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Stephen

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by CoJoJax, May 23, 2009.

  1. CoJoJax

    CoJoJax New Member

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    As short as the story of Stephen in Acts is, I think it's one of the best stories in the Bible.

    I'm a Christian who only recently has started REALLY digging into the Bible and going at everything 110% .. (as opposed to before, you know, showing up Sunday, maybe, then that's it.) So let me preface my post by saying I don't have a real deep understanding of the Scripture quite yet, but I'm working on it!

    But I was reading the portion of Acts with Stephen on my lunch break at work the other day and it got me pretty emotional. I mean, I didn't break down right in the middle of day at work, but I really "felt" it.

    Sometimes, don't you feel like Stephen? Almost like, no matter what you say regarding Jesus and your faith to a non-believer, most of them will "verbally stone" you.

    It's been a struggle every since I became a Christian to try and get my parents, sister, friends etc. who aren't Christians to go to church or just at least TALK to me about my new faith and Jesus and EVERYTHING, and all you get back is ridicule, ridiculous questions, "well, Oprah said this..", etc. etc. etc. Of course I've made a lot of friends over time who are Christians, but I can't just leave my family behind (and really would rather work with my friends on it more than just ditch them).

    I became a Christian on my own, with the love, guidance and help from the Lord first and foremost, my wife and her family, a couple of years ago. I didn't grow up in a Christian family AT ALL. I know that plays a factor in why I'm getting so much heat from my side of the family for being involved in something they don't think is "real", or "worth any time" .. etc., but it doesn't make it any less difficult of a situation.

    It can be a real struggle sometimes ... can anybody else on here relate to what I'm saying?


    God Bless and thank you,


    CJ
     
  2. historyb

    historyb New Member

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    Yes I can, but not from witnessing but from "Christians" on forums such as these and other ones. When I delved into Scriptures I found the doctrines of Grace and now "Christians" call me pagan.
     
  3. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    Remember the scripture: "A prophet is not without honour except in his own country."

    We can witness outside our circle far better than at home. Do also remember, that your family are watching your every step, stumble and screw-up.

    Eventually you walk like Stephen, honouring the Lord, despite the world around him.

    Like the woman who was killed during the Chinese revolution, said, "I am dying for a great cause. What are you living for?"

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  4. Olivencia

    Olivencia New Member

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    CoJoJax,
    That is awesome to hear!
     
  5. Mexdeaf

    Mexdeaf New Member

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    CJ,

    I can well relate. I was an outcast to my family for some time, but God has graciously allowed me to be a testimony to them throughout the years and now they are believers also.

    It can be a lonely time. Don't burn bridges by preaching at them, just let the reality of your new life speak to them. That's what won my family over.
     
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