Here is a recap of our message from this weekend...

Day One: Weapons Training

In the opening message of 2025, Pastor Jared introduces the series "Day One" with a sermon titled "Weapons Training", highlighting the transformative power of spiritual disciplines. Using Matthew 6:9-13 as the foundation, the message focuses on three key practices: prayer, fasting, and faith. Prayer, Pastor Jared explains, gives us direction by aligning our hearts with God’s will and teaching us to pray with intentionality and specificity. Fasting develops discipline, allowing us to quiet the noise of the world, strengthen our spirits, and create space for God to work powerfully. Finally, faith is the key that activates these disciplines, bridging the gap between our prayers and God’s power.

Weekly Bible Study List

1. Matthew 6:9-13 - "This, then, is how you should pray..."
2. Hebrews 11:6 - "Without faith it is impossible to please God..."
3. Mark 9:29 - "This kind can only come out by prayer and fasting."
4. Matthew 6:16-18 - "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do..."
5. Psalm 46:1 - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

3 Things Our Spiritual Disciplines Need To Operate with Power

1. Direction through Prayer - Prayer isn’t just talking to God; it’s aligning with Him. Jesus’ model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 teaches intentionality—acknowledging God’s sovereignty, seeking His will, and being specific in our requests. Prayer clears the path for blessings by addressing unresolved sin and unforgiveness, likened to unclogging a drain to let water flow freely.
2. Discipline through Fasting - Fasting quiets worldly noise to focus on God. Matthew 6:16-18 explains that fasting is expected of believers and should be done privately, with the right motives. Fasting strengthens the spirit, clarifies priorities, and breaks spiritual strongholds, creating space for God to work powerfully.
3. Dependency on God through Faith - Faith transforms prayer and fasting into unstoppable forces. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that faith is essential to please God. Bold faith bridges the gap between our efforts and God’s power, exemplified by Elijah’s prayers on Mount Carmel. Faith turns empty rituals into acts of trust in God’s promises.

From Sermon to Action

Pastor Jared concludes with a challenge: "Pick up your weapon. Pray with purpose. Fast with focus. Believe with boldness." These disciplines aren’t about ritual but relationship, unlocking God’s transformative power.

Worship Setlist

1. Praise You Anywhere
2. Same God
3. Nothing Else

Notable Sermon Quotes to Repost on Social Media

1. "Prayer without direction is like swinging a sword in the dark."
2. "You are not powerless; you just haven’t picked up your weapon yet."
3. "Fasting is not about what you’re giving up; it’s about what you’re making room for."
4. "Faith isn’t just believing that God can—it’s trusting that He will."
5. "Prayer connects you to God; fasting aligns your heart with His."
6. "A weapon without a target is a weapon wasted. Prayer without director is a prayer that lacks power."
7. "God doesn’t just want you to avoid sin; He wants to deliver you from it."
8. "Faith is the bridge between your prayers and God’s power."
9. "Fasting is the discipline of saying no to the world so you can say yes to God."
10. "Pick up your weapon and watch how God shows up in ways you never expected."

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