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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Ever feel like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Moses did too. In this powerful message from our One Hit Wonders series, we explore how Moses's father-in-law Jethro spoke life-changing wisdom into one of history's greatest leaders - and what that means for us today.

Join us as we discover three transformational truths from Exodus 18 that will revolutionize how you handle life's burdens and embrace God's design for community and leadership.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• We all have blind spots that others can see
• God places wise voices in our lives for a reason
• Wisdom is only beneficial when we take action
• Your obedience opens doors for others
• You don't have to do everything to be faithful

Ryan Miller
Speaking Team
August 31, 2025

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.

www.visitopendoor.com

Ever been betrayed by someone close to you? Feeling isolated or wondering who you can really trust? In this episode from our "One Hit Wonders" series, we dive into the remarkable story of Ittai the Gittite - an unlikely hero who demonstrated extraordinary loyalty to King David when everyone else abandoned him.

When David faced his darkest hour as his own son Absalom staged a coup, this foreign warrior from Gath made a covenant commitment that still teaches us today about faithfulness, loyalty, and what it means to lean in when it's easier to walk away.

In This Episode You'll Discover:

• Why betrayal is a 100% guarantee in life (and how to handle it)
• The danger of having "low expectations" for people God strategically places in your life
• How to recognize true loyalty (hint: it shows up in crisis, not comfort)
• The power of covenant language and commitment in relationships
• Why some people will surprise you with their faithfulness when you need it most

Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 15:13-22

Whether you're a church leader, going through relationship challenges, or simply trying to understand what real loyalty looks like in today's world, this message offers hope and practical wisdom for building lasting, covenant relationships.

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.

www.visitopendoor.com

Pastor Stephen Mizell
August 24, 2025

Have you ever felt overlooked or unimportant in God's kingdom? This week we dive into the story of Huldah, a prophet so obscure that even seasoned Bible readers might miss her significance. Living in the second district of Jerusalem as the wife of a temple wardrobe keeper, Huldah seemed like an unlikely candidate for divine consultation. Yet when King Josiah needed to hear from God, it was this faithful woman in the background that the royal officials sought out.

In this message from our "One Hit Wonders" series, we explore how God positioned Huldah to speak truth into the most powerful places in the kingdom. Her story teaches us three essential truths: the transformative power of God's Word, the importance of seeking wise counsel, and how humility opens the door for God's grace.

What You'll Discover:

• Why faithfulness makes you findable when God needs someone to speak His truth
• How God often uses voices in the background rather than those on the platform
• The danger of letting pride keep you from your calling
• Why revelation must come before reformation in our spiritual lives
• How humility can change the temperature of any situation

Key Scripture: 2 Kings 22 - The discovery of the Book of the Law and Josiah's consultation with Huldah

Whether you're struggling to find your purpose, need courage to step into your calling, or feel like your voice doesn't matter in God's kingdom, this message will encourage and challenge you. Huldah's story reminds us that God's voice isn't limited by position, gender, or visibility - He uses those who are willing to listen.

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.

www.visitopendoor.com


Pastor Stephen Mizell, August 17, 2025

In this week's episode from our "One Hit Wonders" series, we dive deep into the story of Gehazi, Elisha's servant who made a fateful decision that cost him everything. This powerful message explores how even those in close proximity to God's miraculous power can be drawn away by the allure of money and influence.

In This Episode:

• Why money remains one of the most challenging topics in church
• How Gehazi traded his permanent calling for temporary gain
• The danger of taking counsel only from yourself
• Why greed often disguises itself and takes advantage of generosity
• The sobering truth that nothing is hidden from God
• How to avoid trading what matters most for what you want most

Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 5:20-27

This message will challenge you to examine what might be pulling you away from God's best for your life. Whether it's the pursuit of wealth, power, or simply good things that aren't God's things for you, this teaching offers both conviction and hope.

Perfect for anyone struggling with:

• Financial temptations and stewardship
• Making compromises in their faith walk
• Understanding the difference between God's will and personal desires
• Seeking accountability in spiritual growth

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.

Pastor Stephen Mizell
August 10, 2025

What happens when someone with every right to stay silent decides to speak up instead? In this episode, we dive deep into the story of Naaman's servant girl - a young prisoner of war whose simple act of faith changed everything.

This unnamed girl had lost everything. Taken captive, forced to serve in enemy territory, with no platform or position of influence. Yet in one pivotal moment, she chose to point her master toward healing. Her story reveals powerful truths about finding your voice when life doesn't go according to plan.

In This Episode:

• Why you don't need a platform to make a difference - just obedience
• How even successful people can be "bleeding warriors" behind closed doors
• The real test of servanthood: serving others when you're not getting the best deal
• What keeps us silent: fear, shame, busyness, and past pain
• Why your worst circumstances might position you to reach people others can't
• The difference between trying to buy God's grace and simply surrendering to it

Key Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-5

Whether you're feeling stuck in difficult circumstances, questioning if God can use you, or wondering how to speak up when it matters most, this message will encourage you to find your voice right where you are.

Pastor Stephen Mizell
August 3, 2025