Opening Prayer: Begin with a moment of prayer, asking God to open your heart and mind to His Word today.

Context: Stephen, a man full of God's grace and power, performs miracles and speaks with wisdom, facing opposition from those threatened by his message.

The Crisis of Identity: When Politics Hijacks Faith
Key Point: Political loyalty should not define our faith.

Reflection Question: How can we ensure our faith is shaped by Scripture rather than political agendas?

Quote: "If political loyalty is now defining our faith, the entire landscape shifts. It's not just a problem; it's a crisis."

A Clash of Kingdoms
Key Point: The Holy Spirit empowers us to challenge complacency and live boldly for God's Kingdom.

Reflection Question: What are we willing to sacrifice to protect what we claim to hold sacred?

Quote: "The Holy Spirit isn't a historical footnote; He's the fire in our bones,

The Accusation: Lies and Manipulation
Key Point: Stephen faced false accusations because his message disrupted the status quo.

Reflection Question: How can we stand firm in truth when faced with opposition?

Quote: "Stephen, a man overflowing with God's grace and power, performs miracles that disrupt the comfortable routines of the religious establishment."

The Root of the Conflict: Protection at All Costs
Key Point: The established order felt threatened by the transformative power of Jesus' message.

Reflection Question: In what ways might we be tempted to protect our comfort over embracing God's truth?

Quote: "The Jesus Revolution, this unstoppable wave of God's power and love, challenged the established order, a system where religion and political power were dangerously intertwined."

Stephen's Character: A Challenge to Us
Key Point: Stephen's life exemplified grace, power, and wisdom.

Reflection Question: How can we cultivate these qualities in our own lives?

Quote: "He's full of grace and power, wielding irresistible wisdom and radiating the glory of the Lord."

Key Thought
Main Message: Reject the counterfeit religion of political power and embrace the costly, counter-cultural, life-giving way of Jesus.

Action Step: Commit to practicing Jesus's way, relying on God's transformative grace, explosive power, and irresistible wisdom.

Closing
Prayer: Conclude with a prayer for strength and courage to live out the message of the sermon in your daily life.

Reflection: Reflect on the sermon throughout the week and consider how you can apply its teachings.

Additional Resources
Scripture for Further Study: Acts 7:54-60 (Stephen's Martyrdom)
Recommended Reading: "The Cost of Discipleship" by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

If you want to receive Jesus’ love today, pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus, I come to You today with all my brokenness, with all my questions, with all my longing. I surrender my life – every part of it – to You. I confess that I cannot navigate this life alone; I need Your forgiveness, Your grace, and Your transforming power. I give You my heart, my mind, my soul, my strength, and I commit to following You, to learning from You, to obeying Your Word. Help me to grow in faith, to love others as You love me, and to serve You wholeheartedly. I trust in Your promises; I believe in Your plan and purpose for my life. I will follow You wherever You lead. Amen.