In this message from our Sermon on the Mount series, we go back Matthew 6 to explore the deep truths about the approval of others, the pain of rejection, and how father wounds can shape our view of our Heavenly Father.

We’ll uncover how Jesus’ teachings offer us freedom from the prison of seeking validation from others, healing from past hurts, and an invitation to walk in His yoke—a way of life that brings true peace and joy.

Key Scriptures:

Proverbs 4:23

Titus 3:3-8

Matthew 11:28-30

Matthew 6:1-18

🔗 Connect with Champion Church of St. Augustine, Florida

- 🌐 Website: https://championchurch.cc/

- 📱 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/championchurch_/

- 📘 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChampionChurch.CC

This week, we're focusing on detoxing our soul and finding true life in Christ. What does this mean?

Sin created a separation from God that only Jesus could mend. Because God loved the world so much, He gave His only Son to bring us back into His family (John 3:16). Through Jesus, we are offered salvation, redemption, and the truest life possible—a life filled with purpose, contentment, joy, and peace.

This abundant life isn't free from storms, but it remains vibrant despite them. Living this life comes at a cost: surrendering our way for Jesus' way. As disciples, we follow His teachings, His example, and His guidance, embracing His truth and life (John 14:6; Matthew 11:28-30).

In this message, we’ll unpack Jesus’ yoke as seen in the Sermon on the Mount and explore the spiritual practices He teaches—giving, prayer, and fasting. We’ll dive deeper into fasting, one of the most underutilized yet transformative practices, and its power to:

1.) Starve the flesh and align us with the Spirit (Galatians 5).

2.) Amplify our prayers and deepen our union with God.

3.) Stand with the poor, blessing others while drawing closer to Christ (Isaiah 58).

Fasting isn't just about giving up food; it's about replacing our strongest desires with our deepest desire—to know and walk with Jesus. Whether it's a regular practice or a response to a crisis, fasting helps us seek God in a meaningful way.

Take the challenge: Remove something this week—maybe a meal—and turn that hunger into a moment with the Lord. Let’s draw closer to God together!

🔗 Connect with Champion Church of St. Augustine, Florida

- 🌐 Website: https://championchurch.cc/

- 📱 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/championchurch_/

- 📘 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChampionChurch.CC

There are many lessons to be drawn from the Biblical Christmas Story, but the most significant is this: Jesus left Heaven to come to earth to bridge the gap that sin created between us and God. This is the heart of why we celebrate Christmas.

But the story doesn't end there. Because of Christmas, Jesus now sees us with profound love and joy, calling us to something far greater—something 10,000 times better than we could ever imagine.

It’s Christmas time, everybody! The season where we celebrate Jesus stepping out of Heaven and into our world to bring peace, restoration, and true life.

But have you ever thought about how the first Christmas really looked? It wasn’t perfect, polished, or picture-ready—yet God was in it.

From the Garden of Eden, to Zechariah and Elizabeth, to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, we see God at work in the messy, dark, and uncertain moments. And just like then, God is in it now—even in the places that feel hopeless, confusing, or broken.

In today’s message, we’ll learn from the Christmas story how to:

✨ Show up in faith when life feels dark (Zechariah & Elizabeth)

✨ Trust God’s Word and let it guide us (Mary)

✨ Honor others even when it’s hard (Joseph)

✨ Pursue God when we feel overlooked (Shepherds)

✨ Keep walking in faith without seeing the finish line (Wise Men)

Scriptures Covered:

Psalm 139:7-12

Deuteronomy 31:8

Matthew 28:20

Luke 1 & 2

Galatians 6:9

💡 Practical Steps for Trusting God Today 💡

Win the day—just show up.

Consume His Word—it’s your light in the darkness.

Honor others—choose grace even when it’s tough.

Pursue Him—your worth isn’t defined by others.

Keep walking—faith grows step by step.

Can you see the divine in the darkness? ✨

Let’s light our candle and remember: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches about the different types of soil – hearts that either resist, quickly fade, get distracted, or truly embrace the Word, yielding an incredible harvest. We all want to be "good soil" that produces a life filled with purpose and impact. But how do we cultivate this type of heart?

This message breaks down steps we can take to prepare our hearts as fertile ground for God’s Word:

Repentance & Humility – Removing the rocks and weeds blocking growth (1 John 1:8-9, James 4:6).

Meditate on Scripture – Letting God's Word take root deeply (Psalms 1:1-3).

Pray for Wisdom – One of the greatest treasures we have (James 1:5).

Be Honest About Distractions – Recognizing what might choke out the Word (Mark 4:19).

Pursue Connection – Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers as Jesus did (Luke 19:10, 7:34).

Be Persistent and Patient – Trusting that a harvest will come in due season (Galatians 6:9).

Cultivate a Thankful Heart – Gratitude shifts our perspective and strengthens our faith (Colossians 3:17).

When God's Word comes into your life, how does your heart receive it? Are you cultivating "good soil" that can yield a significant harvest?

🔗 Connect with Champion Church of St. Augustine, Florida

- 🌐 Website: https://championchurch.cc/

- 📱 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/championchurch_/

- 📘 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChampionChurch.CC

In this message, we go into understanding who our true Shepherd is. This isn't about condemnation; it's an invitation to align with His purpose.

Imagine being a young fisherman in 1st century Galilee, just going through the motions, when suddenly, Jesus calls you to follow Him. This isn't just a career change; it's a life transformation—a calling to become "fishers of men."

Jesus' invitation is more than just a change of lifestyle; it's an offer to live a life filled with meaning, purpose, and identity in Him. No longer are we bound by the mundane routine of life or limited by the world's expectations. Through Him, we find our true value and calling.

When Jesus says, "Follow me," He’s calling us to His way, His truth, and His life. Each of us is beautifully and wonderfully made, with a unique purpose and personality, crafted by God. Following Him means letting go of our old ways and embracing a new identity and purpose in His kingdom.

Are we ready to drop our nets, our routines, our ways, and fully embrace the life Jesus offers? This message challenges us to seek first the Kingdom in every aspect of our lives—our work, our relationships, our families, and our personal journeys. It’s not about rules or behavior modification; it’s about letting Jesus live His life through us.

Scripture References

Mark 1:16-20

Psalms 139:13-18

Luke 9:23

Romans 12:2

Matthew 13:34, 44

Philippians 2:6-8

John 3:16-17

Ephesians 2:7, 3:8-10

Let’s explore what it means to give up our ways, follow His way, and discover the treasure of the Kingdom.

🔗 Connect with Champion Church of St. Augustine, Florida

- 🌐 Website: https://championchurch.cc/

- 📱 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/championchurch_/

- 📘 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChampionChurch.CC

In this week's message, Jake Hamilton dives deep into the heart of biblical masculinity, family, and faith. As a husband, father, pastor, and worship leader, Jake shares his personal journey and the importance of living a life of authenticity, passion, and sacrifice. He discusses the meaning of true masculinity, focusing on Jesus as the model, and the significance of family in transforming culture.

Jake explores topics like:

The true definition of passion and what it means to suffer for what you love.

How arguments in relationships are invitations to deeper understanding and growth.

The critical role of fathers and husbands in their families.

Why complete honesty with yourself and others is essential for transformation.

The importance of embracing your story and scars to lead a life of purpose.

Whether you're navigating marriage, parenting, or just seeking to deepen your faith, this talk offers invaluable insights for both men and women. Jake also touches on his recent book, The Journey to Biblical Masculinity, where he calls men to rise into their God-given roles.

Jake's Book:

https://a.co/d/7Uc3eb0

🔗 Connect with Champion Church of St. Augustine, Florida

- 🌐 Website: https://championchurch.cc/

- 📱 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/championchurch_/

- 📘 Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChampionChurch.CC

Welcome to our women's community, where we connect, learn, and grow together in a safe and supportive environment of shared experiences.

Join Mom (Sandra), her daughters Candace and Alyssa, and daughters-in-love Brooks and Felisha as they discuss the questions that women face in their daily lives.

Grab yourself a cup of coffee, ladies, and let's spill some tea!

If you want to know more about the Hersey women, you can check out their website at https://breakfastatmomspodcast.com

Stay in the know with our free newsletter at https://breakfastatmomspodcast.com/newsletter

Additionally, the podcast also offers Mom’s weekly devotional, which you can find at https://sandrahersey.org/theblog

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakfast_at_moms_podcast

Note—The Breakfast at Mom’s Podcast, the Hersey Women, and this YouTube Channel, including any references, links, or knowledge resources, are for informational purposes only. Nothing said should be taken as a replacement for medical, clinical, or professional advice, diagnosis, or medical intervention. The women on this podcast are not medical professionals.