The stones cast by the world against followers of Christ are eventually CHANGED…

Word STONES is found 178 Times in the Bible (1)First time as Jacob’s PILLOWS (Gen 28.11) (2)2 stones on Ephod of HP (Ex ) (3)Memorial of Crossing Jordan (Josh 4.1-8) (4)Great Heap over Achan’s grave (Josh 7.26) (5)David’s victory involved 5 of them (1 Sam 17.40) (6)Jesus was tempted to turn them into bread (Mt 4.3) (7)Massive stones were used to build the temple in Jerusalem (Mk 13.1)

Review of Stephen’s Acts 7 Sermon Stephen used History to prove-- (1)God’s presence and work are NOT confined to the geographical boundaries of Israel! (2)God’s presence cannot be confined to a building—like the temple! (Jer 7.4) (3)True faith depends entirely on God’s Word! (4)Nation of Israel had a history of REJECTING God by rejecting His representatives.

Review of Stephen’s Acts 7 Sermon Stephen Leveled His Own Charges-- (1)Resisting the Holy Spirit—as their fathers did (v. 51). (2)Persecuting God’s prophets (v. 52). (3)Betraying and murdering THE JUST ONE (v. 52). (4)Not keeping the Law they claim to be so faithful in keeping (v. 53).

Acts When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.

Stoning was the capital punishment prescribed by the Law of Moses for blasphemy (Lev 24.16). According to legal rules, after a fair trial with witnesses and careful deliberation (a death sentence required overnight consideration), the convicted person was taken out of the city to an eleven-foot-deep pit known as “The Rock of Execution.” On the way he was urged to confess his guilt, with the promise of “a share in the age to come” if he did. He was stripped, bound hand and foot, and pushed headfirst into the pit. If he died from the fall, the execution was ended. If not, the witnesses against him led others in throwing heavy stones down on him until he died. -- Girard, Robert ( ). The Book of Acts (The Smart Guide to the Bible Series-K1669ff).

What a SAD response coming from the religious leaders of Judaism! A great contrast to Acts 2.37, 41 Stephen had taught them the truth and they responded violently against that truth Acts 7.54… When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

A day is coming when every single enemy of truth will learn of their UTTER FOLLY ! For the vast majority, SADLY, that day will be too late John Acts 7.54… When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

Php … Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Acts 7.54… When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

1 Tm 6.15… Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Acts 7.54… When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

Revelation 2.10… Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer; behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: Acts 7.55… But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God…

Revelation 2.10… …be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Acts 7.55… But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God…

It seems quite obvious that the scene before us this morning from Acts 7 made an indelible impression in the heart of Paul Saul witnessed the execution, guarded the clothes of the executioners, CONSENTED (7:58; 8.1) Acts 7.58… And cast him out of the city, and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.

Acts 9.8-9… And Saul arose from the earth; … but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. Acts 7.58… And cast him out of the city, and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.

Acts … And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death… Acts 7.58… And cast him out of the city, and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.

1 Tm 1.15… This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Acts 7.58… And cast him out of the city, and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.

Acts 8.4… Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word. Acts 7.58… And cast him out of the city, and stoned him; and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.

The stones cast by the world against followers of Christ are eventually CHANGED into… 1. Monuments to Shame Enemies of the Truth 2. Jewels to Reward Faithful Ones 3. Magnets to Attract TRUE Disciples