Have you ever gotten frustrated watching someone else receive a blessing you felt they didn't earn? In this first message of our new series Stories Jesus Told, Pastor Stephen Mizell unpacks the Parable of the Vineyard Workers from Matthew 20 — and what it reveals about God's scandalous, unmerited grace. Whether you've been following Jesus for decades or you're just now getting over, this message is for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• God's kingdom doesn't operate on human fairness — it operates on grace
• Comparison transforms a generous gift into a perceived grievance
• You can keep score or you can experience grace, but you can't do both
• Late doesn't disqualify you in the Kingdom of God — it only invites you
• We serve not to earn God's love, but as an overflow of the grace we've already received
• The greatest danger isn't missing a reward — it's working in the vineyard and missing God's heart

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

• Matthew 19:27 — Peter's question: "What's in it for us?"
• Matthew 20:1–16 — The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

SERIES: Stories Jesus Told — a series through the parables of Jesus exploring grace, vocation, anxiety, purpose, forgiveness, and family.

It all comes down to this moment.

In this powerful Resurrection Sunday message, Pastor Stephen Mizell unpacks why the resurrection of Jesus isn't just a tradition or a good story—it's the foundation of everything we believe. If the tomb is empty, it changes your past, your present, and your future.

This message will challenge what you believe about Jesus and invite you to experience His power—not just someday, but right now.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Christianity rises and falls on the resurrection—not good teaching or tradition
• The empty tomb is evidence, not just a symbol
• The stone was rolled away so we could see in, not so Jesus could get out
• Fear and joy can coexist in moments of transformation
• Resurrection power doesn't just affect eternity—it changes your life today
• You don't need more willpower—you need God's power
• The same power that raised Jesus is available to you now

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

• Matthew 20:1–16
• Matthew 28:1–10
• Ephesians 1:19–20
• Romans 10:9

What happens when praise turns into pressure?

On Palm Sunday, the crowd welcomed Jesus as King with shouts of "Hosanna!"—but just days later, many of those same voices cried out "Crucify Him." In this message, Pastor Stephen Mizell challenges us to examine the tension between our expectations of Jesus and the reality of who He truly is.

Are we following Jesus… or just our expectations of Him?

🔑 Key Takeaways • Jesus came to establish a kingdom—but not the one people expected • Praise becomes fragile when it's based on preference • The crowd wanted relief, but Jesus came to bring redemption • You can be around spiritual activity and still miss Jesus • Real faith continues to worship—even when pressure comes • Palm Sunday forces a decision: control or surrender

📖 Scripture References • Matthew 21:1–11 • Zechariah 9:9 • Luke 19:41–44 • Romans 10:9

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What are you expecting from Jesus?

As Easter approaches, Kevin Daughety challenges us to examine a question many of us never stop to ask: Are we seeking Jesus for what He can give us—or for who He is?

Looking at the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6, this message exposes how easy it is to chase provision while missing transformation. Jesus invites us into something deeper—a relationship that requires trust, even when we don't fully understand.

▪ We often seek provision from Jesus instead of transformation through Him ▪ Jesus calls us to focus on eternal things, not temporary needs ▪ The only "work" God requires is believing in Jesus ▪ Some of Jesus' teachings are hard to understand—but still true ▪ What you consume shapes who you become ▪ A real relationship with Jesus requires trust, not just clarity ▪ Following Jesus means letting Him challenge your identity, beliefs, and lifestyle

▪ John 6:1–69 ▪ John 6:26–29 ▪ John 6:52–58 ▪ John 6:60–69 ▪ Matthew 5 (Sermon on the Mount) ▪ Mark 10:17–22 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. www.visitopendoor.com

What if the happiest people in life aren't the ones with fewer problems—but the ones who know their purpose?

In the final week of our Four Cups series, guest speaker Chris Hodges, founding pastor of Church of the Highlands, walks through the four promises God made in Exodus 6:6–7 and how they reveal the spiritual journey God has for every believer.

From salvation to freedom to purpose and ultimately living a life that makes a difference, this message explains how God invites every person into a life of fulfillment beyond their problems.

Discover how the "Fourth Cup" — the Cup of Praise — represents the joy of living out your purpose and helping others experience the hope of Jesus.

▪ God has a spiritual journey for every believer. ▪ Salvation brings us out of the world, but God also wants to remove the "Egypt" still inside us. ▪ True fulfillment comes when you discover your God-given purpose. ▪ Every believer is called to be a minister and make a difference. ▪ Living generously, serving others, and sharing your faith brings the deepest joy.

▪ Exodus 6:6–7 ▪ Matthew 5:13–16 ▪ 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, 16–18 ▪ 1 Peter 2:9 ▪ Ephesians 2:10 ▪ John 15:8–11 ▪ 2 Corinthians 9:11 ▪ 1 Thessalonians 4:13

If this message encouraged you, be sure to:

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n Week 3 of the "Four Cups" series, Pastor Stephen Mizell explores the Cup of Redemption from Exodus 6:6–7.

Before the Red Sea parted… before the miracles… God made four powerful promises to His people. In this message, we focus on the third promise: "I will redeem you."

Redemption isn't just about being forgiven—it's about restored value and discovering the purpose God created you for.

God doesn't waste your story. Your struggles, victories, and experiences may be the very things He uses to reveal your calling.

• Redemption means restored value — God buys back what was lost.

• Salvation answers where you will spend eternity, but calling answers why you are here.

• God often uses your story and struggles to reveal your purpose.

• Purpose is discovered, not invented.

• Every believer has spiritual gifts designed to serve the body of Christ.

• The church functions best when everyone lives out their God-given calling.

• Exodus 6:6–7

• Ephesians 1:18

• 1 Peter 2:9

• 2 Corinthians 4:8–9, 16–18

• Ephesians 2:10

• 1 Corinthians 12:4–7, 27

In this message from our Four Cups series, Pastor Stephen Mizell teaches how God not only brings us out of bondage — He also works to remove bondage from within us. Drawing from Exodus 6 and the promise "I will free you," this sermon explores how true freedom is a process shaped by renewed thinking, healing, and community.

If you've ever felt saved but still stuck, this message will help you understand how God leads us into lasting freedom.

• God can bring you out instantly — but transformation happens over time • Salvation solves eternity — deliverance transforms daily life • Bondage often survives salvation when thinking doesn't change • Freedom happens in community, not isolation • Confession to God brings forgiveness — confession to people brings healing • You don't have to live trapped by what once held you

Exodus 6:6–7 Romans 7:21–25 Ephesians 1:18 Galatians 5:1 Romans 6:6–7 John 8:32 Hebrews 10:24–25 James 5:16

What if the first miracle God ever did for His people wasn't parting the Red Sea — but simply letting them know He knew them?

In this first message of our new series The Four Cups, Pastor Stephen Mizell unpacks the ancient Passover tradition rooted in Exodus 6:6-7 and shows how God's four promises — "I will bring you out, I will free you, I will redeem you, I will take you as my own" — are a roadmap for every believer's journey with Him.

Before God changes your habits, He changes your identity. Before He fixes your behavior, He establishes who you belong to. That's the Cup of Sanctification — and it all begins with knowing God.

Key Takeaways:

• Salvation is the starting line, not the finish line — God wants to restore you, not just rescue you
• Sanctification means set apart, not perfect — it's about position, not performance
• God introduces Himself before He changes your circumstances
• You can't know your purpose until you know your Purpose Giver
• Knowing God isn't a one-time event — it's a growing, circular journey

Scripture References:

• Exodus 6:6–7
• Acts 17 (God's purpose for the nations)
• Psalm 139 (You saw me before I was born)
• Ephesians 1:17–18
• Romans 12:1–2

Open Door Church exists to help people Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference.

This week's message concludes our 7-week series through the book of James, exploring what it truly means to live an integrated faith—where what we believe actually shapes how we live. Pastor Stephen Mizell challenges us to embrace the long game of discipleship through three essential characteristics: patience, prayer, and persistence.

Mature faith doesn't burn bright and fade fast—it stays, it prays, and it brings people home. Discover why spiritual maturity happens in seasons, not seconds, and learn how refusing to give up is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.

Key Takeaways:

• Discipleship is a long game, not a short sprint—it's built over time through seasons, not seconds
• Patience is developed in the pressure, not given instantly when we pray for it
• Prayer isn't just for emergencies; it's the posture of a mature believer in every season
• Persistence means not giving up when the fruit hasn't come as quickly as we hoped
• There's someone waiting for your call today—go bring them home

Scripture References: James 5:7-20, Job's story

Not all wisdom is created equal. In this episode, Pastor Stephen Mizell from Open Door Church in Edenton, NC, tackles one of the most critical questions facing believers today: Where is your wisdom coming from—and where is it taking you?

Continuing the Integrated series through the book of James, Pastor Stephen unpacks James chapters 3 and 4 to reveal the stark difference between earthly wisdom and godly wisdom.

In This Episode You'll Discover:

• Why "garbage in, garbage out" isn't just about media—it's about the wisdom sources shaping your life
• The three characteristics of earthly (demonic) wisdom that lead to disorder and evil
• Seven qualities of godly wisdom that produce righteousness and peace
• The four internal wars every believer faces: frustrated desires, pride, friendship with the world, and resistance to God
• A powerful challenge to take physical action that represents spiritual surrender

Key Scripture: James 3:13-18, James 4:1-10

Whether you're wrestling with a major life decision or just trying to navigate daily challenges with godly wisdom, this message will equip you to discern which voice you're listening to—and how to align your life with God's truth.

About the Integrated Series: How do we integrate our faith with our life? This series explores the book of James to answer the question: "We say we believe this—but how do we actually live it?"