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

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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!

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Intro/Outro Music: "368" by Dyalla