May 3, 2026

In this homily, Pastor Ron explores the profound connections between the life and death of Stephen in Acts 7 and the life and death of Jesus. Though Stephen was originally called simply to serve tables and distribute food equitably, his faith and the Holy Spirit led him to become the first martyr. Pastor Ron challenges us to reflect on how we react to Stephen’s story—with anger, fear, inspiration, or conviction—and reminds us that standing against injustice is a counter-cultural call for all Christians.

Turning to the Gospel of John, Pastor Ron delves into Jesus’ "Farewell Discourse" in Chapter 14. He discusses the spiritual journey of faith, pointing out that resurrection is not the final stage; there is also ascension. Exploring the concept of the "dwelling place" or "mansion" with many rooms, he suggests that heaven is less about a physical location with a GPS coordinate and more about being in the intimate presence of God.

With visual insights and a powerful reminder from John 10 that Jesus has "other sheep that are not of this sheep pen," this message is an invitation to trust God’s grace, mercy, and promises, even when the path is hard to map out.

Quote of the Week:
"I must admit that I am often amazed at how many Christians in the United States complain about persecution and suffering because someone disagrees with them or they feel slighted... This reading should remind us that we should not just lament other people’s suffering, but that we should also stand against injustice and act in solidarity with those in need."