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  WE BECOME WHAT WE BEHOLD
  by David Wilkerson
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Summary: We become what we behold, and beholding Christ's glory
transforms us into his image, providing peace and serenity in the midst
of chaos.

Topics: "Overcoming Trials", "Reflection of Christ"
Scripture References: Acts 7:55

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DESCRIPTION
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David Wilkerson emphasizes that Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit,
exemplifies the true Christian by reflecting the glory of Christ amidst
dire circumstances. Despite facing hostility and imminent death,
Stephen's vision of Jesus in glory elevated him above his trials,
demonstrating that a glimpse of the Lord's holiness can transform our
perspective. By keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, we too can mirror His
glory and provide peace to a troubled world. Wilkerson encourages
believers to become living mirrors of Jesus, showcasing His glory to
those around us, especially in challenging times.

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CONTENT
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Stephen saw an open heaven and a glorified Man on the throne whose glory
was mirrored in him to all who stood nearby. "But he, being full of the
Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus
standing at the right hand of God, and said, 'Look! I see the heavens
opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!'" (Acts
7:55-56).

Stephen represents what a true Christian is supposed to be: one who is
full of the Holy Spirit with eyes fixed on the Man in glory. One who
mirrors that glory in such a way that all who see it will be amazed and
filled with wonder.

Stephen was in a hopeless condition, surrounded by religious madness,
superstition, prejudice, and jealousy. The angry crowds pressed in on
him, wild-eyed and bloodthirsty, and death loomed just ahead of him.
Such impossible circumstances! But looking up into heaven, Stephen
beheld his Lord in glory and suddenly his rejection here on earth meant
nothing to him. Now he was above it all.

One glimpse of the Lord's glory, one vision of his holiness, and Stephen
could no longer be hurt. The stones, the angry cursing, all was harmless
to him because of the joy set before him. Likewise, a glimpse of
Christ's glory places you above all your circumstances. Keeping your
eyes on Christ, consciously reaching out to him every waking hour,
provides peace and serenity as nothing else can.

Stephen caught the rays of the glorified Man in heaven and reflected
them to a Christ-rejecting society: "with unveiled face, beholding as in
a mirror the glory of the Lord ... being transformed into the same image
from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians
3:18).

It is so true that we become what we behold. Stephen became a living
mirror in which men could see the glory of Jesus reflected. So, should
we! When the enemy comes in like a flood, we need to both amaze and
condemn the world around us by our sweet, calm repose in Christ. This is
accomplished by keeping our minds on our Savior.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/david-wilkerson/we-become-what-we-behold/
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