The Reward and Blessing of Obedience...

...a dynamic sense of the presence of Jesus.

"He who has My commandments

and keeps them

is the one who loves Me;

and he who loves Me 

will be loved by My Father, 

and I will love Him 

and will disclose Myself to him."

John 14:21

Stephen lived in bold obedience, proclaiming Jesus, declaring to men their sin, without fear.  People respond to the gospel in different ways...

"Now when they heard this,

they were cut to the quick, 

and they began gnashing their teeth at him.

But being full of the Holy Spirit,

he (Stephen) gazed intently into heaven

and saw the glory of God,

and Jesus standing at the right hand of God."

Acts 7:54, 55

Stephen stood boldly for Jesus, Jesus stood for Stephen.  Jesus said He would be with us until the end of the age, when He returns.  Our calling is to make disciples by boldly proclaiming the gospel.  This means telling others how sin offends God, but God has made a way for forgiveness.  Jesus followers will be called to stand boldly for Him before His return and it is our calling now.  Sin and disobedience separates us, His followers, from the sense of His presence.  In living in bold obedience now, boldly proclaiming the gospel, Jesus manifests Himself to us, and we will be ready for the severe pressure that is coming...