This powerful message challenges us to examine the condition of our hearts when it comes to generosity. At its core, this isn't a conversation about money—it's about trust. Do we trust God enough to give Him our first fruits, or do we hold tightly to what we think we control? The sermon draws us into the story of the widow of Zarephath from 1 Kings 17, a woman facing her last meal who chose obedience over fear. When Elijah asked her to make bread for him first, she didn't hesitate—she trusted. And God multiplied her flour and oil for many days. This same principle echoes in Mark 12 with the widow who gave two small coins, everything she had, while the wealthy gave from their surplus. Jesus commends her not for the amount, but for the heart behind the gift. We're invited to shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, recognizing that God owns everything and blesses us so we can bless others. The visual illustration of the apples powerfully demonstrates what happens when we take bites out of what belongs to God—eventually, we drop everything else that matters. Generosity isn't just about finances; it's about our time, talents, energy, and love. When we give cheerfully and consistently, we position ourselves to experience God's faithfulness in ways that defy our limited experience. 

Key Points: 

- Generosity is a core characteristic of being Jesus-centered and community-focused, reflecting how Christ gave everything for us 

- True biblical generosity means giving freely without expecting anything in return, stemming from a spirit of abundance 

- An abundance mindset believes God will provide sufficiently, while a scarcity mindset leads to hoarding and spiritual cramping 

- God can only bless obedience; when He calls us to give, the response should be immediate "yes" not hesitation 

- God is more concerned with the heart behind our giving than the actual amount given 

- Consistent, faithful giving matters both for personal spiritual health and for enabling the church's mission 

- We should give to God from our "first fruits" not from leftovers or what remains after other expenses 

- When we rob from what belongs to God, we often end up losing everything else we're trying to protect 

- Generosity should become a daily habit and ingrained part of our character 

- The church, not government or other organizations, is God's design for caring for community needs 

#thewellchurchfoley #generosity #growth #financialfreedom #heart

Learn More go to www.thewellfoley.com

This powerful message confronts us with one of life's most critical decisions: will our families serve the Lord together? Drawing from Joshua 24:14-15, we're challenged to declare like Joshua did, 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.' This isn't just about making a statement; it's about intentionally building our homes on the foundation of Christ. We discover that creating a godly legacy requires three essential elements: leading by example in our faith, establishing spiritual habits in our homes, and understanding what kind of legacy we're leaving behind. The message reminds us that our children watch what we do far more than they listen to what we say. When we read Scripture together, pray openly, worship authentically, and prioritize church attendance, we're not just going through religious motions—we're painting a picture of what it means to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. The Hebrew word 'nchahala' teaches us that our inheritance isn't just about material possessions but about character and faith passed down through generations. We're reminded that in a world bombarding our families with competing voices and values, we must be the thermostat that sets the temperature in our homes, not the thermometer that simply reflects the culture around us.

This powerful teaching centers on the transformative practice of forgiveness and its essential role in healing our families and communities. Drawing from passages like Colossians 3:12-14 and Matthew 18:21-22, we're reminded that forgiveness isn't just a nice idea—it's the very foundation of healthy relationships and spiritual maturity. The teaching challenges us to understand that true forgiveness begins with experiencing God's forgiveness ourselves. When Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive—suggesting seven times—Jesus responded with seventy times seven, emphasizing that forgiveness should be unlimited and freely given. What's striking is the recognition that unforgiveness operates like a cancer in our souls, breeding bitterness, resentment, and anger that doesn't just harm us but ripples out to affect our children, our homes, and our entire community. The call here is clear: we must choose forgiveness over bitterness, clothe our homes in compassion and kindness, and let love be the bond that holds everything together. This isn't surface-level niceness but a deep, Jesus-centered commitment to release others from their offenses against us—not because they deserve it, but because Christ first forgave us. When we grasp this truth and live it out daily, we create environments where healing can flourish and where the next generation learns what authentic, Christ-like love actually looks like.

Healing the Broken Places in Our Families

Teaching Summary: This teaching emphasizes the critical importance of forgiveness, compassion, and love in creating healthy family environments that reflect God's design. The pastor challenges the congregation to move beyond surface-level Christianity to a faith that transforms homes from the inside out. He announces a 14-day church-wide fast focused on praying for lost people and spiritual breakthrough, recognizing that spiritual battles require spiritual weapons—particularly prayer and fasting. The core message centers on understanding that true forgiveness, compassion, and kindness can only flow from a deep relationship with God through Jesus Christ. When families are fractured, communities suffer, but when homes are healed through biblical principles, the ripple effect transforms entire communities. The sermon concludes with a call to live out faith every single day, not just on Sundays, making it a "Monday morning faith" that impacts those closest to us.

Key Points:

• Spiritual battles in our world require prayer and fasting, not worldly responses
• A 14-day church-wide fast will focus specifically on praying for lost people and family breakthrough
• When families are broken, communities become fractured; healthy homes create healthy communities
• Sin always has a ripple effect that impacts others beyond ourselves
• We must choose forgiveness over bitterness, understanding that forgiveness begins with knowing God's forgiveness
• True forgiveness is not surface-level lip service but a deep heart change that releases resentment and desire for revenge
• Forgiveness should be unlimited—70 times seven means as many times as necessary
• Forgiveness is primarily for our own freedom, releasing us from bondage to bitterness
• Homes must be clothed in compassion and kindness, which are not mere feelings but commitments to act mercifully
• Compassion moves us in our innermost being, causing us to take action, not just feel sympathy
• Love is the bond that holds everything together and must go beyond superficial Hollywood-style love
• Parents must have real, tough conversations with their kids and not let others teach them right from wrong
• What we do today in our families will affect the next several generations
• Faith must be lived out behind closed doors when nobody is watching, not just performed publicly

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This powerful teaching challenges us to examine the very foundation of what it means to be a witness for Christ. Drawing from 1 Peter 3:15-16 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28, we're reminded that authentic witnessing isn't about religious performance or memorized speeches—it's about sharing what we've personally experienced. The Hebrew concept of witness carries profound weight: a witness repeats what they've seen, just as courtroom testimony recounts actual events. This means we cannot effectively share Jesus with others until we've genuinely encountered Him ourselves. The call isn't to fake spirituality or pretend we have it all together; rather, it's to live with transparent authenticity, allowing our transformed lives to speak volumes. We're encouraged to build genuine relationships, pray for divine opportunities, and share our stories with clarity and gentleness. The Holy Spirit empowers us when we feel inadequate, just as Jesus promised in Acts 1:8. What makes this message particularly relevant is its emphasis on consistency—our daily disciplines of reading Scripture, prayer, and worship prepare us for those unexpected moments when someone asks about our hope. We're not called to win arguments or force conversions, but to love well, live authentically, and trust that God's truth will stand on its own. This is an invitation to move beyond fear and step into the boldness that comes from knowing we serve the ultimate witness to truth. Key Points:-You cannot be a witness for Jesus unless you have personally witnessed Him move in your own life-Witness is both a noun (evidence/proof) and a verb (openly professing faith)-The Hebrew concept of witness means to repeat what you have seen and experienced, just as a courtroom witness testifies-Being an effective witness requires building trust in relationships through authenticity and transparency-Consistency in spiritual disciplines (Bible reading, prayer, worship) prepares you to give answers when opportunities arise-Share your personal testimony with clarity—no one can take your story from you-The Holy Spirit empowers believers with boldness and the right words when witnessing-Know Scripture to develop a biblical worldview rather than adopting the world's perspective-Avoid arguments when sharing faith; sometimes it's better to pray and let truth stand-Invite others into authentic biblical community where faith is lived out togetherScripture Reference:-1 Peter 3:15-16 (primary focus): "Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way."-Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission to make disciples of all nations-Isaiah 43:10: "You are my witnesses, declares the Lord"-Romans 8:16: The Spirit testifies that we are children of God-Acts 1:8: Receiving power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you to be witnesses-1 Corinthians 15:1-4: The gospel message of Christ's death and resurrection-Romans 1:16: Not being ashamed of the gospel-Ephesians 6:19: Prayer for boldness to speak the gospelLearn more @ The Well Church Website#thewellchurchfoley #growth #dobetter #witness #choices #priorities

Every single day, we make approximately 35,000 choices—from the mundane to the monumental. But what if the quality of our choices could determine not just our daily experiences, but our eternal destiny? This powerful exploration of Proverbs 1:7 challenges us to examine the foundation upon which we build our decision-making. The Scripture declares that 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.' We discover that being a 'fool' in biblical terms isn't about intelligence or education—it's about spiritual deficiency, specifically the refusal to fear God or submit to His wisdom. The message confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: we all have the potential to be fools when we reject God's authority, become unteachable, repeat destructive patterns, or lack self-control. Yet there's incredible hope in understanding what the 'fear of the Lord' truly means—not paralyzing terror, but profound reverence, awe, and respect that draws us closer to God. When we position ourselves in humble submission to His holiness and power, we naturally begin making better choices aligned with His will. This isn't about religious obligation; it's about recognizing that our individual choices ripple outward, affecting our families, communities, and even people we'll never meet. The transformation begins with each of us asking: 'God, what do you want me to know about making better choices, and what's my next step?'

Link to FREE growth notes, daily devotionals, and other resources:https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=Sy9iL8RLWeTo learn more about The Well Church in Foley, AL go:https://www.thewellfoley.comWe have worship gatherings each Sunday @ the OWA Theater in Foley, AL  @10am.  Address: 205 S. OWA Blvd., Foley, AL 36535

#thewellchurchfoley #growth #choices #dobetterseries #

This powerful teaching challenges us to examine the foundation of our relationships through the lens of Scripture, particularly Proverbs 12:26, which reminds us that 'the righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.' We're invited to understand that being 'righteous' isn't about our own achievements—it's about being made right through Christ's work on the cross. This teaching unpacks what it means to be a 'guide' to others, revealing that every single one of us carries influence in someone's life, whether we realize it or not. The teaching beautifully connects Jesus' teaching in Matthew 22 about loving our neighbor as ourselves with practical relationship building, emphasizing that our 'neighbor' isn't just the person next door—it's every person on planet Earth. What makes this message particularly compelling is its honest exploration of transparency in relationships. We're reminded that out of the overflow of our hearts, our mouths speak, and if what's inside isn't aligned with God's heart, we'll inevitably 'spew ugly' on those around us. The teaching doesn't shy away from the hard truth that healthy relationships require us to live like we're in a house made of glass—vulnerable, open, and honest. This transparency is where many of us struggle, often running from the tension instead of leaning into the breakthrough that awaits on the other side. The message calls us to pursue peace, forgiveness, and unity with enthusiasm—not quietly or reluctantly, but with the same energy we bring to supporting our favorite team. It's a convicting yet hopeful reminder that we can choose better relationships in 2026.Teaching Summary: This teaching addresses the critical importance of developing healthy, God-honoring relationships in all areas of life. The pastor emphasizes that we are relational beings created in God's image, and our relationships with others directly reflect our relationship with Him. The message focuses on how righteous living—being made right through Jesus Christ—enables us to be guides to our neighbors, defined as everyone on earth. The teaching challenges believers to pursue transparency, forgiveness, and intentionality in relationships, warning that unhealthy internal conditions inevitably overflow into our interactions with others. The core message is that true relational health begins with surrendering to Jesus and following His principles rather than our own ways, requiring love, honesty, humility, forgiveness, time, energy, and communication.Key Points:- Out of the overflow of our hearts, our mouths speak—internal spiritual health determines external relational health- A righteous person (made right through Jesus) serves as a guide to their neighbor (everyone on earth)- Healthy relationships require pursuing peace and building others up with enthusiasm and excitement- Transparency is essential for breakthrough and freedom, though it creates tension many people avoid- Forgiveness should be given readily and freely (seven times seventy—infinitely) and is primarily for our own benefit, not the other person's- Nurturing hurt and anger interferes with our relationship with God and prevents us from receiving His forgiveness- Taking the "high road" means practicing unconditional love, refusing to play games, and being guided by godly character and values- Small daily choices (we make approximately 35,000 decisions daily) shape our character and affect all our relationships- Seven requirements for healthy relationships: love, honesty, humility, forgiveness, time, energy, and communication- We must be intentional about relationships—they don't improve by chance but by deliberate actionLink to Free Downloadable Resources:https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/view?page=ByW-gIr8-xWebsite:https://www.thewellfoley.com#thewellchurchfoley #dobetter #growth #relationship #transformation #transparency #love #betterrelationships

This powerful testimony takes us on a journey from darkness to light, reminding us that transformation is never easy but always worth it. We hear a story of someone who went from addiction and incarceration to freedom and purpose—not through their own strength, but through surrendering to God's plan. The message emphasizes that real change requires daily discipline, accountability, and community. We're reminded of Joseph's story, how even in prison God gave him favor, and how our darkest places can become the very spaces where God meets us most powerfully. The key scriptures woven throughout—Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, and Lamentations 3:40—anchor us in the truth that God works all things together for good when we're called according to His purpose. This isn't just a story about overcoming addiction; it's about the relentless love of God that pursues us, plants seeds through faithful grandparents, and waits patiently for us to examine our ways and turn back to Him. The most compelling insight is this: whether we choose the hard road with God or without Him, life will be difficult—but with God, that difficulty leads to peace, joy, and purpose. We're challenged to lean into the tension, to do the right thing even when it's uncomfortable, and to remember that God is not finished with us yet.

Learn more @ https:www.thewellfoley.com

#thewellchurchfoley #transformation #priorities #dobetter #commitment #purpose #discipline

What if the secret to transformation in 2026 isn't about making more resolutions, but about reordering what truly matters? This message challenges us to examine our priorities through the lens of Matthew 6:33, where Jesus calls us to seek God's kingdom first above everything else. We discover that our priorities aren't just preferences—they shape our choices, our choices determine our actions, and our actions define who we're becoming. The powerful truth is that who we're becoming right now influences our families, neighbors, church, and community. We're invited to move beyond the world's temporary values and set our minds on eternal things, as Colossians 3:2 instructs. This isn't about neglecting earthly responsibilities, but about stewarding them wisely through God's perspective. Whether we're parents influencing the next generation, employees managing resources, or neighbors showing Christ's love, every responsibility becomes sacred when prioritized correctly. The message confronts our tendency to give God our leftovers rather than our best, reminding us that He gave everything on the cross for us. When anxiety threatens to rob our peace, we're called back to Philippians 4:6-7, where God promises His peace will guard our hearts and minds. The question isn't whether we'll face challenges in 2026, but whether we'll face them with God at the center or the margins of our lives. 

As we stand on the threshold of 2026, we're invited into something far deeper than New Year's resolutions—we're called to intentional transformation. This teaching challenges us to embrace the biblical principle that growth isn't optional for followers of Jesus; it's essential. Drawing from Proverbs and the powerful story of David passing the temple-building vision to Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28, we discover that our plans must align with God's will to truly succeed. The profound truth emerges that we ourselves are the temple—the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit—and God is in the business of restoration, repairing the rotted foundations and broken places in our lives. The message reminds us that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are. Growth requires commitment, not casual interest. It demands we seek God first, asking Him to reveal the areas needing transformation, whether in our roles as parents, spouses, workers, or community members. The practical steps are clear: pray, set specific goals, write them down, and most importantly, do them. Consistency in small things produces life-changing results in big things. This isn't about self-help; it's about allowing the Holy Spirit to stretch us, mold us, and make us more like Jesus through intentional disciplines of prayer and Scripture reading. When we focus on our own growth rather than fixing others, a ripple effect transforms every relationship and sphere of influence around us.

This teaching challenges believers to move beyond New Year's resolutions and make a genuine commitment to spiritual growth in 2026. PD emphasizes that personal growth is not optional for Christians but essential to becoming more like Jesus. Drawing from Proverbs and the story of David and Solomon in 1 Chronicles, the teaching stresses that growth must align with God's will and requires intentional planning, consistent effort, and willingness to endure uncomfortable moments of transformation. The teaching presents believers as temples of the Holy Spirit that need ongoing restoration and repair, with God working to fix broken areas caused by sin. The practical application focuses on developing a written plan with achievable goals in personal life, family, church involvement, and work, all grounded in daily prayer and Scripture reading.

Key Points:

• Growth is essential for followers of Jesus; stagnation leads to apathy and complacency in faith
• This is not a New Year's resolution but a year-long commitment requiring dedication through difficult moments
• Personal growth must align with God's will and plans, not our own ambitions
• Believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and God wants to restore broken areas in our lives
• Growth occurs in moments of tension and discomfort, not in comfort zones
• Consistency in small disciplines leads to transformation in big areas
• Practical steps include: prayer, setting 2-3 achievable goals, writing them down, planning action steps, and actually implementing the plan
• Daily disciplines of prayer and Bible reading are non-negotiable for spiritual growth
• Personal transformation creates a ripple effect that impacts family, church, and community
• Growth enables us to fulfill the Great Commission of making disciples

Scripture References:

• Proverbs 21:5 - Plans of the diligent lead to abundance
• Proverbs 16:3 - Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will succeed
• Proverbs 16:9 - A man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps
• 1 Chronicles 28:9-10, 19 - David's instructions to Solomon about building the temple
• Jeremiah 29:11 - God's plans for peace, well-being, future and hope
• Luke 14:28-30 - Counting the cost before building a tower
• Matthew 28 - The Great Commission to make disciples

For more information go to https://www.thewellfoley.com

Here you can find current and past teaching series from The Well. There are links for FREE downloadable resources that will help you as you watch or listen to the teaching to grow in your faith. These resources are made possible because of generous givers like ⁠⁠⁠you. We⁠⁠⁠ hope and pray that these resources encourage you and help you in becoming the person God has created you to be in fulfilling the purpose you have been created for!

This Christmas teaching explores the profound miracle of Emmanuel—God with us—emphasizing that Jesus left the perfection of heaven to enter our chaotic world to redeem humanity. The teaching centers on two primary invitations Jesus extends to all people: first, to "come and see" who He truly is, moving beyond surface-level knowledge to experiencing His transforming love; and second, to "go and tell" others about the good news of salvation. The teaching emphasizes that Jesus came not just to be admired from a distance like window shopping, but to be personally encountered in a way that fundamentally changes our core identity, perspectives, and actions. The ultimate goal is freedom from the bondage of sin and guilt, leading to the peace that only Christ can provide. 

Key Points: 

- God left a perfect place (heaven) to enter our chaos and redeem us, demonstrating incomprehensible love 

- Jesus invites us to "come and see"—not just window shopping, but entering in to experience His transforming presence 

- When we truly encounter Christ, it changes us at our core: our perspectives, how we treat people, our responses, and our actions 

- The bad news: we have all sinned and are separated from a holy God with no ability to bridge that gap ourselves 

- The good news: God made a way through Jesus' death and resurrection, offering complete forgiveness and a fresh start 

- Jesus invites us to "go and tell" others about Him—faith comes from hearing the good news about Christ 

- If we contain the good news, our families and communities cannot experience the life-changing power of Jesus 

- The gospel is offensive not because it's rude, but because truth creates uncomfortable tension that leads to freedom 

- Salvation requires believing Jesus is who He says He is, confessing our sin, and turning to follow Him 

Scripture Reference: 

- Matthew 2:1-12 (The wise men seeking Jesus) 

- Luke 2:8-20 (The shepherds and the angelic announcement) 

- Romans 10:9 (Confession and belief for salvation) 

- Romans 10:13-17 (How can they believe unless someone tells them) 

- Genesis (God created us in His image and it was good) 

You can find out more about The Well Church by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thewellfoley.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We have weekly worship gatherings each Sunday @ The OWA Theatre in Foley, AL @ 10am. This podcast contains the recording of teachings from The Well Church and other various conversations. We hope that this podcast is inspiring and helps you fulfill your purpose in life with confidence.

#christmas2025 #thewellchurchfoley #emmanuel #hope #achildisborn #comeseegotell