1 00:00:00,689 --> 00:00:04,010 Speaker 1: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 2 00:00:04,890 --> 00:00:11,240 Speaker 1: Matthew 5.8 Heavenly Father, we want to see you. We 3 00:00:11,280 --> 00:00:14,800 Speaker 1: want to see your glory revealed in the beauty of creation, 4 00:00:15,440 --> 00:00:19,750 Speaker 1: the wonder of your works, and the joy of relationships. 5 00:00:21,470 --> 00:00:24,970 Speaker 1: Open our eyes to who you are, what you're doing, 6 00:00:26,070 --> 00:00:29,750 Speaker 1: and where you want to take us. Show us the 7 00:00:29,830 --> 00:00:33,490 Speaker 1: splendor of your glory and the wonder of your character. 8 00:00:35,200 --> 00:00:40,300 Speaker 1: Purify our hearts so we can see you with clear vision, 9 00:00:40,960 --> 00:00:46,960 Speaker 1: untainted by the world, sin, and apathy. Whatever is clouding 10 00:00:47,100 --> 00:00:52,110 Speaker 1: our vision, remove it. Whatever is hindering our ability to 11 00:00:52,190 --> 00:00:57,390 Speaker 1: see you clearly, cleanse us from it. Create in us 12 00:00:57,590 --> 00:01:02,000 Speaker 1: a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit 13 00:01:02,060 --> 00:01:07,780 Speaker 1: within us. Strip away the impurities that cloud our vision 14 00:01:07,860 --> 00:01:12,580 Speaker 1: and hinder our relationship with you. Help us to focus 15 00:01:12,640 --> 00:01:17,069 Speaker 1: on the things that are true, noble, righteous, and pure, 16 00:01:18,330 --> 00:01:21,770 Speaker 1: so that our hearts may be a mirror of your own. 17 00:01:23,410 --> 00:01:25,630 Speaker 1: We are grateful, Lord, for the grace that makes this 18 00:01:25,709 --> 00:01:31,530 Speaker 1: transformation possible, and we pray that our lives will be 19 00:01:31,550 --> 00:01:39,649 Speaker 1: a testament to the beauty of a pure heart. In Jesus' name, amen. 20 00:01:41,470 --> 00:01:45,140 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 21 00:01:45,160 --> 00:01:50,559 Speaker 1: The Jesus Podcast, gospel stories retold with cinematic flair and 22 00:01:50,820 --> 00:01:55,460 Speaker 1: honest reflections. remain here for a gripping story about the 23 00:01:55,560 --> 00:02:00,730 Speaker 1: stoning of Stephen. If this podcast has blessed you, consider 24 00:02:00,790 --> 00:02:05,450 Speaker 1: sharing it with a friend. Doing so ensures that we 25 00:02:05,510 --> 00:02:11,369 Speaker 1: can continue to make these stories. The mountain hummed with 26 00:02:11,470 --> 00:02:17,130 Speaker 1: power as Jesus spoke to the crowd. People were awed 27 00:02:17,330 --> 00:02:22,339 Speaker 1: at the upside-down nature of his words. He was reframing 28 00:02:22,540 --> 00:02:28,220 Speaker 1: what it meant to be blessed. It was backward, counter-cultural, 29 00:02:29,470 --> 00:02:31,230 Speaker 1: but profoundly moving. 30 00:02:31,690 --> 00:02:35,090 Speaker 2: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the 31 00:02:35,150 --> 00:02:39,090 Speaker 2: kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they 32 00:02:39,190 --> 00:02:40,109 Speaker 2: shall be comforted. 33 00:02:40,990 --> 00:02:45,070 Speaker 3: Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 34 00:02:45,970 --> 00:02:49,820 Speaker 2: Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for 35 00:02:49,860 --> 00:02:55,060 Speaker 2: they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they 36 00:02:55,139 --> 00:02:56,600 Speaker 2: shall obtain mercy. 37 00:02:57,320 --> 00:03:00,880 Speaker 1: Jesus smiled and looked up to heaven. He drew a 38 00:03:00,919 --> 00:03:01,900 Speaker 1: deep breath and. 39 00:03:01,860 --> 00:03:05,580 Speaker 2: Said, Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall 40 00:03:05,680 --> 00:03:07,119 Speaker 2: see God. 41 00:03:13,080 --> 00:03:16,400 Speaker 4: What does it mean to be pure of heart? Are 42 00:03:16,440 --> 00:03:21,010 Speaker 4: those with pure hearts somehow blessed with spotless records? without 43 00:03:21,110 --> 00:03:25,910 Speaker 4: sin or scar to hinder their sight? Or does purity 44 00:03:25,970 --> 00:03:32,090 Speaker 4: come from somewhere else, perhaps someone else? This is the 45 00:03:32,150 --> 00:03:37,710 Speaker 4: Jesus Podcast, gospel stories told with cinematic flair and honest reflection. 46 00:03:38,590 --> 00:03:42,960 Speaker 4: I'm Ethan, one of your hosts from Pray.com. If you've 47 00:03:42,970 --> 00:03:46,020 Speaker 4: been a faithful follower of this podcast, we'd love it 48 00:03:46,060 --> 00:03:47,960 Speaker 4: if you took a moment to leave a review and 49 00:03:48,100 --> 00:03:51,940 Speaker 4: share it with a friend. These small things matter in 50 00:03:51,980 --> 00:03:55,480 Speaker 4: the podcasting world. Thanks for supporting us and being a 51 00:03:55,560 --> 00:03:59,820 Speaker 4: part of this community. We've been spending this new season 52 00:03:59,940 --> 00:04:03,240 Speaker 4: connecting Jesus' Sermon on the Mount with other stories from 53 00:04:03,280 --> 00:04:08,160 Speaker 4: the Bible. Our focus is on Matthew 5, verse 8, 54 00:04:08,160 --> 00:04:11,140 Speaker 4: when Jesus declares, We will explore the meaning of this 55 00:04:11,160 --> 00:04:20,479 Speaker 4: profound promise and how it is beautifully illustrated in the 56 00:04:20,500 --> 00:04:24,560 Speaker 4: story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, as recounted in 57 00:04:24,720 --> 00:04:29,540 Speaker 4: Acts chapter 7, verses 54 through 60. 58 00:04:30,320 --> 00:04:33,739 Speaker 1: The synagogue of the freedman rested on a grassy hill, 59 00:04:34,360 --> 00:04:39,279 Speaker 1: slightly elevated above the east side of Jerusalem. Its pillars 60 00:04:39,360 --> 00:04:43,599 Speaker 1: were carved from imported cypress wood, and the inside was 61 00:04:43,680 --> 00:04:50,400 Speaker 1: immaculately adorned with tapestries and precious stones. The wealthier and 62 00:04:50,460 --> 00:04:55,130 Speaker 1: more influential Jews attended the synagogue, many of them merchants 63 00:04:55,710 --> 00:05:00,790 Speaker 1: and city officials. It was a perfect stage for Saul 64 00:05:00,830 --> 00:05:06,339 Speaker 1: of Tarsus. Here he would begin his campaign against the 65 00:05:06,400 --> 00:05:10,760 Speaker 1: followers of Jesus. He knew just how to sway them. 66 00:05:11,980 --> 00:05:16,950 Speaker 1: The crowd arrived eager to hear Saul speak. They gawked 67 00:05:17,029 --> 00:05:21,460 Speaker 1: at him like a prince. Saul soaked in the affection. 68 00:05:22,820 --> 00:05:28,810 Speaker 1: Saul ceremoniously opened up the scroll of Micah and read, But. 69 00:05:28,670 --> 00:05:33,210 Speaker 5: You, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans, 70 00:05:33,870 --> 00:05:36,670 Speaker 5: out of you will come for me one who will 71 00:05:36,730 --> 00:05:42,240 Speaker 5: be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from ancient times. 72 00:05:42,820 --> 00:05:46,460 Speaker 1: Saul drew a deep breath and reasoned with the crowd. 73 00:05:47,040 --> 00:05:51,010 Speaker 5: There has been a stir. In the city of Jerusalem, 74 00:05:51,730 --> 00:05:56,099 Speaker 5: what began as blasphemous whispers have turned into loud and 75 00:05:56,160 --> 00:06:00,820 Speaker 5: annoying trumpets. There's a group of men and women who 76 00:06:00,900 --> 00:06:06,120 Speaker 5: call themselves People of the Way. These people claim to 77 00:06:06,220 --> 00:06:09,719 Speaker 5: follow the Messiah as foretold by Moses and the prophets. 78 00:06:10,760 --> 00:06:19,849 Speaker 5: This so-called Messiah was a carpenter from Nazareth. Nazareth? The 79 00:06:19,890 --> 00:06:23,380 Speaker 5: prophets are clear. The Messiah will come from the lineage 80 00:06:23,700 --> 00:06:27,740 Speaker 5: and city of David. He will come in power, glory, 81 00:06:28,240 --> 00:06:32,159 Speaker 5: and majesty. He will come as a conquering king, no 82 00:06:32,200 --> 00:06:35,370 Speaker 5: doubt to overthrow the grip of Rome and restore us 83 00:06:35,410 --> 00:06:40,690 Speaker 5: to Zion. But these people insist on worshipping a false 84 00:06:40,770 --> 00:06:45,190 Speaker 5: prophet who worked with stone in the middle of nowhere, Nazareth. 85 00:06:46,110 --> 00:06:48,970 Speaker 5: Such men and women deserve a title fitting for how 86 00:06:49,170 --> 00:06:53,970 Speaker 5: absurd their Messiah seems. Maybe instead of calling them people 87 00:06:54,029 --> 00:06:57,300 Speaker 5: of the way, we should call them Nazarenes. 88 00:06:59,339 --> 00:07:03,120 Speaker 1: Saul smiled as the crowd mocked at the disciples' expense. 89 00:07:04,020 --> 00:07:08,980 Speaker 1: He wore the arrogance of title and prowess proudly. Saul 90 00:07:09,020 --> 00:07:12,120 Speaker 1: continued to teach and rile up the crowd against the 91 00:07:12,170 --> 00:07:17,130 Speaker 1: followers of Jesus. This would be his strategy. travel from 92 00:07:17,150 --> 00:07:23,320 Speaker 1: synagogue to synagogue, battling with rhetoric and charisma. He was 93 00:07:23,400 --> 00:07:27,720 Speaker 1: at an advantage since no one matched him in knowledge, righteousness, 94 00:07:27,900 --> 00:07:32,360 Speaker 1: or ability. Saul concluded his teaching and dismissed the people. 95 00:07:33,700 --> 00:07:37,330 Speaker 1: They left the synagogue and went into the courtyards. Many 96 00:07:37,390 --> 00:07:40,630 Speaker 1: of them remained there to discuss what had just been taught. 97 00:07:42,250 --> 00:07:44,830 Speaker 1: Saul expected most of the people to be gone by now. 98 00:07:45,650 --> 00:07:49,270 Speaker 1: for a meal under the shade. But instead, a large 99 00:07:49,350 --> 00:07:53,850 Speaker 1: crowd gathered at the corner of the courtyard. Someone stood 100 00:07:53,890 --> 00:07:59,880 Speaker 1: among them, shouting and speaking with a passionate voice. Saul 101 00:07:59,940 --> 00:08:03,460 Speaker 1: walked closer and saw that the man was none other 102 00:08:04,140 --> 00:08:09,460 Speaker 1: than Stephen, a follower of the way. Saul's rage was 103 00:08:09,560 --> 00:08:13,660 Speaker 1: ignited when he heard Stephen proclaim the news about Jesus 104 00:08:13,820 --> 00:08:19,850 Speaker 1: of Nazareth. Stephen spoke about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. 105 00:08:21,210 --> 00:08:25,420 Speaker 1: He refuted Saul's assertion by saying Jesus was in fact 106 00:08:25,510 --> 00:08:31,440 Speaker 1: born in Jerusalem, as the prophet Micah foretold. Many Pharisees 107 00:08:31,580 --> 00:08:36,660 Speaker 1: argued with him, but Stephen's wit was too quick. Saul 108 00:08:36,760 --> 00:08:39,130 Speaker 1: burst through the crowd before it got out of hand 109 00:08:39,370 --> 00:08:40,170 Speaker 1: and shouted,'. 110 00:08:40,590 --> 00:08:44,350 Speaker 5: Step down, Stephen! Your blasphemy is not welcomed here! 111 00:08:45,080 --> 00:08:49,600 Speaker 6: Brothers, I beg you to see with clear eyes. This 112 00:08:49,740 --> 00:08:52,300 Speaker 6: Jesus whom we speak of is the Messiah you've all 113 00:08:52,340 --> 00:08:53,400 Speaker 6: been waiting for. 114 00:08:53,940 --> 00:08:58,080 Speaker 1: Saul gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. He pointed 115 00:08:58,140 --> 00:09:00,160 Speaker 1: at Stephen with righteous fury. 116 00:09:00,820 --> 00:09:04,350 Speaker 5: Your false Messiah hung on a cross in front of everyone. 117 00:09:05,570 --> 00:09:08,160 Speaker 5: Moses himself said that anyone who hangs on a tree 118 00:09:08,230 --> 00:09:10,030 Speaker 5: is considered cursed by God. 119 00:09:10,650 --> 00:09:14,450 Speaker 1: Saul stepped forward even more confident in his knowledge of Scripture. 120 00:09:15,179 --> 00:09:18,250 Speaker 5: If someone suffers in such a way and is considered 121 00:09:18,330 --> 00:09:21,950 Speaker 5: cursed by God, how could he possibly be the Messiah? 122 00:09:22,650 --> 00:09:25,190 Speaker 1: The crowd nodded their heads at Saul's response. 123 00:09:25,850 --> 00:09:29,730 Speaker 6: Saul, surely you know it was Moses, the prophets, and 124 00:09:29,790 --> 00:09:33,309 Speaker 6: David who foretold the Messiah would suffer and be cursed. 125 00:09:34,010 --> 00:09:36,589 Speaker 6: Your hatred for the Romans fuels your image of a 126 00:09:36,670 --> 00:09:40,660 Speaker 6: conquering political king. The scriptures clearly tell us that the 127 00:09:40,679 --> 00:09:44,459 Speaker 6: Messiah would come to suffer and be considered cursed on 128 00:09:44,520 --> 00:09:48,160 Speaker 6: our behalf. Does not Isaiah say he was pierced for 129 00:09:48,200 --> 00:09:52,720 Speaker 6: our transgressions? He was cursed for our iniquities. Upon him 130 00:09:52,780 --> 00:09:55,969 Speaker 6: was the punishment that brought us peace. And by his 131 00:09:56,070 --> 00:09:58,150 Speaker 6: wounds we are healed. 132 00:09:59,330 --> 00:09:51,230 Speaker 3: Was it not the... Stephen stepped closer to Saul. It 133 00:09:51,270 --> 00:09:52,630 Speaker 3: was not a threat. 134 00:10:20,050 --> 00:10:25,840 Speaker 1: But an invitation, an invitation to see clearly and think soberly. 135 00:10:27,700 --> 00:10:31,520 Speaker 1: Saul did not take the invitation, but the crowd did. 136 00:10:33,710 --> 00:10:38,430 Speaker 1: Stephen's words stirred them up. They respected Saul and his intellect, 137 00:10:39,370 --> 00:10:44,300 Speaker 1: but loved Stephen for the purity of his heart. There 138 00:10:44,320 --> 00:10:50,440 Speaker 1: was an undeniable gap between them. which made Saul seethe 139 00:10:50,559 --> 00:10:56,099 Speaker 1: with anger. Jesus is alive, Stephen declared to the crowd. 140 00:10:56,540 --> 00:10:59,479 Speaker 6: He is alive, and I am inviting you to come 141 00:10:59,500 --> 00:11:03,370 Speaker 6: and join me in the building of his kingdom, a 142 00:11:03,490 --> 00:11:06,650 Speaker 6: kingdom built on love and justice. 143 00:11:07,550 --> 00:11:10,450 Speaker 1: The group walked past Saul and drew closer to Stephen. 144 00:11:11,770 --> 00:11:15,510 Speaker 1: Saul stepped back and turned to the other Pharisees. They 145 00:11:15,550 --> 00:11:20,540 Speaker 1: had to act quickly. before Stephen converted everyone there. So 146 00:11:20,600 --> 00:11:23,780 Speaker 1: he came up with a plan. He and the other 147 00:11:23,860 --> 00:11:27,839 Speaker 1: Pharisees began to whisper lies and false events into the 148 00:11:27,880 --> 00:11:28,540 Speaker 1: people's ears. 149 00:11:30,100 --> 00:11:32,690 Speaker 5: Did he just say the words of Moses no longer matter? 150 00:11:33,450 --> 00:11:35,590 Speaker 5: I heard him claim that the temple should be destroyed. 151 00:11:36,350 --> 00:11:38,890 Speaker 1: It didn't take long for the lies to have their effect. 152 00:11:40,050 --> 00:11:43,490 Speaker 1: Saul watched as the crowd began to stir against Stephen. 153 00:11:44,630 --> 00:11:48,880 Speaker 1: They yelled and cursed him. shouted for him to be arrested. 154 00:11:50,380 --> 00:11:55,750 Speaker 1: Saul smiled, satisfied with himself. As the crowd raved against Stephen, 155 00:11:56,490 --> 00:11:59,550 Speaker 1: they led him into the hall of polished stones and 156 00:11:59,650 --> 00:12:04,990 Speaker 1: shoved him before Ananias and the council. Saul removed himself 157 00:12:05,030 --> 00:12:07,740 Speaker 1: from the crowd and took his place among the council. 158 00:12:08,140 --> 00:12:11,040 Speaker 5: He is speaking against the temple and the law. He 159 00:12:11,080 --> 00:12:14,339 Speaker 5: said Jesus of Nazareth would return to destroy this place 160 00:12:14,679 --> 00:12:16,040 Speaker 5: and our customs. 161 00:12:16,620 --> 00:12:21,340 Speaker 1: They lied But Stephen said nothing in his defense. He 162 00:12:21,360 --> 00:12:27,100 Speaker 1: didn't resist or quarrel. He instead remained still as the 163 00:12:27,160 --> 00:12:32,580 Speaker 1: people berated him. He was unusually calm for someone who 164 00:12:32,620 --> 00:12:37,079 Speaker 1: was on trial. Saul noticed that he had the same 165 00:12:37,200 --> 00:12:41,140 Speaker 1: confidence as Peter and John when standing before the council. 166 00:12:42,440 --> 00:12:48,880 Speaker 1: The threat of prosecution did not affect these Nazarenes. Ananias, 167 00:12:49,080 --> 00:12:53,220 Speaker 1: adorned with his breastplate of gold and jewels, gazed down 168 00:12:53,300 --> 00:12:57,950 Speaker 1: at Stephen. The high priest was indignant and ready to 169 00:12:58,040 --> 00:13:02,070 Speaker 1: rain down curses. He drew a deep breath to rage 170 00:13:02,130 --> 00:13:08,190 Speaker 1: against Stephen, but something caused him to pause. The high 171 00:13:08,270 --> 00:13:12,260 Speaker 1: priest was frozen in terror as he looked upon the Nazarene. 172 00:13:14,260 --> 00:13:18,480 Speaker 1: For a moment, The veil between the spiritual and physical 173 00:13:18,559 --> 00:13:23,840 Speaker 1: realms was pulled back, and he saw the face of 174 00:13:23,880 --> 00:13:29,429 Speaker 1: an angel over Stephen. It was unlike anything Ananias had 175 00:13:29,570 --> 00:13:32,969 Speaker 1: ever seen. He rubbed his eyes and shook his head. 176 00:13:34,290 --> 00:13:41,130 Speaker 1: The angel vanished, but the palpable presence of something supernatural remained. 177 00:13:43,120 --> 00:13:46,590 Speaker 1: Ananias rose from his seat, and pointed down at him. 178 00:13:47,670 --> 00:13:49,350 Speaker 3: Are these things true? 179 00:13:51,130 --> 00:13:54,890 Speaker 6: Are you claiming Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah? 180 00:13:55,370 --> 00:13:59,479 Speaker 1: The room was held in suspense as Stephen gathered his thoughts. 181 00:14:00,760 --> 00:14:04,059 Speaker 1: He peered up where Saul was seated, and then back 182 00:14:04,100 --> 00:14:07,200 Speaker 1: at the high priest. He drew a deep breath. 183 00:14:07,600 --> 00:14:12,050 Speaker 6: Brothers, fathers, men of Israel, hear me! 184 00:14:12,710 --> 00:14:17,170 Speaker 1: Stephen began with his arms stretched out wide. His voice 185 00:14:17,510 --> 00:14:21,950 Speaker 1: was controlled. He did not quiver or crack under the 186 00:14:22,090 --> 00:14:28,150 Speaker 1: angry mob's intense glares or the council's indignant presence. He 187 00:14:28,230 --> 00:14:32,910 Speaker 1: was resolute, face set on something unseen. 188 00:14:33,490 --> 00:14:36,480 Speaker 6: Allow me for a moment to remind us of where 189 00:14:36,510 --> 00:14:40,600 Speaker 6: we came from. Long ago, the God of heaven and 190 00:14:40,740 --> 00:14:44,520 Speaker 6: earth appeared to Abraham when he was settled in Mesopotamia. 191 00:14:44,890 --> 00:14:48,320 Speaker 6: Yahweh called out to him with an invitation. Go out 192 00:14:48,380 --> 00:14:51,140 Speaker 6: from the land of your kin and step into the 193 00:14:51,180 --> 00:14:55,320 Speaker 6: land that I have promised you. Abraham stepped out in 194 00:14:55,380 --> 00:14:59,160 Speaker 6: faith and God led him to the land, the very land. 195 00:14:59,180 --> 00:15:01,170 Speaker 3: On which you stand on today. 196 00:15:01,910 --> 00:15:05,410 Speaker 6: Yet this land was not the true inheritance God promised. 197 00:15:06,250 --> 00:15:08,490 Speaker 3: No, there was something greater. 198 00:15:09,360 --> 00:15:13,760 Speaker 6: God promised him descendants that would outnumber the stars in 199 00:15:13,800 --> 00:15:18,610 Speaker 6: the sky. First came Isaac, then Jacob, and from Jacob, 200 00:15:19,090 --> 00:15:20,370 Speaker 6: the twelve patriarchs. 201 00:15:21,110 --> 00:15:23,830 Speaker 5: We do not need a history lesson from you, Stephen. 202 00:15:24,470 --> 00:15:28,410 Speaker 6: These twelve patriarchs, much like the men we follow today, 203 00:15:28,830 --> 00:15:34,000 Speaker 6: were imperfect and flawed. Consumed by jealousy, they sold their 204 00:15:34,050 --> 00:15:36,460 Speaker 6: youngest brother Joseph into slavery. 205 00:15:37,060 --> 00:15:38,680 Speaker 3: But God was with Joseph. 206 00:15:39,300 --> 00:15:42,880 Speaker 6: He rescued him from prison. He gave him favor before Pharaoh. 207 00:15:43,520 --> 00:15:46,300 Speaker 6: He was made ruler over Egypt at a time when 208 00:15:46,360 --> 00:15:48,440 Speaker 6: the world needed him most. 209 00:15:48,920 --> 00:15:49,300 Speaker 3: It was a. 210 00:15:49,320 --> 00:15:53,800 Speaker 6: Time when our forefathers were starving and would die without food. 211 00:15:54,320 --> 00:15:58,970 Speaker 6: But Joseph made a way for them. Joseph, a favored son, 212 00:15:59,280 --> 00:16:03,570 Speaker 6: betrayed by his brothers and sold for 30 pieces of silver. 213 00:16:04,310 --> 00:16:06,750 Speaker 3: Delivered them in their time of need. 214 00:16:07,400 --> 00:16:09,620 Speaker 6: Does that sound familiar to any of. 215 00:16:09,580 --> 00:16:10,240 Speaker 2: You, council? 216 00:16:10,780 --> 00:16:13,240 Speaker 1: Stephen looked at the council to see if they could 217 00:16:13,340 --> 00:16:18,640 Speaker 1: make the connection between Jesus and Joseph. Judas had sold 218 00:16:18,720 --> 00:16:21,600 Speaker 1: Jesus out to the Sanhedrin for thirty pieces of silver. 219 00:16:22,760 --> 00:16:25,640 Speaker 1: But the council was too prideful to see the connection. 220 00:16:26,780 --> 00:16:27,990 Speaker 1: So Stephen continued. 221 00:16:28,660 --> 00:16:32,500 Speaker 6: The people multiplied in Egypt and there arose another Pharaoh 222 00:16:32,740 --> 00:16:36,690 Speaker 6: who enslaved our forefathers. He dealt cruelly with our race 223 00:16:37,150 --> 00:16:40,330 Speaker 6: and killed our infants. It was out of this chaos 224 00:16:40,370 --> 00:16:44,190 Speaker 6: that the great Moses was born. He was adopted by 225 00:16:44,310 --> 00:16:48,830 Speaker 6: Pharaoh's daughter and lived as a prince among slaves. He 226 00:16:48,850 --> 00:16:51,650 Speaker 6: was a king in some ways and a slave in others, 227 00:16:52,050 --> 00:16:56,120 Speaker 6: but God destined him to be an advocate, a bridge 228 00:16:56,440 --> 00:17:01,340 Speaker 6: between poverty and royalty. He killed an Egyptian in defense 229 00:17:01,680 --> 00:17:04,780 Speaker 6: of an Israelite brother, but they still did not accept 230 00:17:04,859 --> 00:17:06,380 Speaker 6: him as one of their own. 231 00:17:06,940 --> 00:17:08,050 Speaker 3: Out of fear, he left. 232 00:17:08,720 --> 00:17:11,919 Speaker 6: And after wandering in the wilderness as a shepherd, God 233 00:17:12,290 --> 00:17:16,290 Speaker 6: appeared to him. Engulfed in fire was the voice of 234 00:17:16,350 --> 00:17:19,490 Speaker 6: God calling out to him, I am the God of 235 00:17:19,530 --> 00:17:24,350 Speaker 6: your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I have seen the 236 00:17:24,390 --> 00:17:28,520 Speaker 6: affliction of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries. 237 00:17:28,540 --> 00:17:32,000 Speaker 6: I have come to deliver them. And so I am 238 00:17:32,080 --> 00:17:33,640 Speaker 6: sending you, Moses. 239 00:17:34,400 --> 00:17:38,780 Speaker 1: As Stephen spoke, The crowd momentarily forgot about their hatred 240 00:17:38,840 --> 00:17:43,540 Speaker 1: for him. He was so eloquent and knowledgeable that he 241 00:17:43,700 --> 00:17:44,700 Speaker 1: gripped their attention. 242 00:17:45,440 --> 00:17:49,260 Speaker 7: They rejected Moses before. They scoffed at him. They said, 243 00:17:49,560 --> 00:17:54,179 Speaker 7: Who made you ruler and judge over us? They rejected 244 00:17:54,270 --> 00:17:58,310 Speaker 7: Moses before. They scoffed at him. They said, Who made you. 245 00:17:58,150 --> 00:18:03,150 Speaker 6: Ruler over us? This man God sent as a ruler 246 00:18:03,470 --> 00:18:05,590 Speaker 6: and a judge was rejected. 247 00:18:06,090 --> 00:18:09,530 Speaker 3: But that did not stop him. He led them out 248 00:18:09,590 --> 00:18:10,290 Speaker 3: of slavery. 249 00:18:10,830 --> 00:18:15,560 Speaker 6: He performed wonders and signs before them. Plagues descended from heaven. 250 00:18:15,900 --> 00:18:20,859 Speaker 6: The Red Sea parted. He received the oracles of God 251 00:18:21,200 --> 00:18:24,960 Speaker 6: and imparted them onto the people. The same law you 252 00:18:25,020 --> 00:18:30,879 Speaker 6: hold so dearly was given by Moses, an outcast. And 253 00:18:31,020 --> 00:18:35,719 Speaker 6: even after all this, The people still rejected Moses and 254 00:18:35,760 --> 00:18:40,239 Speaker 6: they still rejected God. After all God had done from them, 255 00:18:40,560 --> 00:18:44,600 Speaker 6: they thrust him aside like rubbish and asked for another 256 00:18:44,640 --> 00:18:49,270 Speaker 6: God to worship. They made one from gold and jewels. 257 00:18:51,710 --> 00:18:58,350 Speaker 6: They always reject God and his leaders. They always turned 258 00:18:58,430 --> 00:19:03,429 Speaker 6: from him. All throughout our history, our forefathers ignored God 259 00:19:03,730 --> 00:19:07,780 Speaker 6: for their self-righteousness and sin. As it is written in 260 00:19:07,820 --> 00:19:11,939 Speaker 6: the prophet Amos, Did you bring me sacrifices during the 261 00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:16,540 Speaker 6: forty years in the wilderness, O Israel? No. You took 262 00:19:16,760 --> 00:19:19,820 Speaker 6: up the idols and the images you made to worship, 263 00:19:20,260 --> 00:19:24,070 Speaker 6: and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon. Our 264 00:19:24,130 --> 00:19:26,950 Speaker 6: forefathers did not just have miracles from Moses. 265 00:19:27,600 --> 00:19:29,000 Speaker 3: They also had the tabernacle. 266 00:19:29,680 --> 00:19:35,060 Speaker 6: They had the manifest presence of God himself. Then, to 267 00:19:35,119 --> 00:19:39,940 Speaker 6: make God even more present among us, Solomon built the temple. 268 00:19:41,290 --> 00:19:45,430 Speaker 1: Stephen paused and looked up to the council. His eyes 269 00:19:45,550 --> 00:19:47,230 Speaker 1: watered with passionate tears. 270 00:19:47,930 --> 00:19:49,970 Speaker 3: Here's the key for all of us men of Israel. 271 00:19:51,000 --> 00:19:55,040 Speaker 6: The Most High God is not confined to buildings. 272 00:19:54,859 --> 00:19:57,940 Speaker 3: Made by men. Look around you. 273 00:19:58,800 --> 00:20:02,990 Speaker 6: These halls do not constrain our God. 274 00:20:04,130 --> 00:20:06,590 Speaker 3: The prophet Isaiah said, Heaven. 275 00:20:06,369 --> 00:20:09,990 Speaker 6: Is my throne and the earth is my footstool. 276 00:20:10,760 --> 00:20:13,740 Speaker 3: What kind of house will you build for me? Where 277 00:20:13,820 --> 00:20:17,720 Speaker 3: is the place I find rest? Have I not made 278 00:20:18,310 --> 00:20:19,550 Speaker 3: everything that is? 279 00:20:20,450 --> 00:20:24,570 Speaker 1: The council shifted in their seats, growing angrier by the second. 280 00:20:25,750 --> 00:20:30,670 Speaker 1: Stephen's prose enraptured the crowd. He spoke with an angel's 281 00:20:30,869 --> 00:20:38,320 Speaker 1: eloquence and a prophet's passion. Stephen's grip tightened. Something shifted 282 00:20:38,359 --> 00:20:43,690 Speaker 1: in Stephen, like a changing wind before a storm. His 283 00:20:43,930 --> 00:20:46,900 Speaker 1: eyes darted up at the council, and he raised his 284 00:20:47,060 --> 00:20:49,379 Speaker 1: voice like a trumpet, shouting. 285 00:20:50,580 --> 00:20:54,560 Speaker 3: You, you stiff-necked people. 286 00:20:55,220 --> 00:20:59,020 Speaker 8: You are circumcised into flesh, but your heart is far 287 00:20:59,080 --> 00:20:59,720 Speaker 8: from God. 288 00:20:59,740 --> 00:21:03,830 Speaker 6: Your ears are closed to the truth and your eyes 289 00:21:03,920 --> 00:21:04,740 Speaker 6: are blinded. 290 00:21:05,630 --> 00:21:08,790 Speaker 3: How long will you resist the Holy Spirit? 291 00:21:09,430 --> 00:21:12,369 Speaker 8: Will you continue in the sins of your forefathers and 292 00:21:12,410 --> 00:21:17,359 Speaker 8: reject God for the idolatry of religion? Your ancestors killed 293 00:21:17,800 --> 00:21:23,080 Speaker 8: every prophet that proclaimed the coming Messiah. And you have 294 00:21:23,180 --> 00:21:27,020 Speaker 8: followed in their footsteps by murdering the Messiah himself. 295 00:21:27,780 --> 00:21:30,780 Speaker 1: Stephen opened his hands to them and pleaded. 296 00:21:31,580 --> 00:21:34,600 Speaker 6: You have the gift of the law placed in your hands, 297 00:21:35,180 --> 00:21:36,940 Speaker 6: but have not truly. 298 00:21:36,590 --> 00:21:37,770 Speaker 3: Searched its meaning. 299 00:21:38,869 --> 00:21:41,620 Speaker 6: God is offering you a chance. 300 00:21:41,570 --> 00:21:43,270 Speaker 3: To see and believe. 301 00:21:44,660 --> 00:21:48,560 Speaker 6: Believe I beg you to see for your own souls 302 00:21:49,040 --> 00:21:50,720 Speaker 6: and the souls of these people. 303 00:21:51,180 --> 00:21:51,960 Speaker 2: Silence! 304 00:21:52,619 --> 00:21:56,570 Speaker 1: Ananias shouted. He was fuming and foaming at the mouth 305 00:21:56,630 --> 00:22:00,869 Speaker 1: in anger. The rest of the Sanhedrin and Saul stood 306 00:22:00,930 --> 00:22:05,649 Speaker 1: to their feet and cursed him. Whatever remained of the 307 00:22:05,690 --> 00:22:08,310 Speaker 1: high priest's patience had been wiped away. 308 00:22:09,130 --> 00:22:12,679 Speaker 3: Get him out of my sight! Take him out and 309 00:22:12,820 --> 00:22:14,300 Speaker 3: kill him for what he said! 310 00:22:14,970 --> 00:22:18,149 Speaker 1: The crowd wrapped Stephen up in a violent rage and 311 00:22:18,230 --> 00:22:22,630 Speaker 1: carried him out. There was no declaration of guilt, no 312 00:22:22,730 --> 00:22:28,280 Speaker 1: trial before Roman authorities, no sentencing of death. There was 313 00:22:28,640 --> 00:22:36,480 Speaker 1: only rage. A rage fueled by guilt, shame, and prideful dogma. 314 00:22:38,260 --> 00:22:41,659 Speaker 1: Stephen was dragged through the city by his feet. The 315 00:22:41,720 --> 00:22:44,639 Speaker 1: back of his neck and head ground against the rocky 316 00:22:44,720 --> 00:22:48,040 Speaker 1: path as they took him outside the gates to the 317 00:22:48,160 --> 00:22:53,250 Speaker 1: Rock of Execution. The jagged stone loomed over the crowd 318 00:22:53,310 --> 00:22:57,410 Speaker 1: like a giant. The bottom was stained red from executions 319 00:22:57,470 --> 00:23:02,730 Speaker 1: of the past. Saul remained behind the crowd, quietly watching 320 00:23:02,790 --> 00:23:06,340 Speaker 1: the scene unfold like he was attending a play he 321 00:23:06,380 --> 00:23:11,020 Speaker 1: had written. The men threw off their coats and placed 322 00:23:11,040 --> 00:23:16,080 Speaker 1: them at Saul's feet. He held the coats and beheld 323 00:23:16,359 --> 00:23:20,920 Speaker 1: the chaos. The elders picked up jagged stones and held 324 00:23:20,960 --> 00:23:25,190 Speaker 1: them over their heads one by one. They surrounded Stephen 325 00:23:25,530 --> 00:23:30,230 Speaker 1: and spat out curses. The stage was set for Stephen 326 00:23:30,310 --> 00:23:35,869 Speaker 1: to meet his end. But to Stephen, it wasn't the end. 327 00:23:37,540 --> 00:23:42,580 Speaker 1: He stood beneath the stone with his head postured toward heaven. 328 00:23:45,020 --> 00:23:49,720 Speaker 1: All was still for a moment. Stephen drew a deep 329 00:23:49,800 --> 00:23:55,699 Speaker 1: breath and locked his gaze upward. His eyes widened as 330 00:23:55,780 --> 00:23:59,189 Speaker 1: if he was seeing someone looking down at him from above. 331 00:24:00,869 --> 00:24:05,290 Speaker 1: A grin curled on the sides of Stephen's face. His 332 00:24:05,450 --> 00:24:10,480 Speaker 1: jaw began to shake. and tears of joy fell gently 333 00:24:10,720 --> 00:24:14,980 Speaker 1: down his cheeks. As the crowd raged and cocked their 334 00:24:15,100 --> 00:24:18,510 Speaker 1: arms back to cast their stones, Stephen spoke. 335 00:24:20,550 --> 00:24:21,310 Speaker 6: I see him. 336 00:24:22,109 --> 00:24:27,070 Speaker 1: Childlike glee tumbled out of Stephen's voice. Although he was 337 00:24:27,130 --> 00:24:33,330 Speaker 1: about to meet his end, Stephen's heart melted with unhinged joy. 338 00:24:36,450 --> 00:24:37,149 Speaker 3: I see him. 339 00:24:37,820 --> 00:24:39,080 Speaker 1: Stephen opened his arms. 340 00:24:39,700 --> 00:24:42,580 Speaker 6: I see the heavens open and the Son of Man 341 00:24:42,700 --> 00:24:44,840 Speaker 6: standing at the right hand of God. 342 00:24:45,380 --> 00:24:49,080 Speaker 1: The purity of Stephen's heart opened his eyes to see 343 00:24:49,160 --> 00:24:56,440 Speaker 1: that he wasn't alone. Jesus was standing, leaning forward and 344 00:24:56,540 --> 00:25:01,580 Speaker 1: attentive to him. The first man lifted his stone and 345 00:25:01,680 --> 00:25:05,270 Speaker 1: hurled it at Stephen's ribs. He fell to his knees 346 00:25:05,380 --> 00:25:11,230 Speaker 1: and gasped, coughing up blood. No one laughed. No one mocked. 347 00:25:12,480 --> 00:25:15,460 Speaker 1: They were filled with too much hate to enjoy the moment. 348 00:25:16,700 --> 00:25:19,820 Speaker 1: Another stone was chucked at Stephen, hitting him in the jaw. 349 00:25:20,960 --> 00:25:25,050 Speaker 1: He screamed in pain, but kept his gaze fixed on 350 00:25:25,090 --> 00:25:30,310 Speaker 1: the sky. Through the clamoring, a prayer spilled out of 351 00:25:30,410 --> 00:25:35,320 Speaker 1: Stephen's limp jaw. Lord Jesus, he said with blood spilling 352 00:25:35,390 --> 00:25:39,440 Speaker 1: out of his mouth, receive my spirit. The crowd was 353 00:25:39,480 --> 00:25:43,980 Speaker 1: determined to end it quickly. A shower of jagged stones 354 00:25:44,080 --> 00:25:49,159 Speaker 1: descended upon Stephen, hitting his head, legs, and body. Stephen 355 00:25:49,480 --> 00:25:55,960 Speaker 1: couldn't move. His face was nearly unrecognizable. His limbs were 356 00:25:56,070 --> 00:26:01,609 Speaker 1: falling off his body. And blood stained the earth beneath him. 357 00:26:03,050 --> 00:26:07,590 Speaker 1: But even amid the onslaught, wallowing in a puddle of 358 00:26:07,670 --> 00:26:13,480 Speaker 1: his death, Stephen managed to cry out a final prayer. 359 00:26:15,220 --> 00:26:20,340 Speaker 1: From the bottom of his belly, Stephen billowed to the heavens, yelling. 360 00:26:21,400 --> 00:26:24,860 Speaker 6: Lord, do not hold this sin against them. 361 00:26:25,980 --> 00:26:28,060 Speaker 3: Please forgive them. 362 00:26:28,820 --> 00:26:32,820 Speaker 1: And as he said these things, a final stone crushed 363 00:26:32,859 --> 00:26:39,389 Speaker 1: his head and ended. The crowd huffed in euphoric rage, 364 00:26:40,450 --> 00:26:45,619 Speaker 1: like animals hovering over their slain prey. They spat down 365 00:26:45,710 --> 00:26:50,100 Speaker 1: at him and turned away from the body with self-righteous pleasure. 366 00:26:53,119 --> 00:26:56,760 Speaker 1: One by one, they took their coats back from Saul 367 00:26:57,580 --> 00:27:04,620 Speaker 1: and left. Saul was the last to leave. He stood still. 368 00:27:05,100 --> 00:27:11,770 Speaker 1: over Stephen's lifeless and bloody corpse and sneered. He turned 369 00:27:11,810 --> 00:27:15,170 Speaker 1: his back to him and marched back to the city. 370 00:27:17,410 --> 00:27:25,719 Speaker 1: For that entire month, Saul refused to look up. He 371 00:27:25,760 --> 00:27:29,639 Speaker 1: was afraid of what Stephen saw before dying. 372 00:27:37,030 --> 00:27:40,050 Speaker 4: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 373 00:27:41,270 --> 00:27:44,750 Speaker 4: Jesus speaks here of an inner purity, a heart that 374 00:27:44,810 --> 00:27:49,980 Speaker 4: is undivided and wholly devoted to God. To be pure 375 00:27:50,020 --> 00:27:55,020 Speaker 4: in heart means having sincere intentions, free from deceit and hypocrisy. 376 00:27:56,780 --> 00:28:00,850 Speaker 4: It's about having a single-minded focus on God, desiring to 377 00:28:00,950 --> 00:28:05,350 Speaker 4: live in a way that pleases Him. Jesus promises that 378 00:28:05,670 --> 00:28:09,350 Speaker 4: Those who are pure in heart will see God, not 379 00:28:09,450 --> 00:28:12,750 Speaker 4: just in the afterlife, but also in their daily experiences, 380 00:28:13,310 --> 00:28:18,410 Speaker 4: recognizing His presence and work in their lives. As citizens 381 00:28:18,470 --> 00:28:21,609 Speaker 4: of heaven, we are called to cultivate a pure heart, 382 00:28:22,750 --> 00:28:26,369 Speaker 4: one that reflects the character of Jesus and allows us 383 00:28:26,430 --> 00:28:30,800 Speaker 4: to perceive God more clearly. Now, let's turn to the 384 00:28:30,840 --> 00:28:37,459 Speaker 4: story of Stephen. found in Acts 7, verses 54-60. Stephen, 385 00:28:37,859 --> 00:28:41,780 Speaker 4: one of the first deacons, was known for his strong faith, wisdom, 386 00:28:42,290 --> 00:28:46,490 Speaker 4: and fullness of the Holy Spirit. His powerful preaching and 387 00:28:46,730 --> 00:28:50,209 Speaker 4: unwavering commitment to the gospel led to his arrest and 388 00:28:50,290 --> 00:28:55,830 Speaker 4: trial before the Sanhedrin. Despite the hostility he faced, Stephen 389 00:28:55,910 --> 00:29:02,440 Speaker 4: remained steadfast and pure in heart. In Acts 7, 54-60, 390 00:29:02,560 --> 00:29:05,800 Speaker 4: we read, When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, 391 00:29:06,180 --> 00:29:09,540 Speaker 4: they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, 392 00:29:10,040 --> 00:29:12,940 Speaker 4: full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and 393 00:29:13,010 --> 00:29:16,250 Speaker 4: saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the 394 00:29:16,290 --> 00:29:20,390 Speaker 4: right hand of God. Look, he said, I see heaven 395 00:29:20,490 --> 00:29:22,850 Speaker 4: open and the Son of Man standing at the right 396 00:29:22,910 --> 00:29:26,739 Speaker 4: hand of God. At this they covered their ears, and, 397 00:29:27,140 --> 00:29:29,740 Speaker 4: yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed 398 00:29:29,800 --> 00:29:32,310 Speaker 4: at him. dragged him out of the city, and began 399 00:29:32,350 --> 00:29:36,150 Speaker 4: to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at 400 00:29:36,170 --> 00:29:39,770 Speaker 4: the feet of a young man named Saul. While they 401 00:29:39,790 --> 00:29:44,840 Speaker 4: were stoning him, Jesus prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 402 00:29:45,900 --> 00:29:48,580 Speaker 4: Then he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord, 403 00:29:48,620 --> 00:29:51,700 Speaker 4: do not hold this sin against them. When he had 404 00:29:51,760 --> 00:29:56,810 Speaker 4: said this, he fell asleep. Stephen's vision of heaven opened, 405 00:29:57,070 --> 00:29:59,690 Speaker 4: and his ability to see Jesus standing at the right 406 00:29:59,730 --> 00:30:02,770 Speaker 4: hand of God is a powerful testament to the promise 407 00:30:02,810 --> 00:30:07,800 Speaker 4: of Matthew 5.8. His purity of heart enabled him to 408 00:30:07,880 --> 00:30:11,780 Speaker 4: see God even in his final moments. When we look 409 00:30:11,800 --> 00:30:15,640 Speaker 4: at the world with a pure heart, every circumstance changes. 410 00:30:16,560 --> 00:30:19,700 Speaker 4: People are no longer villains with you as the victim. 411 00:30:20,760 --> 00:30:25,030 Speaker 4: Stephen's response to his persecutors revealed a pure heart that 412 00:30:25,210 --> 00:30:30,410 Speaker 4: clearly sees God moving in every moment. He prayed for 413 00:30:30,430 --> 00:30:33,790 Speaker 4: their forgiveness, reflecting the depth of His pure heart and 414 00:30:33,850 --> 00:30:39,080 Speaker 4: His alignment with God's will. Remember Jesus praying something similar 415 00:30:39,190 --> 00:30:43,300 Speaker 4: while He hung on the cross? Since Stephen saw the 416 00:30:43,360 --> 00:30:46,360 Speaker 4: world with a pure heart, he was able to capture 417 00:30:46,420 --> 00:30:51,700 Speaker 4: moments to reflect Christ, even in a harsh and hostile environment. 418 00:30:53,440 --> 00:30:56,670 Speaker 4: How can we, like Stephen, live out the values of 419 00:30:56,750 --> 00:31:03,040 Speaker 4: being pure in heart as taught in Matthew 5, verse 8. First, 420 00:31:03,560 --> 00:31:07,980 Speaker 4: we are called to seek God's presence. Like Stephen, we 421 00:31:08,000 --> 00:31:12,340 Speaker 4: should seek to live in God's presence continually. This involves 422 00:31:12,560 --> 00:31:17,110 Speaker 4: daily prayer, worship, and studying Scripture to keep our hearts 423 00:31:17,430 --> 00:31:22,190 Speaker 4: focused on Him. Yet, this goes beyond the religious practices 424 00:31:22,230 --> 00:31:26,580 Speaker 4: we've been taught since Sunday school. Seeking God's presence is 425 00:31:26,600 --> 00:31:31,640 Speaker 4: akin to seeking His kingdom. Looking for areas in our 426 00:31:31,720 --> 00:31:35,280 Speaker 4: lives where Jesus is moving and wanting us to move. 427 00:31:36,140 --> 00:31:42,450 Speaker 4: Moments where we can show compassion, kindness, and justice. To 428 00:31:42,510 --> 00:31:47,670 Speaker 4: seek God's presence is to bring God's presence. Wherever we are, 429 00:31:47,990 --> 00:31:53,680 Speaker 4: whatever the time, no matter the circumstances. Second, we must 430 00:31:53,800 --> 00:31:59,350 Speaker 4: cultivate sincerity. Being pure in heart means having sincere and 431 00:31:59,450 --> 00:32:04,730 Speaker 4: genuine intentions. We should strive to be honest and transparent 432 00:32:04,810 --> 00:32:09,760 Speaker 4: in every relationship, avoiding deceit or hypocrisy. We can get 433 00:32:09,780 --> 00:32:13,740 Speaker 4: this one twisted. Sometimes we can do the right thing, 434 00:32:14,240 --> 00:32:18,260 Speaker 4: but for the wrong reasons. Paul said that in 1 435 00:32:18,260 --> 00:32:24,170 Speaker 4: Corinthians 13 1-3. He said, If I speak in the 436 00:32:24,210 --> 00:32:27,190 Speaker 4: tongues of men or of angels but do not have love, 437 00:32:27,730 --> 00:32:30,680 Speaker 4: I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 438 00:32:32,260 --> 00:32:34,520 Speaker 4: If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom 439 00:32:34,720 --> 00:32:37,360 Speaker 4: all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a 440 00:32:37,420 --> 00:32:40,090 Speaker 4: faith that can move mountains but do not have love, 441 00:32:40,660 --> 00:32:44,090 Speaker 4: I am nothing. If I give all I possess to 442 00:32:44,110 --> 00:32:47,110 Speaker 4: the poor and give over my body to hardship that 443 00:32:47,150 --> 00:32:50,890 Speaker 4: I may boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. 444 00:32:52,120 --> 00:32:55,340 Speaker 4: It is not enough to do the right thing. We 445 00:32:55,400 --> 00:32:59,440 Speaker 4: must have the right intentions. That only comes when we've 446 00:32:59,560 --> 00:33:04,830 Speaker 4: cultivated our hearts like a garden, pruning dead branches and 447 00:33:05,110 --> 00:33:09,590 Speaker 4: pulling out weeds. That only comes when we've cultivated our 448 00:33:09,670 --> 00:33:13,530 Speaker 4: hearts like a garden, cutting off dead branches and digging 449 00:33:13,610 --> 00:33:18,490 Speaker 4: out weeds. We only become sincere people when we've done 450 00:33:18,530 --> 00:33:22,979 Speaker 4: the hard work of working on our hearts. Third, we 451 00:33:23,040 --> 00:33:27,180 Speaker 4: must maintain a focus on God. A pure heart is 452 00:33:27,440 --> 00:33:32,620 Speaker 4: undivided and focused on God. We should prioritize our relationship 453 00:33:32,640 --> 00:33:36,180 Speaker 4: with Him above all else, ensuring that our actions and 454 00:33:36,220 --> 00:33:40,900 Speaker 4: decisions reflect our commitment to Him. Focusing on God is 455 00:33:41,220 --> 00:33:45,140 Speaker 4: less about reading your Bible 24-7 and more about looking 456 00:33:45,180 --> 00:33:48,570 Speaker 4: for areas where you can see His beauty, His blessings. 457 00:33:50,200 --> 00:33:53,550 Speaker 4: It's often said that the opposite of worship is complaining. 458 00:33:54,770 --> 00:33:58,970 Speaker 4: Those who focus on God find themselves unshackled by complaining 459 00:33:59,530 --> 00:34:04,290 Speaker 4: because they see opportunities for beauty wherever they go. Lastly, 460 00:34:04,730 --> 00:34:10,450 Speaker 4: and perhaps the most difficult, we must forgive others. Stephen's 461 00:34:10,530 --> 00:34:14,290 Speaker 4: prayer for his persecutors demonstrates the purity of his heart. 462 00:34:15,510 --> 00:34:19,410 Speaker 4: We too should forgive those who wrong us. reflecting God's 463 00:34:19,510 --> 00:34:24,549 Speaker 4: grace and mercy. Easier said than done, right? We all 464 00:34:24,610 --> 00:34:28,219 Speaker 4: carry wounds with us. We all bear the scars of 465 00:34:28,280 --> 00:34:33,400 Speaker 4: those who've wounded us, abused us, or abandoned us. For Stephen, 466 00:34:33,840 --> 00:34:37,440 Speaker 4: they were literal scars. How was he able to forgive? 467 00:34:38,489 --> 00:34:42,710 Speaker 4: The answer is simple, but no less profound or difficult 468 00:34:42,750 --> 00:34:46,730 Speaker 4: to practice. Stephen was able to see the bigger picture. 469 00:34:47,690 --> 00:34:50,680 Speaker 4: You see, When you are the main character of this story, 470 00:34:51,280 --> 00:34:55,740 Speaker 4: every slight against you is a main event. Every insult, argument, 471 00:34:56,020 --> 00:35:01,290 Speaker 4: or passive-aggressive stare is an affront to the protagonist. But 472 00:35:01,350 --> 00:35:04,250 Speaker 4: what if you aren't the main character of this story? 473 00:35:05,350 --> 00:35:09,140 Speaker 4: What if you are one part in a much grander narrative? 474 00:35:10,480 --> 00:35:15,819 Speaker 4: What if this was Christ's story? What if this was Jesus' story? 475 00:35:16,600 --> 00:35:19,560 Speaker 4: and you were one of many followers bent on blessing 476 00:35:19,600 --> 00:35:24,360 Speaker 4: the world with His love and His character. The slights 477 00:35:24,400 --> 00:35:28,530 Speaker 4: of others would seem less important. In fact, their persecution 478 00:35:28,610 --> 00:35:32,870 Speaker 4: reveals their deep need for a Savior. And since you're 479 00:35:32,890 --> 00:35:36,049 Speaker 4: all about the mission, forgiveness and restoration are on the 480 00:35:36,110 --> 00:35:40,610 Speaker 4: front of your mind instead of bitterness and revenge. As 481 00:35:40,650 --> 00:35:44,180 Speaker 4: we reflect on Jesus' words, Blessed are the pure in heart, 482 00:35:44,580 --> 00:35:48,230 Speaker 4: for they shall see God. and the story of Stephen's 483 00:35:48,310 --> 00:35:52,960 Speaker 4: vision and forgiveness, let us strive to cultivate purity in 484 00:35:53,020 --> 00:35:58,299 Speaker 4: our own hearts. May we seek God's presence, live with sincerity, 485 00:35:58,700 --> 00:36:04,290 Speaker 4: maintain our focus on Him, forgive others, and reflect Christ's character. 486 00:36:05,170 --> 00:36:07,830 Speaker 4: Let us pray for the grace to be true citizens 487 00:36:07,890 --> 00:36:11,569 Speaker 4: of heaven, living out the purity that allows us to 488 00:36:11,670 --> 00:36:14,420 Speaker 4: see God in every aspect of our lives. 489 00:36:15,380 --> 00:36:15,660 Speaker 1: Amen. 490 00:36:16,940 --> 00:36:20,219 Speaker 4: Thanks again for listening to the Jesus Podcast. You know 491 00:36:20,260 --> 00:36:23,320 Speaker 4: what to do. Like, subscribe, and share it with your friends. 492 00:36:24,000 --> 00:36:25,950 Speaker 4: We'll see you next time as we dive into a 493 00:36:26,030 --> 00:36:29,270 Speaker 4: love story between a young warrior and a captive beauty.