In a world that defines us by our politics, performance, and popularity, Pastor Stephen Mizell delivers a powerful reminder of where our true identity is found. This week, we begin a 9-week journey through the book of Ephesians, starting with the foundational truth that will anchor everything else: who we are in Christ.

Pastor Stephen addresses the identity crisis plaguing both culture and the church, challenging listeners to stop chasing approval in all the wrong places. Whether you identify more as Republican or Democrat than as a follower of Jesus, or find your worth in your job title, success, or appearance, this message will redirect your focus to the unshakeable foundation of your identity in Christ.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why identity chasing often reveals an absence of love
• The difference between worldly labels and Christ-given identity
• How God chose you intentionally before you had any achievements or qualifications
• What it means that Christ's redemption purchased your complete freedom
• Why the Holy Spirit's seal guarantees your security in God's family
• How to stop allowing past failures to define your present identity

Key Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14

This message is perfect for:

• New believers wondering about their place in God's family
• Seasoned Christians struggling with identity issues
• Anyone tired of performing for acceptance and approval
• Those carrying shame from their past

Episode Highlights:

• The difference between discovering identity vs. receiving it
• Why adoption means you can't lose your place in God's family
• How Christ's actions prove His love beyond just words
• The Holy Spirit as God's "down payment" on your future
• Why God's grace isn't as fragile as we sometimes think

Don't miss this foundation-setting message that will prepare you for the entire Ephesians series. Your identity isn't fragile - it's secured by the Alpha and Omega, the One who began your story and will complete it.

#Identity #Ephesians #ChristianPodcast #Faith #Sermon #Grace #Redemption

About Our Church:

Open Door Church is committed to reaching Northeastern North Carolina with the good news of Jesus Christ. We are an independent, non-affiliated fellowship with a love of Jesus that connects us to a larger purpose in life.

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Pastor Stephen Mizell | September 14, 2025

In a world that seems increasingly chaotic and morally upside-down, how do we stand strong? In this timely episode, Pastor Stephen Mizell takes us through 2 Timothy 3:1-17, showing us how to live faithfully when everything around us feels unstable.

Paul's 2,000-year-old letter to Timothy reads like today's headlines, describing the very conditions we're witnessing in our culture. But rather than leaving us in despair, God's Word provides practical wisdom for navigating these difficult times with faith and courage.

• Recognize the Times - Don't be naive about the spiritual battle we're in
• Guard Your Heart and Home - Protect what influences your family and values
• Stay Faithful No Matter What - Endure persecution with unwavering commitment
• Stand on the Word - Let Scripture be your anchor when everything else shifts

• 2 Timothy 3:1-17 (primary passage)
• Exodus 7-9

• "You can't fight a war you won't admit you're in"
• "If you don't disciple your family, the world will"
• "Faithfulness isn't easy, but it's essential"
• "God's Word doesn't change—even when everything else does"

This isn't about politics or taking sides—it's about standing firm on biblical truth in an age of moral confusion. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by current events or struggling to know how to respond as a Christian, this episode will equip and encourage you.

Faith That Speaks Up: The Courage to Change Generations

What happens when five sisters decide to challenge an entire system? In this episode, we dive into the remarkable story of Zelophehad's daughters from Numbers 27—five women who faced an impossible situation in ancient Israel's male-dominated culture and chose to speak up rather than stay silent.

Their father had died, leaving them with no inheritance and no future. The law was clear: women didn't get property. But these sisters did something extraordinary—they marched right up to Moses and all the leaders of Israel and made their case. What happened next didn't just change their lives; it rewrote the inheritance laws for every generation that followed.

In this episode:

• Why planning for every contingency can become a procrastination trap
• The difference between praying about something and taking faithful action
• How to approach God first before making major decisions
• Why your courage today might be the key that unlocks doors for people you'll never meet
• The generational impact of one moment of faithful boldness

Key Scripture: Numbers 27:1-11

This isn't just an ancient story—it's a blueprint for anyone who's ever felt stuck in an unfair system, anyone who's wondered if their voice really matters, or anyone who's been afraid to speak up when they know something needs to change.

Sometimes faith means praying quietly. Other times, it means speaking up courageously. The question is: What situation in your life is calling for the courage to stand up and say something different needs to be done?

Pastor Stephen Mizell
Sunday, September 7th, 2025

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