There are several moments in scripture where we see the 3 persons or manifestations of God at work in unison, in concert with each other. These make up and comprise the doctrine of the trinity, the triune Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is in perhaps one of the most passionate moments in scripture, a moment written as if it were out of the pages of a best selling thriller, a moment filled with anger, contempt, fear, murder, scandal, faith, strength, courage, love, compassion, and so much more... Unfortunately, in our westernized religion we have tucked this story away because it causes us to feel guilt and shame at our own indignation and lack of fervor within the faith. We have traded courage for a lackluster faith that is contemptible toward God but palatable for other people. Its the stoning of Steven in Acts 7 where Steven testifies publicly to the place and status of all 3 persons, to the majesty and the glory of the Triune God. He is 3 in 1. For this testimony he was murdered. The gospel he spoke that day was and is not the message to take away from that text, though it'll preach... Rather, the message for us today, in this wicked and evil world that we live, is the example he gave of being faithful and upright, undeterred, unwavering, unrelenting, courageous, and FULL of the Holy Spirit – in the face of persecution and certain death. Read that story on your own and reflect on your own fortitude.
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