Stephen begins by thanking God for His Son, Jesus Christ, and expressing joy for His presence. He desires to see only Jesus and be filled with Him, living a life that testifies to God's glory. Stephen praises God for the morning's message, which highlighted God's eternal purpose centered on His Son. He then transitions to the practical implications of God's purpose and the riches of Christ, focusing on how they transform lives.

Stephen emphasizes God's mercy as the foundation of our relationship with Him. He cites the Apostle Paul's conversion as an example of God's surprising mercy, transforming a blasphemer into a vessel of God's glory. Stephen emphasizes that our hope rests solely on God's mercy, not on our own efforts or sacrifices. He reminds listeners that God delights in showing mercy, referencing the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Stephen concludes by urging his listeners to approach God with humility, recognizing their need for His mercy. He prays for a deeper understanding and experience of God's mercy, asking to be both vessels and channels of God's mercy to the world.

Outline

Introduction: Gratitude for God's Presence and Desire for His Filling
Transition: From God's Eternal Purpose to Its Practical Implications
The Centrality of God's Mercy

Paul's Conversion: A Testament to God's Surprising Mercy
Our Hope Rests on God's Mercy, Not Our Efforts
God Delights in Showing Mercy
Approaching God with Humility and Recognizing Our Need for Mercy

The Effects of Experiencing God's Mercy

Humility and Inability to Boast
Living Sacrifices Presented to God
Extending Mercy to Others

Conclusion: Prayer for a Deeper Understanding and Experience of God's Mercy

Oh! The Depth

Oh! The Depth