Posts with the tag “church”

God will go to the ends of the earth for you, no matter how far you've run. The story of Jonah illustrates God's relentless pursuit of His people, even when they flee in the opposite direction. Jonah ran from God's call to preach to Nineveh because he wanted judgment for them rather than mercy. Through storms and a great fish, God pursued Jonah not out of wrath but mercy. What appears as punishment in our lives is often God's rescue mission, reminding us that rebellion always triggers God's pursuit.  Read More

Life operates like a relay race where passing the spiritual baton to the next generation is crucial. Every action, word, and thought serves as a seed that multiplies and creates lasting impact. These seeds can fall on different types of soil, making it essential to be intentional about where and how we plant them. By understanding that everything we do is a seed that multiplies, we can create a positive legacy that continues to bear fruit long after our direct influence ends.  Read More

Life is more than just existing between birth and death - it's about making an eternal impact. While we can't control our birth or death dates, we can control how we use our time in between. To make our lives count, we must avoid the traps of comparison and competition with others. The key is to strip away distractions, keep our focus on Jesus, and run alongside others rather than alone. By supporting each other and sharing the load, we can make a lasting impact that extends far beyond our years.  Read More

Legacy is about creating lasting impact that continues beyond our years, not just accumulating possessions. It centers on two key principles: recognizing that everyone matters to God and taking personal responsibility for needs we encounter. The needs we see around us are often our call to action, requiring us to slow down, engage with others, and stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Building a meaningful legacy happens through daily decisions to take responsibility and care for others, not through grand gestures.  Read More

The journey of faith and spiritual transformation requires patience and persistence, especially when facing life's challenges. Through examining five common faith obstacles - death, disappointment, dysfunction, disbelief, and discouragement - we discover that God often works gradually in our lives. Using the biblical story of the Emmaus road, we learn that transformation typically requires many steps of faithful persistence. Rather than seeking immediate results, true spiritual growth comes through consistent steps of faith, even in moments of doubt and weakness.  Read More

Palm Sunday marks Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey in fulfillment of ancient prophecy. This humble entrance demonstrated both His identity as the Messiah and His servant leadership style. The people responded by laying down their garments and palm branches, showing their recognition of His kingship. This celebration reminds us to examine our own response to Jesus's lordship, challenging us to consider what we're willing to lay down in recognition of His authority.  Read More

Growing in faith requires development in three key areas: wisdom, stature, and favor. True wisdom combines both natural knowledge and spiritual insight, while stature involves embracing new responsibilities and spiritual maturity. God's favor flows naturally as we align ourselves with His purposes through growth in wisdom and stature. This balanced approach to spiritual development mirrors Jesus's own growth pattern, creating lasting momentum in our faith journey.  Read More

Living an others-focused life means being available and willing to help those in need, even during personal challenges. Drawing from David's example when he helped Keilah while being hunted by Saul, we learn the importance of consulting God before helping others and using our specific gifts wisely. This lifestyle brings two major rewards: attracting like-minded people to join your cause and witnessing God's miraculous interventions. While this path may involve criticism and sacrifice, the long-term rewards of faithful service always outweigh temporary costs.  Read More

Kingdom momentum represents divine forward movement that advances God's purposes beyond personal success. It begins, flows through, and returns to God's house, often facing questioning and criticism from others who don't understand. This momentum requires pure motives that lead our methods, involving both internal necessity and external shaping. When we align with this pattern and become conduits rather than hoarders of blessing, we experience the rich and satisfying life in all areas.  Read More

Life's struggles often lead us to wrestle with circumstances, but true transformation comes from wrestling with God instead. Through Jacob's story, we discover that wrestling with God involves engaging deeply with Him over our troubles rather than fighting against Him. This divine struggle encompasses three key areas: our repetitive patterns and mindsets, our calling and purpose, and our level of commitment. By shifting our focus from wrestling with problems to wrestling with God, we can find genuine rest and experience transformative growth.  Read More

The message at Mercy City Church emphasized the importance of aligning with God's heart cry to live a purposeful life. The speaker referenced Pastor Mike's previous message on advancing with God's heart cry, using examples from movies like Braveheart. The key points included understanding God's heart for relationships and community, and the need to leave behind personal desires and sins to advance together. The speaker highlighted the importance of building relationships, expecting the unexpected, and seeking God's strategies for victory. The message concluded with a call to action for personal and communal advancement, encouraging connection and purposeful living.  Read More

The message at Mercy City Church emphasized the importance of focusing on impacting the world rather than personal success. It highlighted the concept of significance, where one gives away their achievements. The speaker used the story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho to illustrate the power of faith and the covenant with God. The message stressed the need for spiritual momentum, urging believers to adopt a war cry of "Rock Kazakh Amaz" (Be strong and courageous) and to align their hearts with God's will. The speaker encouraged boldness and power in 2025, emphasizing that true victory comes from playing to win and standing firm in faith.  Read More

Pastor Matt discusses the importance of aligning with God's will before accelerating in one's spiritual journey. He references Joshua chapter 5, highlighting the Israelites' transition from the wilderness to the Promised Land, emphasizing the necessity of circumcision as a symbol of covenant and alignment with God. Matt stresses that while miracles are significant, living in the Promised Land requires internal alignment and a commitment to God's promises. He encourages the congregation to embrace community, align their hearts with God, and prepare for a season of accelerated momentum, warning against misinterpreting enemy fear as a cue for action.  Read More

The message emphasized the transformative power of embracing new seasons and aligning with God's momentum. Pastor Matt and Speaker 3 discussed the story of Rahab, a prostitute who, by faith, hid Israelite spies and later aligned with God's people. Rahab's journey illustrates the importance of acknowledging new seasons, recognizing God's work, and aligning with His will. The speakers encouraged the congregation to let go of their pasts and embrace the new life God offers, highlighting that change is essential for growth and fulfilling God's purpose. The message concluded with an invitation for attendees to commit their lives to Jesus and embrace their new season.  Read More

Pastor Matt celebrates the church's 10th anniversary and introduces a new series called Momentum, defined as acceleration with ease. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging new seasons in life and aligning with God's plan. Using the biblical story of Joshua taking over from Moses, Pastor Matt encourages the congregation to move forward with faith, trusting God's promises rather than relying on people. He stresses the need for biblical literacy and staying connected to God's Word. The message concludes with a call to embrace new opportunities and trust in God's divine order.  Read More

Pastor Matt's message emphasized the concept of favor and consistency. He recounted his mother's poor gift-giving skills to illustrate that God's gifts are tailored to individual needs and timings. The sermon highlighted that God's favor is not fair but based on readiness and consistency. Key points included the importance of character, celebrating small wins, and seizing opportunities. The biblical example of the disciples choosing Matthias to replace Judas underscored the need for faithfulness and consistency in prayer and unity. The message concluded with a call to pursue Jesus consistently to be ready for God's favor.  Read More

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 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

Pastor Carrie discusses the importance of hearing, understanding, and obeying God's word, as exemplified in Luke 8. She highlights Jesus' tour, his teachings, and the significance of parables, particularly the parable of the sower and the seed, which illustrates the varying impacts of God's word. Carrie emphasizes that true faith is revealed in times of storms, urging believers to trust in Jesus' authority over all things. She concludes by encouraging listeners to trust in God's power and not to let fear control them, citing scriptures to support her message.  Read More

Pastor Matt discusses the true essence of the gospel, emphasizing grace and mercy over fear and judgment. He contrasts the spirit of religion, which demands impossible standards and judgment, with the gospel, which offers mercy and transformation. Using John 8, he illustrates how Jesus' response to the woman caught in adultery highlights mercy and forgiveness, challenging the religious leaders' hypocrisy. Pastor Matt encourages repentance, not as a burden but as a transformative act leading to a life free from sin. He calls for a shift from religious practices to a genuine relationship with Jesus, emphasizing that the gospel changes lives and should be evident in daily actions and interactions.  Read More

Pastor Matt delivered a message encouraging the congregation to be bold in their faith and actively engage with others. He emphasized the importance of making invites to church, particularly to unchurched or disconnected individuals, rather than focusing on church attendance. Pastor Matt highlighted that 90% of churchgoers do not invite others to church, often due to forgetting their own life transformation. He shared inspiring stories of individuals who accepted Jesus and led others to faith through personal invitations. Matt concluded by urging the congregation to make irresistible invites that focus on Jesus and the life change He brings.  Read More

Richmond Wandera, a pastor from Uganda, delivered a message of hope and gratitude to Mercy City Church. He expressed deep appreciation for the support from Pastor Mark and Pastor Carrie, who traveled to Uganda and inspired local pastors. Pastor Richmond highlighted the impact of the Next Level Leadership Community and the Pastors Discipleship Network, which united 1200 pastors from five nations. He recounted Uganda's Christian growth from 25% in the 1930s to 84% today, despite past persecution. Pastor Richmond emphasized the transformative power of Compassion International's support, sharing his personal story of being sponsored and how it changed his life and family's destiny. He called for continued support and sacrifice to uplift children and families in need.  Read More

Pastor Carrie from Mercy City Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, introduced a new series titled "Sickles and Swords," emphasizing the importance of spiritual readiness and the concept of harvest. She highlighted the need for repentance, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the urgency of actively engaging in evangelism. Statistical data revealed that 82% of unchurched individuals might attend church if invited, but only 2% of churchgoers invited non-Christians last year. Pastor Carrie called for a proactive approach to reaching the lost, urging the congregation to be bold in sharing their faith and to prepare for a spiritual harvest.  Read More