Jesus is Better: A Call to Unwavering Faith

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Collective Mission

Our church's new name, Together We Church, emphasizes the collective mission to reach, disciple, and send people out to impact generations for Christ. This collective effort is not just about individual actions but about coming together as a community to fulfill God's mission. The name change signifies a deeper commitment to unity and shared purpose. It calls each member to actively participate in the church's mission, recognizing that we are stronger and more effective when we work together. This collective mission is a reflection of the early church's approach, where believers were united in heart and mind, sharing everything they had to advance the gospel.

The power of a collective mission lies in its ability to bring diverse individuals together for a common cause. It encourages us to look beyond our personal preferences and focus on the greater good of the community. By working together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone. This unity is not just about physical presence but also about spiritual alignment, where each member is committed to the same vision and purpose. As we embrace this collective mission, we are reminded that our efforts, no matter how small, contribute to a larger, God-ordained plan. [25:24]

Acts 4:32-33 (ESV): "Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all."

Reflection: How can you actively contribute to the collective mission of your church this week? What specific actions can you take to support and unite with your church community?

Day 2: Stephen's Unwavering Faith

Stephen's life and martyrdom in Acts 6 and 7 serve as a powerful example of unwavering faith. Despite facing false accusations and imminent death, Stephen remained full of the Holy Spirit and declared the truth with boldness. His life challenges us to examine whether we live in a way that declares Jesus is better. Stephen's faith was not just a private belief but a public declaration, even in the face of severe opposition. His courage and conviction were rooted in his deep relationship with God and his understanding of the gospel.

Stephen's story is a reminder that true faith often requires us to stand firm in the face of adversity. It calls us to be bold in our witness and unwavering in our commitment to Christ, regardless of the consequences. Stephen's example encourages us to evaluate our own faith and consider whether we are willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. His life and death serve as a testament to the transformative power of a faith that is fully surrendered to God. [38:23]

Acts 7:55-56 (ESV): "But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'"

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to demonstrate more boldness and unwavering faith? How can you draw strength from Stephen's example to stand firm in your beliefs?

Day 3: Openness to God's Voice

Stephen's final words to the Sanhedrin highlighted their resistance to change and openness to God's voice. This resistance is something we must guard against in our own lives. Being open to God's voice requires a willingness to change the core of who we are. It involves a readiness to listen, even when God's message challenges our preconceived notions or requires us to step out of our comfort zones. Stephen's confrontation with the Sanhedrin serves as a warning against spiritual stubbornness and a call to cultivate a heart that is receptive to God's leading.

Openness to God's voice is essential for spiritual growth and transformation. It means being willing to let go of our own agendas and submit to God's will, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. This openness allows us to experience the fullness of God's plans for our lives and to be used by Him in powerful ways. As we reflect on Stephen's words, we are reminded of the importance of humility and the need to continually seek God's guidance in every aspect of our lives. [44:10]

Hebrews 3:7-8 (ESV): "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness.'"

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God's voice? What steps can you take to cultivate a more open and receptive heart to His guidance?

Day 4: Impact of a Jesus-Centered Life

The testimony of the Duran family, who chose to declare that Jesus is better despite facing the tragic loss of their son, underscores the transformative power of living a life that prioritizes Jesus above all else. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that our response to life's challenges can either reflect our belief in Jesus or reveal our stubbornness. The Duran family's faith in the midst of suffering demonstrates the profound impact that a Jesus-centered life can have, not only on the individuals living it but also on those around them.

A Jesus-centered life is marked by a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the face of pain and loss. It involves a commitment to prioritize Jesus in every aspect of life, allowing His love and grace to shape our responses to difficult circumstances. The Duran family's testimony challenges us to consider how we can live in a way that consistently declares Jesus is better, regardless of our circumstances. Their example encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness and to allow His presence to bring hope and healing in the midst of our trials. [56:01]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: How can you prioritize Jesus in your life today, especially in the midst of challenges? What practical steps can you take to ensure that your responses to difficulties reflect your faith in Him?

Day 5: Christ-like Responses

Stephen's Christ-like response to his accusers, even in the face of death, shows the importance of how we respond to lies and challenges. Our responses should reflect our confidence in Christ and our belief that Jesus is better. This kind of response can have a profound impact on those around us. Stephen's ability to forgive and pray for his persecutors, even as they were stoning him, demonstrates the transformative power of a heart that is fully surrendered to Christ.

Christ-like responses are characterized by love, forgiveness, and grace, even in the face of hostility and injustice. They reflect a deep trust in God's sovereignty and a commitment to follow Jesus' example in every situation. Stephen's response challenges us to consider how we can embody these qualities in our own lives, especially when we face opposition or false accusations. By responding in a Christ-like manner, we can be a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel and inspire others to seek a relationship with Jesus. [49:16]

1 Peter 2:23 (ESV): "When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly."

Reflection: How do you typically respond to lies and challenges? What changes can you make to ensure that your responses reflect the love and grace of Christ?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound truth that "Jesus is better." This theme is not just a slogan but a call to a higher standard of living, a preference, and a conviction that should guide every aspect of our lives. We began by discussing the significance of our church's new name, Together We Church, emphasizing the collective mission to reach, disciple, and send people out to impact generations for Christ. We celebrated various church activities, including the impactful work of our student ministry and the inspiring story of a 93-year-old woman who recently gave her life to Christ.

We then delved into the story of Stephen from Acts 6 and 7, a man who exemplified the belief that Jesus is better. Stephen's life and martyrdom serve as a powerful example of unwavering faith and commitment. Despite facing false accusations and imminent death, Stephen remained full of the Holy Spirit and declared the truth with boldness. His final words to the Sanhedrin, calling them "stiff-necked people," highlighted their resistance to change and openness to God's voice.

Stephen's story challenges us to examine our own lives. Do we live in a way that declares Jesus is better? Are we willing to change the core of who we are to align with this truth? Stephen's unwavering faith, even in the face of death, serves as a powerful reminder that our response to life's challenges can either reflect our belief in Jesus or reveal our stubbornness.

We also heard a moving testimony from the Duran family, who, despite facing the tragic loss of their son, chose to declare that Jesus is better. Their story, like Stephen's, underscores the transformative power of living a life that prioritizes Jesus above all else.

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Key Takeaways

1. Centered Life**: The testimony of the Duran family, who chose to declare that Jesus is better despite facing the tragic loss of their son, underscores the transformative power of living a life that prioritizes Jesus above all else. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that our response to life's challenges can either reflect our belief in Jesus or reveal our stubbornness. [56:01]
5. Christ-like Responses: Stephen's Christ-like response to his accusers, even in the face of death, shows the importance of how we respond to lies and challenges. Our responses should reflect our confidence in Christ and our belief that Jesus is better. This kind of response can have a profound impact on those around us.

### [56:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:24] - Introduction to Together We Church
[26:02] - Community Engagement and Outreach
[26:27] - Together We Team and Volunteer Appreciation
[26:52] - Upcoming Events: Ladies Bible Study and Men's Steak Dinner
[28:28] - Student Ministry Highlights
[29:50] - Upper Room Event and Teen Baptisms
[30:33] - 93-Year-Old Woman's Baptism
[32:18] - Gratitude for Generosity and Service
[33:03] - Introduction to "Jesus is Better" Series
[35:47] - Parking Challenges and Church Growth
[37:02] - Stephen's Story: Acts 6 and 7
[38:23] - Stephen's Unwavering Faith
[44:10] - Openness to God's Voice
[49:16] - Christ-like Responses
[56:01] - Testimony: The Duran Family
[64:12] - Invitation to Respond
[79:00] - Closing Remarks and Invitation to Connect

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the significance of Stephen being described as "full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" in Acts 6:5?
How did Stephen respond to the false accusations and imminent death in Acts 7:51-60? [38:23]
What were Stephen's final words to the Sanhedrin, and what did they reveal about their hearts? [42:42]
How did the Sanhedrin react to Stephen's vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God? [50:55]

Interpretation Questions

What does Stephen's unwavering faith, even in the face of death, teach us about the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit? [38:23]
How does Stephen's bold declaration to the Sanhedrin challenge us to examine our own openness to God's voice and willingness to change? [44:10]
In what ways does the testimony of the Duran family, who declared that "Jesus is better" despite their loss, illustrate the transformative power of a Jesus-centered life? [56:01]
How can Stephen's Christ-like response to his accusers serve as a model for how we should respond to lies and challenges in our own lives? [49:16]

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. Did your response reflect a belief that "Jesus is better"? How might you respond differently in the future? [49:16]
Stephen called the Sanhedrin "stiff-necked people" for their resistance to change. Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God's voice? What steps can you take to be more open to His guidance? [42:42]
The Duran family chose to declare that "Jesus is better" despite their tragic loss. How can you prioritize Jesus in your life, especially during difficult times? [56:01]
Stephen's face displayed his confidence in Christ even in the face of death. How do your expressions and attitudes reflect your faith in Jesus during everyday interactions? [41:11]
Stephen looked up to heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Where do you turn in times of distress or challenges? How can you make a habit of looking to Jesus first? [50:24]
The Sanhedrin covered their ears to avoid hearing the truth. Are there truths from God that you are avoiding? How can you take your hands off your ears and be open to His message? [53:33]
Stephen's life and martyrdom had a profound impact on Saul, who later became Paul. Who in your life might be impacted by your declaration that "Jesus is better"? How can you live out this truth more boldly? [55:29]

Sermon Clips

1. "Together we go out and take the gospel to the world. That's why here we say together we are reaching, discipling, sending church, impacting generations for Christ. Yeah come on y'all There's power in the name of Jesus Amen" [25:24] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We do the men's steak dinner so that you as a man can leverage the influence that God has given you right where you are and invite other men that are in your circle to come and hear about Jesus. That's why we do the men's steak dinner." [27:40] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Does the life you live say you just go to church? That Monday, that Sunday's church day, Monday's world day, or does the life you live declare in every aspect of your life that Jesus is better? No matter what you walk through, no matter what circumstance hit, no matter what success you face, that Jesus is better." [38:23] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Our response will determine how others perceive what we hold to, be true in our lives. Do you hope Jesus is better? How you respond to people will display that you believe Jesus is better. How you respond in valleys of your life will put on display that you believe Jesus is better. How you respond to tragedy will show if you truly believe Jesus is better." [41:11] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Stephen had an attitude that said Jesus is better. He just had an attitude that said Jesus is better. He had an emotion that said Jesus is better. He had a heart that said Jesus is better. You think they would have said that Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit if he didn't respond the way he responded? He responded different. He responded declaring Jesus is better." [49:16] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Stephen honored Jesus, so Jesus honored Stephen. Stephen stood for Jesus, so Jesus stood for Stephen. Jesus lived a life that said, Jesus is better. Jesus was honoring Stephen because Stephen honored Jesus by saying, Jesus is better." [52:19] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Living a Jesus is better life will impact all the lives around you. I want you to hear a testimony today. Each week during the Jesus is better series, we're actually gonna do a testimony from people in our church that they chose Jesus is better." [56:01] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "He cared more about your eternity than he cared about his own life. And on that day, I want to tell you, when we stood up here and we got to declare that Jesus is better at that celebration service from Zach Duran, we literally watched 30 people plus come to know Jesus. We watched family members get saved. Heaven looked different because one man said, Jesus is better." [01:04:12] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Have you chosen Jesus is better in your life? Have you let humility creep in enough in your life to run from the rebellion against God and just finally surrender to him? Can I just tell you, you are not here today because Omelette Sunday and because somebody invited you. You're here today because almighty God wanted you in this room to hear about Jesus." [01:05:39] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "There's also a group of believers in this room. In your life right now, you're not choosing Jesus as better. You've drifted. You've gone the wrong way. You know you're saved, but you're not living a life declaring Jesus is better. And whatever area it is in your life that is the greatest challenge, I want to encourage you today to leave your seat wherever you're sitting and to come to this altar, get on your knees and say, God, I'm just going to choose now that you're better." [01:08:24] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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