The message at Mercy City Church focused on Matthew 25:1-13, the parable of the ten bridesmaids. The speaker emphasized the importance of spiritual preparedness, likening oil to the Holy Spirit and the lamps to our salvation. The wise bridesmaids, who had extra oil, symbolized those spiritually prepared, while the foolish bridesmaids, who ran out of oil, represented those unprepared. Key points included the necessity of personal responsibility, avoiding procrastination, and setting appropriate boundaries. The message encouraged listeners to assess their spiritual condition, seek fresh oil, and strive for spiritual maturity.  Read More

Pastor Matt discusses the qualities of a leader worth following, emphasizing humility, honesty, hopefulness, honorability, and honoring others. He highlights the importance of leaders being humble in both success and failure, honest in their speech and actions, and hopeful in their outlook. Pastor Matt stresses that true leaders are developed through personal relationships with Jesus and painful experiences, not simply found. He encourages the congregation to reflect on their own lives and whether they embody these qualities, aiming to inspire others to follow Jesus.  Read More

Pastor Matt introduces a new series called "Follow the Leader," emphasizing the importance of making intentional decisions before opportunities arise. He stresses that choices lead, and feelings follow, urging listeners to commit to their goals and decisions before the moment presents itself. Using biblical examples, he illustrates the immediate response of Jesus' first disciples to His call, highlighting their faith and readiness. Pastor Matt also discusses the concept of 100% responsibility for personal decisions and encourages listeners to choose their leader, new life, and level of involvement, aiming for a strong start and finish in the coming year.  Read More

The message emphasized the importance of dreaming and aligning our dreams with God's divine plan. Pastor Carrie highlighted that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours, as stated in Isaiah 55. God's creativity, evident in Genesis 1:1, is reflected in our unique gifts and dreams. She encouraged the congregation to seek God's dreams for their lives, which are rooted in intimacy and relationship with Him. She shared examples of how God's faithfulness has manifested in the lives of church members, including starting businesses, marriages, and healing. The message concluded with a call to slow down, connect with God, and seek His dreams for the upcoming year.  Read More

Pastor Matt discusses the importance of having "margin to dream," referencing biblical examples like Mary and Joseph. He emphasizes that as people age, they often lose the margin in their lives to dream, which is crucial for experiencing God's miracles. Matt encourages slowing down in messy moments, clearing the mess, and taking note of it, as it might be a prelude to a miracle. He stresses the need to weigh eternal values against temporary ones and to create space for God's intervention. The message concludes with a call for listeners to seek new dreams and visions from God.  Read More

Pastor Matt introduces a new series titled "Dreaming of a White Christmas," reflecting on childhood dreams and the loss of such anticipation as adults. He argues that dreaming is not just for children but essential for believers, citing Acts 2:17-18. Matt identifies three roadblocks to dreaming: thoughts, images, and sensations. He emphasizes the importance of transforming one's mindset, adopting God's blueprint, and replacing negative images and sensations with God's truth. He shares a personal story of overcoming abuse and stresses the power of prayer over worry. The message concludes with a call to dream again and embrace God's vision for 2025.  Read More