Open Door Church Official Podcast

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. Key Takeaways ▪ 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. Scripture References ▪ 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 Connect With Us If this message encouraged you, be sure to: 👍 Like the video 💬 Share your takeaway in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for more messages from Open Door Church www.visitopendoor.com

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. Key Takeaways 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. Scripture References 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. Key Takeaways • 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 Scripture References 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?"

If you want to know where your life is headed, listen to what's coming out of your mouth. Join Pastor Stephen Mizell for this week's message from James 3 about the incredible power of our words to direct, destroy, and diagnose our lives. In this online-only service (due to weather), we continue our journey through the book of James, exploring how faith moves from belief to behavior. This week, we discover that your tongue is the steering wheel of your life—and the words you speak reveal the condition of your heart. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Your words have the power to DIRECT your life's trajectory Your words have the power to DESTROY relationships and opportunities Your words have the power to DIAGNOSE the condition of your heart Small things (like bits, rudders, and sparks) can control or destroy massive things Inconsistent speech points to incomplete surrender to Christ God doesn't just want cleaner language—He wants a cleaner heart SCRIPTURES REFERENCED: James 3:1-12 Matthew 12:34 (Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks) THREE REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What tone dominates my speech? Who has been wounded by my words? Where do I need a heart change, not just a habit change?

Is your faith alive? In this week's message from our "Integrated" series, Pastor Stephen Mizell examines James 2:14-26 and challenges us with a simple truth: a faith that doesn't act isn't alive. Join us as we explore what it means to close the gap between what we say we believe and how we actually live. This isn't about judgment—it's about diagnosis. Just like a doctor identifies health issues to help us heal, God's Word reveals areas where our faith needs action. Key Takeaways: Faith without works is dead—belief must lead to action Don't just acknowledge needs, engage with them practically True faith is demonstrated through deeds, not just words God calls us to be people who don't just talk about helping others, but actually do it Justice requires both law and compassion—grace and truth in tension Scripture References: James 2:14-26 (The Anatomy of Faith)

What if the church's biggest problem isn't hatred, but the subtle ways we treat people differently? In this week's message from our "Integrated" series, Pastor Stephen Mizell confronts a truth that hits closer to home than we'd like to admit: we all have prejudices. Drawing from James 2, this sermon challenges us to examine how we show favoritism—whether based on wealth, appearance, motivation, or countless other factors. Pastor Stephen reminds us that every person who walks through our doors is created in the image of God and deserves the same mercy we desperately need. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Everyone has prejudices—the question is how we respond to what we see Faith and favoritism cannot coexist in the life of a believer We want "TSA PreCheck mercy" for ourselves but "cavity search mercy" for others The royal law: Love your neighbor as yourself (James 2:8) Mercy triumphs over judgment because mercy looks like the King SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: James 2:1-13 Matthew 5:3 (Sermon on the Mount - Blessed are the poor in spirit) This message will challenge you to ask: Who do I instinctively honor? Who do I subtly overlook? And if Jesus walked into our church as inconspicuously as He arrived in a manger, how would we treat Him?

What if the biggest lie you'll ever hear isn't from the culture, the media, or even the enemy - but from yourself? In this week's message from the book of James, Pastor Stephen Mizell tackles one of the most common problems in the church today: we're information-rich but obedience-poor. Drawing from James 1:19-27, Pastor Stephen uses the powerful metaphor of a mirror to show how God's Word reveals who we really are. But here's the challenge: are we just glancing at our reflection and walking away unchanged, or are we allowing what we see to transform us? Why asking for "deep teaching" might actually be an excuse for disobedience The three big blockers that prevent us from hearing God (speaking too quickly, anger, and casual sin) How you can sit in church week after week and remain completely unchanged The dangerous tension between purity and compassion—and why we need both Why social justice without Jesus is no justice at all "God's word reveals our reality, but our obedience is what releases our transformation." ABOUT OPEN DOOR CHURCH Open Door Church is located in Edenton, NC, where Pastor Stephen Mizell serves as lead pastor. We are a fellowship of believers whose lives are being transformed by Jesus Christ and are committed to reaching Northeastern North Carolina with the good news of Jesus Christ. We are an independent, non-affiliated fellowship with a love of Jesus that connects us to a larger purpose in life.

Start your year with powerful insight into how God uses pressure to refine your faith! In this first message of our new series "Integrated," Pastor Stephen unpacks James 1:1-18 to reveal why trials aren't meant to break us—they're meant to complete us. Discover the difference between testing and temptation, learn why God allows difficulties in your life, and find out how endurance develops through patient faith. This message will challenge you to close the gap between what you believe and how you live. Key Takeaways: Pressure reveals your integrity—it doesn't break it God tests you to strengthen you; sin tempts you to destroy you A faith that can't be tested can't be trusted God uses trials to refine you, not punish you Patient endurance leads to wisdom, wholeness, and the crown of life The question isn't IF you'll face pressure, but WHAT it will reveal about you Scripture References: James 1:1-18 | Jeremiah 29:11-13 | 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 About This Series: Join us for "Integrated"—a 7-week journey through the book of James that will help close the gap between what we say we believe and how we actually live. It's time for an integrated life! 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.

In this week's Advent sermon, Pastor Stephen Mizell challenges us to rethink everything we thought we knew about love. As we light the fourth Advent candle, discover why love isn't just a warm feeling or sentimental decoration—it's a Person you meet and a divine action that changes everything. Drawing from 1 John 4:7-12, Pastor Stephen unpacks the profound truth that God doesn't just love—He IS love. This means love existed before creation, before redemption, and before the incarnation. We don't manufacture love; we can only reflect it. We don't generate it; we can only distribute it. IN THIS EPISODE: Why the Bible never treats love as a decoration The difference between sentimental love and sacrificial love How the manger and the cross are inseparably connected Why your theology is only as good as your relationships The challenge of being God's "full expression" of love to the world A special word for those finding this Christmas season difficult KEY QUOTE: "Christmas is not about God shouting from the mountaintops, 'I love you.' It's about Him whispering it from a manger." This sermon includes a salvation invitation and a tender moment addressing those experiencing a "Blue Christmas"—anyone grieving loss, waiting for answered prayer, or finding the season less joyful than expected. Pastor Stephen reminds us that the good news of Christmas isn't that God avoided darkness, but that He stepped into it. SCRIPTURE: 1 John 4:7-12, Romans 10:9 ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Pastor Stephen Mizell serves as the lead pastor of Open Door Church in Edenton, North Carolina. His teaching combines biblical depth with practical application, helping people encounter Jesus in real and transformative ways.

Are you struggling to find joy this Christmas season? In this week's message, Pastor Stephen Mizell cuts through the shallow happiness of the holidays to reveal what real joy actually is—and where it comes from. Through the lens of Mary's Magnificat prayer in Luke 1, discover how a teenage girl facing scandal, fear, and uncertainty chose to magnify God instead of her overwhelming circumstances. This isn't a feel-good Christmas message. It's a prophetic declaration that will challenge what you're focusing on in your own life. IN THIS EPISODE: Why joy is not a season, reaction, or outcome—it's a revelation of who God is The surprising connection between magnifying God and experiencing joy How what we ruminate on eventually masters us (including politics, fears, and circumstances) Why Mary's ability to articulate her prayer at 12-16 years old was supernatural The power of remembering God's faithfulness when circumstances press in How traditions and rhythms help us look back and see God's hand in our lives KEY QUOTE: "Joy is not found in what you hold—it's found in who holds you. Real joy is settled confidence that God is present even when life is painful." PERFECT FOR: Anyone feeling overwhelmed by circumstances, struggling to find joy beyond temporary happiness, or needing to remember God's faithfulness during difficult seasons. SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:45-55 (Mary's Magnificat) Open Door Church Edenton, NC Pastor Stephen Mizell

In this powerful Advent message, Pastor Stephen Mizell explores how God brought peace to shepherds in a field before bringing it to a palace. Discover why peace isn't the absence of chaos, but the presence of Jesus Christ—and why it requires pursuit, not passivity. The shepherds watching over sacrificial lambs were the first to hear the greatest announcement in history. Their story reveals profound truths about how God meets us in forgotten places, interrupts our ordinary moments, and transforms us from the inside out. If you're waiting for life to calm down before you can have peace, this message will challenge and encourage you. Key Takeaways: Peace is not a place you escape to—it's a person you embrace God starts in the places the world has forgotten Peace begins when you realize you're not in control Anxiety lives in the gap between God's command and our action You can have peace even when your circumstances don't change Peace requires pursuit—you must move toward Jesus Scripture References: Luke 2:8-20 (The Shepherds and the Angels) Open Door Church Edenton, NC Pastor Stephen Mizell 🌐 Website: www.visitopendoor.com

Have you ever prayed for something so long that you stopped expecting the answer? In this powerful Advent message, Pastor Stephen Mizell explores the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth—a faithful couple who waited 40 years for a child while continuing to serve God in the temple. Through their story found in Luke 1, discover a profound truth: God's silence isn't His absence. Sometimes heaven's delays aren't denials—God is preparing something bigger than what you're praying for. In This Episode: Why biblical hope is different from wishful thinking—it's confident expectation based on God's character How Zechariah and Elizabeth's obedience positioned them for a miracle they'd stopped expecting The difference between faith that believes God "can" versus faith that serves Him even when He "doesn't" Why both Zechariah and Mary asked "how?" but received different responses from the angel What it means to "keep lighting the incense"—staying faithful in service while waiting for answers How God sometimes closes our mouth so He can open our understanding Pastor Stephen challenges us with this question: What do you do when your prayers seem unanswered? The answer may surprise you—it's not to stop praying or stop serving, but to continue faithfully because hope is forged in consistency, not excitement. This message kicks off Open Door Church's Advent series, preparing hearts for 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting beginning January 4th. Key Quote: "Sometimes the most righteous people carry the heaviest crosses. Faith is not just believing God can—it's continuing to serve Him when He doesn't answer the way you expect." Scripture Focus: Luke 1:5-25

In this Thanksgiving message, John Lassiter from Open Door Church's teaching team teaches about the spiritual discipline of remembering God's faithfulness. Drawing from Deuteronomy 8, John challenges us to slow down in our busy season and resist the cultural trap of comparison and entitlement. Through vulnerable personal stories—from his journey as a school principal to watching his daughters get baptized—John illustrates the critical difference between pride that says "look what I did" and gratitude that says "look what God has accomplished through me." He reminds us that gratitude fades when memory fails, and that the greatest danger to our faith isn't trouble or hardship, but the forgetfulness that comes with comfort and success. IN THIS EPISODE: Why gratitude doesn't come naturally and must be intentional The dangerous exchange: replacing dependency on God with confidence in self How blessings can make you forget the Blesser The reality that self-made faith and self-earned salvation don't exist Choosing between being the main character in your own story vs. an important character in God's eternal story Practical challenges for cultivating a lifestyle of gratitude KEY SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 8:10-18 THREE THANKSGIVING CHALLENGES: Make a list of blessings money cannot buy and praise God for them daily Tell one person each day how God has been good to you Give back where you have been blessed—ask God where He can use you Whether you're lost in the wilderness or comfortable in your blessings, this message will recalibrate your perspective and inspire you to live with intentional gratitude this Thanksgiving season and beyond.

Feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or like you're constantly losing battles in your life? In this episode, Pastor Stephen Mizell discusses spiritual warfare and how to stand victorious in Christ. In the final sermon of our "Stronger" series through Ephesians, we uncover the truth about who your real enemy is—and it's not the people around you. Discover how the enemy uses deception, division, and distraction to keep you defeated, and learn the practical steps to put on God's armor every single day. IN THIS EPISODE: Why people are your mission field, not your problem The three tactics Satan uses to keep you defeated How to intentionally put on each piece of God's armor Why prayer doesn't just make you stronger—it makes you surrender The deadly trap of isolation and why you can't fight alone How the church functions as both hospital and army KEY SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 6:10-24 This isn't symbolic fluff—it's spiritual reality. Paul reminds us that we're not fighting against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces in the unseen world. The good news? God never sends His soldiers into battle unarmed. You have everything you need to win the fight. Whether you're a brand new believer or you've been walking with Christ for decades, this message will equip you to recognize the battle, armor up, pray with power, and stand firm together with your brothers and sisters in Christ. REMEMBER: Alone you will fail, but together you withstand. The victory has already been secured in Jesus Christ—now it's time to walk in that victory. Open Door Church | Edenton, NC Pastor Stephen Mizell Subscribe for weekly sermons and biblical teaching that will strengthen your faith and help you live victoriously in Christ.

Stronger in Relationships | Building on a Firm Foundation Series When Christ is at the center, relationships become stronger. When He's not, they become weaker. Pastor Stephen Mizell teaches from Ephesians 5-6 about how our faith should transform our closest relationships—in marriage, family, and work. Your relationships are the mirror that shows you how you're doing on the inside. If your faith doesn't work at home, does it really work? IN THIS EPISODE: Marriage: Moving from hierarchy to harmony Family: Why discipleship starts at home Work: Serving as unto the Lord How Christ transforms how we love, serve, and lead KEY SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 5:22-6:9 Open Door Church, Edenton, NC Pastor Stephen Mizell November 9, 2025

Are you living like the person God has called you to be? Pastor Stephen Mizell delivers a challenge about the gap between what we believe and how we live. Using Ephesians 4-5, he reminds us that real strength isn't proven by what you say you believe—it's proven by how you choose to live. In This Episode: Why we can't keep wearing the "dirty diaper" of our old life The three guardrails for Christian living: Love, Light, and Wisdom Why sanctification requires your participation, not just God's intervention How your lifestyle is the loudest sermon you'll ever preach Pastor Stephen shares why your presence should change the atmosphere of any room you enter. This is Week 7 of the Stronger series from Open Door Church. Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-32, Ephesians 5:1-21

Are you growing spiritually or just getting older? In this episode of the Open Door Church podcast, Pastor Stephen Mizell tackles a crucial question every believer must answer: What's the difference between natural growth and intentional maturity? Drawing from Ephesians 4, Pastor Stephen reveals why salvation is just the starting line, not the finish line. He challenges us to move from being spiritual consumers to becoming spiritual contributors—from spectators in the stands to participants on the field. In this episode, you'll discover: Why growth is automatic but maturity requires intentional obedience How to walk worthy of your calling in Christ The difference between knowing Bible facts and looking like Jesus Why unity is evidence of maturity (and pride is the seed of division) How to move from consumer to contributor in God's kingdom What it means to be unshaken when culture shifts around you Pastor Stephen also shares a powerful, personal vision for the next season of ministry, including four specific commitments that will challenge and inspire you—whether you're a grandparent, a young person, a new believer, or someone sensing God's call to ministry. This isn't just another sermon about spiritual growth. It's a call to intentional maturity that will change how you walk out your faith every single day. Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16 visitopendoor.com