Mount Carmel Christian Church

Holy Habits | Week 2 | Fast and Feast, Remember the Lord

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, you his servants, the descendants of Abraham, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob. Psalm 105:5-6 (NIV) Seven feasts of Israel Passover + Unleavened Bread First fruits Weeks Trumpets Day of Atonement Booths Remember God’s grace in fasting Remember God’s goodness in feasting  For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 (NIV)

Holy Habits | Week 1 | Fast for Lent, Feast for Easter

Elite athletes have learned that peak performance requires two things: brutal training that pushes the body to its limits, and intentional rest that allows for recovery. You can't do one without the other. As it turns out, that rhythm of suffering and renewal isn't just good sports science; it's wisdom built into creation by God himself. In this opening message of our new Holy Habits series, we turn to Ecclesiastes 3 and the reminder that there's a time for everything. We are the sum of our habits, and the question is whether those habits are leading us toward life or away from it. As followers of Jesus, we're invited to live by the rhythms of grace, walking in step with the Spirit. This week, we explore two of those rhythms. Fasting focuses us on God through suffering, intentionally setting something aside so as not to be noticed by others, but to connect with the Father in secret. Feasting focuses us on God through gratitude, celebrating his goodness through shared meals, good company, and joy. We need both. Fasting without feasting becomes a burden; feasting without fasting loses its meaning. Whether you've never fasted before or you're looking to build new spiritual rhythms into your life, this message offers a practical and hope-filled place to start. Scripture referenced: Ecclesiastes 3; Galatians 5:16; Matthew 6:16-18; Jude 12; 1 Peter 1:3; Revelation 19.

Bloom: Everything You Need | Week 8 | To Mutual Affection Add Love

In this sermon, Aaron is closing out our Bloom series by looking at the different definitions of the word “love” from the original language of scripture. He focuses on “Agape” love and how we the church are to demonstrate that. Bloom recap scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-7 [https://ref.ly/2%20Pet%201.1-7;esv?t=biblia] > For this very reason, make every effort to to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.  2 Peter 1:5-7 [https://ref.ly/2%20Pet%201.5-7;esv?t=biblia] Types of love: * Eros = Romantic love * Storge = Familial love * Phileo = Brotherly love * Agape = selfless, unwavering, unconditional, love of God Biblical description of Agape: * 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 [https://ref.ly/1%20Cor%2013.1-3;esv?t=biblia] * 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a [https://ref.ly/1%20Cor%2013.4-8a;esv?t=biblia] Example of Agape love: Jesus washes His disciples’ feet Ultimate scripture for Agape love: > For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16 [https://ref.ly/John%203.16;esv?t=biblia]

Bloom: Everything You Need | Week 7 | To Godliness Add Mutual Affection

> 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection…2 Peter 1:5–7 (NIV) philadelphia =  the love of brothers, brotherly love God’s plan for your transformation is through a faith community > 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22 (NIV) Go small Go strong > 33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” c 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 (NIV)

Bloom: Everything You Need | Week 6 | To Perseverance Add Godliness

> 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness… 2 Peter 1:5–6 (NIV) * Godliness = eusebeia * Good + Worship/devout/God-fearing * Secular life * Sacred life > For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NIV) Godliness is when every part of your life is sacred What needs to be made pure for God in your life?