CityWell Podcast

The discussion on fasting focuses on its spiritual significance rather than just a physical practice. The speaker emphasizes that fasting, according to the Bible, is meant to center our lives on Christ, discipline our bodies, focus our prayers, and break spiritual bondages.

1. Scriptural Basis: Fasting is mentioned in Matthew 6:16-18 and Matthew 9:14-15. Jesus teaches that fasting is expected from His followers but should be done in private, not for show or to gain human approval. It is an act of humility and sincerity before God.
2. Example of Jesus: Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert, illustrating reliance on God rather than physical sustenance (Matthew 4:1-2). This period of fasting prepared Him spiritually and demonstrated His commitment to God's will.
3. Fasting as a Spiritual Discipline: Fasting is not commanded as a requirement but is seen as an invitation to draw closer to God. It is a voluntary act of worship that allows believers to express their dependence on God and deepen their spiritual life.
4. Purposes of Fasting:

• To Center on Christ: Fasting helps believers focus on God and align their priorities with His will. It's a way to set aside physical needs to concentrate on spiritual growth and communion with God.
• To Discipline the Body: Fasting teaches self-control and helps resist temptations, echoing the idea that spiritual discipline can lead to greater strength in other areas of life.
• To Focus Prayers: Fasting often accompanies prayer, intensifying the believer's plea to God. It is a form of spiritual warfare and a way to seek God's guidance more fervently.
• To Break Bondages: Fasting can lead to spiritual breakthroughs and liberation from various forms of bondage, both spiritual and physical.

1. Clarification on What Fasting is Not: Fasting, in the biblical sense, involves abstaining from food, not just giving up luxuries or engaging in a restricted diet like the "Daniel fast." It is not a practice done for health benefits or as part of a trend but a profound spiritual exercise.

Overall, the message encourages believers to understand and practice fasting as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and alignment with God's purposes, rather than a mere ritual or health trend.

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In these challenging and uncertain times, where news cycles are faster than ever and personal lives feel more chaotic, how do we find peace and breakthrough? In this sermon, we dive deep into 1 Thessalonians 5:16, exploring the power of continual prayer. Learn how prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. Discover a model for prayer based on the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9–13, and understand how connecting with God relationally, worshiping His name, and aligning our lives with His will can transform us. We'll explore the importance of depending on God for everything, engaging in spiritual warfare, and expressing faith in His ability to overcome all challenges. Join us as we commit to seeking breakthrough through dedicated prayer over the next four weeks. Let's turn to God together and experience His power and presence in our lives. Subscribe to stay connected and be encouraged in your faith journey!

#Prayer #Breakthrough #1Thessalonians5 #Faith #Christianity #Jesus #Church #Sermon #PrayContinually #SpiritualGrowth #BibleStudy #GodsWord #FaithOverFear

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In this insightful sermon, we delve into the essence of faith as presented in James 2:14-26. Uncover the profound relationship between faith and deeds, and understand how true faith is more than intellectual belief—it's transformative and action-oriented.

Key Themes:

1. Faith in Action:

James 2:14-26 emphasizes that faith without deeds is dead. Just as riding a bike transforms from theory to experience, true faith moves beyond knowledge to lived actions.

2. Two Forms of Belief:

-Cognitive Recognition: Acknowledging facts intellectually, like believing in a mathematical truth.

-Deeply Held Convictions: Heartfelt beliefs that shape our identity and drive our actions.

James illustrates with examples from Abraham and Rahab, whose faith was demonstrated through their actions, showing that genuine faith results in obedient and loving deeds.

Reflect on the difference between head faith and heart faith. True faith should influence daily life, leading to actions aligned with Jesus' teachings.

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Join us for an enlightening sermon on the relationship between faith and works, as we explore James 2:14-26. Discover how genuine faith manifests through actions and how both elements are crucial in a believer's life.

1. Faith and Deeds: James 2:14-26 stresses that faith without deeds is dead. True faith is shown through our actions, just as a healthy tree is known by its fruit.

2. Examples from Daily Life:

• The Overcommitted Volunteer: Jane feels overwhelmed by her numerous church activities, believing her works earn God’s favor.
• The Comfortable Believer: John professes faith but rarely engages in spiritual practices or serving others.
• The Balanced Believer: Sarah exemplifies a balanced faith, integrating personal spiritual growth with service to others.

3. Scriptural Insights: James uses examples of Abraham and Rahab to illustrate that faith, complemented by actions, is complete and genuine. Paul’s teachings in Ephesians 2:8-9 and Galatians 2:16 are also examined to reconcile faith and works in the process of salvation.

• Evaluate Your Faith: Consider if your faith leads to actionable deeds. Are you like Jane, John, or Sarah?
• Balance Faith and Works: Understand that while salvation is through grace, true faith naturally results in good works.

Key Questions Addressed:

• How do faith and works coexist in a believer's life?
• What does true faith look like in action?
• How can believers ensure their faith is not just intellectual but transformative?

Engage with us in this deep dive into faith and works, and let your belief reflect in your actions, embodying the teachings of Jesus and James.

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In this powerful sermon, the meaning and significance of baptism are explored through key scriptures such as Romans 6:1–11 and Matthew 28:18–20. The message is grounded in the Word of God, emphasizing the Bible as our source of truth, hope, and understanding.

1. The Great Commission: Matthew 28:18-20 highlights Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, emphasizing our purpose as followers of Christ.

2. Public Declaration: Baptism is a public declaration of faith, similar to a wedding ring as a symbol of commitment. In the 1st century, baptism was performed in public places, boldly announcing, "I have decided to follow Jesus!"

3. Washing Away Sins: Baptism represents a ceremonial washing away of sins, symbolizing being cleansed and made new in Christianity.

4. New Life: John 3 and Romans 6:1-11 explain how baptism signifies dying to our old self and rising to new life in Christ, symbolizing being born again and embracing a Christ-centered life.

5. Obedience to Christ: Baptism is an act of obedience, marking the start of spiritual growth and transformation.

• Ready to be baptized? Yes, if Jesus is your Savior.
• Is baptism required for salvation? No, it’s a public declaration.
• Can I be re-baptized? Yes, if your initial baptism wasn’t a personal decision.
• Who can baptize? Any follower of Jesus.
• Does the location matter? No, what matters is the act of obedience.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.