Acts 7 | Greg Opean
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Greg Opean
Packinghouse’s Sunday morning worship service from May 10, 2026.
Acts 7 closes with the powerful account of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose bold defense before the Sanhedrin exposed how easily people can turn religion, traditions, and even sacred places into boxes that try to contain God . As Stephen walks through Israel’s history, he shows that God has always moved beyond human control and that the tabernacle, sacrifices, and temple all pointed forward to Jesus Christ—the true sacrifice who brings sinful people into God’s presence by grace. Even as the religious leaders respond with rage and stone him to death, Stephen reflects the heart of Jesus by forgiving his enemies and entrusting himself fully to God. Woven through the message is a moving Mother’s Day reflection, comparing the self-sacrificial love of mothers to the life of Stephen and ultimately to Christ Himself, reminding us that true greatness in God’s kingdom is found in lives poured out for others.