current, could fit this frame: Hitler, Saddam Hussein, and many others who shocked society with their wickedness. Though these crimes and criminals are famous, we still share the common trait that we all have sinned and justly deserve God’s wrath.

One other commonality we have with every human of the past, present or future is that God loves every one of us. It is God’s will that every man’s sin is covered by the shed blood of God the Son. He loved every one of us enough to send His Son to pay our debt. As we go into the fields of humanity witnessing for our Lord, some seem to be enemies to God and us. However, we need to realize they are loved by God, the One Who loves and saves us. God is not willing that they perish and spend eternity in Hell.

What a thought to consider: There has never been a human being that God did not love and has not given His Son to save. Such amazing grace from a holy and loving God!

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.

The Church in Antioch was growing, and growth brought with it some growing pains. Some of the congregation needed special attention. Gradually, the many needs began to drain the time and apostolic work of the apostles.

The church decided to appoint some men and call them deacons (servants). These men would need to be good, strong, spiritual men. They considered the prospects. According to the listing in our text, the first name that came to mind was Stephen’s. This man was not just active in church and recognized by all the congregation, but he was not ignored in the synagogue either. He was “a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.” No doubt the other men were godly also, but they do not receive the same comment as Stephen. This man exhibited faith and power. He is an excellent example for us to follow today.

Stephen must have been known for his heavy involvement in the Lord’s work and good spirit. He was the first named as those seven men who would have the responsibility for this duty. He was a man “full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.” The basic requirement of the seven was to have an honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom. Stephen was noted to stand above those requirements. We do not know about his physical condition or his talents. We do know from the text that he was close to God and was a servant to God.

The church and apostles selected Stephen. He received a special gift to do “miracles and wonders.” In the synagogue, “they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (6:10). As usual, when God’s messenger preaches the truth, the world and unbelievers get upset. The people stirred. The religious crowd arrested Stephen and took him to the council. His preaching about Jesus and the Old Testament prophets contradicted the religious people. Their wrath became so heated the Bible says that they “gnashed on him with their teeth.” Stephen never said that he could be wrong or that this was just his opinion. It was the inerrant Word of God. He considered no apology. “They saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.”

Stephen did not appeal the charges to the hierarchy. He turned to his Lord, and he saw the One that he preached about “standing on the right hand of God.” God’s servant was under attack, and it drew the attention of God and His Son. Jesus rose from His seat on the right hand of God. He stood noticing His servant’s mistreatment. (7:56) Still, we see no self-pity or wrath. Stephen followed the example of his Lord and Savior. He pled for God’s mercy on his executioners and asked God to receive his spirit. No doubt that day Stephen met his Savior that he loved so much and was blessed in His presence.

What a challenge to us Christians today! We have more Bible than Stephen had available. He just believed and absorbed what he had. He put the record of God’s dealing with the prophets in his heart. He completely accepted God’s message in his heart. He lived a life “full of faith and of the Holy Ghost.” Oh, that we would follow the example of Stephen by absorbing the Word of God and being filled with the Spirit. We may not look like angels, but the world can see much more of Jesus Christ in us if we speak in His power and behave in His manner. The world may hate us too, but our Savior is equally concerned about us as he was Stephen. That is all that counts.

If Bro. Hurst’s article is an encouragement to you, please email him to let him know. You may also visit ebarnabas.org to make an appointment with him for encouragement.