Celebration Church of Fairhope's Podcast

Did you know Hell has gates? Week 4 of Gates focuses on "The Gate of Fear" and how fear tries to trap believers and keep them from God's best. In Matthew 16 and Matthew 14, Jesus reveals who He is and calls His followers to trust Him beyond human reasoning and anxious "what ifs." The message contrasts godly fear, which produces reverence, faith, and peace, with worldly fear, which creates anxiety, doubt, and paralysis. When we know who Christ is and fix our minds on God's promises, we can walk in faith, overcome worry, and live with power, love, and a sound mind.

Did You Know Hell Has Gates? Week 3: What Label Do You Wear? In this powerful message from Matthew 16:13–18, Jesus asks the most important question anyone will ever face: "Who do you say that I am?" Before we can understand who we are, we must know who He is. This message reveals how the labels placed on us by our past, our failures, and even other people can distort our identity and lead us into comparison, insecurity, and striving. Through Scripture, including Hebrews 12:1–2 and Galatians 3:28, we discover that our true identity is not found in performance, popularity, or success, but in Christ alone. When Jesus defines us, we are no longer ruled by shame, fear, or competition—we are free to run our race with purpose, confidence, and joy. This sermon challenges believers to drop false labels and live fully as sons and daughters of God.

Did you know that Hell has Gates?   Matthew 16 reveals why Jesus declared victory over hell at the darkest place on earth. Standing at Caesarea Philippi—known as the "gates of hell"—Jesus proclaimed that His Church would advance, not retreat. This wasn't symbolic; it was a spiritual confrontation. The real battlefield is the mind. Satan builds strongholds through lies, but Scripture teaches we have divine power to demolish them (2 Corinthians 10:3–5). What you believe shapes how you live, and your life always follows your strongest thoughts. When we take thoughts captive, replace lies with God's truth, and renew our minds, we walk in freedom, authority, and purpose. The gates of hell cannot prevail against a mind anchored in Christ.

Did you know that Hell has Gates? A biblical look at how the Church advances God's kingdom through spiritual authority, surrendered lives, and the power of Christ

What kind of year was last year spiritually for you? As we step into the first Sunday of 2026, this message challenges us to honestly evaluate our faith and reset our priorities. Were you spiritually apathetic, inconsistent, or fully consumed by God's presence? No judgment, just truth and an invitation to something deeper. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 6:33 that order matters. When God is first, life finds order. When He is not, disorder follows. This message unpacks what it truly means to seek God first, not out of legalism, but out of relationship. We explore practical ways to put God first in every area of life: • Your daily time with God • Your commitment to the local church • Your finances and trust through tithing • Your spiritual focus through fasting Drawing from Scripture, personal testimony, and biblical examples from Jesus, Daniel, Moses, and the early church, this message calls us to start the year with intention, clarity, and surrender. If you want a different year, a deeper faith, and a reordered life, this message is for you. First things first. Put God first and watch what He does. Scriptures referenced include Matthew 6:33, Psalm 63:1, Mark 1:35, Hebrews 10:25, Malachi 3, Galatians 5, and Matthew 6. If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who is ready to start the year strong in their faith.

Are you living your purpose? Or are you just going through the motions? Discover your unique calling and mission with this message exploring your God-given burden.