There were some very remarkable moments in the hours-long Christian affirmation for Charlie that took place yesterday in Glendale, Arizona; however, this testimonial from Marco Rubio is among the top tier.
Rubio begins with good natured humor; this cognitively breaks the psychological drag of recent memory and reorients the audience. Secretary Rubio then begins to speak eloquently about the impact of Charlie Kirk and the light he brought to a generation. Rubio bears witness.
Toward the end of his remarks, Secretary Rubio then enmeshed the truth of Charlie’s message to the life of Christ, and the immortal connection that binds a Christian nation in spiritual purpose. Like Charlie, Rubio has a gift. WATCH:
♦ The First Martyr – Stephen is introduced in the Book of Acts as one of the seven deacons appointed to oversee the distribution of food to widows in the early church. He is described as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. Stephen’s bold preaching and miracles drew the attention of the Jewish authorities, leading to his arrest.
During his trial, Stephen delivered a powerful speech recounting Israel’s history and accusing the religious leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit. This speech culminated in his being stoned to death, making him the first Christian martyr.
♦ Paul – Saul, who later became known as the Apostle Paul, was present during Stephen’s stoning. The witnesses laid their clothes at Saul’s feet, indicating his approval of the execution. At this time, Saul was a zealous Pharisee, actively persecuting Christians and seeking to eradicate the new faith. His involvement in Stephen’s death highlights the intense opposition faced by early Christians from Jewish leaders.
♦ Transformation of Saul – Saul’s life took a dramatic turn on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ. This event led to his conversion, and he became one of the most influential apostles in spreading Christianity. His transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ is a powerful testament to the grace and power of God.
Significance – The stories of Saul and Stephen illustrate the early church’s struggles and the profound changes that can occur through faith. Stephen’s martyrdom is often seen as a catalyst for the spread of Christianity, as it prompted many believers to flee Jerusalem and share the gospel elsewhere. Saul’s conversion marks a pivotal moment in Christian history, as he became a key figure in establishing the church and writing many of the New Testament letters.
Summary: Stephen’s martyrdom and Saul’s transformation are central to understanding the early Christian movement and the challenges it faced. Their stories reflect the depth of faith, the virtue of redemption, and the power of the gospel.
Many people, me included, have pondered the remarkable transition of Marco Rubio.
God is in control!
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