GateCity Buckhead

In Part 3 of Family Matters, Pastor Hazen Stevens explores the incredible purpose of spiritual family: God’s family is meant to become God’s home. Ephesians describes a progression from strangers, to citizens, to family, to a house, and ultimately to a dwelling place where God lives by His Spirit.But becoming a dwelling place requires more than knowing about God—we are invited to interact with God through His Spirit. This message explores how we can move deeper than the rational level through worship, prayer, Scripture, vulnerability, and intentional time in God’s presence—both personally and together. As we learn to enter in with one another, God forms us into a people who can be filled with all His fullness.Key Scriptures:Ephesians 2:19–22, Ephesians 3:14–20, John 4:23–24, Matthew 18:20, Acts 5:15–16Main Points:1. God’s family is meant to become a dwelling place for His presence2. God desires more than intellectual knowledge—He invites us to know and encounter Him by the Spirit3. Worship, prayer, praying in the Spirit, and meditation on Scripture help us move deeper than the rational level4. Shame, inadequacy, busyness, and information without encounter can keep us from entering into God’s presence5. We cultivate His presence by tending our personal fire, setting aside intentional time, and learning to enter in together6. Vulnerability joins the stones—especially in the small places of family, friendship, and spiritual community7. When a people become God’s dwelling place, His presence can saturate and overflow through them➤ For more, visit gatecitybuckhead.comNotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gODmszKUPNoEJBKxzMSJOqpG6W5pN4aRvVpqeP-RErs/edit?usp=sharing#FamilyMatters #ADwellingPlaceForGod #Ephesians2 #Ephesians3 #PresenceOfGod #SpiritualFamily #HolySpirit #PresenceCenteredLife #PrayerAndWorship #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon

In the opening message of Family Matters, Pastor Hazen Stevens begins a journey through Ephesians with the story of his sister’s adoption and a powerful truth at the heart of the gospel: God chose us. Paul tells us how to live as family, he tells us that in Christ we have already been chosen, adopted, and brought fully into the family of God.We are not second-class members of God’s household or children who have to earn our place. We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing and welcomed into the Father’s love and inheritance. And this was never an afterthought—God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. When we truly believe that we are wanted, chosen, and loved, it changes how we relate to God and how we love the people around us.Key Scriptures:Ephesians 1:3–14, Romans 8:29Main Points:1. In Christ, we have been chosen and adopted into the family of God2. We are not second-class children—we receive the full love and inheritance of the Father3. We are first in the affections of God4. Our adoption was always God’s plan, not an afterthought5. Being chosen gives us both privilege and responsibility as members of God’s family6. Because we have been welcomed in, we are called to welcome others into the family➤ For more, visit gatecitybuckhead.comBlog : https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ByPmI0KDeMHtu2S-L5rQ8sTcYn9-vAjC75_N72rlkDk/edit?usp=sharing#FamilyMatters #SheWasChosen #Ephesians1 #ChosenByGod #Adopted #FamilyOfGod #IdentityInChrist #PresenceCenteredLife #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon

In Part 2 of Family Matters, Pastor Hazen Stevens explores Paul’s prayer that the eyes of our hearts would be flooded with light. We can hear that God loves us, know the gospel, and even believe that we are chosen—yet still need the Holy Spirit to reveal the depth of what those truths actually mean.At the center of that revelation is Jesus. We were chosen and loved so completely that Christ willingly gave His life for us. Paul prays that what we know in our minds would become revelation in our hearts—that we would truly see the hope we have in Christ, how precious His people are to Him, and the incredible power of God at work on our behalf.Key Scriptures:Ephesians 1:15–21Main Points:1. Spiritual truth must move from information to revelation2. The Holy Spirit floods the eyes of our hearts with light so we can truly see3. Jesus chose us and demonstrated the depth of His love by giving His life for us4. We are precious to God—His people are described as His glorious inheritance5. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work for those who believe6. Paul’s prayer gives us a model for asking God to make these truths real in our hearts➤ For more, visit gatecitybuckhead.comBlog: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TjvHeNIz4cK1sXhZAVsLjyIg-414SD5vpM-qip6_YqM/edit?usp=sharing#FamilyMatters #FloodedWithLight #Ephesians1 #ChosenByGod #LoveOfJesus #EyesOfTheHeart #SpiritualRevelation #PresenceCenteredLife #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon

In Session 2 of Journey Through James, Pastor Hazen Stevens examines the journey from desire to devotion. James reveals that desire itself is not the problem—our deepest longings were created by God. The danger comes when those desires become disconnected from their true Source. Like sailors who drank seawater to satisfy their thirst, we often turn to counterfeit sources that promise life but ultimately leave us empty.This message contrasts earthly and heavenly wisdom, exposing how deception begins when we seek fulfillment apart from God. True freedom is found by trusting the Father's goodness, receiving every good gift from Him, and becoming doers of the Word. Genuine faith is more than belief—it is a life of faithful devotion that bears fruit through obedience.Key Scriptures:James 1:13–18, James 1:22–25, James 2:14–26, James 3:13–18, James 4:1–3Main Points:1. Desire is God-given, but detached desire leads to deception and death2. The problem is not our thirst—it is where we go to satisfy it3. God alone is the source of every good and perfect gift4. Spiritual deception happens when we hear God's Word without obeying it5. Heavenly wisdom produces peace, mercy, and righteousness, while earthly wisdom produces disorder6. Genuine faith is demonstrated through faithful devotion and obedient action➤ For more, visit gatecitybuckhead.comNotes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eoJNXy3_gFhfzXTWZsmKaJdXnESyGbAb/view?usp=sharing#JourneyThroughJames #BookOfJames #FaithInAction #HeavenlyWisdom #EveryGoodGift #PresenceCenteredLife #James1 #James2 #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon

In the opening session of Journey Through James, Pastor Hazen Stevens explores one of Scripture's most challenging invitations: to consider trials as joy. James teaches that suffering is not meaningless—it is God's training ground for maturity. Like resistance strengthens muscles, trials strengthen faith, producing endurance, wisdom, and wholehearted devotion.This message invites us to see life's difficulties through heaven's perspective. Rather than asking God to remove every trial, we're encouraged to ask Him for the wisdom to understand what He is producing through it. As we persevere in love and faith, God transforms our character and prepares us for the fullness of life He has promised.Key Scriptures:James 1:2–5, James 1:12, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Corinthians 13:7Main Points:1. Joy is a choice rooted in faith, not a feeling determined by circumstances2. Trials test and strengthen our faith, producing endurance and maturity3. Wisdom reframes suffering by revealing God's eternal purpose4. God gives wisdom generously to those who ask without shame5. Every trial reveals where our trust and love truly rest6. Persevering in faith and love produces lasting spiritual strength and the promise of the crown of life➤ For sermon notes and more, visit gatecitybuckhead.comNotes: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GQLG9gLSmFynOGr15EuxMH8N1H9ZQwnz/view?usp=sharing#JourneyThroughJames #BookOfJames #FaithUnderTrial #Wisdom #Perseverance #PresenceCenteredLife #James1 #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon #SpiritualFormation

In the final message of the Detox series, Pastor Hazen Stevens reveals that lasting transformation isn't found in trying harder—it's found in remaining connected to Christ. Jesus repeated one invitation more than any other in John 15: "Remain in Me." Just as a branch bears fruit only by staying connected to the vine, our spiritual growth depends on abiding daily in God's Word and His love.

Combining biblical wisdom with insights on habit formation and neuroscience, this message shows how small, consistent practices reshape both our minds and our lives. Transformation isn't a one-time decision—it's a lifelong rhythm of remaining. As we continue reflecting, removing, replacing, and abiding in Christ, His life flows through us and produces fruit that lasts.

Key Scriptures:
John 15:1–9, Psalm 1:2–3, Ephesians 3:17–19, Romans 12:2

Main Points:

1. Lasting transformation comes through remaining in Christ
2. God's Word and His love are the foundation of spiritual growth
3. Small, consistent habits shape who we become over time
4. Healthy rhythms help us remain connected to the Vine
5. The next season of growth begins with daily faithfulness, not occasional inspiration
6. Reflect, Remove, Replace, and Remain is a lifelong pattern for spiritual formation

➤ For sermon notes and more, visit gatecitybuckhead.com

Notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MhnvbLp2K3KTVu6eku29xMi-aDnQJBeIf8hsm6O0YJA/edit?usp=sharing

#DetoxSeries #Remain #AbideInChrist #John15 #SpiritualFormation #PresenceCenteredLife #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon #BuildHealthyHabits #RemainInHim

In Week 3 of the Detox series, Pastor Hazen Stevens shows that freedom isn't found simply by removing what is unhealthy—it comes by replacing it with the life of Christ. Confession cleanses the heart, but God never intends to leave it empty. Scripture calls us to put off the old self, be renewed in our minds, and put on the new man created in Christ.Drawing from Ephesians 4, John 15, and practical insights on habits and healthy rhythms, this message reveals that transformation happens in the spaces between our old patterns and our new identity. Instead of striving through willpower, we learn to rest in Christ, embrace who He says we are, and trust the Father—the Vine Dresser—to produce lasting fruit.Key Scriptures:Ephesians 4:22–24, Psalm 51:10, Genesis 2:1–3, Galatians 3:27, Ephesians 5:8, Romans 8:16–17, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 2:16, Matthew 5:14, John 15:1–5Main Points:1. Lasting transformation requires replacement, not just removal2. We put off the old self and put on our new identity in Christ3. New habits are formed by replacing old patterns with life-giving rhythms4. Rest, recovery, and abiding are essential to spiritual growth5. Our identity is received, not achieved—we put on Christ by faith6. Lasting fruit comes from remaining in the Vine, not striving in our own strength➤ For sermon notes and more, visit gatecitybuckhead.comNotes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I-cpgjx4kA7hYSKOkP0Jiqa7mvRCMiQiadjomKCe4uM/edit?usp=sharing#DetoxSeries #Replace #PutOnTheNewMan #AbideInChrist #IdentityInChrist #John15 #PresenceCenteredLife #SpiritualFormation #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon

In the opening message of the Detox series, Pastor Hazen Stevens reminds us that lasting transformation begins with honest reflection. Just as contaminated water or nutrient-deficient food can quietly affect our physical health, hidden sin and neglected spiritual disciplines can slowly weaken our souls. Before God changes us, He first invites us to see clearly.Drawing from Psalm 139 and Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7, this message challenges us to stop focusing on others and invite God to search our own hearts. Reflection isn't about condemnation—it's about allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal what is toxic, what is missing, and where true healing can begin.Key Scriptures:Psalm 139:23–24, Matthew 7:3–5Main Points:1. Lasting change begins with honest reflection before God2. Only God can reveal the hidden areas we've become blind to3. We must address the beam in our own eye before focusing on others4. Spiritual health requires identifying both what is toxic and what is missing5. Reflection asks two questions: What needs to be removed? What needs to be restored?6. Awareness is the first step toward transformation➤ For more, visit gatecitybuckhead.comReview Blog: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ezNuTxTNILdMqsg4n5tRNfAhTOiZPc8zrsMXz0dXB4Q/edit?usp=sharing#DetoxSeries #Reflect #SearchMeGod #Psalm139 #SpiritualFormation #PresenceCenteredLife #ChristianPodcast #SundaySermon #Transformation #WalkWithGod

In this special Manifest Testimony Service, we celebrate what God has done throughout the Manifest series by sharing stories of His faithfulness, healing, transformation, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Throughout Scripture, testimony has always strengthened faith, glorified God, and reminded His people that the same God who moved before is still moving today.As we hear lives changed through salvation, healing, answered prayer, spiritual growth, and bold obedience, we're reminded that every testimony points back to Jesus. This service is an invitation to remember God's faithfulness, expect Him to move again, and boldly share His work with others.Key Scriptures:Revelation 12:11, Psalm 107:2, Mark 5:19, Psalm 66:16, 1 Peter 2:9Main Points:1. Testimony glorifies God and strengthens the faith of others2. Remembering God's faithfulness fuels expectation for what He will do next3. Every believer has a story worth sharing because every story points to Jesus4. The Holy Spirit continues to transform lives today through His power and grace5. Our testimony becomes an invitation for others to encounter Christ➤ For more, visit gatecitybuckhead.com#ManifestSeries #TestimonyService #HolySpirit #GodIsStillMoving #ShareYourStory #PresenceCenteredLife #GateCityBuckhead #SundaySermon #ChristianPodcast #Testimony #JesusChangesLives

In Part 7 of the Manifest series, Pastor Hazen Stevens explores how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary believers to live and witness with extraordinary boldness. Boldness is not a personality trait or human confidence—it is something the Spirit clothes us with. Throughout Scripture, God works through two hands at once: our willingness to speak and His power to open hearts.Drawing from the Upper Room, the early church, and stories from Acts, this message reminds us that evangelism is both natural and supernatural. We speak, God moves. We obey, God opens doors. Whether through a simple question, a vulnerable conversation, or an act of obedience, the Spirit uses ordinary moments to accomplish extraordinary purposes.Key Scriptures:Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8, Acts 4:29–31, Mark 16:20, Acts 8:29–39, Acts 10:19–20, 44, Acts 16:6–14Main Points:1. Boldness is worn, not manufactured—it comes from the Holy Spirit2. Every believer is called to be a witness, not merely possess a testimony3. The early church prayed for boldness, not comfort or easier circumstances4. God works through a partnership: we speak, and He opens hearts5. Most Spirit-led ministry happens through ordinary conversations and simple acts of obedience6. Closed doors, open hearts, and divine appointments are all part of God's guidance7. When we step out in faith, the Spirit confirms, empowers, and accomplishes what we cannot➤ For more, visit www.gatecitybuckhead.comNotes:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MBsBRj0Wv1h74mFSReRoJXgHpVhQh69ttDT0j3V4cZI/edit?usp=sharing#ManifestSeries #GrantUsBoldness #HolySpirit #Acts4 #SpiritEmpowered #Evangelism #PresenceCenteredLife #GateCityBuckhead #SundaySermon #ChristianPodcast #BeMyWitnesses