Acts 7:35-53
Reflect
Today we read the final portion of Stephen’s speech before the council, and his eventual stoning. In the sections that follow, Stephen is laying out the history of Israel and illustrating how, even in the midst of the unfaithfulness of the people (Stephen specifically comments on how the people would kill the prophets), God remained faithful to them! Ultimately, this speech ends with an indictment of the hearts of his captors, who, even though they have received the law and established religious practices and rituals, are far from Him in their hearts. This is a troubling speech and as much as we would like to think we are exempt, I think there is an invitation to us in today’s passage. One of Stephen’s issues with his captors is their adherence to a religious system (the law) and place (the temple) when God is truly more concerned with our hearts and knowing His daily presence.
Apply
What are some areas of your life where you may be giving lip-service to God but your heart may be far from Him? Invite Him into that place today. One of the main issues that Stephen addresses in His speech is the grace of God for all people and the presence of God not contained to the temple. This is still true today: God’s heart is that all would be saved and He is active outside the walls of the church, not just inside. Who is God inviting you to extend His grace to? What are some of the ways that you see God at work outside the walls of the church?
Pray
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken.
- Pray for our Children’s Ministry Assistant, Kyla Mould.
- Pray for Erin Gibbard, Youth Ministry Assistant.
- Pray for all our small group leaders.
- Pray for the ministry of International Student Ministries.