When it no longer matters whether we live or die from persecution in devoted service to the Lord Jesus Christ, is the real evidence that we truly died to self and our life abides in the Lord without hypocrisy.

Philippians 1:12-21 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me (persecution) have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; But the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes and I will rejoice. For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and in hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

The Lord Jesus has for-warned us that He is sending His sheep out in the midst of wolves (Matthew 10). He also warned us in promise that the world will hate Christians because they hated Jesus Christ first without cause, Why? The Lord Jesus is the only way into Heaven, the truth and the life and anyone who preaches Jesus Christ will also be hated even to the point of death (Matthew 24:9-13).

This is our Christian heritage, so we as the church, the body of Christ needs to learn how to get over this inevitable fact, and do the will of God, that is: to go into all the world and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every creature under Heaven and make disciples at all cost. In order to be successful instruments of righteousness in the hands of the living God, we must realize the gifts of His Holy Spirit and trust in the Lord that He’ll supply all His promises contained in the Holy Bible to do His work.

And this study through the Holy Spirit reminds us of His ministry promises we need to operate in. The Book of Acts 6-7 also reminds us that all is temporal, even life itself and true born-again Christians are mere pilgrims passing through to our final destination, Heaven in Jesus Christ who sit at the right hand of God Most High His Father.

Matthew 16:24-28 Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.

Acts 6-7 (The Eminent Promise of God)

Audio Length: 51:57

Study Highlights:

*00:19  Acts 6:2-6
The importance of delegation; ministry of helps

*02:33  Acts 6:7
Importance in making disciples; getting ready for the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ

*07:06  Acts 6:8
The promised gifts of the Holy Spirit to those who knows and follows Jesus Christ  faithfully

*08:51 Acts 6:10
The promised wisdom and words from the Holy Spirit

*13:04  Acts 6:11-15
No Christian is exempt from promised persecution, even to the point of death

*17:40  Acts 7:1-50
Important facts on the history of the Jewish people for all humanity and why Christians need to learn it

*25:56  Acts 7:29-30
The way the Lord God Almighty in the Old Testament trained and prepared Moses, is the same way He trains and prepares His disciples today. And a further study on the promise of God

*40:44  Acts 7:44
Types and shadow of things in Heaven, on earth modeled in our born-again faith walk in the Lord Jesus Christ

*45:50  Acts 7:51-60
The eminent promise of God, a reflection and reminder of persecution and death as a result in devoted service to the Lord Jesus Christ

Next Study: The Book of Acts 8 (The Holy Spirit Leads The Lords Ministries)