Remembrance Day - Nov. 4, 2007

“Some Gave All”
Brian Reid, NTUBC, November 11, 2007

We live in a world, often, ruled by war. Today, Remembrance Day, is a time to stop, give thanks, and remember those who fought, and died in war.

Listen to the words of this song;

I knew a man, called him Sandy Kane
Few folks, even knew his name
But a hero, was he
Left a boy, came back a man
Still many, just don't understand
About the reasons, we are free

I can't forget, the look in his eyes
Or the tears he cried
As he said these words to me

All gave some, and some gave all
And, some stood true, for me and you
And, some had to fall
And, if you ever think of me
Think of all your liberties, and recall
Some gave all.

Now Sandy Kane, is no longer here
But his words, are oh so clear
As they echo, through out our land
For all his friends, who gave us all
Who stood the ground, and took the fall
To help their fellow man

Love your country and live with pride
And don't forget those who died, can't you see

All gave some, and some gave all

On this day, we remember those who have given their lives in war, so this country (and other countries) could be free – free from the evils of tyranny, oppression, and dictatorship. We remember those who stood tall, so we can stand tall.

For; Some Gave All.

Through out time, and all around the world, the gospel has most often taken root in places, prepared by, the blood of Martyrs. A martyr is someone who is tortured, or killed for a belief or cause; in this case – the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many people, that we have heard about, people we don’t even know, or know about, have given their lives to further God’s Kingdom.

You may have heard stories, where terrorists, and other non-believers, have taken Christians hostage, and then taken, their faith hostage; in an attempt to have those Christians denounce their beliefs – in exchange for sparing their lives.

Many have been so terrified, that they have done just that; forfeited their beliefs – only to have been killed anyway, or (later, realizing what they had done), wished they had been killed.

But, many have stood proud, and said; “If it is my life, or my faith, then take my life.’

The Apostle, Paul said;
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation – to everyone that believth…”

Many have died, trying to bring the gospel - to war-torn places on earth. Many have died, at the hands of evil, authoritarian rulers, while trying to convert lost souls to Christ. People have died, simply because they have spoke the truth, and spoke up for what they believed. Some Gave All.

Last Sunday, we remembered, with much thanksgiving, the sacrifice of Christ – for He gave all. And, we can think of other Biblical figures, who did so much for Christ; people who helped spread the gospel; and those who aided Christianity - in its infancy.

Just to name a few; the Apostle Paul, John the Baptist, Peter, Barnabas, and our often forgotten, friend in Christ, Stephen.

Stephen was the very first Martyr of Christ. Stephan died defending, and spreading the gospel. Stephen was killed for His beliefs – and died a Martyr, he was killed, to set an example.


Spiritual Leadership is serious business, and must never be taken lightly. The most important prerequisite of any Christian service, is to be filled with faith, and the power of the Holy Spirit. By the grace of God, Stephen was that kind of servant/leader.

Back at the beginning of Acts 6; Stephan was one, of the 7 leaders, chosen to supervise food distribution, to the needy, in the early church. He was one of the original Deacons of the early church, and to whom all (modern day) deacons, should aspire to be.

Stephen is recorded as standing out from the others in faith, grace, spiritual power, and wisdom. He was among the foremost in working miracles, and preaching the gospel. For that, he died!

Let the story begin.

The Debate
6:8 “Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles, and signs among the people. 9 But, one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia. 10 None of them could stand against the wisdom, and the Spirit, with which Stephen spoke.”

In these passages, the men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, could not trick or catch Stephan – though they tried. He was a great debater, and a wise young man. He was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, and preached it, spoke it, and trusted it.

Then came the Lie, and Arrest

11 “So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, ‘We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.’ 12 This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So, they arrested Stephen, and brought him before the high council.”



In these 2 lines, the men thought up a way to dishonor and disgrace Stephen. They knew these lies would anger, enrage, and provoke the crowds. Then, the Council of Religious Leaders would have to get involved.

The Sadducees, the dominant party on the council, studied and accepted only the writings of Moses (Genesis to Deuteronomy). So, when they heard that Stephen blaspheme Moses’ law, this was a crime, which needed to be punished by death.

13 “The lying witnesses said, “This man is always speaking against the Holy Temple, and against the Law of Moses. 14 We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth, will destroy the Temple, and change the customs, Moses handed down to us.”

Stephen’s situation steadily became worse. His accusers had everything in place to prove that Stephen was guilty – even though he wasn’t. More and more, did the Council believe the charges, and were ready to condemn Stephen.

But, then;

15 “At this point, everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright, as an angel’s.”

Could this have been a sign of purity, a ‘Halo of innocence?’


7:1 “Then, the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these accusations true?”

Why judges, lawyers, and accusers ask the defendant this question is beyond me. What do you think they would say?

“Well, yes I am guilty. No need for this trial; just sentence me, and get this thing done.”

A logical response might go like this;

“True, these are accusations, but these accusations, are not true.”


Then, Stephen gets his change to defend himself. But, does He? Picking up at verse 51;

7:51 “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart, and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you! 52 Name one prophet, your ancestors didn’t persecute! They even killed the ones, who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah; whom you betrayed and murdered. 53 You deliberately disobeyed God’s law, even though you received it from the hands of angels.”

Stephen did not try to defend himself, nor did he even answer the accusations. He simply went into a long speech, outlining Israel’s relationship with God.
From Old Testament history, he showed that the Jews had constantly rejected God’s message, and His prophets; and this Council had (also) rejected the Messiah – God’s own Son.

Stephen informed them, that Israel’s history, is the history of God’s acts – in the world. He then reminded them that people worshipped God, long before there was a Temple, because God did not live in a Temple. And finally, Stephen enlightened them, as to Jesus’ death, was just one more example of Israel’s rebellion against, and rejection of, God.

Stephen simply reminded the Jews (and the Council) of their checkered past, and this brought the fury of the Council upon him. He was telling it, like it was.

Often, when we speak the truth, we are faced with opposition and anger. People don’t want to be reminded of their short-comings. But, if we present the gospel in a loving manner, that, hostility disappears. If we remind people, not of their sins, but of salvation, and a better life that could be, then ears and hearts, are opened to listen.

The trail continues.

54 “The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor, at God’s right hand. 56 And, he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man, standing in the place of honor, at God’s right hand!”
Stephen took the offensive, seizing the opportunity to summarize his teaching about Jesus. He was accusing these religious leaders of failing to obey God’s laws – the same laws they prided themselves in following so completely.

This was what Jesus had (also) accused the council of, at His trail.


When we witness, we don’t need to be on the defensive, we don’t need to argue, or try to trick people. Instead, we should simply share our faith, and tell of the many blessings Christ has given to us.

This was how Stephen spoke of the gospel, and on the day of his trail, he was simply trying to advise the Jews, of God’s influence in his life.

57 “Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him 58 and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats, and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.”

59 “As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit’” 60 He fell to his knees, shouting, ‘Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!’ And with that, he died.”

When Stephen claimed to see Jesus standing at the right hand of God, it was the straw that broke the donkey’s back.
He was seized, and taken outside the city, and stoned to death. He meet his end, courageously, as did his Master – on accusations, by false witnesses, of blaspheme and seeking to overthrow the Temple and the Law.

Stephen last few moments mirrored that of Christ’. Jesus committed His spirit onto the Lord. Stephen committed his spirit onto Jesus. And Stephen prayed (as Jesus had), for the forgiveness of his persecutors.

And, finally;

8:1 “Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely, with the killing of Stephen.”

Normally, an execution needed Roman permission to take place, but in a shift act of judgment, the Jewish mob sized, and stoned Stephen to death; outside the East wall of the Holy City of Jerusalem. Even though this stoning, was not fully, lawful, Pontius Pilate turned a blind eye to it all.


But alas, all is not lost; for Stephen’s execution, set off a time of persecution. Stephen’s death, by people like Saul of Tarus, led to a more wide spread preaching of the gospel. Stephen’s death was (undoubtedly) a huge factor in bringing Saul of Tarus, the Christian killer, to Christ. For, Saul of Tarus, became the Apostle Paul.

Praying for the forgiveness of his murderers, Stephen died, and was buried with great lament, by devout Christians of the day.
Stephen’s martyrdom touched off intense persecution, where Christian were scattered throughout the Holy Land; north to Samara, and north-east, as far Damascus – 100’s of miles away.

But, little did the Jews know, that this scattering of Christians, laid the very foundation of, and aided in, the spreading of God’s gospel. As these Christians were dispersed, wherever they went, they took Christianity with them; which extended into the rest of the world.

For, it was within the Jewish rejection, of the gospel, that the Good News of Christ, was then offered, to the gentiles.

Above everything else, Stephen’s speech in front of the Council of Religious Leaders sparked the beginning of a Theological Revolution. For the principals of the universal mission (of the church), was clearly stated for the first time – obedience to God’s Law and the Spreading of the Gospel.

And Stephen’s death, set the example, for all others to follow.

As we remember those who fought and died (in war) for us, we can also remember those who fought and died for Christ – with Stephen, being the very first one.

Stephen, just like Jesus, was killed for speaking the truth. And just like Jesus, Stephen gave his life, while spreading that truth. And like so many other Christians, Stephen died as he gave everything – for Christ.


So, would you?

Would you stand tall, against oppression, against persecution, and proclaim your allegiance to Christ – if it meant your life?

Would you die for something, you truly believed in?
Would you give your life for someone else?

In the future, will you be one of those, whom we remember and thank, on this special day? What will you give for Christ?

“Some, Gave All”

Let’s Pray;


Opening Remarks

Our Lord, himself gave us this Supper. These emblems and elements, symbolize God’s own body and blood. We have a memorial from His own hands. At this table, we meet with our savior, look back upon His sacrificial gift, ask for and receive forgiveness, while renewing our covenant to our Lord and rejuvenating our hope of His return.

At this table, we lift our hearts in thanksgiving to our Lord, God. Let this bread and wine speak to us of the sacrifice, of that precious body, that was broken for us, and the blood that was shed. May our hearts be open to the Lord’s searching spirit at this time, as we search ourselves in preparation, also. Awareness of our sins, should not keep us away from Communion, but draw us to participate in it and draw us closer to Him.

Were it not for Jesus, who shed His blood on our behalf (to take away our sins), we could never come before our Lord as God’s children. In Him, we have kinship; in Him, we have forgiveness and adoption; in Him, we have the boldness to call God - Father. For His great love is expressed in these elements, we give thanks and praise Him in Jesus’ name.

Scripture Reading (Isaiah 53:3-6)
“He was despised and rejected, a man of sorrows, and acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way when He went by. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried, it was our sorrows that weighed Him down; and we thought His troubles were a punishment from God for His own sins! But He was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God’s path to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Him the guilt and sins of us all.”

Communion is never to be taken lightly, but reverently, for this new covenant, cost Jesus, His very life. This is not a meaningless ritual, but a sacred and holy sacrament, given by Christ to help strengthen our faith. The Lord’s Supper commemorates Christ’s death upon the cross for our sins and points to the coming of His Kingdom in glory. When we partake of it, we show our deep and continued gratitude, for Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. Eating the bread and drinking the cup, signifies that we are acknowledging and remembering Christ’s death for us, and renewing our commitment to serve Him; as He served us so long ago (and continues to serve us today).

We approach the Lord’s Table, not because we must, but because we can. If you believe that Jesus died on the cross for you, if you have a personal relationship with Christ, if you are a sinner that Jesus died for, you are welcome at this table.

Jesus, the final Passover Lamb, ate the traditional meal with His disciples in the upper room, of a house in Jerusalem. During the meal, they shared the bread and wine, which would become the symbols of all future Communion celebrations. During the meal, Jesus told His disciples of His betrayal (by one of them) and the fulfillment of the scriptures, for the Son of Man must die.

Presentation of the Bread

The Lord Jesus, on the night in which He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, “This is My body, which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

Let us also give thanks, Deacon _________________ will offer thanksgiving for the bread.

(Bread is served)

Let us eat this bread, in remembrance, of Christ’s sacrifice for us, and be thankful.

(All partake of the bread together)
The Presentation of the Cup

“In the same way, He took the cup also, after supper, saying, this cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me. For, as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes again.”

Deacon _________________ will offer thanksgiving for the cup.

(The cup is served)

“Jesus said; this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for the many, for the forgiveness of sins. Drink this, in remembrance, that Christ’s blood was shed for you, and be thankful.”

(All partake of the cup together)

(Last 2 verses of Communion Hymn)

A Blessing for you.

And so, into God’s gracious keeping we would commit each other. May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace.

May he always be with you and may you feel his presence. May you live your life for Jesus, as he lived and died for you. May we return to the Lord’s Table soon, where we can celebrate his resurrected life, once again.

And as you go out into the world, take the light of Christ and the joy of His love with you.

Peace be with you, always, Amen.

Now, let us sing our Benediction.