Powerful Sermon and What a Response!

Exodus 28; Exodus 29; Acts 7

Scripture


The Stoning of Stephen

Acts 7:54-60

54 When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 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. 56 "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." 57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 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. 59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.


Observation


When Peter preached the almost exact same message thousands were saved, but this time Stephen received a completely different response! I thought it was interesting that the scriptures say that as Stephen was in front of the Sanhedrin that his face was that of an angel! He was full of the Holy Spirit and it was obvious!


Application

God'’s Word is powerful and sometimes the response from those that receive it is not always what we think it should be, but we need to preach it boldly.



Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me boldly proclaim the promises of Christ. Help me not to be intimidated by people only wanting to murmur and fuss. Help me see what you are doing in the lives of the new believers and seekers in our congregation!



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