NEXT DOOR, the sounds of children in their junior church filled the air, while members inside the main sanctuary of the First Baptist Church at Constitution Road, St Michael, worshipped and praised.
Uplifting renditions from the church choir helped set the tone for a wonderful time of fellowship throughout the service, at which communion was also served.
When Reverend Paul Leacock made his way to the podium, he had already prayed for those with special needs, later on inviting the church to a second altar call.
Leacock began his sermon by noting that if one is to present and witness the gospel of Jesus Christ to a dying world, one must do so head-on.
During his thought-provoking message, he stressed, “If you are going to be a witness of the Lord Jesus Christ, you must be aware that being a witness will bring you into wicked and wanton leadership.
“However, we must not be afraid. Our Christian witness will not be acceptable to everybody and it will bring you into conflict, but like Stephen (Acts: 6), you must take your stand and expect head-on contention.”
Speaking about the eventual stoning of Stephen in this portion of Acts, Leacock said the accusations made against Stephen by religious and other leaders did not deter this man of God.
He noted, “Stephen spoke to the leadership of his day and we must not be afraid to speak to the leadership of our country when it comes to representing Jesus Christ. We must do so without fear of contention or conviction.”
As he made reference to some characteristics of wicked leaders who are disconnected from God, this Baptist preacher asked, “How could the leaders not see Stephen was from God, was representing God and was able to perform miracles?”
He said the answer was found in their disconnection from God, and added, “Anybody without Jesus Christ as Saviour is disconnected from God and will have contention with Jesus Christ. It does not matter how many times you pray,” he noted.
He further preached that like the leaders of Stephen’s day, many people are usually cut to the heart when they hear the preaching of the gospel but are not converted, convicted, neither do they conform to or comply with the Word of God.
“Wickedness is not measured by the deeds people do,” Leacock stressed.
“Rather, wickedness is registered in the fact that people know the truth but still do what is wrong.”
He said another characteristic of wickedness was found in the fact that the religious leaders cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears and ran at Stephen.
Leacock stressed, “They cried out, but not for salvation, and while they were crying out, Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. We have got to be careful when Jesus stands up, for when the Judge (who is seated at the right hand of God) stands up, judgment is about to begin.”
Leacock comforted his listeners by telling them that while others may be gnashing their teeth at them, Jesus is standing ready to fight their case.
He also noted that just as Stephen was later cast out of the city, believers of Jesus Christ will find themselves cast out, perhaps through persecution in the workplace.
“People will want to silence you – to shut you up. . . . You may be passed over for promotion because of your Christian character, but Heaven is taking note.
“Awake! Stand for Jesus and be faithful unto death. You’ve got to meet your enemy head-on, for this world needs bold, singular Christian voices which speak truth, and God is relying on you to be a Christian witness in your home, workplace and community.”
To have your church featured in Altar Call, please contact Cheryl Harewood at 430-5494 or email cherylharewood @nationnews.com.
