Stephen led a gathering in Richmond, focusing on the Gospel of Luke. He emphasized the importance of seeing Christ, the Son of Man, as the embodiment of true humanity. Stephen highlighted Luke's background as a physician and evangelist, noting that his profession did not hinder his service to God. He discussed God's enduring interest in humanity, tracing it from creation through the lives of David and Jesus. Stephen urged attendees to look beyond the words and deeds of Jesus in Luke's Gospel to truly understand His personality. He described Christ as a real, transparent man, contrasting Him with the fallen nature of humanity, which often hides behind facades. Stephen pointed out that true transparency leads to wisdom and discernment. He also emphasized Christ's childlike dependency on God, showcasing His prayer life as a model for believers. Furthermore, he described Jesus as a 'big man' with a heart that embraces all, transcending societal prejudices. Lastly, Stephen called for a single-mindedness in following God, urging believers to embody the characteristics of Christ as the new mankind.
Introduction to the gathering and focus on the Gospel of Luke
Luke's background and his role in presenting Christ
God's enduring interest in humanity
Importance of seeing Christ's personality beyond words and deeds
Christ as a real and transparent man
Dependency on God as a key characteristic
Christ as a 'big man' embracing all humanity
Call for single-mindedness in following God
Conclusion: embodying the characteristics of Christ as the new mankind
4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.
62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.