In this powerful sermon by Pastor Micahn Carter, we explore the importance of understanding the context behind Jesus' words. It's not just about what Jesus said, but why, where, and how He said it. These details make all the difference in how we can apply His teachings to our lives today.

Jesus is calling you to experience something greater than just physical healing. In Luke 5:12-13, when the man with leprosy asks for healing, Jesus doesn't hesitate.

But Jesus doesn’t stop at healing your body—He wants to make you whole. In Luke 5:18-24, we see Jesus healing not just a paralyzed man's legs, but his heart and soul. The religious people of the time were too focused on tradition to understand God’s sudden, powerful work—but Jesus still made him whole.

Jesus wants to use you. In Luke 5:27-32, He calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him without hesitation or shame. No matter what your past looks like, Jesus is calling you to step into your purpose. 

This message is a wake-up call: It’s time to stop skimming over the Bible and start truly understanding it. Context is key to unlocking the power of Jesus’ words and experiencing everything He has for your life.

🔥 In a world that equates success with wealth, status, and comfort, could it be that we’ve been measuring fulfillment the wrong way?

What if being truly blessed has nothing to do with power or prosperity—but something much deeper?

Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 challenge our definition of success.

According to Jesus, the truly blessed are:
✅ Those who recognize their deep need for God
✅ Those who grieve and allow Him to comfort them
✅ The humble and overlooked
✅ Those who long for righteousness more than temporary satisfaction✅ The merciful, even when it’s undeserved
✅ The pure in heart, with no hidden agenda
✅ The peacemakers in a world full of division
✅ Those who stand firm in faith, even when facing opposition

This is the heartbeat of the Kingdom—blessing that isn’t defined by outward success, but by a life aligned with God’s purpose. So, are you truly blessed or just successful? 🤨

 Let’s explore Matthew 5 together and see how Jesus invites us into a deeper, richer way of living.

📖 Key Scriptures: Matthew 5:1-12, Luke 6:20, Matthew 5:17
#TrueBlessing #Beatitudes #KingdomPerspective #JesusSaidWhat #Faith #BibleStudy

Alright, listen up—no matter how hard that place feels, it’s never bigger than the Rock! In this message from our Red Letters Sermon Series, I’m about to show you how, in the middle of a tough season, the hard place is no match for the Rock! We’re diving into Luke 19:30-40, and here’s what I need you to understand: The power of your praise doesn’t come from how perfect everything looks—it’s found in the process. You weren’t stuck—you’ve been kept. God’s been carrying you, even when you thought you were alone.

Now, don’t miss this: When you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, it’s not just a metaphor. The hard place is nothing compared to the Rock you’re standing on! Life might be tough, but guess what? The process you’re walking through? That’s where your praise is being forged! So when you praise, don’t forget that it’s the process that produces your power.

We’re gonna look at this through the eyes of Jesus, the owners, the disciples, and yes—even the colt. Each one of them had a role to play, and just like them, God is using you right where you are. He needs you, just like you are. Your praise has power—not because everything is perfect, but because God is faithful in the process. And let me tell you, the process might be hard, but the outcome is always greater than you can imagine.

So the next time you feel stuck, remember: The Rock has you, and the hard place is no match for what’s coming!

Isaiah 54:2-3 reminds us that God is calling us to expand—to stretch, grow, and make room for more. But with that expansion comes responsibility. In today’s message, "The Stakes Are High," Pastor Micahn Carter broke down the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37, MSG) and challenged us to not be distracted by lesser things. It’s time to see people the way God does and take responsibility for the world around us. Proximity is our responsibility.

We don’t have time to waste. Serving isn’t optional. Our world is meant to include others. Help is on the way—but sometimes, you’re the one being sent.

🔥 Watch this full message and let God stir something fresh in your heart.

📖 Scripture References:

Isaiah 54:2-3 (NKJV)

I need you to know—God picked YOU! 🌱 He saw something in you, and He made a decision. But being picked isn’t always easy… there’s a process that comes with it.

In John 15:2 & John 15:16, Jesus reminds us that God is the Gardener—He watches over His garden, and when He sees potential, He picks. But here’s what that looks like:

🌿 He Picked You Out – Before you were ready, He called you. He set you apart, just like Joseph. You might not feel qualified, but God picks you for the process!

✂️ He Picks on You – It’s not punishment, it’s pruning! Sometimes, God will cut away what you think you need—comfort, control, and even connections—because those things might be blocking you from your next level. Can you trust Him even when it doesn’t feel good?

🙌 He Picks You Up – After the pruning comes the promotion. Pain is temporary, but purpose is eternal. The process may be tough, but God is preparing you for something GREATER!

Can you be faithful even when you don’t get what you want? God’s plan is bigger than your preference! Watch this word and let it remind you: You’ve been picked for a reason!

🔔 Make sure you’re subscribed for more!

📖 Scriptures: John 15:2, John 15:16, Psalm 75:6

#YouveBeenPicked

In this powerful message, Pastor Jamal Hegwood challenges us to embrace the truth that God's purpose for our lives is far bigger than we are. Using Isaiah 54:2-3 and Isaiah 53:11-12 as the foundation, Pastor Jamal unpacks how we must let go of what we’re holding onto, trust God’s plan for expansion, and understand that His blessings are always meant to impact others.

✨ Expansion isn’t just about what God wants to do for you; it’s about what He wants to do through you. When God enlarges your territory, it’s always with the bigger picture in mind. To truly expand, we must release control, prepare our hearts for growth, and step into the greater purpose God has for us—knowing that His plan will always impact those around us.

This message is a powerful reminder that God’s blessings are meant to go beyond our individual lives and will always touch future generations. Let go of past baggage, trust God’s vision for your life, and step into the bigger things He’s preparing for you!

Welcome to Forward City Church! 🙌

In today’s life-changing sermon, EXPAND TO THIS, Pastor Micahn challenges us to step into our word for the year—EXPAND—with boldness and faith. Rooted in Isaiah 54:2-3, this message unpacks how we can grow from one dimension of faith to the next:

1️⃣ From Emotion to Devotion – Anchoring our lives in commitment over feelings.
2️⃣ From Consumer to Contributor – Playing an active role in advancing God’s kingdom.
3️⃣ From Come & See to Go & Tell – Living out the gospel and sharing it with the world.
This is more than a sermon—it’s a call to action. Get ready to be stretched, inspired, and empowered to expand into everything God has for you!

Don’t forget to like, comment, and share this message with someone who needs it. Subscribe to stay connected with all God is doing here at Forward City Church.

Hey family! 🙌

I’m so excited to kick off 2025 with our new sermon series, EXPAND—our word for the year! Last year, God called us to "Get Ahead of It," and now He’s challenging us to take it further and "Expand" into everything He has prepared for us.🗣️

In this first message, "Stay Ahead of It," I walk you through the 10 Non-Negotiables for staying spiritually, mentally, and emotionally ahead. These principles are practical and powerful tools to help you maintain momentum, overcome distractions, and align with God’s plans for your life.

Our anchor scripture, Isaiah 54:2-3, reminds us to stretch wide, enlarge our tents, and prepare for the overflow. God isn’t just calling us to maintain; He’s calling us to grow, expand, and take new ground in every area of our lives.

💡 What you’ll take away from this word:

The 10 Non-Negotiables: Practical steps to stay ahead in every season.
Expand Your Capacity: How to make room for the increase God is sending.
Stay Spiritually Disciplined: Why consistency is key to staying ahead.
Overcome Distractions: How to keep your focus on God’s promises even in challenging seasons.
This is a word for you, your family, your vision, and your calling. I pray it inspires and equips you to walk boldly into this new season of expansion. Share this message with someone you love, and let’s grow together. I love y’all—let’s EXPAND!