Testimony of Jesus - Present Testimony - Part I
Stephen emphasizes the importance of centering our lives around the testimony of Jesus Christ, as demonstrated in the early church's practices of teaching, fellowship, and breaking bread. He reflects on the historical context of believers who, while engaged in spiritual work, feared losing their connection to the Lord. This led them to regularly break bread to remember Him. Stephen highlights that we are living in the end days, a time that began with Christ's first coming, and stresses the urgency of understanding God's purpose and burden for today. He explains that prophecy is not just about foretelling the future but primarily about revealing God's mind and will. The testimony of Jesus is central to this revelation, as it is through the Father’s testimony that we come to know Christ. Stephen encourages believers to share their experiences of Christ, as true fellowship involves reporting what we have seen and heard about Him. He concludes by urging the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with the testimony of Jesus, which is vital for spiritual growth and understanding.
- Importance of breaking bread and remembering the Lord
- Living in the end days and understanding God's purpose
- Prophecy as a revelation of God's mind and will
- Centrality of the testimony of Jesus Christ
- Encouragement to share personal experiences of Christ
- Call for deeper relationship with the testimony of Jesus
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: 2 Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
