Did you know that many people are wearing a religious false face?
Stephen had been brought up as a Jew, but was now on trial because he had become a Christian, and had been preaching about Jesus Christ.
Stephen reminded the court that Moses “received living words to pass on to us. But our fathers refused to obey him … They rejected him in their hearts … They told Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us …’ That was the time they made an idol…” (verses 38-41.) This led to them using various other images in their worship - they even went so far as to worship what they called “the Queen of Heaven.” God’s prophet, Jeremiah, told them all such idolatry was detestable, and hated by God, but they took no notice of what he said. (Jeremiah 7:16-19. 44:4, 15-17.)
God’s Word declares that the use of ANY image or statue, whether it is of a creature, or a man, or a woman, is detestable to God. (Deuteronomy 4:15-18. Ezekiel 20:30-31. 2ndCorinthians 6:14-18.) The “living words” of the commandments God gave through Moses clearly taught that God is a JEALOUS GOD, who rightly demands all our worship and praise. (Exodus 20:3-6. 34:14. Deuteronomy 4:23-24. Isaiah 42:8.)
Stephen reminded the Council, that although their ancestors had followed the instructions God had given about making “the Tabernacle” (Tent) to worship God in (verse 44.), yet God saw it was just like a religious false face. God was not fooled. In their hearts they were worshipping other gods! God rejected them, and their worship, while they used images. (verses 41-43. Matthew 15:8-9.)
Today, many who say they are worshipping the One True God, and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, are just wearing a religious false face! They go on disobeying God by using images; they pray to others, thinking they can worship God while they worship others also; and some still want to believe in a goddess, whom they call “the Queen of Heaven”!
Don’t you be content to hide behind a religious false face, like this Council was doing that had arrested Stephen. Those religious people were not ready or willing to put their religious beliefs right with what God had said. They still wanted to reject that great Prophet and Leader whom Moses had said God would send (verse 37.) - Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. (Matthew 16:16.)
Remember, God is a JEALOUS God. (Exodus 20:5. 34:14.) He will not, and cannot let anyone come to Him except by the one way He Himself has freely provided. Only His Son Jesus Christ can bring you to God. (John 14:6. 1stTimothy 2:5-6. 1stPeter 3:18.)
God requires you to have faith in His words. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6.) Here is one way to remember what faith in God means - F.A.I.T.H. - Forsaking All (others) I Trust Him.
Will you have faith like that in God?
Read Acts chapter 7, verses 37-44.
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