August 16, 2026. What do you do when obedience to God doesn’t open the door, but instead brings heat, pressure, and resistance? This message on Stephen’s death in Acts 7 asks the question so many believers face: what happens when faithfulness costs more than you expected?

Pastor Joe Lewis walks through Stephen’s final stand before the Sanhedrin and shows how the real battle wasn’t just over a temple or a courtroom - it was over hearts resisting the Holy Spirit. Along the way, he makes a powerful case that God cannot be contained by buildings, traditions, or ministry methods, and that truth doesn’t stop being true just because people don’t want to hear it.

You’ll be challenged to think about what you’re really holding onto - comfort, reputation, religious habits, or a genuine willingness to obey when God speaks. And you’ll be reminded that even when the world looks like it’s winning, heaven sees something different.

Reflection questions:

• Where have I been resisting God’s clear direction?
• Am I more attached to what God uses, or to God Himself?

If you need courage to stay faithful when it’s costly, this one is for you. Visit our website or join us in person next Sunday.

Speaker: Joe Lewis

Main text: Acts 7:44-60

Tap here for sermon notes

Follow along with sermon notes and more on the Church Center app! Download now to get started.

If you have any questions about anything you heard on this episode, or if you want to start a relationship with Jesus, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Get in touch at annistown.com/contact

Intro/Outro Music: "368" by Dyalla

August 9, 2026. What if God is already moving toward you in the middle of your ordinary day? When life feels repetitive, delayed, or heavy, this message from Joe Lewis opens Acts 7 and shows how the burning bush is really a window into God’s open heart.

You’ll hear how Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin with boldness, how Moses’ past in Egypt and years in Midian were never wasted, and why God’s words - “I have seen, I have heard, and I have come down” - still speak hope today. Joe traces the path from Moses to Jesus, showing that the same God who called, rescued, and sent deliverers is still pursuing people now, and that the deepest problem isn’t lack of evidence, but hearts that keep turning away.

You’ll discover:

• Why God often makes the first move before we ever do
• How holy ground is created by God’s presence, not a location
• Why miracles alone don’t change a rebellious heart
• How Moses points straight to Jesus, the greater Deliverer
• What happens when we settle for control, idols, or a religion that never reaches the heart

If you’ve ever wondered whether God sees you, hears you, or still cares after all this time, this sermon is for you. It’s a strong reminder that God doesn’t waste pain, doesn’t ignore suffering, and doesn’t stop pursuing the people He loves.

Reflection questions:

• Where might God already be speaking, even if the moment feels ordinary?
• What are you tempted to put on the throne of your heart instead of Christ?

Want to hear more? Visit our website or join us in person next Sunday and worship with us.

Speaker: Joe Lewis

Main text: Acts7:30-43

Tap here for sermon notes

Follow along with sermon notes and more on the Church Center app! Download now to get started.

If you have any questions about anything you heard on this episode, or if you want to start a relationship with Jesus, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Get in touch at annistown.com/contact

Intro/Outro Music: "368" by Dyalla

August 2, 2026. Are you feeling caught between who you were and who you’re becoming? Sometimes, our past feels like a distant relative—familiar, but not always helpful.

This week, we explore how Jesus’s love doesn’t just erase our history—it redefines it. Pastor Joe Lewis reminds us that no matter what baggage we carry from the past, God's forgiveness offers a new start and a fresh identity rooted in His grace.

You’ll discover how to leave behind the shame of yesterday and step into the hope of today, empowered by a love that’s bigger than our mistakes. We talk about the power of grace to forgive, renew, and truly transform your story.

Ask yourself:

• What personal story am I holding onto that might be keeping me from moving forward?
• How can I embrace God's grace as my fresh start today?

Join us next Sunday in person or at our church website to experience the hope and peace that come from letting God rewrite your story.

Speaker: Joe Lewis

Main text: Acts 7:17-29

Tap here for sermon notes

Follow along with sermon notes and more on the Church Center app! Download now to get started.

If you have any questions about anything you heard on this episode, or if you want to start a relationship with Jesus, please don't hesitate to reach out!

Get in touch at annistown.com/contact

Intro/Outro Music: "368" by Dyalla