Posts with the tag “faith”

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

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 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

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 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

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

Pastor Matt concludes the "In God We Trust" series with a message titled "Worship is My Weapon." He emphasizes that worship is a lifestyle, not just a song, and that it involves aligning our hearts with God's Word. He discusses Abraham's faith and obedience in Genesis 22, highlighting that true worship is about surrender, not sacrifice. Pastor Matt encourages immediate obedience, patience, and communication of faith. He stresses that worship is a weapon against life's battles and calls the congregation to lift their hands in surrender and worship, symbolizing their trust in God.  Read More