In Week 2 of our Signs & Wonders series, Pastor Stephen Mizell explores how we can pursue the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit while also practicing biblical discernment.

Paul's instruction is clear: we shouldn't quench the Spirit, but we also shouldn't accept everything we hear without testing it. Spiritual gifts are meant to strengthen, encourage, and comfort people—but they must always be measured against Scripture, the character of Jesus, and the fruit they produce.

In this message, Pastor Stephen talks about the tension between being open to the supernatural work of God and remaining discerning. He addresses spiritual gifts, prophecy, cessationism and continuationism, and the dangers of both rejecting everything supernatural and accepting everything uncritically.

The goal isn't to chase experiences or fear them. It's to passionately pursue Jesus while submitting everything to His Word.

In this episode:

• Why we shouldn't let fear cause us to reject the work of the Holy Spirit • Why spiritual gifts should be tested rather than blindly accepted or rejected • Three biblical guardrails for testing spiritual impressions and prophecy • Why Scripture must remain our highest authority • How humility leaves room for testing and discernment • Why spiritual gifts must value people over platforms • How gifts without love can become performances • Why the goal of spiritual gifts is for people to see Jesus—not the gifted person • How to avoid the two extremes of rejecting everything supernatural or accepting everything uncritically

Scripture mentioned:

• 1 Corinthians 12 - 14 • Romans 12 • Ephesians 4 • 1 Thessalonians 5

Are spiritual gifts still active today? What are they for, and how should they be used?

In the first message of our Signs & Wonders series, Pastor Stephen Mizell opens 1 Corinthians 12 to explore the purpose of spiritual gifts and why they still matter for the Church today. Rather than focusing on controversy, this message centers on what Scripture teaches: every spiritual gift is meant to glorify Jesus, strengthen believers, and build up the Body of Christ.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why spiritual gifts should always point people to Jesus • The difference between spiritual gifts and spiritual maturity • How God gives different gifts to different people for the good of the Church • Why unity is more important than comparison • How to use your gifts to serve others and glorify Christ

Scripture References: • 1 Corinthians 12 • Romans 12 • Ephesians 4 • 1 Corinthians 14

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Open Door Church exists to develop disciples one life at a time.

Lead Pastor Stephen Mizell Open Door Church Edenton, North Carolina

For more information about Open Door Church, service times, and upcoming events, visit visitopendoor.com or connect with us on social media.

What does it really mean to have a "seat at the table" with God?

In this episode, Pastor Stephen Mizell concludes our series, The Invisible King and His Court, by exploring one of the most encouraging truths in Scripture: through Jesus, believers aren't just forgiven—they've been given access to the King.

Drawing from Ephesians, Hebrews, Luke, Revelation, and other key passages, Pastor Stephen unpacks what it means to approach God's throne with confidence, live as Christ's ambassador, and represent His Kingdom in everyday life. You'll discover that Kingdom authority isn't about power for yourself—it's about faithfully announcing the victory Jesus has already won.

Whether you're new to this series or have been following along from the beginning, this conversation will challenge you to stop living like an outsider and begin living from your identity as a son or daughter of God.

In this episode, you'll learn: • What it means to be seated with Christ in the heavenly realms • Why your position in Christ changes your perspective • The difference between access and authority • How believers are called to represent the Kingdom of God • Why we announce Christ's victory instead of trying to earn it • How to live confidently as an ambassador for Jesus

Scripture References • Job 1:6 • Psalm 82 • Zechariah 3:1-5 • Ephesians 2:4-6 • Hebrews 4:16 • Hebrews 10:19-22 • Luke 10:18-20 • Matthew 28:18-20 • 2 Corinthians 5 • Colossians 2:13-15 • 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 • Revelation 1:5-6 • Revelation 5:9-10

If this episode encouraged you: • Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode. • Leave a rating and review to help others discover these conversations. • Share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that they have a seat at the King's table.

Have you ever felt like your past keeps accusing you? Like your failures, guilt, and shame are replayed over and over again?

In Week 2 of The Invisible King and His Court, Pastor Stephen Mizell takes us into Zechariah 3 for a powerful look inside the courtroom of heaven. While Satan is called the accuser, Jesus stands as our Advocate. The enemy may know your past, but he doesn't determine your future. Through Christ, the verdict has already been declared.

This message will help you understand the spiritual reality behind guilt, grace, and why followers of Jesus can live in freedom instead of condemnation.

Key Takeaways • Spiritual warfare is more than a battlefield. It is also a courtroom. • Satan accuses, but he does not have the authority to issue the verdict. • Jesus is our Advocate who stands in our place. • Grace is not earned through better behavior but received through Christ's righteousness. • The case against every believer has already been settled through the cross. • You don't have to keep reopening files that God has already closed.

Scripture References • Zechariah 3:1–5 • Psalm 82 • Job 1:6 • Isaiah 61:10 • Romans 3:26 • Romans 8:1 • Romans 8:33–34 • 1 John 2:1 • Hebrews 7:25 • Revelation 20–21

What if there's more happening than what you can see?

In Week 1 of our series The Invisible King, Lead Pastor Stephen Mizell explores one of the Bible's most fascinating and often-overlooked topics: the Divine Council. From Job to Psalms to Ephesians, Scripture reveals that there is a spiritual reality at work behind the scenes—and understanding it changes how we view prayer, spiritual warfare, God's Kingdom, and the victory of Jesus.

This message isn't about becoming fascinated with the supernatural. It's about seeing Scripture through the worldview of its original writers and finding confidence that God is still on the throne, Jesus has already won the victory, and the King is reclaiming the nations.

• What the Bible teaches about the Divine Council and the courts of heaven • Why the unseen spiritual realm matters in everyday life • How Psalm 82 reshapes our understanding of spiritual authority • Why evil appears organized—and what Scripture says about it • How Jesus defeated the powers of darkness through the cross • Why believers can live with hope instead of fear • What this means for your life on Tuesday morning—not just Sunday

• Job 1:6 • Psalm 82 • Deuteronomy 32:8 • Ephesians 6:12 • Colossians 2:15

📍 Open Door Church Edenton, North Carolina

What if the biggest changes in your life started with the smallest acts of obedience?

In the final message of our "Stories Jesus Told" series, Pastor Stephen Mizell explores two of Jesus' shortest parables—the mustard seed and the yeast—and reveals a powerful truth: God's Kingdom often grows through small, consistent acts of faithfulness rather than spectacular moments.

Whether you're struggling with forgiveness, prayer, anxiety, purpose, family relationships, or spiritual growth, this message will encourage you to trust God with the small beginnings that lead to lasting transformation.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Small acts of obedience create Kingdom impact over time • God celebrates planting while we often celebrate harvest • The Kingdom of God grows through faithfulness, not spectacle • Consistency is more powerful than intensity • Spiritual growth is meant to benefit others, not just ourselves • God transforms the world from the inside out • Ordinary people become effective when they allow an extraordinary God to work through them • Every great change begins with a single step of obedience

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

• Matthew 13:31-33 • Psalm 78:2 • Ezekiel 17 • 1 Corinthians 3 Open Door Church is a multi-campus church in eastern North Carolina committed to sharing the hope of Jesus and helping people take their next step in faith. Join us in person or online as we grow together through worship, teaching, and community. www.visitopendoor.com

What foundation are you building your life on?

In this message from our "Stories Jesus Told" series, John Lassiter explores Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders from Matthew 7:24-27. Through personal stories, practical application, and biblical truth, this sermon challenges us to move beyond simply hearing God's Word and begin living it through obedience, spiritual disciplines, and faithful action.

Storms are inevitable in life—but when your foundation is built on Christ, you can stand firm no matter what comes your way.

Key Takeaways: • Storms are certain, but God remains faithful through them • Following Jesus doesn't eliminate storms—it provides a storm-proof foundation • Spiritual resilience is built through daily obedience and discipline • What is hidden beneath the surface determines what stands during life's challenges • The difference between wisdom and foolishness is not hearing God's Word—it's doing it • Spiritual maturity is measured by obedience, not simply knowledge • God honors the unseen work of prayer, Scripture, worship, repentance, and integrity

Scripture References: • Matthew 7:24-27 • Matthew 11:28-30 • John 16:33 • 1 John 2:15-17 • James 1:21-22 • Matthew 9:35-38

If this message encouraged you, be sure to: • Like this video • Subscribe to our channel • Share this message with someone who needs encouragement • Leave a comment about what God is teaching you through this series

Open Door Church is a multi-campus church in eastern North Carolina committed to sharing the hope of Jesus and helping people take their next step in faith. Join us in person or online as we grow together through worship, teaching, and community. www.visitopendoor.com

In this message from our "Stories Jesus Told" series, Keven Daughety explores Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 and challenges us to rethink what it truly means to love our neighbor.

Through this parable, Jesus pushes beyond the idea of doing the bare minimum and calls His followers to live with compassion that costs something. This sermon examines how easy it is to avoid getting involved in the struggles of others — and how Jesus invites us instead to walk alongside hurting people with grace, sacrifice, and love.

Whether you feel called to help someone in need or feel like you are the one "in the ditch" needing healing, this message is a reminder that Christ sees us, walks with us, and calls us to reflect His compassion to the world.

Scripture Reference: • Luke 10:25–37

From Open Door Church in Edenton, NC

The Power of Persistence | Stories Jesus Told | Pastor Stephen Mizell

What do you do when heaven feels silent? In this episode of the Stories Jesus Told series, Pastor Stephen Mizell explores the Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18 and challenges us to stay faithful in prayer even when answers feel delayed.

This conversation-centered teaching dives into spiritual disciplines, perseverance, and the character of God. Prayer is not about convincing a reluctant God to respond — it's about learning to trust a good Father through every season.

In this message: • Why we often feel discouraged in prayer • The difference between transactional faith and relational faith • How God uses waiting seasons to form us spiritually • Why consistency matters more than intensity • The role of grit and persistence in spiritual growth • How understanding God's goodness transforms prayer

📖 Scripture References: • Luke 18:1-8 • Proverbs 22:6

If this episode encouraged you: • Subscribe to the podcast • Share it with a friend • Leave a review to help more people discover the message

In this message from our series The Parables of Jesus, Pastor Stephen Mizell walks through the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 and explores the realities of family tension, rebellion, resentment, grace, and forgiveness.

Whether you're waiting on a prodigal, carrying pain from fractured relationships, or trying to hold your family together through difficult seasons, this message offers hope and reminds us that healthy families are not built on perfection, but on grace-filled hearts surrendered to God.

In this message: • The difference between rebellion and resentment • Why healthy families don't hide the mess • Learning to let God work in situations we cannot control • How to protect your heart while waiting on others • The Father's response to both rebellious and resentful children • Why grace matters more than appearances

📖 Scripture References: • Luke 15:11-32 • Romans 10:9

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