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!

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

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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!

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

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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!

Get in touch at annistown.com/contact

Intro/Outro Music: "368" by Dyalla

July 26, 2026. Sometimes, it feels like God's promises are taking forever—leaving us wondering, "Is He really coming through for me?" If you've been waiting on a breakthrough, healing, or a restored relationship, this message is for you.

This Sunday, we looked at how God keeps His promises—no matter how long it takes. From Abraham’s 25-year wait for Isaac to Joseph’s long road from the pit to power, the Bible shows us that delay isn’t denial. Stephen reminded us that God’s character never changes, and His promises are certain because He is the Promise Keeper. We even explored how Jesus’ return is the ultimate unconditional promise—no matter what the world looks like, He is coming back.

You’ll discover:

Why waiting for God's timing is actually part of His plan

How God uses every season, even the tough ones, to keep His word alive

That no delay equals a denial—God’s promises always come through in His perfect time

The importance of trusting the Promise Keeper, even when life doesn’t make sense

Think about this: Are you holding on to a promise from God? What might He want to teach you during your wait?

If you’re tired of feeling uncertain about His promises, come visit us in person or hop online. Next Sunday could be the start of your renewed hope.

Speaker: Joe Lewis

Main text: Acts 7:1-16

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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!

Get in touch at annistown.com/contact

Intro/Outro Music: "368" by Dyalla

July 19, 2026. In this episode, Stephen's unwavering trust in God's promises transforms his act of martyrdom into a powerful testament of faith that still inspires today. You'll discover how God's initiative in seeking us, His faithfulness across generations, and His mastery in fulfilling promises defy human limitations, even amid life's waiting periods and uncertainties. This sermon of trust and divine faithfulness is essential listening for anyone navigating doubt, delay, or discouragement, reminding us that God's character remains unchanging and His promises always hold true.

Speaker: Joe Lewis

Main text: Acts 7:1-16

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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!

Get in touch at annistown.com/contact

Intro/Outro Music: "368" by Dyalla

July 12, 2026. In this inspiring episode, we explore how grace shines brightest under pressure through the story of Stephen, a humble servant who faces false accusations, persecution, and death with unwavering faith. You'll discover the secret tolasting influence isn’t fame or influence but private fullness of the Holy Spirit, which empowers us to stand firm when attacked. This message reminds believers that true courage, wisdom, and grace are rooted in living in God's presence—no matter the opposition—transforming trials into moments of divine fulfillment and reflection of Christ’s glory.

Speaker: Joe Lewis

Main text: Acts 6:8-15

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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

July 5, 2026. In this episode, discover how Jesus exposes the true source of freedom—whether it's political or spiritual—and why only He can set us free from sin’s invisible chains. You’ll hear a compelling reminder that true liberty begins with knowing Jesus personally, persevering in His Word, and accepting His finished work on the cross. If you're searching for lasting freedom that transforms your heart and soul, this powerful message will challenge your perspective and invite you into a deeper relationship with Christ.

Speaker: Joe Lewis

Main text: John 8:31-36

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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

June 28, 2026. When internal conflicts threaten to stall growth, how can a church turn issues into opportunities for renewal? In this episode, we explore how the early church faced internal disputes, like neglecting widows, with Spirit-led solutions that fueled their expansion rather than hindered it. You'll discover the vital roles of spiritual wisdom, congregational involvement, and servant leadership through the inspiring story of how conflict was transformed into church growth, reminding us all that even challenges can serve God's greater purpose. Essential listening for anyone passionate about resilient, thriving faith communities that overcome obstacles and continue to grow.

Speaker: Yemi Yikealo

Main text: Acts 6:1-7

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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

June 21, 2026. In this episode, Pastor Yemi reflects on the power of responding to godly truth with humility and courage, especially in the face of opposition or hardship. He shares compelling stories from the Book of Acts about how the apostles persisted in teaching Jesus even when silenced, flogged, or told not to speak His name—encouraging listeners to consider their own response to divine truth today. You'll discover the importance of unwavering faith, the guarantee of God's plan, and how every encounter with godly truth can transform us when we remain steadfast—making this a must-listen for those seeking boldness in their walk with Christ.

Speaker: Yemi Yikealo

Main text: Acts 5:30-42

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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

June 14, 2026. In this episode, the courage to obey God's voice despite opposition is revealed through the story of the apostles in Acts chapter five, emphasizing that obedience often comes at a cost. You'll discover how faithfulness in the face of persecution, fear, and societal pressure stems from recognizing a higher authority—God's—and the unstoppable power of a church on mission. If you're wrestling with fear, compromise, or silence in your faith journey, this inspiring message reminds us that true strength lies in unwavering obedience to God's command to make Jesus known.

Speaker: Joe Lewis

Main text: Acts 5:17-32

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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!

Get in touch at annistown.com/contact

Intro/Outro Music: "368" by Dyalla