May 30, 2009
Translated by Lydia Ma

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, also known as "the Church's birthday." When Taiwanese churches discuss being filled with the Holy Spirit, what they mean most of the time has been gleaned from accounts of those who have had such an experience, as well as outward manifestations of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Charismatic movements among churches have been confined to three stages. The first stage emphasizes on speaking in tongues, healing diseases, and other spiritual gifts. The second stage emphasizes on renewing churches mainly through praise and worship. The third stage centers on miracles, prophesying, "Power Evangelism," and "Spiritual Encounter." Rarely, if ever, do we look at being filled with the Holy Spirit from the perspective of martyrdom.

Acts 7:54-60 records a powerful and challenging speech by Stephen before the Sanhedrin – the highest Jewish court at the time. This passage also records the reaction of the Sanhedrin upon hearing Stephen's testimony:

When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Then he died.

Dying for God as a martyr is the culmination of being filled with the Holy Spirit. From this passage, we see Stephen filled with spiritual gifts, strength, and wisdom. He was filled with courage and eloquence as he faced persecution from Jewish authorities. He forgot about himself as he saw God's glory above and even forgave completely.

This passage reveals several aspects of Stephen's character and all of them are intricately related to the Holy Spirit. Stephen's last moments before his martyrdom mirrored Jesus' final moments on the cross – both prayed for God to forgive those who had killed them. Just before Stephen took his final breath, he saw God's hand reach out to him and welcome him into eternity.

Martyrdom is giving a precious life in exchange for seeing truth and one's beliefs upheld. It is also a passion so lofty that only the Holy Spirit can give. What many churches today call "being filled with the Holy Spirit" is a far cry in comparison. How can church leaders allow the faith of their flock to remain skin-deep? We must turn to the Bible and emulate the spirit of Christian martyrs as reference on how to deepen our faith.

Whenever churches face persecution, suffering, or cataclysmic changes, Jesus, the legacy of Christian martyrs, and a joyful spirit willing to suffer for righteousness have always been the source of their faith and strength. As Taiwan faces rapid erosion of national autonomy, human rights, and judicial impartiality, mass unemployment among the poorest in society, as well as forced annexation by China, the spirit of martyrdom fueled by the Holy Spirit can re-ignite our passion for righteousness, human rights, and democracy and serve as a lamp that brightens this country's future path. What the Holy Spirit can accomplish is unlimited, but are we ready to answer God's call if the Holy Spirit leads us on the road to martyrdom?

Taiwan Church News