Testimony of Jesus - Vessel of the Testimony
In this gathering, Stephen emphasizes the importance of seeking a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ and His testimony. The focus is on the church as a vessel for the testimony of Jesus, represented by the seven golden lampstands in Revelation. Stephen explains that the church is not an end in itself but a means to uplift Christ's light in the world. He draws parallels between the church and the Old Testament's lampstand, highlighting the necessity of purity and suitability in the church's composition. The church, made of living stones, must reflect the glory of Christ, which requires a process of being shaped and beaten into form. Stephen stresses that the church's unity is essential, as it is the body of Christ, and each local assembly has a responsibility to manifest this unity. Ultimately, he calls for a vision of Christ in the midst of the church, urging believers to recognize their role in bearing witness to His light.
Outline of Main Points
Prayer for understanding and revelation of Christ.
The church as a vessel for the testimony of Jesus.
Importance of purity and suitability in the church.
Church as a means to uplift Christ's light.
Unity of the church and local assemblies' responsibilities.
Call for a vision of Christ in the church.
20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
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.
17 And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same: 18 And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof: 19 Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick. 20 And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers: 21 And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it. 22 Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold. 23 And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold. 24 Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all the vessels thereof.
