THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 7:1-16
“God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles.” (Acts 7:9-10)
Stephen is accused of slandering the Temple and the Law (Acts 6:13-14).
The Temple represents ‘God with us’, God living with His people.
The Law represents God speaking with His people.
Stephen wants to show them that Jesus fulfills both of these.
God is not tied to one place; He is in Mesopotamia, Haran, and Egypt.
Both before and after the Temple and the Law, God is with His people!
The Temple and the Law are temporary symbols of God’s ultimate desire.
To live with us and speak with us in eternal fellowship and partnership.
Stephen believes that Jesus is uniquely ‘God with us.’ (Matthew 1:23)
Moses spoke about God, but Jesus is God speaking with us (John 14:24).
Moses built a tabernacle for God, but Jesus is the tabernacle of God (John 1:14).
No matter where we are or where Jesus sends us, He is God with us to the very end.
Who needs a Temple when we have God Himself over, with and in us.
Who needs the Law when we have God’s Spirit in us, leading us in God’s will.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, my heart is Your temple, You live in me. Speak to me and through me, like You did Stephen, and that others may know ‘God with us’ too.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Telling the Story.
His Story.
God at work among His people His wonders to perform through the ages.
God is still at work among His people.
Emmanuel.
Am I still able to see His presence today and continue to tell the Story of how God is still at work among His people today. He is faithful and I need to share how God is still at work today.
1. God gives His people strength.
If we believe in His way, He’s swift to repay
All those who bear the burden of the day
God gives His people strength.
2. God gives His people hope
If we but trust in His word, our prayers are always heard
He warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred.
God gives His people hope.
3. God gives His people love
If we but open wide our hearts, He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start.
God gives His people love.
4. God gives His people peace.
When sorrow fills us to the brim, and courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace.