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  • The Defense of the Faith

  • December 6, 2020

    Series: Acts: Empowered for the Mission, Part 16

    Text: Acts 7:1-53

    Main Idea: Unlike Israel who hardened their heart & rebelled against the grace of God, we must receive and believe in His Word & in His Son, the only redeemer of our souls.

  • 1.        in the sovereign grace of God who birthed you! (v. 1-8)

    • God sovereignly       Abraham & promised a land as a future inheritance. (v. 2-5)
    • God promised that Abraham’s descendants would be in bondage for 400 years but also promised to       & bring them into the land. (v. 6-7)
    • God assured Abraham with the       of circumcision. (v. 8)


    2.     Learn from the rebellious pattern of Israel’s continued      of God’s gracious dealings with His people. (v. 9-53)

    • First rejection: The patriarchal forefathers rejected God’s chosen servant      . (v. 9-16)
    • Second rejection: The Israelites rejected God’s chosen servant      . (v. 17-41)
    • Third rejection: The people rejected       wholeheartedly. (v. 41-50)
    • Ultimate rejection: The people rejected      , the Righteous One who alone could deliverer them from their sins. (v. 50-53)


    3.     Apply the great      from Israel & Stephen.

    • Recognize God’s abundant      toward hardened sinners.
    • Don’t presume upon God’s grace by falling into a       of sin.
    • Guard against going through the outward motions of       when your heart is far from God.
    • Imitate Stephen by being more concerned about bearing       to the truth than about our own protection.
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