Overcomers City Church

Overcomers City Church Overcomers City Church is a diverse community of people on a journey to grow in Christ, overcoming life’s obstacles through faith.

Together, they seek a deeper relationship with God while supporting one another in their spiritual walk. This is also the home of True Apostolic School of Theology, which is an accredited institution of Bible Knowledge.

Overcoming the Spirit of OppressionDevotional 5: Breaking the Power of DiscouragementScripture: Galatians 6:9 (ESV)"And ...
06/17/2026

Overcoming the Spirit of Oppression

Devotional 5: Breaking the Power of Discouragement

Scripture: Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Discouragement is one of the most subtle forms of oppression because it often disguises itself as reality. It whispers, "What's the point?" "Nothing is changing." "Why keep trying?" Over time, discouragement drains motivation, weakens faith, and clouds vision.

Even great men and women of God experienced discouragement. Elijah called down fire from heaven and defeated the prophets of Baal, yet shortly afterward, he found himself exhausted, afraid, and discouraged. His situation reminds us that spiritual victories do not make us immune to emotional battles.

God's response to Elijah is instructive. He provided rest, nourishment, encouragement, and renewed purpose. Sometimes overcoming oppression involves both spiritual and practical steps. Prayer, worship, Scripture, healthy relationships, and proper rest all play important roles in emotional and spiritual well-being.

Discouragement tells you that your story is over. God says He is still writing your story.

Do not allow a difficult season to convince you that God has abandoned you. His timing is perfect. His promises are true. Your breakthrough may be closer than you realize.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen me when I feel weary. Renew my hope and help me trust that You are working even when I cannot see it. Amen.

Join us this week at Overcomers City Church, 117 West Main St., Sanford, NC, at 10:30 am. Experience the presence of God in person or watch online as we continue learning the truth of God's Word. As we stay connected to the mission of growing disciples who are trained to make disciples, for the purpose of advancing God’s kingdom on earth and revealing the person of Jesus to humanity.

Overcomers City Church

Overcoming the Spirit of OppressionDevotional 4: Fear Is Not Your FutureScripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)"For God gave us a...
06/15/2026

Overcoming the Spirit of Oppression

Devotional 4: Fear Is Not Your Future

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

Fear is one of the primary tools the spirit of oppression uses against believers. Fear distorts perspective, weakens confidence, and causes people to focus more on what could go wrong than on what God has promised. Left unchecked, fear can become a prison that limits faith, steals peace, and hinders spiritual growth.

The Bible makes a distinction between healthy caution and unhealthy fear. Healthy caution helps us make wise decisions. Oppressive fear, however, paralyzes us. It convinces us that God is unable to help, protect, or guide us through life's challenges.

Throughout Scripture, God's message to His people was often, "Do not be afraid." Why? Because fear causes us to forget who is with us. When David faced Goliath, he refused to focus on the size of the giant. Instead, he focused on the greatness of God. When Peter stepped out of the boat, he walked on water as long as his eyes remained fixed on Jesus.

The spirit of oppression wants your attention fixed on the storm. The Holy Spirit wants your attention fixed on the Savior.

Whatever fear you are facing today, remember that God's promises are greater than your circumstances. His power is stronger than your obstacles. His presence is greater than your uncertainty.

Prayer: Father, help me reject every fear that seeks to control my life. Fill me with faith, courage, and confidence in Your promises. Amen.

Join us this week at Overcomers City Church, 117 West Main St., Sanford, NC, at 10:30 am. Experience the presence of God in person or watch online as we continue learning the truth of God's Word. As we stay connected to the mission of growing disciples who are trained to make disciples, for the purpose of advancing God’s kingdom on earth and revealing the person of Jesus to humanity.

Jo Ferguson Overcomers City Church Michelle Mcneill Sandra C. Thomas

With Michelle Mcneill – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉
06/14/2026

With Michelle Mcneill – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

Overcoming the Spirit of OppressionDevotional 3: The Power of God's PresenceScripture: Psalm 16:11 (ESV)"In your presenc...
06/12/2026

Overcoming the Spirit of Oppression

Devotional 3: The Power of God's Presence

Scripture: Psalm 16:11 (ESV)
"In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

One of the greatest weapons against oppression is the presence of God. Oppression thrives in isolation, discouragement, and hopelessness. It seeks to convince people that they are alone in their struggles and abandoned in their pain.

Yet Scripture repeatedly teaches that God is near to His people. He is not distant. He is not unaware of your circumstances. He is not ignoring your prayers. He is present even when you cannot feel Him.

Many believers focus so much on their problems that they forget the power of God's presence. The enemy wants you to magnify your circumstances. God invites you to magnify Him.

Worship has a unique ability to shift our perspective. When we worship, we are reminded that God is greater than our fears, stronger than our challenges, and faithful in every season. The atmosphere of oppression cannot comfortably remain where the presence of God is welcomed and honored.

This does not mean difficulties disappear instantly. However, God's presence changes how we face them. His peace replaces anxiety. His joy strengthens weary hearts. His truth silences the enemy's lies.

If you have been struggling with oppression, make time today to seek God intentionally. Read His Word. Spend time in prayer. Worship Him. Invite His presence into every area of your life.
Remember, freedom is not found in running from your problems; freedom is found in running to Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your presence. Draw me closer to You and fill my heart with Your peace, joy, and strength. Help me keep my eyes fixed on You. Amen.

Join us this week at Overcomers City Church, 117 West Main St., Sanford, NC, at 10:30 am. Experience the presence of God in person or watch online as we continue learning the truth of God's Word. As we stay connected to the mission of growing disciples who are trained to make disciples, for the purpose of advancing God’s kingdom on earth and revealing the person of Jesus to humanity.

Overcomers City Church

Overcoming the Spirit of OppressionDevotional 2: The Enemy Attacks IdentityScripture: John 10:10 (ESV)"The thief comes o...
06/10/2026

Overcoming the Spirit of Oppression

Devotional 2: The Enemy Attacks Identity

Scripture: John 10:10 (ESV)
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

One of the enemy's favorite strategies is attacking your identity. He understands that if he can convince you to believe a lie about who you are, he can influence how you live.

Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern repeatedly. In the Garden of Eden, Satan questioned God's Word. In the wilderness, he challenged Jesus with the words, "If you are the Son of God." The enemy continues to use the same tactic today.

The spirit of oppression often whispers lies such as:
"I am not good enough."
"God has forgotten me."
"I will never change."
"I will never succeed."

These thoughts may seem harmless at first, but when believed, they can become strongholds that affect every area of life.
The truth is that Jesus died and rose again so that you could walk in a new identity. You are not defined by your failures, your past mistakes, your fears, or your disappointments. Through Christ, you are redeemed, forgiven, accepted, and loved.

When oppressive thoughts arise, do not argue with them. Replace them with Scripture. Speak God's truth over your life. The Cross settled forever what God thinks about you. The blood of Jesus declares your worth, value, and purpose.

Today, take inventory of the thoughts you have been believing. Do they agree with God's Word? If not, reject them and replace them with biblical truth.

Prayer: Father, help me reject every lie that opposes Your truth. Remind me daily that my identity is rooted in Christ and not in my circumstances. Amen.

Join us this week at Overcomers City Church, 117 West Main St., Sanford, NC, at 10:30 am. Experience the presence of God in person or watch online as we continue learning the truth of God's Word. As we stay connected to the mission of growing disciples who are trained to make disciples, for the purpose of advancing God’s kingdom on earth and revealing the person of Jesus to humanity.

Overcomers City Church

Overcoming the Spirit of OppressionDevotional 1: Recognizing the BattleScripture: Isaiah 54:14 (ESV)"In righteousness yo...
06/08/2026

Overcoming the Spirit of Oppression

Devotional 1: Recognizing the Battle

Scripture: Isaiah 54:14 (ESV)
"In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear..."

Many believers struggle with feelings of heaviness, discouragement, fear, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion without realizing they may be experiencing spiritual oppression. Oppression is not possession. Rather, it is a spiritual attack designed to influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in ways that hinder a believer's walk with God.

The enemy's goal is to convince you that what you are experiencing is permanent. He wants you to believe that your fear will never leave, your situation will never improve, and your future is without hope. Yet God's Word declares something entirely different.

Isaiah prophesied that God's people would be established in righteousness and far from oppression. This means oppression is not your identity. Fear is not your destiny. Discouragement is not your inheritance. Through Jesus Christ, God has provided freedom, peace, and victory.

One of the first steps toward overcoming oppression is recognizing the source of the battle. Not every challenge is spiritual, but every spiritual attack seeks to magnify your problems and minimize God's promises. The enemy wants your attention fixed on your circumstances. God wants your attention fixed on Christ.

Today, refuse to agree with the voice of oppression. Instead, agree with God's Word. Declare that you belong to Jesus. Declare that you are loved, forgiven, accepted, and victorious through Him. What God says about you is greater than what your circumstances say about you.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me recognize every attack of oppression and stand firmly in Your truth. Fill my heart with Your peace and remind me that my identity is found in You. Amen.

Join us this week at Overcomers City Church, 117 West Main St., Sanford, NC, at 10:30 am. Experience the presence of God in person or watch online as we continue learning the truth of God's Word. As we stay connected to the mission of growing disciples who are trained to make disciples, for the purpose of advancing God’s kingdom on earth and revealing the person of Jesus to humanity.

Overcomers City Church

06/07/2026

Sunday service

06/07/2026

Welcome all to this Sunday's service

05/24/2026

Join us LIVE today at Overcomers City Church in Sanford for a powerful Word from Bishop Jacques Thomas: “From the Cross to Pentecost: The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit” from Acts 2. Experience prophetic preaching, revival fire, and the power of the Holy Spirit as we celebrate the birth of the Church. Don’t miss this life-changing encounter!
Overcomers City Church

Holy Ambition, Human LimitsI have big dreams for my church, my family, and the legacy I hope to leave. But there’s a ten...
03/11/2026

Holy Ambition, Human Limits

I have big dreams for my church, my family, and the legacy I hope to leave. But there’s a tension inside me. Ambition and old wounds often share the same space in my heart. Some days, ambition feels like striving. Other days, my limits feel like laziness. How can we desire much without letting that desire take over?

Paul wrote with clear ambition: "I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14, ESV). But just a few verses earlier, he said, "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect" (Philippians 3:12, ESV). Ambition without attainment. Pursuit without possession.

The real danger isn’t ambition itself. It’s when ambition becomes a way to make up for something missing, like using achievements to fill a father’s silence or to escape feelings of not being enough. I know this place well; it’s like walking through familiar terrain. When attendance drops, my sense of worth drops too. When a project fails, I wonder if I am failing.

Jeremiah warned: "Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24, ESV). Wisdom, strength, and riches are all secondary to knowing God.

According to Augustine in Letter 48, "he advised church leaders to serve with humility, cautioning them not to pursue leadership roles with pride or avoid them out of laziness, and to submit themselves with meekness to God who governs them." When ambition isn’t paired with submission, it can turn into tyranny.

So how do we hold both passion and vulnerability at the same time?

Bring all your ambitions to God, every single one. The pure ones and the mixed ones. "Search me, O God, and know my heart" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV).

Accept your limits. Practice Sabbath (REST). Set boundaries. "He gives to his beloved sleep" (Psalm 127:2, ESV). Limits can become a form of love.

Measure your life by faithfulness, not just by what you achieve. "Each will receive his wages according to his labor" (1 Corinthians 3:8, ESV), not according to results.

Paul’s life ended in Roman custody. His churches were divided, and his body was battered. Yet he said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7, ESV). He didn’t build an empire, but he finished the race and kept the faith. That’s ambition measured by eternity.

Prayer: Lord, take away ambitions that only serve my ego. Strengthen those that serve Your kingdom. When I can’t tell the difference, give me humility to pause, pray, and submit. Let my passion and drive belong to You. Let my limits and boundaries be gifts of grace. Amen.
_______________________________________________________________________________

As you name your ambitions and face your limits, what are you truly longing for? Who gives you the courage and clarity to desire well?

Grace upon grace,

Your fellow traveler - Bishop Jacques Thomas
Overcomers City Church

Address

117 W Main Street
Sanford, NC
27332

Opening Hours

10:30am - 12:30pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Overcomers City Church posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category