Resistance SZN 2 // Episode 12

Pastor Matthew Hunt • Lead Pastor
September 20, 2026

1 Minute Read

Sermon Replay - Click Here

Spiritual Emptiness - Haggai 1:2-11


Ezra is the backdrop for Haggai’s prophecy


Misplaced Priorities Create Spiritual Emptiness


God’s Blessing Flows from Honoring Him First


Delayed Obedience Delays Divine Favor

- Haggai 1:14
- Haggai 2:4–9


Your actions lead your affectionate allegiances - to God or false gods.


You cannot fake or think your way into a life of devotion aligned with God, you must habit your way into it.


____________________________________________________________________

Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group)

This week we looked at the cultivating devotion to God. Read Haggai 1:2-11. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you?

What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Where did you sense the Holy Spirit convicting you and inviting you to make changes or repent?

In what ways does Haggai's message challenge our modern views on consumerism and materialism?

How can we cultivate a deeper hunger for God in a culture that often emphasizes individualism?

Read James 4:5-10. What is the Holy Spirit highlighting for you?

What specific actions will you take to realign our priorities in favor of God’s interests over our own comforts?

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From this Author: Pastor Matthew Hunt
September 27, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Resistance SZN 2 // Episode 13
Sermon Recap - Click Here Teaching Text: Nehemiah 2:1-10 Overwhelmed but Overcoming (1) God looks for faithfulness before He shows Himself strong. (2) God will burden those He finds trustworthy. —> Nehemiah 1:4-11 (3) God favors the bold. Hebrews 4:16 “16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.” Nehemiah 2:17–18 “17 So I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned. Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” 18 I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me. They said, “Let’s start rebuilding,” and their hands were strengthened to do this good work.” How do we move from overwhelmed to overcoming? Pray first, pray throughout, pray boldly and pray until breakthrough occurs. Choose bravery in your friendships and obedience. Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at moving beyond feeling overwhelmed to living as an overcomer. Read Nehemiah 2:1-20. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Where did you sense the Holy Spirit convicting you? In what specific areas of your life do you feel overwhelmed? What role does repentance play in Nehemiah's journey and how can it apply to our lives? Read Hebrews 4:12-16. What is the Holy Spirit highlighting for you? What does it mean to approach God with boldness? What specific actions do you want to take in obedience to Word this week?

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

September 26, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Man Year Cohort begins October 25
Most men know they have a deficit in their life. They feel the gaps in their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual lives–but they haven’t closed the gap or shown much change over the years of their life. And they want to change but there’s no path or program. They have no outlet for transformation. You can sit in church for ten years, sit in 15 bible studies, and listen to as many podcasts as you want. And you stay the same. Why is that? Here’s the cold hard truth. Without the content, and without the community, almost every single man will have high aspirations but fall short of almost all of them. What exactly is Man Year? Man Year is a 52-week CHALLENGE curriculum for Christian men to become more like Jesus. Because here's the truth. Most men are not healthy... Physically Mentally Spiritually And Emotionally We tend to be strong in one or two areas while neglecting the others. Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to, "Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength." To become true disciples of Jesus, we can't section ourselves off. We can't give Him a piece of ourselves and withhold the rest. No, Jesus wants you to love Him with everything you've got. That's why Man Year was created as a challenge for Christian men to reorient their entire lives toward God over the course of one year in a community of brothers. The 52 weeks are broken up into 4 parts. Each quarter, we will focus on one of the 4 domains I mentioned above. During that quarter, you will work through curriculum and pursue a challenge(s) to help you grow in that area. For example, for the Spiritual domain, you might do a 24-hour fast, one day per week. For the emotional domain, you have to write a 2-page 'legacy letter' to your loved ones as if you were to die tomorrow. The only catch? You're not allowed to join Man Year alone. If you try, the system will literally kick you out. No more "lone-wolfing" your faith journey. If the King of Kings needed a community of brothers, you do too. This is not casual. This is not another small group. Not another book club. It's a covenant. A challenge. A battle cry. One year. Four domains. Two or more brothers. Countless opportunities for God to radically transform your life. This a costly and valued investment. The program cost is $225 or 12 payments of $23/mo. Are you up for it? Are you ready to see what God can do when you give Him everything for 52 weeks? Here is what to do next: Read the commitment Text 2 or more guys right now and ask them to prayerfully consider joining you in this. Then, register.

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

September 23, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
God’s Favor in a Pressure-Filled World
God’s Favor in an Anxious World What do we do when the pressure rises, the future feels unclear, and anxiety seems to spread through every space we find ourselves? Daniel 2 gives us a compelling answer. King Nebuchadnezzar was troubled by a dream he could not understand. His anxiety quickly became a crisis for everyone around him. He demanded answers no one could give, and the consequences were severe. Daniel was caught in the same danger as everyone else, but he responded differently. He did not panic. He did not protest. He did not try to control an outcome that was beyond his power. Daniel prayed. Before he stood before a king, Daniel gathered his trusted friends and asked God for mercy and wisdom. In a world full of upheaval, he became a steady, prayerful presence. That is the invitation for us, too. Anxiety often reveals what we have been leaning on. When our security is rooted in circumstances, comfort, people, institutions, or outcomes we cannot control, pressure exposes just how shaky those foundations can be. Daniel reminds us that God’s kingdom cannot be shaken even when everything around us feels uncertain. Favor does not always mean favorable circumstances. Daniel was living in exile, surrounded by a culture that did not honor God and did not make life easy for God’s people. Yet he experienced God’s favor because he remained faithful, wise, humble, and prayerful. He did not spend his energy echoing the panic around him. He did not become known for criticism, gossip, or outrage. Instead, Daniel brought something valuable to the situation: wisdom, courage, integrity, and solutions that no one else could find. That is what it means to be a faithful witness. We do not have to be the loudest voice in the room to point people toward God. Sometimes our strongest witness is becoming the person who brings peace instead of panic, solutions instead of complaints, and prayer instead of fear. Daniel had an “extraordinary spirit.” He consistently did the extra that ordinary people would not do. He showed up with diligence, excellence, and wisdom. Not to prove he was better than anyone else, but because God had gifted him and empowered him to serve faithfully where he was. Whatever your sphere of influence may be—your home, workplace, school, church, neighborhood, or community—God can use your steady faithfulness to make room for His truth. And it begins with prayer. When life feels unfavorable, favor prayer. Prayer helps us remember who God is. It lifts our eyes above our circumstances and realigns our hearts with His power, wisdom, and goodness. When we do not know what to pray, we can pray Scripture. We can open the Psalms, pray the promises of God, or let worship give language to what is happening in our hearts. Prayer is not pretending that the pressure is not real. It is choosing to believe that God is greater than the pressure. Daniel’s story also reminds us that our hope is not ultimately in any earthly kingdom. Kingdoms rise and fall. Systems change. Leaders come and go. But Jesus is King, and His kingdom will never be shaken. So when the world around you is anxious, do not feel compelled to add to the noise. Slow down. Pray. Gather trusted people around you. Ask God for wisdom. Show up with humility and excellence. You may not be able to control the outcome, but you can become a non-anxious presence who points others toward the unshakable kingdom of God.

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

Currently Reading
September 20, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Resistance SZN 2 // Episode 12
Sermon Replay - Click Here Spiritual Emptiness - Haggai 1:2-11 Ezra is the backdrop for Haggai’s prophecy Misplaced Priorities Create Spiritual Emptiness God’s Blessing Flows from Honoring Him First Delayed Obedience Delays Divine Favor - Haggai 1:14 - Haggai 2:4–9 Your actions lead your affectionate allegiances - to God or false gods. You cannot fake or think your way into a life of devotion aligned with God, you must habit your way into it. ____________________________________________________________________ Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at the cultivating devotion to God. Read Haggai 1:2-11. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Where did you sense the Holy Spirit convicting you and inviting you to make changes or repent? In what ways does Haggai's message challenge our modern views on consumerism and materialism? How can we cultivate a deeper hunger for God in a culture that often emphasizes individualism? Read James 4:5-10. What is the Holy Spirit highlighting for you? What specific actions will you take to realign our priorities in favor of God’s interests over our own comforts?

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

September 13, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Resistance SZN 2 // Episode 11
Sermon Replay - Click Here Favor in Unfavorable Times Daniel is an example of being an oasis of serenity in a world of upheaval. God’s wisdom and power help you respond with tact and courage. God’s wisdom and power are available, and bring favor in unfavorable times. James 1:5 “5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.” Become a person that favors prayer (1) Pray with others. (2) Pray for others. (3) Pray with the proper view of God. _____________________________________________________________________ Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at the favor of God bestowed on His people. Read Daniel 2:1-24. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Where did you sense the Holy Spirit convicting you and inviting you to make changes or repent? What does Daniel's approach to anxiety and uncertainty teach us about trusting God's wisdom? What is the danger of not trusting God? Describe what your life’s actions and attitudes look like when you are not anxious. In what practical ways can we become that non-anxious presence in our daily lives? Read James 1:1-8. What are some important truths in passage? How can you integrate them into your own life?

Pastor Matthew Hunt

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September 3, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
#Faith4TodayPodcast Episode 84
A Sweet Tooth for Scripture In Ezekiel 2–3, God gives the prophet an unusual instruction: eat the scroll containing His words. Ezekiel does and he finds it “sweet as honey.” It’s a powerful picture of what Scripture is meant to be in our lives. God’s Word is not merely information to collect, analyze, or reference when we need an answer. It is daily nourishment. It is something we receive, digest, and allow to shape the way we think, decide, pray, and live. Ezekiel ate the scroll before he was sent to speak God’s words to others. That order matters. Before we correct, encourage, lead, teach, or offer wisdom, we need to let God’s Word work on us first. We do not need to have every truth perfectly mastered before we can share it. But we should be willing to let Scripture search our hearts before we use it to examine someone else’s. God’s Word is a mirror before it becomes a magnifying glass. When we slow down to read Scripture prayerfully, aloud, and in community, it begins to reshape our imagination. It gives the Holy Spirit truth to bring back to our minds in moments of temptation, uncertainty, conflict, and decision. It anchors us when the world offers louder voices and easier paths. Jesus modeled this in the wilderness. When He faced temptation, He answered with the Word of God. Scripture was not abstract knowledge to Him; it was a weapon, a source of strength, and a reminder of His Father’s truth. The same invitation is open to us. Don’t let the Bible become an occasional spiritual snack. Open it daily. Sit with it. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see what God is revealing about Himself and how He is inviting you to respond. God’s wisdom has no shelf life. His Word is living bread for today. So this week, take a little more time with Scripture. Read slowly. Let it convict you, comfort you, and nourish you. 🤟🏼 Pastor M.

Pastor Matthew Hunt

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August 30, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Resistance SZN 2 // Episode 09
Sermon Replay - Click Here Main Teaching text: Ezekiel 2:8-3:4 God’s word is for you, but wasn’t written to you. God’s word is sustenance that is sweet. Psalm 119:97–104 (CSB) 97 How I love your instruction! It is my meditation all day long. 98 Your command makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers because your decrees are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the elders because I obey your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path to follow your word. 102 I have not turned from your judgments, for you yourself have instructed me. 103 How sweet your word is to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth. 104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every false way. God speaks to you through His word. How can you develop an imagination soaked by Scripture? _____________________________________________________________________ Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at God’s word as a sweet treat for our souls. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Read Ezekiel 2:8-3:4. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? Why does God’s word matter so much? How does it impact our life? In what ways can we ensure that we are digesting God’s Word before sharing it with others? Why would doing that matter? Read Psalm 119:97-104. What do these verses tell us about God and His word? Can you think of a moment when God’s Word has brought clarity or direction in your life? As you reflect on the whole message, what now? What actions or applications do you want to integrate into your life?

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

August 27, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Update: Leadership Roles
I am writing to announce two leadership transitions within our Church: Jaret Thorpe has decided to resign from his staff position. Gregg Motley will step down from his role as a Local Elder at the end of September. Transitions involving valued leaders can initially feel challenging; however, such changes are not inherently negative and can be very healthy. Both decisions reflect prayerful discernment, wise counsel, and humility in pursuit of God’s vision for greater spiritual growth. These are decisions of a healthy nature. Jaret has served on staff since May 2018, becoming full-time in 2023. His responsibilities included administration, facilities, and youth ministry (YTH). I have watched him grow and flourish as a follower of Jesus, ministering and caring for others. We have been blessed by his gifting and gritty faith. He and his family plan to remain active in our church community; even continuing involvement in YTH as a volunteer group leaders. Jaret’s final day on staff will be September 6. Gregg Motley has served as a trusted member of our eldership team since April 2021. His decision is supported by all local elders, who affirm his need to prioritize other commitments within the county. Gregg’s wisdom and experience have been instrumental in crafting some key ministry realities for our church. He's a mobilizer, encourager, and mature in his devotion to God. We are grateful that they both will continue to worship and serve in our congregation. Please extend your appreciation and honor to these men for their years of service. Faith Church is senior pastor-led, supported by local elders and sustained by staff and volunteers working in partnership to bring faith to life. Our Ministry Team culture invites every attendee to serve as a minister within the family, deploying their gifts on mission. During this season, I encourage you to consider joining a ministry team. FACILITIES MINISTRY TEAM - Our Facilities Ministry team supports the maintenance, organization, repair, and setup of our campus spaces. They minister typically during the week. The team is now led by Pastor Clayton. YTH MINISTRY TEAM - Are you passionate about seeing teenagers supported, known, understood, and loved while encouraging their allegiance to King Jesus? We invite you to consider partnering with others to lead a small group each Wednesday. Brittany Dare will coordinate the YTH Team as she transitions into her new role as NextGen Director (serving ages 6 weeks through 12th grade), with my interim support. Please email (hello@faithchurchks.org) or text us (620-604-9280) so we can help you to take the next step toward joining one of these teams. Additionally, we ask for your prayers. Please pray for these men and their families as they begin a new chapter, and pray for our teams, staff, and elders as we steward the ministry entrusted to us. Spiritual maturity is evidenced by making healthy decisions and transitions rooted in vision rather than hurt. I am grateful that we can navigate these changes with vision, conviction and celebrate others throughout the process. Much Love, Pastor Matthew P.S. If you have questions or wish to speak with someone, please email me - matthew@faithchurchks.org.

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

August 23, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Resistance SZN 2 // Episode 08
Sermon Replay - Click Here Habakkuk 2:1-5 God is the right place to take our complaints. God wants to give you vision. God’s vision for you life will require you to resist a secular vision. Philippians 4:10–13 “10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. 1 Timothy 6:6–12 “6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. 8 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” Fight for contentment. 1. Friendship that removes status and comparison. 2. A vow of stability that moves you toward rootedness. Habakkuk 3:17–19 “17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the flocks disappear from the pen and there are no herds in the stalls, 18 yet I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! 19 The Lord my Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights! _____________________________________________________________________ Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at God’s vision for us to experience Him more. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Read Habakkuk 2:1-6. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What does your vision for more of God look like? What kind of person are you wanting to become? What one or two areas do you want to see changed? Why does living with godly vision matter? What are the dangers of living with discontentment in your life? Read 1 Timothy 6:6-12. What are some things the Holy Spirit is highlighting for you? In the sermon, we heard that fighting for contentment is fueled by spiritual friendships and rooted stability. Which one do you want to strengthen in your life? How can you begin strengthening that?

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor

August 16, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Resistance SZN 2 // Episode 07
Sermon Replay - Click Here A Prophetic People // Jeremiah 33 : 1-16 We are a prophetic people, called by God to hear His voice and declare His message to others, helping them turn or return to God. God is the Creator who gives us breath. Genesis 1:1–3 Hebrews 11:1–3 God invites us to call upon Him and hear Him. God redeems and restores, forming us into a prophetic people. You can pray, hear, and prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1–19 Be filled with the Scriptures and the Spirit. Be holy in your speech. Talk it Over (being honest & open with friends, a spouse, or your Group) This week we looked at God’s desire to speak to us and through us. What is one idea from Sunday’s message that impacted you? Read Jeremiah 33:1-16. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you? What does it mean to you personally that Christ is called 'Our Righteousness'? In what ways can we cultivate a deeper relationship with God that allows us to hear Him speak? Read Galatians 5:16-25 Read 1 Corinthians 14:1-19. What observation(s) is the Holy Spirit brining to light for you? Have you ever shared a prophetic word with someone else? Has anyone ever shared a prophetic word with you? Share about the experience.

Pastor Matthew Hunt

Lead Pastor