Stephen's sermon which is recorded in Acts chapter seven caused quite an outrage. After listening to Stephen trace God's promise to Jesus Christ, they became so angry that they stoned him to death. They "were cut to the heart." Acts 7:54. This multitude did not just simply walk away nor did they ignore what Stephen had preached. They reacted in a most hostile manner. The power of preaching is to convict and convert. Whether that is accomplished will depend upon the heart of the hearer. These hearts in Acts seven were filled with hate and prejudice. This type of heart will respond in a very negative way to the gospel. The heart must desire truth and must seek truth. Stephen was just a messenger who had been sent with a message as were the prophets. Stephen told them that they had persecuted and killed the prophets as well as the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 7:52. This audience was "stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears." Acts 7:51. This type of hearer will only be outraged at the gospel. This hearer will not hear and will not obey. Our heart must be open to receive God's truth. The heart that is convicted will be converted.
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