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What does God expect from you in this political moment? Pastor Stephen Martin joins from New York with Pastor Daniel Hayworth for a culture review episode that cuts through the noise with biblical clarity.Listen as they break down Virginia's alarming leftward shift, Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, and why the Vance family's fourth child announcement is the ultimate pro-family message for our time.Pastor Stephen challenges every believer with a penetrating question he asks his pastoral team: "What time is it?" Not the literal hour—but what has God specifically called you to do in this moment of history?You'll Learn:✅ The biblical parallel between today's voters and the Israelites wanting to return to Egypt✅ Why Romans 13 matters for understanding government's God-ordained role✅ How to recognize manipulation tactics rooted in Luciferian strategy✅ Why getting married young and having kids early leads to blessingPerfect for your commute or workout—this episode equips you with the biblical framework to engage culture with confidence. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode dropping Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT.
"Shake It Lose" Pastor Stephen McCoy 1.18.25
What if the church's biggest problem isn't hatred, but the subtle ways we treat people differently? In this week's message from our "Integrated" series, Pastor Stephen Mizell confronts a truth that hits closer to home than we'd like to admit: we all have prejudices. Drawing from James 2, this sermon challenges us to examine how we show favoritism—whether based on wealth, appearance, motivation, or countless other factors. Pastor Stephen reminds us that every person who walks through our doors is created in the image of God and deserves the same mercy we desperately need. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Everyone has prejudices—the question is how we respond to what we see Faith and favoritism cannot coexist in the life of a believer We want "TSA PreCheck mercy" for ourselves but "cavity search mercy" for others The royal law: Love your neighbor as yourself (James 2:8) Mercy triumphs over judgment because mercy looks like the King SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: James 2:1-13 Matthew 5:3 (Sermon on the Mount - Blessed are the poor in spirit) This message will challenge you to ask: Who do I instinctively honor? Who do I subtly overlook? And if Jesus walked into our church as inconspicuously as He arrived in a manger, how would we treat Him?
"Anchored In The Storm" Pastor Stephen McCoy 1.11.25
What if the biggest lie you'll ever hear isn't from the culture, the media, or even the enemy - but from yourself? In this week's message from the book of James, Pastor Stephen Mizell tackles one of the most common problems in the church today: we're information-rich but obedience-poor. Drawing from James 1:19-27, Pastor Stephen uses the powerful metaphor of a mirror to show how God's Word reveals who we really are. But here's the challenge: are we just glancing at our reflection and walking away unchanged, or are we allowing what we see to transform us? Why asking for "deep teaching" might actually be an excuse for disobedience The three big blockers that prevent us from hearing God (speaking too quickly, anger, and casual sin) How you can sit in church week after week and remain completely unchanged The dangerous tension between purity and compassion—and why we need both Why social justice without Jesus is no justice at all "God's word reveals our reality, but our obedience is what releases our transformation." ABOUT OPEN DOOR CHURCH Open Door Church is located in Edenton, NC, where Pastor Stephen Mizell serves as lead pastor. We are a fellowship of believers whose lives are being transformed by Jesus Christ and are 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.
Fire Forged Faith | Pastor Stephen Green by Riverside Church
Start your year with powerful insight into how God uses pressure to refine your faith! In this first message of our new series "Integrated," Pastor Stephen unpacks James 1:1-18 to reveal why trials aren't meant to break us—they're meant to complete us. Discover the difference between testing and temptation, learn why God allows difficulties in your life, and find out how endurance develops through patient faith. This message will challenge you to close the gap between what you believe and how you live. Key Takeaways: Pressure reveals your integrity—it doesn't break it God tests you to strengthen you; sin tempts you to destroy you A faith that can't be tested can't be trusted God uses trials to refine you, not punish you Patient endurance leads to wisdom, wholeness, and the crown of life The question isn't IF you'll face pressure, but WHAT it will reveal about you Scripture References: James 1:1-18 | Jeremiah 29:11-13 | 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 About This Series: Join us for "Integrated"—a 7-week journey through the book of James that will help close the gap between what we say we believe and how we actually live. It's time for an integrated life! ABOUT OPEN DOOR CHURCH: Open Door Church is located in Edenton, NC, where Pastor Stephen Mizell serves as lead pastor. We believe in the transformative power of God's Word and the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.
"We Need The Holy Spirit!" Pastor Stephen McCoy 1.4.26
Pastor Stephen shares a message for Epiphany on Matthew's account of the Magi.Support the show
Roman 12:1-2 - True Worship is Transformed Living! - Pastor Stephen Feinstein
In the first sermon of the year, we're kicking it off with a new series: Vision In Motion. Join us as Pastor Stephen talks about when we should be building our faith and what anchors us through the storms of life.
Thank you for joining us at New Covenant Church! Pastor Stephen Warnock kicks off our new series, Advance, with the message “The Kingdom Is Advancing.”Join us in person at 9:00am or 10:30am at our North or South Locations, or tune in to our online service at 10:30am. For more information, visit wearencc.com.
"Great Joy For All People!" Pastor Stephen McCoy 12.28.25
Pastor Stephen shares a message for Christmas on Simeon and Anna.Support the show
The Infinite became an infant to provide the gift of new beginnings.
Back to Basics Part 1: Setting the Table
Pastor Stephen Apt shares a message for Christmas.Support the show
In this week's Advent sermon, Pastor Stephen Mizell challenges us to rethink everything we thought we knew about love. As we light the fourth Advent candle, discover why love isn't just a warm feeling or sentimental decoration—it's a Person you meet and a divine action that changes everything. Drawing from 1 John 4:7-12, Pastor Stephen unpacks the profound truth that God doesn't just love—He IS love. This means love existed before creation, before redemption, and before the incarnation. We don't manufacture love; we can only reflect it. We don't generate it; we can only distribute it. IN THIS EPISODE: Why the Bible never treats love as a decoration The difference between sentimental love and sacrificial love How the manger and the cross are inseparably connected Why your theology is only as good as your relationships The challenge of being God's "full expression" of love to the world A special word for those finding this Christmas season difficult KEY QUOTE: "Christmas is not about God shouting from the mountaintops, 'I love you.' It's about Him whispering it from a manger." This sermon includes a salvation invitation and a tender moment addressing those experiencing a "Blue Christmas"—anyone grieving loss, waiting for answered prayer, or finding the season less joyful than expected. Pastor Stephen reminds us that the good news of Christmas isn't that God avoided darkness, but that He stepped into it. SCRIPTURE: 1 John 4:7-12, Romans 10:9 ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Pastor Stephen Mizell serves as the lead pastor of Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. His teaching combines biblical depth with practical application, helping people encounter Jesus in real and transformative ways.
Joseph had his life planned, but it all came crashing down when he found out Mary was pregnant with a child not his. But God sent his angel to give him hope. He pointed to the one who actually takes away guilt and gives real hope. Through Jesus, God brings forgiveness, peace, and a future we can trust. He doesn't let us navigate it alone, but Immanuel, God with us, goes too. This Christmas, our hearts are made ready when we turn to him and discover the hope he offersSupport the show
Honor the King... by living as a servant.
"Acts 15 & 16" Pastor Stephen McCoy 12.14.25
In this uplifting message from the third week of our Advent series, Pastor Stephen Han reflects on the theme of joy as Christmas draws near. He reminds us that Advent is a season of preparation—anchored in hope, peace, joy, and love—and explores how biblical joy is deeper than fleeting happiness, rooted instead in God's presence and promises.Through Scripture from Isaiah, Habakkuk, and the Christmas story, Pastor Stephen invites us to see joy as a deliberate choice and a lasting gladness that can be found even in small, unexpected moments. He concludes by pointing us toward worship, reminding us that true joy naturally flows into praise, even in the midst of life's challenges.
"Acts Chapter 13 & 14" Pastor Stephen McCoy 12.7.25
Our exalted King was humble and obedient for our sake. (Philippians 2:1-11)
"Acts Chapters 11 & 12" Pastor Stephen McCoy 11.30.25
Have you ever prayed for something so long that you stopped expecting the answer? In this powerful Advent message, Pastor Stephen Mizell explores the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth—a faithful couple who waited 40 years for a child while continuing to serve God in the temple. Through their story found in Luke 1, discover a profound truth: God's silence isn't His absence. Sometimes heaven's delays aren't denials—God is preparing something bigger than what you're praying for. In This Episode: Why biblical hope is different from wishful thinking—it's confident expectation based on God's character How Zechariah and Elizabeth's obedience positioned them for a miracle they'd stopped expecting The difference between faith that believes God "can" versus faith that serves Him even when He "doesn't" Why both Zechariah and Mary asked "how?" but received different responses from the angel What it means to "keep lighting the incense"—staying faithful in service while waiting for answers How God sometimes closes our mouth so He can open our understanding Pastor Stephen challenges us with this question: What do you do when your prayers seem unanswered? The answer may surprise you—it's not to stop praying or stop serving, but to continue faithfully because hope is forged in consistency, not excitement. This message kicks off Open Door Church's Advent series, preparing hearts for 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting beginning January 4th. Key Quote: "Sometimes the most righteous people carry the heaviest crosses. Faith is not just believing God can—it's continuing to serve Him when He doesn't answer the way you expect." Scripture Focus: Luke 1:5-25
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Join Pastor Nick and Pastor Stephen as they introduce our upcoming sermon series, The Savior Has Come, in this new episode! Together, they share a sneak peek at our Advent series, which includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas and culminates in our Christmas Eve candlelight celebration. In a season often marked by busyness and materialism, Advent invites us to slow down, to wait, and to refocus our hearts on the message and meaning of Christ's coming. It helps us think biblically and communally about the significance of Jesus' arrival and places Christmas in its proper context within the story of Scripture—where the entire Old Testament points ahead in longing for the promised Messiah. As we reflect on this waiting, we're reminded of how we, too, are called to wait with hope for Christ's return. As we prepare our hearts for Advent, we anticipate a season filled with intention, celebration, and worship. We're eager to dive into the first two chapters of Luke together on Sundays and to focus our hearts with our church-wide devotional, where the daily readings prepare us for each week's preaching text and provide thoughtful reflection and discussion for families and individuals. This Advent, we look forward to celebrating our great Savior with joy, anticipation, and hope—adoring Christ together. Resources & Links Sermon Notebook & Daily Advent Devotional Guide: Pick up notebooks this weekend in the Worship Center or Resource Center This Sunday resource page: Weekly songs and Scriptures to prepare your heart for worship This Sunday playlist on Spotify: Learn the songs and prepare for corporate worship throughout the week Weekly Email: Subscribe for updates, announcements, and recommended resources Read: Luke 1-2
"Acts Chapters 9 & 10" Pastor Stephen McCoy 11.23.25
Pastor Stephen brings the message, "The Wonderfully Uncomfortable Path of Repentance” from 2 Corinthians 6:16b-7:13a. Pastor Stephen brings the message, "The Wonderfully Uncomfortable Path of Repentance" from 2 Corinthians 6:16b-7:13a. Acknowledging our sin isn't necessarily fun. Having others acknowledge our sin certainly isn't fun. And then internally dealing with the reality of our sin, and leaving that sin behind, may be the hardest part of all. But the apostle Paul shows us in 2 Corinthians 7 that this process of grief and discomfort is actually a beautiful gift of God that brings benefits that are easily worth it in the long run.
"Go And Preach! Acts Chapters 7 & 8" Pastor Stephen McCoy
Stop living off borrowed faith! It's time to wrestle with God for yourself and discover the freedom that comes when you get real with Him. In this powerful message, Pastor Stephen reminds us that God isn't afraid of our doubts, our pain, or our past; He wants to redeem it. You don't have to hide your limp: walk with it. Every scar tells a story of grace, and God wants to give you a new name. ----more---- ABOUT UNION CHURCH We exist for one thing: to help unite people with purpose. At Union Church, we believe that heaven can be experienced on earth when people live intentional and purposeful lives, submitted to God's word. We fulfill our mission by helping people know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. We are one church in multiple locations through Maryland, Virginia and Charlotte North Carolina. Find a Union location near you: www.theunionchurch.com/findalocation FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: www.facebook.com/weareunionchurch Instagram: www.instagram.com/weareunionchurch Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephenrchandler YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareunionchurch Website: https://theunionchurch.com
The Good Shepherd knows His sheep, calls them by name, and even lays down His life for them — showing us there's no greater love than His. Discover Jesus and the life HE has for YOU in today's message from Pastor Stephen.
The Good Shepherd knows His sheep, calls them by name, and even lays down His life for them — showing us there's no greater love than His. Discover Jesus and the life HE has for YOU in today's message from Pastor Stephen.
In our tenth week in the Daniel series, we hear from Pastor Stephen as he talks about setting our hearts on God and humbling ourselves before Him.
On this Wednesday, Pastor Stephen preached out of John 1:51 as part of November's WNS series.
On this Wednesday, Pastor Stephen preached out of John 1:51 as part of November's WNS series.
Pastor Stephen Martin and Pastor Rob McCoy share powerful testimony from Charlie Kirk's memorial service, revealing the biblical pattern of martyrdom and why faithful witness always produces revival. Drawing direct parallels to Stephen's stoning in Acts 7, Pastor Stephen explains the three results that always follow martyrdom: explosive church growth, new courageous leaders rising, and former enemies becoming brothers in Christ. Pastor Rob—who spent four days with Charlie in Korea just before his death—shares intimate stories revealing Charlie's true character: his incorruptible integrity with money, his servant heart toward waitresses and strangers, his hours of daily Scripture study, and his passion for leading people to Jesus. He addresses the conspiracy theories dividing Christians and calls believers back to biblical perspective. Charlie wasn't killed for his rhetoric or tone—he was martyred because he spoke God's truth in a world that hates God's truth. The result? 1.4 billion people watched his memorial and revival is breaking out across America. This episode will challenge you to examine your own courage, confront gossip and division, and trust God's sovereignty even when evil seems to win.✅ Why martyrdom always causes the church to explode in growth✅ The biblical pattern from Acts 7 that's repeating today✅ Charlie's real character: stories from someone who knew him intimately✅ How to maintain biblical perspective during cultural persecution✅ Why conspiracy theories dishonor martyrs and grieve the Holy Spirit✅ The three results of martyrdom Christians are witnessing right nowRelated Scripture Study:
"Book of Acts Chaper 3 & 4" Pastor Stephen McCoy 11.2.25
Are you living like the person God has called you to be? Pastor Stephen Mizell delivers a challenge about the gap between what we believe and how we live. Using Ephesians 4-5, he reminds us that real strength isn't proven by what you say you believe—it's proven by how you choose to live. In This Episode: Why we can't keep wearing the "dirty diaper" of our old life The three guardrails for Christian living: Love, Light, and Wisdom Why sanctification requires your participation, not just God's intervention How your lifestyle is the loudest sermon you'll ever preach Pastor Stephen shares why your presence should change the atmosphere of any room you enter. This is Week 7 of the Stronger series from Open Door Church. Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32, Ephesians 5:1-21
Everyone wants to live a blessed life, but what does that truly mean? This week, guest speaker Dr. Stephen Rummage shares powerful truth from Psalm 1, showing us what it looks like to live a life rooted in God's Word and guided by His ways. Discover the four marks of a blessed life: direction, delight, distinctiveness, and destiny, and how staying close to God can bring real stability, fruitfulness, and joy no matter what life brings. (10/19/2025)
"Book of Acts Chapter 1 & 2" Pastor Stephen McCoy 10.26.25
Are you growing spiritually or just getting older? In this episode of the Open Door Church podcast, Pastor Stephen Mizell tackles a crucial question every believer must answer: What's the difference between natural growth and intentional maturity? Drawing from Ephesians 4, Pastor Stephen reveals why salvation is just the starting line, not the finish line. He challenges us to move from being spiritual consumers to becoming spiritual contributors—from spectators in the stands to participants on the field. In this episode, you'll discover: Why growth is automatic but maturity requires intentional obedience How to walk worthy of your calling in Christ The difference between knowing Bible facts and looking like Jesus Why unity is evidence of maturity (and pride is the seed of division) How to move from consumer to contributor in God's kingdom What it means to be unshaken when culture shifts around you Pastor Stephen also shares a powerful, personal vision for the next season of ministry, including four specific commitments that will challenge and inspire you—whether you're a grandparent, a young person, a new believer, or someone sensing God's call to ministry. This isn't just another sermon about spiritual growth. It's a call to intentional maturity that will change how you walk out your faith every single day. Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16 visitopendoor.com
Follow the Shepherd, Jesus, Who Protects His Flock
Pastor Ben and Pastor Stephen bring some updates from day one of the men's retreat, as well as some connections with today's reading.Reading Plan: Old Testament - Jeremiah 30-31Psalms - Psalm 119:81-88Gospels - John 5:1-17New Testament - 1 Peter 1:1-12Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.
An update from the ACBC Conference and Pastor Stephen's birthday!Reading Plan: Old Testament - Isaiah 58-60Psalms - Psalm 117Gospels - Luke 24:13-23New Testament - Hebrews 11:13-28Visit https://www.revivalfromthebible.com/ for more information.