Have you ever gotten frustrated watching someone else receive a blessing you felt they didn't earn? In this first message of our new series Stories Jesus Told, Pastor Stephen Mizell unpacks the Parable of the Vineyard Workers from Matthew 20 — and what it reveals about God's scandalous, unmerited grace. Whether you've been following Jesus for decades or you're just now getting over, this message is for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• God's kingdom doesn't operate on human fairness — it operates on grace
• Comparison transforms a generous gift into a perceived grievance
• You can keep score or you can experience grace, but you can't do both
• Late doesn't disqualify you in the Kingdom of God — it only invites you
• We serve not to earn God's love, but as an overflow of the grace we've already received
• The greatest danger isn't missing a reward — it's working in the vineyard and missing God's heart

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

• Matthew 19:27 — Peter's question: "What's in it for us?"
• Matthew 20:1–16 — The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

SERIES: Stories Jesus Told — a series through the parables of Jesus exploring grace, vocation, anxiety, purpose, forgiveness, and family.

It all comes down to this moment.

In this powerful Resurrection Sunday message, Pastor Stephen Mizell unpacks why the resurrection of Jesus isn't just a tradition or a good story—it's the foundation of everything we believe. If the tomb is empty, it changes your past, your present, and your future.

This message will challenge what you believe about Jesus and invite you to experience His power—not just someday, but right now.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Christianity rises and falls on the resurrection—not good teaching or tradition
• The empty tomb is evidence, not just a symbol
• The stone was rolled away so we could see in, not so Jesus could get out
• Fear and joy can coexist in moments of transformation
• Resurrection power doesn't just affect eternity—it changes your life today
• You don't need more willpower—you need God's power
• The same power that raised Jesus is available to you now

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

• Matthew 20:1–16
• Matthew 28:1–10
• Ephesians 1:19–20
• Romans 10:9

What are you expecting from Jesus?

As Easter approaches, Kevin Daughety challenges us to examine a question many of us never stop to ask: Are we seeking Jesus for what He can give us—or for who He is?

Looking at the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6, this message exposes how easy it is to chase provision while missing transformation. Jesus invites us into something deeper—a relationship that requires trust, even when we don't fully understand.

▪ We often seek provision from Jesus instead of transformation through Him
▪ Jesus calls us to focus on eternal things, not temporary needs
▪ The only "work" God requires is believing in Jesus
▪ Some of Jesus' teachings are hard to understand—but still true
▪ What you consume shapes who you become
▪ A real relationship with Jesus requires trust, not just clarity
▪ Following Jesus means letting Him challenge your identity, beliefs, and lifestyle

▪ John 6:1–69
▪ John 6:26–29
▪ John 6:52–58
▪ John 6:60–69
▪ Matthew 5 (Sermon on the Mount)
▪ Mark 10:17–22

ABOUT OPEN DOOR CHURCH
Open Door Church is located in Edenton, NC, where Pastor Stephen Mizell serves as lead pastor. We believe in the transformative power of God's Word and the life-changing message of Jesus Christ.

www.visitopendoor.com