Keep Your Eyes On Him

     "When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Look, he said, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. At this they covered their ears and yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Then he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord do not hold this sin against them. When he had said this, he fell asleep (Acts 7:54-60)."      There are several key points to takeaway from these verses. Stephen was being persecuted because he was preaching the word of God. He did not waiver even though his life was at stake. He remained obedient to God at whatever the...

     "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it but whoever loses his life for Me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul (Mark 8:34-36)?"      Over and over in His word, Jesus tells us to follow Him, but we must first understand what this looks like. To follow  is defined as "to engage in as a calling or a way of life ; to be or act in accordance with; to accept as authority." Following Jesus is a lifestyle. It is so much more than going to church or engaging in a Bible study, or helping the needy, or doing other good things; it is a relationship with the Lord Jesus. One where we abide in Him day after day, allowing Him to have His way in and through us. It is submitting to His lordship~His authority.       Many of the churches today preach a "feel good" message that i...