Day Thirteen

READ:  Acts 7

“Angel-face” Stephen proclaimed the good news to a collection of highly educated religious leaders.  His focal Scripture passage for the day?  Genesis 12 thru 1 Kings 11 !!!  That’s 336 pages in the NIV! 

In a seven-minute sermon, Stephen summarizes the epic history of God’s attempt to dwell with people and be their God. 

Shockingly, he concludes by recounting the people’s consistent response: stiff-necked opposition.  “You are the ones that received the law as ordained by angels, and yet you have not kept it.” 

The congregation had enough preaching that day.  They terminated the proclaimer.

His face never changed. 

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Stephen recounts centuries of people’s history with God.  They find it objectionable.  What aspects of your history do you prefer to keep unspoken?

Jesus said “the truth will set you free”   How does that resonate with Stephen’s experience?

Have you asked Christ’s forgiveness to fully set you free from your personal stiff-necked opposition?   Y/N

Invitation: 

Throughout today, prayerfully consider Paul’s below teachings about freedom in Christ. 

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.         

Galatians 5:1

because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.                                                          

Romans 8:2

But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 

Colossians 1:22