First Things First | Ben Graves | Elevation Church

Main message: God calls every believer to stop hiding and to live as his ambassadors—tear down the idols and strongholds in your own “backyard,” embrace the identity he gives (mighty warrior/representative), and trust that he will be with you so you can influence the next generation.

Key points:

• The Israelites hid from the Midianite oppression and vacated their promised land—too often we retreat (caves/phones/avoidance) instead of leading the domains God gave us.
• Gideon (Judges 6) is found hiding and threshing in a winepress; God speaks identity over him (“mighty warrior”) before sending him to act.
• God’s response to our excuses is not condemnation but presence: “I will be with you” — you plus God is enough.
• The first battle is often at home: tear down the altars (idols, generational sin, addictions) in your family/heart and build a new altar of worship to God.
• When you accept God’s calling and grace, your weakness can become the means God uses to free and lead others; parents and leaders must not forfeit their spheres of influence.

Scriptures mentioned: 2 Corinthians, Judges 6, Judges 1, Second Kings