Carmel Baptist Messages

Light Brings PeaceIn the Old Testament, peace carries the fundamental meaning of welfare, prosperity, or wholeness as well as the absence of hostility. In the time of the New Testament writings, there was a Roman concept of peace that believed that peace only came through war, but the Scriptures show a dependence on the Jewish understanding of peace. It refers to prosperity, which climaxes in the peace that Messiah brings. Jesus achieved messianic peace by means of His death on the cross, which reconciled people to God and to one another.In Luke 2:25-32, we see that Simeon was promised that he would live to see "the Lord's Christ". Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into the temple, and Simeon "took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 'Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word.'"God is faithful to keep His promises to mankind after the fall and the breaking of shalom (peace/wholeness). In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.The Prince of Peace turned the light on - The incarnation of Jesus being born on earth brought light to a dark world. (Is 9:2, Psalm 118, Rom 5:1)The Prince of Peace lights up with His Word - John 1:1 says, "and the Word was God". (Psalm 119)The Prince of Peace is with us - He promises to always walk with us. Peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of Jesus Christ.________________________________May the God of hopefill you with all joy and peaceas you trust in Him,so that you may overflow with hopeby the power of the Holy Spirit.~Romans 15:13__________________________________Questions to consider:What brings you peace?What brings you anxiety and fear? Peter 5:7 says to "cast your cares on Him". Share a fear or concern that you have in life, and pray about that as you give it to Jesus.Christmas is a time of anticipation. What are you most looking forward to this month?Waiting is a dynamic process, not a passive one. One thing that followers of Jesus are waiting for is heaven. How are you actively waiting now for that day of complete peace? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

C3: Mission Refresh: NationsIsaiah 49 is the second of four passages focused on the figure of the Servant of Yahweh, often called Servant Songs. While the 'servant" references in chapters 40-48 refer mainly to Israel as a nation, the remaining referencess in chapters 49-55 seem to focus on an individual Servant with a mission to save Israel. The Servant Songs are full of messianic imagery-the Servant suffers and dies on behalf of Israel. Uniquely, chapter 49 highlights the Servant's call and commission by God to save Israel and be a light to the nations.Matthew 12:17-21 references the Isaiah passage and shows how Jesus is the Messiah that was spoken of 700 years prior. Verse 18 says, "I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. This was a scandalous statement because the Jews thought that the Messiah was meant only for them. Fortunately, Jesus came for the ethnos, the nations, and He came to save all of us!In Matthew 12:19-20, we see Jesus' character as humble and gentle. It says, "a bruised reed he will not break". A reed might be used as a flute, a measuring rod, a pen, or other ways. Reeds grew plentiful and were cheap. It was considered a "commonplace insignificance". The natural thing was to discard an imperfect reed and replace it with a better one. But the Jesus does not discard those who can be likened to shattered reeds, earth's "broken" ones. They are who He came for too.Verse 21 says, "and in His name the Gentiles will hope". Hope in Hebrew is "Tikvah". Tikvah means "a stretched out cord or rope." So, hope is a rope. Hope is not wishful thinking, but hope is rooted in someone. Hope waits in tension, but does not break. Joshua 2:21 says, "And se said, "Let it be according to your words." And she sent them away, and they went. And she bound the scarlet cord (tikvah) in the window."Why do we need to "go to the nations"?Jesus told us to - Matthew 28:19-20We believe the gospel - Everyone deserves a chance to hear about Jesus.Nations are not numbers, they are names - we move towards peoplePractically, we all must:Pray for the unreachedGive to support projects and missionariesGo when we are prompted to by the Holy SpiritQuestions to Consider:Do you think about the nations? Which ones? Why?Ask the Holy Spirit to put a nation on your heart and begin to pray for that group of people.Look at our partnerships here, and pick one to learn more about. Do something with that knowledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

C3: Mission Refresh: NeighborsIn Jeremiah 29:1, we see the prophet "sent a letter from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon." These Israelites (we just studied Daniel as a part of this time period) are not in Babylon by accident, but by assignment. God determines the places we live (Acts 17:22-27).Jeremiah 29:5-7 has eleven commands from God for the Israelites. They are to root themselves into the community and "live there" since they will be there for 70 years. They are to "build houses", "plant gardens", "take wives", "have children", "give daughters in marriage", "multiply". These are really simple instructions that anyone can do. The challenge for the Israelites is that they were called to do this in the city where the Babylonians destroyed their home of Jerusalem, harmed their families, and took them from their homes."Verse 7 begins, "but seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile". They were to be intentional with all the people of the city. They were to bring shalom (peace) to that place with their lives and actions.As people in greater Charlotte, we can:Withdraw - stay around only those that think/act like usAssimilate - look like the worldInfluence - live a different way and love people wellThe theology of place says that God has ordained both the time and place where you are in His creation for a purpose. Even borders and boundaries are ordained by God.We must abide in Christ, remember that everyone we cross paths with in made in the Image of God, and love them well. Luke 10:25-37 shows us who our neighbors are. When we stop trying to define who is our neighbor and start delighting in them we become a loving neighbor.The shalom of the city doesn't come from the government,but from the church.Some thoughts to consider as a family:Do you love where you live (street, town, state)? How are you seeking the welfare of the city?Practice hospitality - who could you invite to Thanksgiving at your home?Live and share the gospel - who could you invite to A Carmel Christmas or Christmas Eve?Serve alongside our city partners - Which of our 16 partners would you consider serving with? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

C3: Mission Refresh: NearestThe gospel is the good news of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and through faith in Him, we can be forgiven and reconciled to God. As a church, we want to be an expression of God's heart in the world.Mission Statement: Carmel is committed to making disciples of those Nearest, our Neighbors, and the Nations.Disciple: A follower of Christ in learning and living. This means that discipleship is much more than head knowledge (information), but also living it out (transformation).We are committed to this because we believe the gospel is true!Psalm 78 is a key Truth for us as a church as it relates to our Nearest. Verse one tells us to turn our ear toward the speaker in order to listen well. We are called to take the things we have experienced with God and pass them on to the generation coming behind us.You need to look at the generation coming behind you and "scrape" your life onto theirs. This takes purpose and intentionality!Three things to tell the next generation:The glorious deeds of the LordHis mightThe wonders He has doneIf you are a follower of Christ, you are a walking miracle because you were spiritually dead and have been made alive through Jesus Christ! Tell the next generation your story because the lives behind you will impact you now. We do this because verse 7 says "so that they should set their hope in God".Take-aways:Go Home First - Focus on those in your "circle". Your spouse and your kids want your presence more than they want the stuff that your job can provide. Be sure to bring you "A" game home. It is what matters in eternity.Remember, your greatest ministry is your family.Accept "Homeownership" - You treat something you "own" better than you treat something you "rent". There is a different value to you.Live out your role as the primary disciple-maker in your home.Tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord!Pray with and for your family - When you pray, your hearts connectRead the Bible together - 3 questions you can ask:What does this passage say about God's character?What does this passage say about man's character?How should I respond in light of this Truth?If your kids are far from God, make sure to do whatever is takes to keep the lines of communication open so that you can keep a heart connection. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel 10-12 is a singular vision that gives both clarity and wonder about the day that Jesus returns. That is is the day we are to focus on and it should give us clarity, passion, and purpose as we live our lives.Chapter 12:1 begins with, "at that time", which is the time of the reign and end of the Antichrist. There will be "a time of trouble", which is described in Rev 12:7-11. Verse one ends with "but at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book."To read more and for questions to consider, go to: https://carmelbaptist.org/carmel-sermon/daniel-week-13/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first 35 verses of Daniel 11 provide 135 prophecies before Jesus Christ's first coming. All of them were fulfilled. We see in these first 4 verses that Alexander the Great was the "mighty king", and after he died, his kingdom was divided among his 4 generals ("the four winds"). Those 4 generals were 1.Lysimachus 2.Cassander 3.Ptolemy 4.Seleucus.Seleucus ruled in the North (Syria) and Ptolemy ruled in the South (Egypt). This is so significant because Israel is in the crosshairs of these two leaders. Eventually, Antiochus IV Epiphanes seizes the throne in the south. He was an evil man who claimed to be a god. Eventually, Rome sent a fleet of ships to confront him and ultimately humiliate him. On his way back home (v 30), he stopped in Jerusalem and desecrated and destroyed the land of Israel. Jesus even speaks of it (Matthew 24:15).Daniel 12:32 says, "but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action." This has in view the rise of the Maccabean revolt where the people overthrew Antiochus.Verses 36-45 move from past to future, and from Antiochus to Antichrist. The antichrist is seen as:-The little horn (Daniel 7)-the ruler who will come (Daniel 9:26)-the man of lawlessness (2 Thess 2:3-12)-the antichrist (1 John 2:18)-the "beast) (Rev 11-20)Verses 36-39 describe the Antichrist, and we see a place there where we can be encouraged. Verse 36 says, "till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done", which shows us that the Antichrist has a shelf-life. He will not reign forever.We also see that God sets the schedule in verse 40 as it reads, "at the time of the end." and that the Antichrist will eventually lose favor with the world in verse 45 when it says, "yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him."So, when the Antichrist arrives, he will be alluring, deceptive, and have the eyes of the world on him, but that will only last for a season that God determines.Questions:When you are in the middle of a hard time, how does it help you to know that every hard time has a shelf life?In what ways is it help your faith to know that all 135 prophesies of Daniel 11:1-35 were fulfilled? How should you live in response to that?A new President will be named this week. How will you stay focused on the big picture regardless of who is elected? (Remember, God puts leaders in their place for a reason and a season.)How will you "stand firm" and "take action" to the sphere of influence around you?Please pray for our government and the candidates. Pray for unity, humility, and a Christ-like spirit in our church family. Pray for perspective in that we belong to the One True King. Pray that the church would have the courage to live out our faith to the world around us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel 10Daniel 10 begins the last section of the book with an incredible vision pulling back the curtain into an unseen realm. The presence of these spiritual realities can make us feel anything from curiosity and fear to wonder and comfort. This chapter reminds us that though the battle is real, God’s victory is sure. v.1-9The year is roughly 536 BC, and Daniel remains back while his people are allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild (Ezra 1:1-4). He is burdened for his people and the message he has received so he dedicates himself to prayer and fasting. Daniel sees the vision of a glorious being, marking what could be a Christophany, and is so overwhelmed he falls facedown to the ground.v.10-21Daniel is strengthened by the touch of a heavenly being but overwhelmed by the presence of his visitor and the message he receives in this vision. He is told about a heavenly battle and resistance from evil forces. Through this, Daniel is reminded that God has heard and answered his prayers and that he is deeply loved. Daniel’s vision marks a couple of important truths for us to consider:1) The revealing of the spiritual world 2) The reality of spiritual battleThe spiritual world and spiritual battle are near and present realities. Our recognition of this cosmic battle should lead us to a place of prayer and deep dependency on God. Like Daniel, we are to pray with humility and understanding by recognizing what matters most. How we pray, serve, worship, and live in obedience to Christ is fighting a battle in a war that has ultimately been won. Questions:How often do you think about the realities of spiritual warfare? Read Ephesians 6:10-20. How are we to live in light of spiritual battle? How should this passage along with Daniel 10 shape the way we pray?Why is it so important in spiritual battles that we remember God loves us and is with us? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel 9:20-27While Daniel is in a spirit of worship and prayer for himself and the Jewish people, he had a vision. Gabriel, an angel of God, came to him to help him understand the vision that he saw.Daniel 9:24-27 are considered some of the most difficult verses in the Bible to understand, but when we are able to look at the math involved, some of it is very clear, and all of it gives us comfort because we know that God always keeps His promises!To read more and for questions to consider, go to: https://carmelbaptist.org/carmel-sermon/daniel-week-10/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel: Week 9Daniel 9 is a great reminder to pray in all circumstances. This prayer comes between visions, and happens about 11 years after the second vision (around 538 BC). Daniel is reading the scrolls of the prophet Jeremiah and realizes that the time of his captivity is coming to an end (Jeremiah 25:11-12).In verse 3 Daniel says, "then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes." Daniel calls God "Lord God" which means "Yahweh" "Elohim".Yahweh - Promise-KeeperElohim - Powerful CreatorHe was moved to pray, and this is a prayer of mourning and grief. He has a conviction to pray for himself and his people. Remember:Conviction=HopeCondemnation=HopelessThis prayer of Daniel is a prayer of confession. Confession is admitting sin to God. When we confess, we are completely cleared of that sin, and we should be able to walk without shame. As followers of Jesus, we should be "fast confessors". When we confess, we agree with God in the way we should live.Verse 18 ends with, "For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy." In other words, God's character is perfect, and ours is not. We cannot will anything to happen. It happens by God's providence.As Daniel was confessing his sin and the sin of his people, the archangel Gabriel came to bring understanding to Daniel. "He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, "O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved."Remember, Daniel had been kidnapped and taken away. He had been betrayed, lived with constant stress, and survived several changes in the leadership of Babylon. He had been there almost 70 years, praying for himself and for his people.Daniel's life is a great reminder that just because we experience hard season, it doesn't mean God has forgotten us or doesn't love us. In every season, every situation, every second of every day for all eternity, you are deeply loved by God.Questions to Consider:What are some of the challenges your life has faced? How do you talk to God about those challenges?When is a time that you persevered in prayer? What (if it is over) was the outcome of that situation?You are greatly loved by God. You are precious and treasured! Do you feel that loved by your Good Father? Talk to Him about that. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel: Week 8The prophecies of Daniel 7-8 are the foundation for the entire book of Revelation. Chapter 7 gave a vision of the four great kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Chapter 8 provides a vision that narrows the focus to Medo-Persia and Greece. This vision for Daniel came 2 years after the first vision, and the vision happens in modern day Iran.To read more and for questions to consider, go to: https://carmelbaptist.org/carmel-sermon/daniel-week-8/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel: Week 7Daniel 7-12 moves from narrative literature to prophetic literature. As we look at the prophetic words of Daniel, it is important for us to remember to focus on what is certain, and not obsess about what is left unclear. This scripture is a vision of the future to give us hope in the present.To read more and for questions to consider, go to: https:/carmelbaptist.org/carmel-sermon/daniel-week-7/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel: Week 6Daniel is still in Babylon, but a new empire rules as Persia has replaced Babylon. The new king, Darius, in order to try to bring some continuity and stability to his government, sets 3 high officials (administrators) and 120 satraps to govern. The administrators watched over the satraps so that all tax money was properly collected and so that none of the satraps could steal from the king. Daniel was selected to be over the whole kingdom as one of the 3 administrators, which caused friction from the other leaders.Verse 4 says, "Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him." Since the men couldn't find fault with Daniel, they had to create some chaos in order to create a problem.The men went to the king and played to his ego by getting him to make a decree "that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions." The men lied because they said "all the hight officials" agreed, but Daniel was not a part of the discussion.Verses 8-9 show how they signed this document in a way that it could not be revoked. The Medes and Persians had this custom that once a law was passed, it couldn't be changed. Historians say they did this to keep kings from passing arbitrary laws because they were in a bad mood.Verse 10 shows us that Daniel "got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously."Courage for today is cultivated by our convictions built yesterday.Daniel continued to do what he had always done. He had a conviction that his prayers to God were the most important thing in his life.The officials told the king that Daniel was praying to his God and that the decree must be followed. Reluctantly, the king had to follow through with the law (vs 15-20). The king came the next day hoping to hear from Daniel that he was alive (v21-23) and was "exceedingly glad".The king made a new decree "that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for his is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed,and his dominion shall be to the end."Courage is fueled by seeing Jesus as our better DanielDaniel was framed on a false charge by the Persian administrators. Jesus was framed by the jealous religious leaders of his day.Jesus, like Daniel, was arrested while at prayer in a private location. Pilate, like Darius, worked for His release. Pilate attempted to do everything in his power to see that Jesus was released, but, like Darius, to no avail.In the end, both Daniel and Jesus are turned over to be executed. The BIG difference between the two is that Daniel emerges without a scratch, while Jesus dies. But that difference is what underlines the superiority of the reality of what was to come. Jesus dies, but He emerges victorious from the tomb! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel: Week 5King Nebuchadnezzar died in 562 BC, after a reign of 43 years. Nabonidus became king, but was "relocated" 500 miles from Babylon due to his passion for the moon god, Sin. His son, Belshazzar, functioned as de facto king in Babylon from 553-539 BC, and is where our story in Daniel 5 picks up. Daniel is in his 80's now.To read more and for questions to consider, go to: https://carmelbaptist.org/carmel-sermon/daniel-week-5/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel: Week 3In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzer was warned through a dream that his kingdom would one day fall and only God's kingdom would remain forever. In chapter 3, Nebuchadnezzer set up a golden image to unite people under the power of Babylon. This statue was meant to define and unite the culture while centralizing their beliefs. This passage shows us how God delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and how we can trust God's sovereignty as we stand for Truth today. Scripture points to some key ways we can stand with God no matter what.Stand against the pressure toward idolatryThe setting was clearly intended to put the most pressure on everyone to bow to the golden image. From the intimidating size of the statue itself, to the officials in attendance, and the music to set the tone, the pressure was strong to conform. By God's grace they overcame the outward pushes from the culture around them and inward pulls in their own hearts to bow to the golden image. They stood on the Truth they learned growing up hearing God's word and it showed in their actions.Stand in the truth of God's planThe golden image was nothing compared to the Most High God. The three Hebrew young men knew God was able to save them and would not bow down even if God chose to allow them to perish in the furnace. We can live our daily lives resting in the knowledge that God's kingdom is eternal and nothing happens apart from His sovereign hand.Stand in the goodness of God's presenceInstead of delivering them from the fire, God chose to deliver them through it. We see a powerful pre-incarnate deliverance from Jesus Himself. Sahdrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew the presence of God in a powerful way because they trusted in his sovereign plan. We can trust God's good plan to use all things to conform us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29).Questions to considerAs you follow Jesus, what are some situations in which you may need grace to show courage under fire?What are some of the idols of our day that we may experience an outward push or inward pull to follow after? What "excuses" can we come up with to justify our decisions?Why is it important that we not wait to develop our convictions in the moment of testing?Have you ever experienced the presence of God in a time of great difficulty? How did it deepen your faith in Jesus? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel: Week 4In Daniel chapter 4, Nebuchadnezzar is warned by God in a dream that his pride will lead to his destruction. Like a majestic tree that is cut down, God will bring judgment on Nebuchadnezzar, which will leave him like an animal for seven years before restoring him to his right mind. The structure of Daniel’s early chapters reminds us that before we consider the state of our nation, we must consider the pride in our own hearts. v.1-3 - This is the testimony of Nebuchadnezzar, and we see that God has opened his eyes to see His power.v.4-18 - There is ease in Nebuchadnezzar's palace, but that doesn't mean "all is well". He has a prosperity without perspective. We all have a nature to build ourselves up, but this passage shows us how the grace of God intervenes in our pride.Prosperity without perspective led Nebuchadnezzar to forget God’s warningsOur pride can often lead us to ask for help from other sources before turning to God. We tend to problem-solve on our own and then, when all else has failed, we ask God. v. 19-33 - Daniel didn't fear the power of the king. He was coming in humility and not celebrating the poor fortune of another person. Of course he remembered that his people had been exiled to Babylon. This section shows us the path of pride in king Nebuchadnezzar as well as our own. The humility of Daniel was contrasted with the pride of the king.Do we long to see the mercy of God in the lives of those we disagree with?In verse 28 we see that the king has forgotten the warning of God and forgotten his place under God. Nebuchadnezzar wanted to make a name for himself rather than submit to the name of the Most High God.v. 34-37 - This passage shows us the goodness of our God who restores.Humility begins with our perspective. We must see God in his glory and our lives in need of redemption. God redeems us through another king, Jesus Christ, who in humility went to the cross to save us. He is now exalted as King of Kings. (Phil 2:5-11)We must humble ourselves before God and he will exalt us one day with Christ (James 4:10)Pride is often dismissed as a character flaw, or even celebrated in our culture. Pride is satanic because it drives us to make more of ourselves.Judgement came to Nebuchadnezzar "while the words were still in the king's mouth" because they were already rooted in his heart.We often forget to recognize that every good thing in our lives comes from God. (I Cor 4:7)In Chapter 3, the king asks," Who is the God who can deliver you from my hand." In Chapter 4, the kings asks, "Who is the God who can deliver me from me." He recognizes his pride and after being humbled, recognizes who God is.Three areas that help us grow in humility from this passage:Be thankful (v1-3) - everything is from GodBe teachable (v19-27) - followers of Jesus have His Spirit in them. Listen.Be faithful (v19-34) - know what is in your control and what is not  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel: Week 2During the time that Daniel and his friends are under the "training" of the Babylonians, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream, which causes him great anxiety.The "dis-ease" of our day is anxiety, and our society, including those of us in the church, are in a perpetual state of angst. We see it in words, wars, existential crises, and the pace of our lives. We are the most anxious, exhausted, overwhelmed, and restless generation in history, and most of us are infected with this reality. It is one of, if not the greatest threat to the Christian life and witness of the church in our cultural moment.To read more and for questions to consider, go to: https://carmelbaptist.org/carmel-sermon/daniel-week-2/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel: Week 1The theme of Daniel is the sovereignty of God. There are two kinds of literature within this book. The first six chapters are historical narrative, highlighting an Israelite names Daniel who served in the king's court at the time of the Babylonian exile. The last six chapters are apocalyptic literature because these visions take Daniel to days beyond his own...to the coming of God's kingdom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Does It Mean To Fear The Lord?The fear of the Lord is not often talked about in our culture. For many of us, we know God is "other", but not sure what it means to fear Him. Are we supposed to be scared? Isn't He a Good Father? Ecclesiastes 12:13 says, "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."We see a beautiful example of fearing the Lord in Genesis 22 with the story of Abraham and his obedience regarding his son Isaac. As you read that passage, put yourself in Abraham's shoes. Isaac was promised to Abraham by God as his only son who would bring about God's chosen people. Abraham has been instructed to sacrifice Isaac on an alter, and Abraham is willing to trust God and do it. (Isaac isn't a young child, so his obedience is amazing in this story as well.) As Abraham is about to kill his son, the angel of the Lord says, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.”One important demonstration of fearing God is through obedience. Fearing God results in following Him instead of fleeing Him. Actually, a reverent fear of God unleashes a heart of obedience.We see this play out with the story of the Hebrews fleeing the Egyptian army. Once God closes the Red Sea on the army and the Hebrews are saved, "Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in his servant Moses." (Ex 14:31) In other words, by seeing His power, they trusted Him.We can be "full of awe" of God admitting that we can't fully understand Him (Job 26:14). "His greatness no one can fathom." (Psalm 145:3)Isaiah 40 reminds us:He is greater than the creationHe is greater than the nationsHe is greater than the rulersHe is greater than the stars (Psalm 147:4)Jeremiah 10:6-7 says, "There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations?For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you."We fear God for his greatness, but we also fear Him for His grace. Psalm 130 speaks to God's forgiveness and love. Abraham and Isaac's story was preparing us for the sacrifice that God made of His only son, Jesus. Jesus was obedient to the will of the Father and died for us, because He loves us. We can have forgiveness and adoption as children of the Most High. We can look to Him as a Good and Loving Father, but must always remember to have that reverent fear and respect for the Creator of All. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colossians 1:9-14Paul didn't know the Colossian church as well as he knew some of the other churches, but he was so encouraged by the reports that he heard about them. He wrote this letter to encourage them to continue on in the work that they were doing. Paul wanted the church to know God's will, to live God's will, and then mature in God's will. He had a desire and devotion to pray they they would further develop in their knowledge and understanding of God.A few definitions for understanding:Not ceased to ask - begging on behalf of yourself or someone elseFilled - embodied with something - Paul is praying they will have the characteristic of GodKnowledge - not just information, but comprehensionUnderstanding - the skillful working out of wisdomWalk - lifestyle, choices, and behaviorManner - to weigh the same - our lives reflect who He is. Be like Jesus.Bear Fruit - Abide in Christ and mature. We never "arrive" at becoming a disciple this side of heaven. We need to grow up!Endurance - Trials and tribulationPatience - enduring through difficulty with people5 Layers of prayer:1st Layer:Pray for God's will and that you will honor Him with your life.2nd Layer:Pray that your life honors and pleases the Lord in everything you think, say, and do.3rd Layer:Pray that you will serve God and others and that your faith will grow daily.4th Layer:Pray to be strengthened by God's mighty hand to endure trials and show patience to others who have wronged you.5th Layer:Pray for a heart filled with gratitude, overflowing with joy for the redemption and eternal life given by Jesus.Ask God to grow the spirit of prayer in our church. Pray that the church would be an abiding church that produces fruit that will last. Pray that Carmel would be a church that knows, lives, and matures in the will of God. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Solomon's Prayer for WisdomKing Solomon was the son of King David, and a powerful king of Israel. We see in his story that although he was the wisest person to ever live, he also compromised by disobeying God's direct orders in making an alliance with Egypt, and marrying the daughter of Pharaoh (1 Kings 3:1-3).Even so, when Solomon becomes king, God visits Solomon and says, "Ask me whatever you want me to give you". Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 2 Chronicles 1:7-10Wisdom is knowledge as applied in order to live well according to God's world. Too often we just want knowledge, but that is a dead-end. Wisdom from knowledge gives us the ability to bend everything in us towards His will.3 things we can take from Solomon's prayer:He recalls and rests in the character of God - Solomon pauses and reflects on who God is before He makes a request.He recognizes his own need - Although Solomon is king, he recognizes that he is not God. We live in a world of independence, and admitting that we need help feels weak. But we know the Christian life isn't meant to be lived on our own. We are meant to live in community with others in the power of the Holy Spirit.His request is "others-oriented" - Solomon puts the needs of his people before himself.Questions to Consider:When was the last time you really thought about God's character? How do you rest in His character?Do you put other's needs before yourself in prayer? What are some ways you can add more of that to your prayer life?Where is your community of believers? Where do you need to let go of some pride and admit you need help? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.