'Christian living' Tagged Posts (Page 3)
The Church – When the Church Prays
Click here to watch the sermon. Summary In this sermon titled “When the Church Prays,” Dr. John explores the power of corporate prayer based on Acts 12:5. He contrasts the fate of James, who was executed, with Peter, who was miraculously delivered from prison when the church prayed fervently for him. The pastor emphasizes that while individual prayer is important (as Jesus taught), the early church in Acts demonstrated the extraordinary power of believers praying together. He shares his experience…
The Church – An Open Heaven on Earth
Click here to watch the sermon. Summary In this sermon, Dr. John explores the concept of the church as an open heaven upon the earth, drawing parallels between Jacob’s experience at Bethel (Genesis 28) and the modern church. He emphasizes that when believers gather together in Jesus’ name, they create a gate where heaven touches earth, allowing for miracles, signs, and wonders to manifest. The pastor outlines four key elements from Jacob’s experience that should be present in the church:…
The Church – The Agent to Advance the Kingdom
Summary In this sermon, Dr. John discusses the relationship between the church and the kingdom of God. He explains that the church is God’s agent for advancing His kingdom on earth. The message emphasizes that when we surrender to Jesus, we become witnesses to advance God’s kingdom rather than our own. Dr. John outlines four key ways the church advances the kingdom: by proclaiming the kingdom through preaching the gospel, demonstrating the kingdom through righteousness, joy, and peace, advancing the…
The Church – Guard the Flock, Protect the Bride
Click here to watch the sermon. Summary In this sermon, Dr. John begins a series on the church, emphasizing its sacred importance in God’s plan. He explains that the church is not merely a building or religious institution, but a governing assembly of people with authority and purpose – those called out of the world to form a kingdom with Christ’s delegated authority. The pastor highlights that the church is meant to be offensive rather than defensive against the gates…
Transition – Strong and Courageous
Summary In this sermon, Pastor John Carmichael announces the transition from Evangel North Church to North Church as an independent ministry. He explains that this change was initiated by Dr. Bob Rogers due to the church’s effectiveness and success. Using Joshua 1 as his scriptural foundation, he outlines five key principles for navigating this transition: God’s promises are sure, God’s presence is certain, God’s word is steadfast, God’s call demands courage, and God’s people must secure the house. The sermon…
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:…
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…