When Prayers Seem Unanswered: Advent Week One, Hope
Open Door Church Official Podcast
Release Date: 12/01/2025
When Prayers Seem Unanswered: Advent Week One, Hope
Open Door Church Official Podcast
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...
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The Power of Remembering
Open Door Church Official Podcast
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...
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Stronger in the Fight: Winning Spiritual Battles | Ephesians 6:10-24
Open Door Church Official Podcast
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...
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Stronger in Relationships | Ephesians 5:22-6:9
Open Door Church Official Podcast
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...
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Stronger in Lifestyle | Walking in Love, Light & Wisdom | Ephesians 4-5
Open Door Church Official Podcast
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...
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Stronger in Maturity | Ephesians 4
Open Door Church Official Podcast
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...
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Stronger in Purpose | Ephesians 3
Open Door Church Official Podcast
Description: In this message from our Stronger series, Pastor Stephen Mizell reminds us that God’s plan for your life is bigger than your life. Drawing from Ephesians 3, he unpacks the mystery of God’s purpose—revealed through Christ and displayed through the church. Discover how to find meaning in trials, live rooted in love, and walk confidently in the purpose God has designed for you. Scripture: Ephesians 3:1–21 Key Themes: God’s purpose is eternal and far greater than our own plans The church displays God’s wisdom and grace to the world Suffering has purpose—it...
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Stronger Together | Building Unity in Christ | Ephesians 2:11-22
Open Door Church Official Podcast
In a world increasingly divided by algorithms, politics, and social media echo chambers, the gospel offers something radically different: true unity through Christ. Pastor Stephen Mizell shows how Jesus tears down walls and creates one new family from strangers and outsiders. Key Points: Algorithms divide us, but the cross unites us Remember you were once an outsider—stay humble Christ's death reconciles us to God AND to each other The church isn't optional—we need community to find our purpose A brick alone is a weapon; together we're God's temple Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22 If this...
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Stronger in Grace | Ephesians Sermon Series
Open Door Church Official Podcast
In week three of our Stronger series, Pastor Stephen Mizell teaches from Ephesians 2 on the power of God’s grace. Grace doesn’t just make you better—it makes you alive. Discover what it means to move from death to life, to receive mercy you can’t earn, and to live from grace instead of performance. Scripture: Ephesians 2:1–10 Key Quote: “Grace doesn’t grade on a curve—it’s graded on a cross.” If this message encouraged you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear about God’s grace today. Join us this Sunday at Open Door Church in Edenton, NC—where...
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Stronger in Vision | How to See God's Plan Clearly
Open Door Church Official Podcast
In this week's sermon, Pastor Stephen Mizell continues our "Stronger" series from the book of Ephesians, diving deep into what it means to have spiritual vision. Drawing from Ephesians 1:15-23, Pastor Stephen reveals why we live in a culture flooded with information but starving for wisdom—and how God wants to open our eyes to see what really matters. This isn't about physical sight; it's about spiritual insight. When life gets overwhelming and circumstances feel out of control, what you see determines how you stand. Pastor Stephen shares powerful illustrations and personal stories that will...
info_outlineHave 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