Friends | Part 1 | Pastor Jacob Howell

This sermon centers on the question Jesus asks in Matthew 16: “Who do you say I am?”—challenging listeners to move beyond others’ opinions and personally recognize Jesus as the Messiah and supreme authority over all. It emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus in every area of life—control, identity, comfort, ambition, and trust—while acknowledging that many struggle to fully surrender these to Him. Like Peter, faith isn’t about perfection but continually coming back to Jesus, even after failure. The message encourages believers that “if you know, you know”—a confident, personal revelation of who Jesus is should lead to bold faith and action. It calls the church to share that truth, invite others, and bring people to Jesus, especially those who have drifted. Ultimately, this sermon reminds us that Jesus is still working, no one is too far gone, and the Church remains God’s plan to reach the world.Welcome to our podcast of Merge.Church in Van Buren, Arkansas, led by Pastor Jacob Howell. We desire to help everyone, everywhere discover new life in Christ by creating a warm and welcoming family home where you can feel the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers to all. Wherever you are today, we pray that you would be encouraged, challenged, and inspired to take your NEXT STEP in you relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://merge.church/⁠⁠⁠⁠