And Saul approved of their killing Stephen. That day a severe persecution began against the Church in Jerusalem, and all except the Apostles were scattered throughout the countryside of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the Church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison. Acts 8:1-3

Viscous persecution of the Christian believers begins that day. Christians are singled out because of the revolution of the Holy Spirit’s Power — Spirit Wind blowing within hearts of new believers like a hot brushfire on open dry grassland. All who speak to Him discover Him and love Him. The Holy Spirit’s Power today is just as fiery, Spirit strengthens you to do faith, do forgive, and do forge ahead in Christ.

Early believers and we today memorize and do what Jesus says: This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. John 15:12-14 Go ahead and bear fruit my friend, bring others to Him. He assures you that ‘My Heavenly Father will give you whatever you ask in My Name.’ John 15:16 Fruit bearing and prayer are both dependent on obeying His commands to love.

You fan the fire of the Holy Spirit fueled to burn brighter as you love others like Christ. Love within you frees you to prayerfully enter into the Holy Presence of our loving Almighty God. As the Holy Spirit’s Fire burns brightly within them these early Christians firmly love even their enemies and are imprisoned, tortured, injured, and martyred for our faith. These dear ones show you that nothing can separate you from the love of Christ. Romans 8:31-39