As Christians, we are called to live a life that is anything but ordinary. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we become part of an extraordinary journey, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and the unwavering faith that can move mountains. Today, we’re going to explore the life of a remarkable man, Stephen, who embodied this extraordinary Christian experience.
The Extraordinary Life of Stephen
Stephen’s story is found in the book of Acts, and it serves as a powerful reminder that our Christian walk is not meant to be a dull, routine affair. Stephen was one of the first deacons chosen by the early church to serve the growing community of believers. He was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and he stood out among his peers for his unwavering commitment to the gospel message.
When the religious leaders of the time began to persecute the early Christians, Stephen boldly stood his ground, defending the truth of Jesus Christ. His powerful testimony and miraculous signs angered the authorities, who ultimately accused him of blasphemy and sentenced him to death by stoning.
Standing Firm in the Face of Adversity
As Stephen faced this horrific punishment, his faith did not waver. Instead of fear or despair, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and had a vision of the heavens opening, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God. In his final moments, Stephen prayed for his persecutors, echoing the words of his Savior, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60).
“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, and said, ‘Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!'” (Acts 7:55-56)
Stephen’s extraordinary life and death serve as a powerful testament to the transformative power of a life lived in full surrender to Christ. His story challenges us to examine our own Christian walk and ask ourselves: Are we living an ordinary Christian life, or are we embracing the extraordinary that God has in store for us?
Pursuing an Extraordinary Christian Life
The life of Stephen reminds us that the Christian life is not meant to be a passive, comfortable existence. It is a life of active faith, unwavering commitment, and bold proclamation of the gospel message. As believers, we are called to be filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered by an unshakable faith that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.
Characteristics of an Extraordinary Christian Life
So, what does an extraordinary Christian life look like? Here are some key characteristics to strive for:
- Uncompromising Faith: Like Stephen, we must have a faith that is not shaken by the trials and tribulations of this world. Our trust in God’s plan and purpose must be unbreakable, even in the face of adversity.
- Spirit-Filled Power: We must be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, allowing God to work through us in miraculous ways. The extraordinary Christian life is marked by the supernatural power of God manifesting in our lives.
- Boldness in Witness: We are called to be bold and courageous witnesses for the gospel, unafraid to stand up for the truth of Jesus Christ, even when it means facing persecution or opposition.
- Selfless Devotion: Like Stephen, we must be willing to lay down our lives for the sake of the kingdom of God, putting the needs of others and the advancement of the gospel above our own comfort or desires.
Remember, the Christian life is not meant to be ordinary or mundane. God has called us to be extraordinary – to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs the transformative power of the gospel.
The Challenge: Embracing the Extraordinary
So, how do we begin to live this extraordinary Christian life? It starts with a complete surrender to God and a willingness to be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We must be willing to let go of our own agendas and desires, and instead, align our hearts and lives with the will of God.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
As we embrace the extraordinary, we must be prepared to face challenges and opposition. Like Stephen, we may be called to stand firm in our faith, even when it means facing persecution or hardship. But we can take comfort in the knowledge that God is with us, and that His power and grace are sufficient to sustain us through any trial or tribulation.
The world needs more Christians who are willing to live out their faith with boldness, passion, and supernatural power. Will you answer the call to be an extraordinary follower of Christ? The choice is yours, but the rewards of a life lived fully for God’s glory are eternal.