Posts by Hannah Sparkman (Page 4)
Keep Knocking: God Answers
Summary In this sermon, Dr. John teaches about the importance of persistent prayer based on Luke 11:5-13. He emphasizes that as believers enter new seasons in life, their prayer life must reach new levels of intensity and focus. Using Jesus’ parable of the friend at midnight, he explains that prayers are answered not just because of our relationship with God, but because of our persistence. The pastor challenges the congregation to be shameless and bold in their asking, seeking, and…
The Prayer That Teaches
Watch the sermon here. Summary In this sermon, Dr. John explores the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:19-13 as part of the “Avails Much” series on prayer. He emphasizes that prayer serves both relational and transactional purposes – building our relationship with God while also bringing our needs to Him. The pastor shares Dr. Larry Lee’s seven-point breakdown of the Lord’s Prayer: the paternal need (Our Father), the presence need (hallowed be thy name), the priority need (thy kingdom come), the…
When Prayer Moves God
Click here to watch the sermon. Summary In this sermon titled “When Prayer Moves God,” Dr. John explores the powerful concept that our prayers can actually move God to change His course of action. Using examples from Scripture, particularly David’s story in 2 Samuel 24 where “the Lord was moved by prayer for the land,” Dr. John challenges the common theological understanding of God’s sovereignty. He explains that while God is sovereign, He has chosen in His sovereignty to allow…
From Breakdown to Breakthrough – Throw Back Discipleship
Watch the sermon here. Summary In this sermon titled ‘From Breakdown to Breakthrough,’ Dr/. John Carmichael examines the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19, where the prophet experiences a severe emotional breakdown despite having just witnessed powerful miracles. The pastor emphasizes that even spiritually powerful people like Elijah and the Apostle Paul dealt with emotional struggles, and that mental health issues should not be stigmatized in the church. The sermon presents seven principles for moving from breakdown to breakthrough:…
The Collision of Faith & Prayer
Watch the sermon here. Summary In this sermon titled “The Collision of Faith and Prayer,” Dr. John continues a series on prayer, focusing on how faith and prayer work together. He examines Mark 11:22-24 and Matthew 21:21-22, where Jesus teaches about speaking to mountains with faith. Dr. John challenges the congregation to move beyond what he calls “Christian atheism” – believing in God but living as if He doesn’t exist. He emphasizes that true faith requires not only believing that…
Avails Much – Accomplishes Much
Click here to watch the sermon. Summary Dr. John launches a sermon series called ‘Avails Much’ focused on prayer, sharing how prayer has been transformative in his own life since his youth. Using James 5:16-18 as a foundation, he explains that effective prayer comes from righteous living and earnest, specific requests to God. The sermon emphasizes that prayer is both relational (connecting with God) and transactional (asking for specific needs). He highlights Elijah as a biblical example of someone whose…
Life in the Miraculous – Throw Back Thursday
Watch the sermon here. Summary In this sermon titled ‘Life and the Miraculous,’ Pastor John examines the story from 2 Kings 6:1-7 where Elisha performs a miracle by making an iron axe head float. The pastor emphasizes that God cares about every area of our lives—both significant and seemingly insignificant matters—and is willing to suspend natural laws to work miracles on our behalf. This is part eleven of the ‘Times Two’ series exploring Elisha’s miracles. The sermon outlines three key…
Supernatural Supply Chain
Click here to watch the sermon. Summary In this concluding sermon of a 13-part series on Philippians, Dr. John Carmichael focuses on Philippians 4:15-19, exploring the biblical principle of giving and receiving. He emphasizes that the Philippian church was the only one that financially supported Paul’s ministry, even when he was preaching elsewhere. Paul notes that his motivation wasn’t to receive gifts for himself, but rather to see the Philippians blessed through their giving. The sermon highlights how giving creates…
E-Scipleship – Meeting You Wherever You Are
Discipleship: Walking Closer with God Every Day At Evangel North Church, we believe that following Jesus is more than just attending church—it’s about growing in relationship with Him every day. That’s what discipleship is all about: becoming more like Christ in how we think, live, and love others. Discipleship isn’t something that happens by accident. It requires intentionality, consistency, and the support of a faith-filled community. That’s why Evangel North has always emphasized the importance of B-Groups—small groups where people…