Freedom Church

In this message Pastor Austin Porter explains that baptism is an outward sign of an inward change and a public declaration of our decision to follow Jesus. He shares how Jesus’ baptism reminds us that our identity is rooted in being children of God, especially when our identity is challenged by temptation and trials. Through the story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, we see that nothing has to stand in the way of someone choosing to follow Jesus and be baptized. Baptism does not save us, but it reminds us of who we are, that we belong to God, and that our identity is united with Christ. Pastor Austin encourages anyone who believes in Jesus to take that step of baptism and experience the joy of publicly declaring their faith.

What does the story of Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9 teach us about grace? David’s kindness to Jonathan’s son gives a powerful picture of unearned favor, adoption, belonging & a permanent seat at the King’s table. In this message, Pastor J.R. reminds us that grace comes looking for us even when we feel broken, unworthy, or disqualified. Just like Mephibosheth, we don’t have to fix ourselves or earn our place—we can receive the grace Jesus freely gives us. Though Mephibosheth’s feet were still broken, his seat had changed, reminding us that our circumstances don’t determine our identity or our place with God. Because Jesus paid for our seat at the table, we can stop striving to earn His grace and confidently receive the belonging, adoption, and new identity He offers.

What does it mean to be saved by grace? Ephesians 2 says our problem is deeper than bad behavior, and salvation is something God does before it is something we do. In this message, Pastor J.R. explains that Ephesians 2:1–5 describes us as spiritually dead in our sin, unable to save ourselves through trying harder or becoming better people. Through the words “But God” (Ephesians 2:4), we see that God moved toward us first, making us alive through His mercy, love, and grace. Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that salvation is a gift, not a reward, and while grace is free to us, Jesus paid the price so we could receive His righteousness, mercy, and life. Pastor J.R. challenges us to stop trying to get our lives together before coming to Jesus and instead receive His grace, making today our “But God” moment.

In this message, Pastor J.R. Lee teaches that forgiveness doesn’t mean the pain wasn’t real, it means we choose freedom because what Jesus did for us is greater than what was done to us. When painful memories return, we can remember God’s mercy, release the case into His hands, and trust Him with justice instead of trying to collect the debt ourselves. We’re also called to replace our response by praying, blessing, and choosing good rather than allowing one person’s hurt to shape how we see everyone else. Forgiveness may need to be chosen again and again, and choosing it again doesn’t mean forgiveness failed, it means we are continuing to walk in freedom while healing takes time. Ultimately, we can tear up the invoice, surrender our right to repay, and trust Jesus with the pain because we don’t have to feel free to choose freedom.

In this message Pastor J.R. teaches that unforgiveness creates an internal debt that can keep us chained to the people and wounds of our past. Forgiveness does not minimize what happened or pretend the debt was never real, but instead releases our desire to personally collect what we feel is owed to us. He explains that we must count the cost, honestly acknowledge the hurt, and then close the account by trusting God with justice rather than demanding personal payment. Pastor J.R. emphasizes that forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same, because forgiveness is freely given while trust is earned and access is determined by wisdom. Ultimately, because Jesus canceled our much greater debt through the cross, we can choose to forgive others and tear up the invoice instead of allowing their repayment to control our peace.

In this message, Pastor J.R. teaches that unforgiveness can feel like carrying a heavy chain, keeping us emotionally connected to people even when they are no longer part of our lives. He explains that bitterness works both ways, often allowing old wounds to leak into new relationships, friendships, and even the way we see God. Pastor J.R. reminds us that pain may be part of our story, but it does not have to become our identity, because in Christ we are a new creation and our offenders do not get to write our ending. He emphasizes that forgiven people forgive people, encouraging us to remember how much we have already been forgiven rather than allowing bitterness to control us. Finally, he challenges us to stop defending the prison of unforgiveness, recognize what or who may have come to mind, and begin surrendering the chain to Jesus, even if the first prayer is simply admitting that we are not ready yet.

In this message Pastor J.R. teaches that faith is not about having enough confidence in ourselves, but about placing our trust in the greatness of God even when the "mountains" in our lives seem impossible to move. Using the story of Jesus healing the demon possessed boy in Matthew 17, he explains that the disciples failed because they relied on past experiences instead of maintaining present dependence on God. He emphasizes that God is not looking for mountain sized faith, but mustard seed faith that is rooted in His power, reminding us that the size of our God matters far more than the size of our faith. Pastor J.R. challenges the church to take the next step of obedience, whether that means serving, inviting others, reconciling relationships, or trusting God with difficult circumstances because faith prays and then acts. He closes by encouraging everyone that addictions, fear, the past, and even the greatest obstacles do not have the final word, because God is able to move mountains and accomplish what seems impossible.

In this message Pastor Dustin Stradley shares how Jesus is more than enough when we feel empty or have run out. Through the miracle at the wedding in Cana, he reminds us that true fulfillment isn't found in the things of this world but in bringing our lives to Jesus. As we trust and obey Him, He transforms our emptiness into something greater than we could imagine. Ultimately, the message points to the cross, where Jesus proved that His grace is more than enough for every need.

In this message Pastor J.R. teaches from Matthew 9 that no matter what burden people carry—whether shame, anxiety, brokenness, or failure—Jesus turns toward them with compassion and power. He contrasts Jairus' urgent plea for his daughter with the woman who had suffered for twelve years, emphasizing that Jesus stopped for her even in the middle of another crisis because every person matters to Him. Using the illustration of clean water being contaminated, he explains that sin affects every part of our lives, but unlike the Old Testament expectation of uncleanness spreading, Jesus' holiness and healing flow into those who come to Him in faith. Pastor J.R. reminds the church that our shame is not stronger than God's grace, our past is not stronger than His power, and that Jesus sees people as sons and daughters rather than defining them by their struggles.

In this message Pastor J.R. teaches that true biblical strength is not about how much power a person has, but about who controls that power, explaining that meekness is strength surrendered to God's authority rather than weakness. He uses Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:5 and Christ's own example to show that real power is demonstrated through self-control, humility, and submission to the Father, even when there is the ability to retaliate. Pastor J.R. challenges men to become "dangerous but safe" by protecting others, mastering their own anger, appetites, and emotions, and leading their families with sacrificial love instead of domination. He emphasizes that feelings should never dictate decisions, warning that living by impulse leads to destruction while living by conviction produces lasting influence. The message concludes by encouraging believers to direct their strength toward what truly matters—their faith, family, and calling—because the strongest person is the one who has learned to place their power under God's control.