STANDING POWER | CHAD VEACH

In this Anniversary Sunday message, Pastor Chad Veach celebrates 11 years of Zoe Church while challenging believers to fight for the freedom Jesus has given them. Freedom is first received, then learned, but it must also be fought for. Drawing from Galatians 5:1, Pastor Chad declares, “I’m standing because I’m staying.” Following Jesus requires a determination not to return to old thinking, relationships, habits, jealousy, greed, or anything else that once held us in bondage. Staying free means standing firm in Christ, surrounding ourselves with community, and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus instead of becoming distracted by what is happening in other people’s lives.

Pastor Chad also teaches that fighting for freedom means knowing when to stand and when to run. Using Peter walking on water and Joseph fleeing Potiphar’s wife, he shows that there are moments when believers must intentionally run from environments, relationships, temptations, and compromises that could destroy their destiny. Freedom is too valuable to play around with the things that once kept us bound. As Pastor Chad puts it, “You can have my jacket, but you can’t jack my calling.”

Ultimately, freedom isn't meant to be used selfishly. God sets us free so that we can serve others and become planted in community. Reflecting on Zoe Church’s 11-year journey, Pastor Chad emphasizes that the church was built through people who decided, “It’s not about what we can get anymore, it’s about what we can give.” The call is to stand in freedom, serve the house of God, stay connected to people, and use the story of what God has done in our lives to help others find freedom too.