Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Glimpses of Heaven: Stephen
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Glimpses of Heaven: Stephen
Seldom has a sermon so inflamed a crowd that they rushed upon the preacher and killed him on the spot. It happened with Stephen in Acts 7. During the frenzy, several strange things happened: (1) Stephen was suddenly filled afresh with the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:55). (2) He gazed upward and saw heaven, glimpsing the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand (verse 55). (3) Stephen, overcome with excitement, shouted to his enemies what he was seeing (verse 56). (4) While being battered with rocks, he cried out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (verse 59). (5) Stephen knelt in the dust, shouting, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin” (verse 60). And with that, he “fell asleep” (verse 60).
What a contrast Stephen experienced between the wrath of earth and the welcome of heaven!
Stephen’s experience is unique, but according to 2 Peter 1:11, all those who live faithfully in Christ “will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (NIV).
That prospect should brighten your heart today!
May we never go through what Stephen did, but let us follow his example in faithfulness, boldness, and Christ-likeness.
G. Campbell Morgan
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Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).