September 6, 2020

Today’s Reading: Acts 7:54-8:1

But Stephen, filled by the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw God’s glory, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”  

Acts 7:55-56

Come to our Sunday Outdoor Worship Service OR Listen to Rev. Solomona’s sermon from today’s 10AM Sunday Worship Livestream on our Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/ccmla. Reflect on the Text Notes and Life Notes below.

NOTE: Life Group meetings resume Monday, 09/14 at 7:30PM.

Sermon Main Idea: God’s love wins.

Text Notes: Contrasts between the Council and Stephen

  • Anger and Peace (v.54-55a)
    • The Council are filled with rage
      • ‘cut to the quick’ – Διαπρίω (diaprio): convicted
      • ‘gnashing’ – βρύχω (bruche): grating teeth in anger
    • Stephen is full of the Holy Spirit
      • The Spirit leaves no room for rage
  • Sight and Blindness (v.55b-57)
    • Stephen focuses on Heaven
      • The sight of God’s glory
      • The sight of Christ standing
    • The Council close themselves to the truth
      • Physical reaction of madness
      • Spiritual reaction of darkness
  • Death and Life (v.58-59)
    • The Council resolves to murder Stephen
    • Stephen concentrates on life with Christ
  • Hate and Love (v.60)
    •  The Council are driven by their hatred
    • Stephen demonstrates God’s love in forgiveness

Life Notes: Love God when the world hates you, because God loved you when you hated Him.

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, Your love is a wonder and a blessing. Thank You for the lengths You’ve gone out of Your love for me. I pray that Your love continues to transform me into Your likeness, that in all circumstances I would be able to act and respond in love. I pray that You grow my love for You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Acts 22:30-23:22; Judges 19; Psalm 44