FROM DEATH TO LIFE by Dr. Shah, Clearview Church, Henderson, NC
Introduction: These have been stressful days for people in America. The senseless murder of Charlie Kirk has left many in shock and grief. How could something so horrific happen in America for expressing one’s opinion, specifically Christian beliefs and values. No sooner had this even sunk in that the hateful rhetoric began to justify his death. This has caused more shock, pain, and division. The last thing that we need in America is more division and hate. Personally, I am very disappointed to see some Christian leaders and even scholars who are using soundbites and taking things completely out of context. Having said that, God is doing a lot of wonderful things amid all this chaos and evil. People are turning towards God! I’ve heard from so many about the overwhelming emotions that have caused them to look to God. The Holy Spirit is drawing people to Christ. Even our young people, our students and young adults, have been spurred to action, to stand up for their faith, which is something that we have been praying for a long time. Past Wednesday, at our prayer vigil, there were many young adults in the crowd that gathered to pray. So, as Joseph said to his brothers who had sold him into slavery – “you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Today, I want to preach a positive message on how God brings good out of evil, how he brings life out of death. The message is titled: “FROM DEATH TO LIFE.”
Acts 7 (page #1691) 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
Context: The account of Stephen’s murder and the subsequent conversion of Paul actually begins in Acts 6. Let’s turn there and walk through it together. Acts 6 (page #1687) 1 Now in those days…” That phrase represents a clear break (Read-Heimerdinger) from the previous five chapters. The church was born on the Day of Pentecost. After Peter’s sermon, it began growing by leaps and bounds. Thousands were getting saved. Wonders and signs were happening. Church people were helping one another. At the same time, opposition was also growing. Peter and John were arrested for preaching and healing in Jesus’ name. Acts 4:18“So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.” Fear, intimidations, and threats are the tactics of the Enemy. Let me say a word here about courage. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is acting in spite of the fear. Courage is not just taking blind risks. It is taking calculated risks. Courage is not standing alone. It is standing with God. Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Back to Acts 6 (page #1687) 1 Now in those days when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. 2 Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; 4 but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” I find it quite interesting and sad that the first church conflict happened over food. Human beings, even Christians, are so base. At the end of the day, we fuss about food. The Apostles immediately recognized the problem and gave the instructions to find people who would take care of ministry so they could take care of the key things – “Prayer and Preaching/Teaching of the Bible.” So also, at Clearview, our mission is to lead all peoples into a life-changing ever-growing relationship with Jesus Christ.”
Listen to the qualifications of the leaders that were to be chosen – “good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.” The next verse adds one more attribute – Acts 6:5 “And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.” What was the result? Acts 6:7 “Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.” Is Stephen just waiting on tables? Acts 6 8 “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen.” The Greek word there is “suzeteo” which means to dispute or to argue. It is a neutral term which can mean a good discussion to investigate. Unfortunately, it can also become hostile, as it does here. Acts 6 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. 13 They also set up false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel. It has been shocking and disappointing for me to see people I previously admired for their scholarly works resorting to half-truths, ignoring the original context, and even falsifying data to make their case.
What was the result? Stephen is questioned by the High Priest in Acts 7, and he gives a powerful message on the entire Old Testament leading up to the coming of Jesus and the fulfillment of all the prophecies. Listen to his invitation – Acts 7 (page #1690) 51 “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.” What was their response? 54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” Typically, Jesus is described as seated at the right hand of the Father (Psalm 110:1; Mark 16:19; Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 1:3; 10:12; 12:3; Revelation 3:21). As someone said, “He’s standing up to honor the first martyr of the church.” How do we know this information? The future Paul was standing there, and it must have done something to his conscience. I bet he wasn’t able to sleep over the next few days. I’m sure the Holy Spirit had begun to stir in his heart.
Back to Acts 7 (page #1691) 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; 58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. Who is this Saul? He is none other than the future Apostle Paul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 8:1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. In other words, behind Stephen’s murder was Paul.
Let me pause here: How do you think the early church must have felt when they heard about Stephen’s death? Fear, doubt, discouragement. Questions: Why did God allow one of his servants to die like this? Is God truly in control? Who will be next? Was Stephen too vocal or too brash? Should we change our strategy? Should we go underground?
God knew exactly what was about to happen. Acts 8 (page #1691) 1 “…At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.” By the way, why was there such a great persecution against the church? We assume that it was because of various reasons (taken from Paula Frederickson):
- Scandal of the crucified Messiah
- Scandal of devotional practices
- Scandal of legal laxity (mingling with Gentiles)
- Scandal of legal laxity (levels of apostolic observance)
None of these are valid reasons. They knew about the crucified Messiah from Isaiah 53. There were many sects among Jewish people with different beliefs. Jewish and Gentiles were not as segregated as is often assumed. Keeping of the law was also different between the Pharisees, Sadducees, Dead Sea community, and others. True Reason: The Jewish opponents shared the same “motivations with those other ‘persecutors’ whom Paul names: Roman magistrates, pagan city dwellers, rival apostles, and pagan gods.” One way to understand this is to see Paul’s list of persecutions against him: 39 lashes 5 different times is Jewish synagogue; beating with rods 3 times is Roman magistrates; stoning Paul is hostile city dwellers/idol worshippers; perils among false brethren. Christians were hated because they disrupted the social order because of their exclusivity to Christ.
Application: So also, with Charlie Kirk’s murder, it has been very interesting to see how certain groups have aligned themselves. In a fight, look around to see who is standing in your corner, that will tell you if you are in the right corner!
Acts 8:3 “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” The word for havoc is “lumaino” = irrational and relentless persecution, severe injury. Just when you would think that God would smite the perpetrator of this murder, he (Saul) becomes worse. In the meantime, Luke takes a little detour to talk about other happening in the young church, including the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. Then, we are back on Paul. Acts 9 (page #1693) 1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
God needed someone to go speak to Saul who will be future Paul. Acts 9 10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul…” Imagine the fear in Ananias when he said those words – “Brother Saul” 17 “…the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
From Death to Life – Stephen’s death led to Saul’s (future Paul’s) life. God is doing the same thing in America and the world right now. He is using the death of Charlie Kirk to bring life to many. This has always been God’s way. Jesus said in John 12 (page #1660) 23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.”
Invitation: The senseless murder of Charlie Kirk is bringing life to many in America and the world today. How about you? Are you still walking in darkness? Are you still lost? Do you know Christ as your Savior and King? If you do know him, are you living in such a way as to bring life to others. You don’t have to be martyred in order to do that. It comes through living the crucified life. In other words, it’s a life where we don’t live but Christ lives in us.