Scripture/Text: 7:1-53; Stephen's defense before the Jerusalem temple court is not just a bible history lesson, it's a prosecution of sin and a proclamation of salvation. The Old Testament reveals that Israel repeatedly rejected God's chosen servants like Joseph, Moses, and now Jesus. Too often God's chosen people clung to rituals, symbols, and sacred spaces while ignoring the living God who moved among them. Stephen's main point is that God's presence was never limited to the land or temple. The land promises and the entire Old Testament story points forward to God's crucified, risen, and ascended Savior, Jesus Christ. On this Easter Sunday, the same question confronts each one of us: will we receive the risen Savior or reject Him for rituals and symbols? God's glory and presence has broken through Christ's resurrection and His Spirit is calling us into a personal relationship through Jesus Christ.

Sermon Outline

1. Section # 1 of Stephen's Speech: In Genesis God's Glory Appears Outside the Temple (Acts 7:2-16)

2. Section # 2 of Stephen's Speech: In Exodus God's Servant Moses Is Rejected (Acts 7:17-43)

3. Section # 3 of Stephen's Speech: David and Solomon Taught God's Presence Cannot Be Contained (Acts 7:44-53)

Discussion Questions

What keeps people from accepting the Risen Savior? In what ways do people reject the Savior today?
How does power impact whether or not people accept Jesus?
How do the stories of Genesis 12-50 demonstrate God's power and presence in the midst of rejection?
How does the story of Moses in Deuteronomy/Exodus connect with Stephen and his upbringing? How does this point to Jesus?
What does the rejection of Jesus lead to? In what ways can we also turn to other people or things instead of Jesus?
What rituals or symbols do we struggle to follow instead of God?
How does our life demonstrate that we are receiving Christ and not rejecting Him?
How do we as humans take the gifts/glory from God and [misuse them]?
How would we know whether or not we are rejecting Jesus and living for ourselves?
In what ways do we take what is temporary to live for ourselves?
How do I receive the Risen Savior?
How do we misuse God's gifts to be more important than Jesus Himself?
How do we grow to love Jesus more and give our lives to Him?
How does God use hardship, challenges, or marriage to point us to Himself?