STEADFAST

To be steadfast is to stay the same

Not quickly changing or unexpectedly;

Unwavering and determined

Where loyalty and consistency is seen.

Hardly would anyone die for a cause

Yet the Apostles they were martyred;

They were steadfast in their faith and approach

And were always Spirit led.

They knew that what they believed was solid

And authentic and so true,

With an authoritative touch

As they were bold and courageous too.

They knew their God has integrity

And that the Scriptures are valid as well,

Surrounded by eyewitness accounts

Where authenticity does dwell.

Stephen prayed for his perpetrators

As they were stoning him,

That God would not charge them with this sin;

Stephen truly honoured the King.

Because when we love our enemies

It is the epitome of faith,

That glorifies the King of kings

As His deliverance we await.

To be steadfast is to be loyal

And firm to the very end;

Standing strong against the enemy

And where God’s promises are sent.

Theirs was a genuine faith indeed

Because their focus was Jesus Christ;

The epitome of love, truth and grace

And worthy for the fight.

They challenged false religions

And every philosophy,

When people worshipped every false God

And the truth they couldn’t see.

They’re a perfect example

Where God’s strength does dwell within,

And where all things can be done in Christ

As they run the race to win.

When the core reason is sound

And is healthy from all perspectives,

There’s no need to fear anything

When on Christ we are reflective.

Jesus is the focal point

And when we’re steadfast and courageous,

We trust in His promised return

As we eagerly wait with anticipation.

Jesus laid down His life for us

Because greater love He did display,

As His Spirit deposits courage and grace

So we stand firm as we worship and pray.

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” Hebrews 6:19

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” 1 Peter 5:10

“And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, ‘Lord, Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:59-60

“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.” 2 Peter 3:17

“Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.’” Acts 17:22-23

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

“And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight – if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.” Colossians 1:21-23

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8

“For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.” Hebrews 3:14

“Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” Revelation 22:7

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13