Acts 7: Stephen testifies of the Messiah foretold by Moses

May I share a recent answer to prayer that I received with you?

Yesterday (Wednesday) in seminary the Spirit was so strong. Interestingly enough, the day before (Tuesday) the lesson ended with a dull feeling. I sought the Lord that night, the next morning and then prepared almost the whole lesson (Wednesday) on my knees.

The Lord, in His mercy, blessed us with a full dousing of The Holy Ghost the entire lesson (Wednesday), which was about the eternal nature of truth and that divine/natural laws are kept by God himself. No exceptions are made to these laws, which will never change. We discussed the common accusation that some kids had heard from friends that the Mormon Church is a cult. (Studying the question first in the world’s perspective, than the Plan of Salvation’s perspective, then with the help of divinely inspired sources.) The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a true reality, whether one believes it or not. The Church of Jesus Christ is the vehicle to bring saving ordinances to the Lord’s followers through His authorized servants and power. We come to understand these truths for ourselves through study and prayer.

These concepts led beautifully into the account of Stephen’s testimony of the Israelite history, Moses’ prophetic charge and his foretelling of Christ’s coming in Acts 7. Whether the Sanhedrin believed the truth or not, did not change the fact that Stephen spoke the truth. They HAD crucified the Savior foretold by Moses! Stephen, filled with the Holy Ghost, saw Jesus Christ on the right hand of God while these unbelieving leaders stoned him to death. (Another New Testament witness that The Godhead is three separate beings.) Acts 7:51 has all new meaning to me now. We must not resist the Holy Ghost.

Now verses like 1 Nephi 2:17-18 stand out all-the-more to me. The Holy Ghost testifies of truth, but some may not be listening. They have “hardened their hearts.” Whether one believes that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the Messiah or that the Book of Mormon is true or that Joseph Smith was a prophet or that the Holy Priesthood is here on the earth today – or not, the truth stands on its own. It is still the truth.

The Holy Ghost testified of these truths yesterday in seminary. I hope everyone of my students were open to understanding its promptings. I know many felt as I did. It was a great day.

I am grateful to a loving Heavenly Father, who heard and answered my prayer.