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.

• 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

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