Gradually Then Suddenly | Part 4 | Pastor Jacob Howell

Episode 4 of the Merge.Church podcast, hosted by Merge.Church, titled "Gradually Then Suddenly | Part 4 | Pastor Jacob Howell" was published on February 2, 2026 and runs 39 minutes.

February 2, 2026 ·39m · Merge.Church

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Summary

Spiritual growth doesn’t happen through feelings alone, but through consistent obedience. Jesus teaches that hearing God’s Word without putting it into practice is like building without a foundation. This message reminds us that discipline often comes before desire, and obedience creates the space where God meets us. Using the example of Jesus’ own life, the sermon challenges us to adopt a lifelong posture of growth—mentally, physically, spiritually, and relationally. Growth requires clear goals, accountability, and a willingness to stretch beyond comfort. Faith is trained, not tried. Stay faithful in the small, consistent steps. God works gradually… then suddenly.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/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Episode Description

Spiritual growth doesn’t happen through feelings alone, but through consistent obedience. Jesus teaches that hearing God’s Word without putting it into practice is like building without a foundation. This message reminds us that discipline often comes before desire, and obedience creates the space where God meets us. Using the example of Jesus’ own life, the sermon challenges us to adopt a lifelong posture of growth—mentally, physically, spiritually, and relationally. Growth requires clear goals, accountability, and a willingness to stretch beyond comfort. Faith is trained, not tried. Stay faithful in the small, consistent steps. God works gradually… then suddenly.

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠

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