Issue 42 by Carmel City Church

carmel: A MAGAZINE PUBLISHED BY CARMEL MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

Article by Pastor Gerri Di Somma

KEEP YOUR HEART Teaching by Pastor Michelle Di Somma

carmel: MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

ISSUE 42

CHARACTERISED BY LOVE

CARMEL: PARTNERSHIP

DAY

NIGHT

SATELLITE

MODULES

CORRESPONDENCE

A PARTNER IS A SHARER An associate, one who engages with another in business, one who plays on the same side as another. PARTNERSHIP IS IMPORTANT It releases power to get the job done. We can accomplish the Great Commission together in unity. PARTNERSHIP IN PRAYER We believe it is vital for every partner to develop a strong personal prayer life, and to pray for the leadership for godly wisdom and direction from the Lord. PARTNERSHIP IN CARING We are instructed to watch over and take care of the partners in our charge (Acts 20:28).

I took a year out and studied at Carmel Bible College, which has helped me with the challenges of university life. Jonathan, 19

PARTNERSHIP IN SHARING The whole ministry of sharing is to give oneself in the areas of love, time, talents and finances.

Should you wish to donate by Gift Aid please contact the church office.

Carmel Ministries International is a registered charity (Charity No. 1094052) with Luke 9:2 as its mission statement. All finances sown go into the work of establishing God’s kingdom through evangelism and preparing labourers for the harvest.

equipped for life

SOUTH AFRICA Anchor Ministries International First National Bank, Cresta Branch Sort Code: Account No: 25-49-05 51440080590

DIE M

IBAN GB67 BOFS 8011 0006 0851 91

PE AR

EGE

BIC BOFSGB21012

CARM

ACCOUNT DETAILS

UNITED KINGDOM Bank of Scotland Carmel Christian Centre Sort Code: Account No: 80-11-00 06085191

BIBLE CO

OPEN DAY

MONDAY 28TH APRIL 9:00AM - 12:30PM

EDITORIAL

EXECUTIVE EDITORS GERRI AND MICHELLE DI SOMMA PRODUCED BY WWW.CRE8ION.CO.UK PRINTERS YEOMANS Bible quotations are from the New King James Version unless stated otherwise. ALL TEACHINGS IN THIS EDITION ARE ABRIDGED. FULL VERSIONS ARE AVAILABLE TO ORDER ON CD OR DVD.

FOR WHATEVER STAGE YOUR LIFE’S AT Carmel Bible College offers a faith-based, Spirit-led curriculum designed to instill biblical life skills, ensuring that you acquire more than just knowledge. With our day, night, satellite, modules and correspondence courses all available, there has never been better time to get equipped for life. Why not come and visit us on Open Day? Everyone is welcome, no booking necessary!

CBC: 817A BATH ROAD, BRISLINGTON, BRISTOL BS4 5NL

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0117 977 5536 WWW.CARMELBIBLECOLLEGE.ORG

carmel: A MAGAZINE PUBLISHED BY CARMEL MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL

ISSUE 42

HE SENT THEM TO PREACH THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND TO HEAL THE SICK. LUKE 9:2

WELCOME Hi Everyone

We trust that you had a Christ-filled Christmas and New Year. As 2014 is now progressing, we are pleased to bring you our first issue of Carmel: Life for the year. For us here at Carmel, the focus for 2014 is ‘Transition’. As a ministry, we are transitioning by extending our local influence to reach an international audience. You can find out more in our C:VIEW section by reading our Vision Update on pages 4-5. Also in C:VIEW, you can read about the successes of our annual Christmas Hamper Project and our recent Youth Conference.

CONTENTS Following on from Pastor Gerri’s series, ‘The Love Walk’, we’ve included another one of his messages, this time as our main article. ‘Characterised by Love’ will help you identify what love is and reveal the importance of walking in God’s love as a demonstration of God Himself (pages 8-11).

C:VIEW Vision Update 2014 Hamper Project Youth Conference

ARTICLE Characterised By Love By Pastor Gerri Di Somma

Our other teachings featured in this magazine will equally challenge and inspire you to reach your full potential in God. And you can enjoy reading some testimonies from our trip to Israel.

TEACHING Keep Your Heart By Pastor Michelle Di Somma

TEACHING Releasing Your Potential In God By Pastor Gerri Di Somma

We trust that you will be blessed as you read the contents of this magazine. Thank you for enjoying the journey with us.

TEACHING Daniel’s Success Secrets By Pastor Gerri Di Somma

TESTIMONIES Israel Trip

GERRI AND MICHELLE DI SOMMA

EVENTS MARCH EXCEPTIONAL WOMEN’S CONFERENCE, ‘SHOUT’ FRI 7TH – 9:30AM & 7:00PM SAT 8TH – 9:00AM & 6:00PM

CONTACT CARMEL CENTRE 817A BATH ROAD, BRISLINGTON BRISTOL BS4 5NL T: (0117) 977 5533 F: (0117) 977 5678 W: WWW.CARMELCITYCHURCH.ORG

SERVICES SUNDAY AT 10:00AM AND 6:00PM

APRIL GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE FRI 18TH – 9:00AM

CARMEL BIBLE COLLEGE OPEN DAY MON 28TH – 9:00AM–12:30PM

MAY VALIANT MEN’S CONFERENCE, ‘IT’S A MAN THING’ FRI 16TH – 7:00PM SAT 17TH – 9:00AM & 6:00PM

JUNE PRAYER, PRAISE AND PROPHECY CONFERENCE FRI 6TH – 7:00PM SAT 7TH – 7:00PM SUN 8TH – 6:00PM

You can catch up with the weekend messages FREE online at archive.carmelcitychurch.org or sign up to our FREE podcast on iTunes. Simply search for: carmelcitychurch

Facebook: Carmel City Church

twitter.com/carmelcentreorg

Please note some of the dates and times of up-and-coming events may be subject to change. See Carmel’s website for all the latest information.

C:VIEW [CARMEL CITY CHURCH]

[VISION 2014]

TRANSITION VISION UPDATE 2014

‘Vision Sunday’ is an important time for the congregation at Carmel City Church. It’s the time when Pastor Gerri Di Somma presents God’s vision for Carmel to the church members. This vision was first presented in 1996 when the church began and, since that time, Pastors Gerri and Michelle have followed God’s instructions in the practical outworking to see its fulfilment. Every year at Vision Sunday, the vision is presented afresh, including an overview of how the vision has progressed and the strategy for the year ahead. CARMEL’S MISSION, VISION AND VALUES Carmel’s mission statement is: He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. Luke 9:2. God gave His four-phase vision for Carmel to fulfil this mission: 1. Cover our City 2. Bless our Neighbours 3. Send to the Nation 4. Touch the World Carmel’s values are: Living In Faith and Fellowship Experientially (LIFE). When God gave Pastor Gerri the vision for Carmel, He said that it would take twenty years to reach maturity. Over the years, Carmel has seen aspects of each phase of the vision unfold as the leaders and congregation 4

members have remained united to obey God’s direction. A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF 2013 2013 was a vital year that implemented the strategy for Carmel to ‘cover the city’. They launched satellite campuses in the north, east, south and west of Bristol, all of which connect to the Central Campus via live streaming. Each campus is reaching out to the people within their locality with the good news of Jesus Christ. Together, the campuses are covering the city with God’s love. Last year was also a crucial year for Pastors Gerri and Michelle Di Somma, as their international ministry took on new dimensions, enabling them to extend Carmel’s vision overseas and ‘touch the world’. They travelled to, and ministered God’s Word in, South Africa, America, Italy, Israel, Ireland and England. TRANSITION FOR THE MISSION IN 2014 The strategy to move the vision forward in 2014 is ‘Transition’. The word ‘transition’ means the period of changing from one state or condition to another*. Carmel is at a crucial time in their growth, and transition is required for the next stage of the vision to reach fruition. In October this year, Carmel

will be eighteen years old. The church is rapidly approaching its twentieth birthday, its time of maturity. Just as people transition physically from adolescence into adulthood, so Carmel is in their season of transition into adulthood, into maturity. Since the church began, Carmel has experienced many stages of gradual transition as the church has grown steadily in number and influence. However, there is now a greater transition at hand that will move Carmel to a new position in God’s vision. LAUNCHING OUT TO RESCUE SOULS The account of Noah is pertinent to the strategy God has given Carmel regarding transition. God gave Noah the responsibility to build a rescue vehicle to save himself and his family from destruction: By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. Hebrews 11:7 (italics added). Similarly, God has given Carmel the responsibility to rescue people from drowning in a sea of confusion. For Noah, the rescue vehicle was the ark; for Carmel, the rescue vehicle is the

ARE YOU AN AGENT OF CHANGE?

The full vision 2014 presentation is available on online VISION.CARMELCITYCHURCH.ORG

church. At Carmel’s Conference in 2004, one of the guest speakers spoke prophetically likening Carmel to a type of ark that would rescue many from destruction. In order for the ark to be effective in God’s mission to save Noah and his household, Noah had to be willing to transition to a new position. This repositioning came through the ark’s journey and its landing; it was the same ark, but it was in a new position. Likewise, for Carmel to be effective in God’s mission to save people from destruction, the church members must be willing to transition to a new position. It’s the same church, built upon the blueprint of God’s instructions, but it’s moving to a new position. Carmel is being repositioned to a place of greater influence as the church transitions from just a local ministry to a ministry that is also global. A BLUEPRINT FOR THE NATIONS Noah’s rescue vehicle was built according to God’s specific instructions: Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did. Genesis 6:22. Equally, Carmel has been built according to God’s design and instructions. In fact, God has spoken repeatedly through His prophets, revealing and confirming that the ministry being built at Carmel is a blueprint that will go worldwide. *www.oxforddictionaries.com

The blueprint of Carmel is extensive, encompassing the ministry’s DNA and everything it does. This includes Carmel’s mission, vision, values and the outworking of that into the church campus model, bible college, Christian school, life skills and equipping centre, community projects, evangelism and much more. This is the blueprint that God has purposed for Carmel to take worldwide. MAKING THE TRANSITION Then the Lord said to Noah, “Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.” Genesis 7:1. For Carmel, transition in 2014 means inviting people onto the ark, the vehicle of salvation. The only way people can enter into salvation is through the door of Christ who makes them righteous. Practically, this will take place through various means that will develop the local and national vision as well as establish the global: evangelism teams and ‘Kidz Klub’ outreaches will support each Bristol campus; the discipleship process will be updated to help believers on their Christian journey and give them the tools to equip others; church mission trips will focus on building the infrastructure for Carmel’s blueprint to be established in other nations; bible college mission

trips will undergird new bible colleges; ‘Love You Loads’ will launch to provide the resources for missions; Carmel will be available internationally 24-7 through broadcasting facilities, such as the launch of an online campus, an internet TV station, an internet radio station and a mobile app; current media streams will be populated with cutting edge content; a new Carmel Global website will be launched for Carmel’s international audience; Pastors Gerri and Michelle will launch their international ministry, ‘Ignite For Life’, enabling them to spread the Gospel; ‘C:NET’ will be established as a ministers network, facilitating ministerial ordination… and much more! JOIN THE JOURNEY Carmel’s vision is big and requires significant transitions as they invite people onto the ark with the purpose of equipping them to overcome life’s storms in order to release them out of the ark to replenish the earth by equipping others. Any vision does not happen without the involvement of people. For Carmel, this means that the involvement of every church member is essential to the fulfilment of the vision. Additionally, the prayer support of Carmel’s international partners plays a vital role in the transition for the year ahead and the future stages of the vision. 5

C:VIEW

HAMPER PASTOR MICHAEL FLETCHER

PROJECT 2013

Carmel’s annual ‘Hamper Project’ is one way the church demonstrates God’s love to the local community through practical help. For many years this project has provided Christmas food parcels to those who may otherwise not have enough food during the festive season. During December 2013, Carmel packed and distributed 1,300 hampers for individuals and families, feeding approximately 3,000 people. Pastor Michael Fletcher is the Hamper Project coordinator. He told us more about the project and its importance: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE HAMPER PROJECT? To meet a specific need at a specific time – to feed the poor at Christmas. By meeting this need, the project aims to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

WHAT LOGISTICS ARE INVOLVED IN THE HAMPER PROJECT?

Yes. It’s not just about providing food, but it’s also about showing that we care. The hampers enable us to meet physical and emotional needs at the same time. Of course, not everyone will appreciate our efforts, but there are always people who recognise that someone thought about them and cared enough to give them a hamper.

There are many aspects that make the project come together, and we’re thankful for all the volunteers who help. We start by finding out who has a need for a food hamper. We do this by contacting organisations that work with the homeless and in areas of deprivation. Next, we decide on the contents of the hampers and purchase the food. The hampers are packed into plastic trays and wrapped in cellophane on a specified day. Finally, we deliver the hampers. Needless to say, there’s a lot of administration work involved throughout the entire project.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO FEED THOSE IN NEED?

WHAT EXACTLY ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED?

Because it’s a demonstration of God’s love. The poor are important to Him, so they must be important to us too. The Bible is full of instructions to take care of the poor, and when we do, we put God’s love into action.

With inflation, the cost rises every year, but we buy the food in bulk to help reduce some costs. Each hamper costs approximately £6.00, which includes the food, the tray and the cellophane wrapping.

DO THE HAMPERS REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Also, people are more likely to listen to what we say when they know we care. If we want to tell them about Jesus, we first need to show them that we care about their physical needs. There’s no point in telling them that God loves them while ignoring the fact that they’re hungry – they won’t listen!

Let me add that we’re very grateful to the people who support this project financially, because without the necessary finances, the project wouldn’t happen. Local businesses and our own church members give very generously, making it possible for us to increase the number of hampers we give each year. This year, we gave 8% more hampers than last year. IN A TIME OF ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY, SHOULD WE STILL GIVE TO THE POOR? Yes, definitely. As Christians, we have a moral obligation to help others and take care of their needs. In this economic climate, it takes faith, but we recognise that we’re not bound by the here and now, and our faith is not in the world’s economy – it’s in the living God who causes us to prosper in the midst of recession and cutbacks. WHAT’S THE PLAN FOR 2014? Rather than asking businesses for financial contributions, we plan to ask key companies for food donations. This will help us reduce costs and distribute even more hampers in 2014.

If you would like to get involved in the Hamper Project, or contribute money towards it, please contact us: info@carmelcentre.org

C:VIEW

LIMITLESS

YOUTH CONFERENCE

This February, young people passionate about God’s presence gathered for Carmel’s annual youth conference. Attendees arrived from across the UK to enjoy each of the four sessions held at Carmel City Church’s Central Campus.

insecure despite his royal status: “He was handsome, had a good family background, he even spoke prophetically on occasions and he was king over all Israel,” said Pastor Gerri. “But from the start he was conspicuously insecure, fearing failure and rejection. This led him to please people above pleasing God.” The youth were warned about how insecurity can subtly creep in and cause them to become people-pleasers instead of God-pleasers, thus limiting their potential.

With the theme ‘Limitless’, the purpose of the conference was to inspire, exhort and challenge the youngsters to live limitless Christian lives through God, who is limitless. A dramatic stage backdrop, powerful worship and compelling teaching made this conference one of the best yet! UNLIMITED POTENTIAL On the Friday night, Pastor Michelle Di Somma started the conference by showing how Jesus was the perfect example of a person who lived without limits. She emphasised that even difficult and uncomfortable circumstances are vital to limitless Christian living. “Jesus was limitless because He was holy, sinless and obedient in every situation, even to the point of suffering death on a cross,” she said. “And it’s possible for you to be limitless by following His example of holiness and obedience.” CHARACTERISTICS OF A LIMITLESS LIFE The Saturday sessions began in the early afternoon, ensuring that everyone was refreshed and ready for the day’s activities. Carmel’s youth pastor,

Simon Cowling, led the first session of the day. He took inspiration from the biblical account of Joseph, illustrating the qualities Joseph displayed to live a limitless life. “Joseph wasn’t distracted or discouraged by what others said or did,” he said. “Like Joseph, we must remain immovable in our relationship with God, standing firm on what we know to be true.” During the next session, Andrew Smallridge spoke about his personal journey of faith. Comparing his story to the account of blind Bartimaeus, he demonstrated to the delegates that any Christian can receive what they require to live limitlessly when they ask in faith. Throughout the day, several of Carmel’s youth leaders worked relentlessly behind the scenes so that the youth could enjoy freshly cooked Spanish chorizo rice, followed by an ice cream dessert. People enjoyed spending the afternoon connecting with each other and preparing for the final session. THE STORY OF THE TWO SAUL’S For the final session, Pastor Gerri Di Somma taught the youth about the importance of being secure in their identity by highlighting the character differences between the two biblical Saul’s: King Saul in the Old Testament and Saul, known as the Apostle Paul, in the New Testament. Pastor Gerri explained how King Saul was inwardly

Pastor Gerri then showed the delegates how the Apostle Paul’s life was completely different. “The way Paul described himself in his letters indicates that he wasn’t physically attractive like King Saul, and he wasn’t an eloquent speaker either. He lacked the external strengths and abilities that King Saul possessed,” explained Pastor Gerri. “But the big difference was that Paul’s internal value was rooted in God’s truth and not man’s opinions.” The youth were exhorted to follow Paul’s example in order to live a limitless life: “Paul’s security was in God, not himself or others. As a result, he changed his known world and wrote most of the New Testament!” TAKING THE LIMITS OFF ‘Limitless’ was a life-changing conference where many young people made the decision to no longer settle for normal, average lives, but to walk in God’s ways and live the way He intended – limitless! 7

CHARACTERISED

BY LOVE ARTICLE BY PASTOR GERRI DI SOMMA

There must be a defining difference between Christians and those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know God. If there is no observable difference, how will unbelievers recognise that we are Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children? The Bible reveals that love identifies us as children of God, who Himself is love. Therefore, God wants us, His children, to be characterised by His love and to demonstrate the characteristics of His love. 8

IDENTIFIED BY LOVE When we exhibit the qualities of God’s love, we reflect His nature and become a sweet-smelling fragrance to Him and others. The Apostle Paul explained this when exhorting the Christians at Ephesus: walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:2. The phrase to ‘walk in love’ means to live a life of love, to be characterised by God’s love. The dictionary helps us to fully understand what it means to be characterised by God’s love. ‘Characterised’ is described as a distinguishing mark or quality, and the word originates from the 16th century meaning to engrave or inscribe. This shows us that our lives must bear the distinguishing quality of God’s love and that, like an engraving, our lives must be marked permanently with His love. Being ‘marked’ with the characteristics of God’s love identifies us as His children. This principle is best illustrated by observing the actions and mannerisms of children. These characteristics identify them as their parent’s children. Similarly, as God’s children, we reflect His Fatherhood when we act like He does. Since love is God’s nature, love identifies us as His children. That’s why it’s important that our lives are characterised by God’s love. THE CHAPTER OF LOVE Although there are numerous scriptures that exhort and instruct us to walk in love, the Apostle Paul’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 is probably the best known. It’s often referred to as ‘the love chapter’. Some Christians solely focus on verses 4-8 that list the characteristics of love, but all thirteen verses are applicable to our lives if we desire to be characterised by God’s love and identified as His children.

life, but are not. Let’s look at each of them before discovering the true evidence of love: 1. TONGUES IS NOT THE EVIDENCE OF LOVE Speaking in tongues may reveal the presence of the Holy Spirit, but if not tempered with love, tongues become an unwelcome, disturbing noise: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1. Praying in tongues is not the evidence of love, but one of its purposes is to keep us in God’s love (Jude v20-21). I experienced this first-hand when I first became a Christian. At that point, my wife and I were planning to divorce, but the person who led me to Jesus told me to pray in tongues every day. Naturally speaking, there was no love between my wife and I, but as I prayed in tongues on a daily basis, God’s love penetrated my heart and I began to love her again. Today, we are more in love that we ever were! 2. GIFTING IS NOT THE EVIDENCE OF LOVE There’s a big difference between gifting and character. Spiritual and natural gifts are God-given; they do not cost us anything. However, every Christian must develop their character in order to use their gifts in love. Without love, our gifting is empty and without substance: And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2. Paul reiterates this point by explaining that spiritual gifts are not for personal gain, but for the benefit of others: Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. 1 Corinthians 14:12.

THE EVIDENCE OF LOVE

3. GOOD DEEDS ARE NOT THE EVIDENCE OF LOVE

The first three verses of 1 Corinthians 13 give insight into the evidence of love. They highlight common misconceptions about spiritual and natural activities that can be perceived as the evidence of love in a Christian’s

It’s easy to believe that doing something nice for others is the evidence of love. However, when our motives are evaluated honestly, we discover that our good deeds are to make ourselves feel good, not to help

others. Without love, good deeds profit us nothing: And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:3. Being martyred for what we believe may be brave, but it’s not necessarily the evidence of love, because it’s easier to die once than to lay down our lives on a daily basis. Love doesn’t just give or die once; it lays down its life sacrificially day after day. That’s why Jesus said: “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13. MATURE IN LOVE Paul explained that love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8. Therefore, tongues, gifting and good deeds are only effective when centred on God and done in His love. Otherwise, they have no present or eternal value (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). Although these activities are not the evidence of love, their effective application reveals the true evidence of love: maturity. Maturity is revealed when God’s love is evident in every situation and activity, whether spiritual or natural. For example, even though praying in tongues is a spiritual activity, it’s not an excuse for ignoring or remaining insensitive to the needs of those around us who are hurting. In this situation, a mature Christian demonstrates the evidence of love by ministering to those in need rather than continuing to pray in tongues for their own edification. Their actions show maturity because they have considered the welfare of others at the expense of self. A mature Christian denies their individual preferences and surrenders completely to God’s nature, which is love. Paul summarised this when he wrote: it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20. Paul recognised that spiritual maturity is paralleled with natural maturity (1 Corinthians 13:11-12). All children must mature into adulthood and, likewise, all Christians must mature into Christ-likeness, evidenced by love. Using this parallel, there are three things that identify a spiritually mature believer: 9

1. Leave. Upon maturing into adulthood, young adults leave their parental home because they are no longer dependent on their parents for their upkeep. Likewise, Christians must leave their trust in mankind to trust and depend upon God alone. Mature Christians hear God for themselves and live successfully without relying on others to sustain them spiritually. 2. Cleave. Mature adults can care for themselves and others. They desire to share their life with someone and

cleave to a spouse. As Christians, God directs us to cleave to a body of believers where we can develop our character and spiritual gifts. Mature Christians willingly give of their own selves in order to share their life with others and care for them.

them to mature. Likewise, mature Christians reproduce the character and nature of God in new Christians, imparting godly values and truths into their lives, helping them to be released into maturity themselves.

3. Conceive. God planned for married couples to replenish the earth through godly offspring (Genesis 2:27-28; Malachi 2:15). Christian parents are responsible for reproducing biblical values in their children and helping

Let’s now examine the characteristics of love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. These characteristics identify us as God’s children and can be divided into two groups of eight: what love does and what love does not do.

FIRST, LET’S LOOK AT WHAT LOVE DOES: Love suffers long: endures patiently and exercises understanding towards people while putting up with difficult situations.

Love is kind: willing to help others for their benefit.

Love rejoices in the truth: quick to celebrate with others when they break free into liberty.

6. 7.

bears all things: covers 8. 4. Love the faults and shame of others, taking no pleasure in exposing their errors or weakness.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE

Love believes all things: eager to believe the best and promote the good in others. Love hopes all things: remains confident that God’s Word will obtain victory in the lives of others.

Love endures all things: stands against the enemy’s attacks and stays firm when defending others. Love never fails: finishes what has been started to obtain the desired end result.

1. 2.

NOW LET’S WHAT LOVE Love does not envy: does not desire what others have, but is content regardless of belongings or circumstances. Love does not parade itself: does not brag excessively or elevate self above others, but esteems others better than self.

Love is not puffed up: is not proud, snobbish or scornful, but is humble in attitude and action. does not behave 4. Love rudely: doesn’t behave

indecently by disregarding the welfare and feelings of others, but is always courteous.

“

LOOK AT DOES NOT DO: 5.

6. 7. 8.

Love does not seek its own: not self-centred, but puts others first. Love is not provoked: does not react irritably, but considers how to respond in meekness. Love thinks no evil: does not hold grudges or keep a record of wrongdoings, but forgets offences to avoid division and hurt. Love does not rejoice in iniquity: is not glad about the misfortune of others, but is grieved about deception and injustice.

LOVE IS GREATER THAN FAITH AND HOPE BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE AND EVERYTHING HE DOES IS MOTIVATED BY LOVE.

THE GREATEST IS LOVE Paul ends the love chapter with these words: now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13. Love is greater than faith and hope because God is love and everything He does is motivated by love. God is eternal. Therefore, love is eternal. God never fails. Therefore,

His love working in and through us means that we will never fail. Make this your confession: I am content no matter what and I esteem others more important than myself. I always act in humility, being courteous and mature in approach. I am quick to forget wrongs done to me and I never revel in the misfortune of others. I am patient

”

and sincere in my compassion for others. I look out for the best interests of others, strengthening them and covering their faults. I am firmly persuaded about the good in others, being convinced of their victory, because I help and defend them. I will never fail and will always win through, because God’s love in me is eternal. 11

KEEP YOUR

HEART TEACHING BY PASTOR MICHELLE DI SOMMA

“

OUT OF OUR HEARTS FLOW THE MORAL CHOICES THAT EITHER DRAW US CLOSER TO GOD AND HIS PURPOSES FOR OUR LIVES OR REMOVE US FURTHER AWAY FROM THEM.

”

Everyone was created with a God-given purpose, and God wants each of us to discover and live our purpose. However, it’s up to us to discover that purpose and live according to it. One of the ways we do this is by guarding our hearts. King Solomon’s words of wisdom highlight the importance of guarding our hearts: Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23. To understand the significance of this scripture, it’s essential to look closer at the key words, ‘heart’, ‘issues’ and ‘diligence’. The Heart: this doesn’t refer to the organ that pumps blood around our bodies; it means the entire inner person, including the mind, will and 12

emotions. The heart, the complete inward person, is what we must guard.

our inner person, like a watchman. This means that there is action on our part.

The Issues: this is everything that flows out of our lives, specifically our free moral choices. Since the heart determines these choices, it’s essential to guard our hearts to ensure that only godly moral choices flow from it.

LIFE OR DEATH?

Diligence: this signifies a watchman who guards what has been placed in his care. We are to keep our hearts,

Out of our hearts flow the moral choices that either draw us closer to God and His purposes for our lives or remove us further away from them. It’s our responsibility to guard our hearts so that rivers of living water flow from us, not the stench of death. Rivers of living water represent the Holy Spirit, who can only flow through

our lives when we make godly choices. That’s why it’s vital to guard our hearts. It’s impossible to produce life and death, good and bad, at the same time; we’ll produce either one or the other. And the outflow is determined by what we allow into our hearts. Jesus put it this way: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45. A NEW HEART Hundreds of years ago, Ezekiel prophesied about the time when God would give His people a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27). When Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit, this promise was made available to everyone who accepts Jesus as Saviour and is filled with His Spirit. God has done His part by giving us a new heart. Now, it’s our responsibility to guard our new hearts, otherwise we’ll make ungodly choices that will stop God’s life working in and through us. THE CONDITION OF THE HEART Jesus told a parable about a sower who sowed seed in four different types of ground. Jesus likened the types of ground to heart conditions that produced differing outcomes when exposed to the seed, which is God’s Word (Luke 8:5-15). Let’s examine each one and learn how they apply to guarding our hearts: 1. THE WAYSIDE HEART The seed first fell by the wayside (Luke 8:5, 12). This type of ground represents the hearts of Christians who don’t press into the truths, warnings and promises of God’s Word. Therefore, they become susceptible to the devil’s lies, which causes them to question God’s Word and become hard-hearted towards it. This becomes evident when natural circumstances seem to contradict God’s truth. For example, when Christians suffer with long-term illnesses and don’t see any signs of improvement. Rather than pressing

into God’s Word to discover His promises about divine healing, a hard-hearted Christian questions, “Is healing for everyone?” To guard our hearts, we must apply God’s Word to our lives through regular confession of its truths and remain tender and pliable before God and His Word. 2. THE ROCKY HEART The second type of ground is rocky (Luke 8:6, 13). This represents the hearts of Christians who get excited about God’s Word but have no commitment to it. Without commitment to the truth of God’s Word, Christians either fall prey to the devil’s temptations or allow trials to defeat them. We mustn’t be ignorant of the fact that temptations and trials will come. But when we commit ourselves to God’s Word and obey it regardless of our circumstances, we are empowered to resist temptations and stand strong during trials. Jesus likened such a Christian to a wise man who built his house on solid foundations. When the storms came, his house did not collapse (Matthew 7:24-27). Likewise, committing ourselves to God’s truth is the foundation we build our lives upon, enabling us to overcome trials and temptations. To guard our hearts, we must commit to hear and obey God’s Word, giving it pre-eminence over every situation. 3. THE THORNY HEART Next, the thorny ground represents the hearts of Christians who have been captivated by worldly influences (Luke 8:7, 14). These Christians become consumed with worry and uncertainty, seeking the world’s solution of material possessions, riches and earthly pleasures. Sadly, these influences eventually choke God’s Word in their lives. A godly perspective is needed here. There’s nothing wrong with acquiring material possessions or wealth. Remember, God doesn’t want us to be poor, because that doesn’t glorify Him. However, God doesn’t want riches or possessions to captivate us, because

then we become self-seeking, gratifying ourselves at the expense of others. To guard our hearts, we must cut off the world and its influences. 4. THE GOOD HEART Lastly, the good ground represents the hearts of Christians who are devoted and committed to God, His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives (Luke 8:8, 15). These Christians remove all contamination from their lives and are continually filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). This ensures that rivers of living water flow from them without any dirt or debris hindering it. Contamination comes through what we let in and out of our lives. For example, certain films promote zombies and demons, which represent death and evil. Other films and song lyrics endorse immoral practices, such as fornication. Watching these films or listening to these songs allows their contamination to enter our hearts. We mustn’t be deceived. It’s not innocent entertainment, but contamination that blocks the flow of God’s Spirit in our lives. Equally, our words can cause contamination. Therefore, it’s essential to guard what we say: Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification. Ephesians 4:29. EVALUATE YOUR HEART Guarding our hearts is essential to living the life God has ordained for us. When our hearts are guarded, the Holy Spirit can flow freely in and through us and we can discern His leading. Today, evaluate the condition of your heart. Is it hard? Is it defeated by temptations and trials? Is it captivated by worldly influences? If so, repent right now and determine to guard your heart according to God’s Word. You are in charge of your heart. Determine to keep your heart tender, to give God’s Word pre-eminence and to cut off the world’s influences and contamination. Guard your heart and discover the purpose God has for your life! 13

RELEASING YOUR

POTENTIAL IN GOD

TEACHING BY PASTOR GERRI DI SOMMA God loves every single person and wants everyone to know Him personally as Lord and Saviour; He desires that no one should die without knowing Him (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, God has empowered us, His children, to live a life of power that demonstrates His presence to those who don’t know Him. THE POWER OF DEMONSTRATION Demonstrating God’s power is important because it reveals His presence in a tangible and undeniable way. Once a person has seen and experienced God’s power first-hand, they have no room for excuse; they must make a decision about entering into a relationship with Him. The Apostle Paul understood this. He wrote: my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5. Paul didn’t attempt to convince others about God’s love using reason or logic. He knew that such words of ‘human wisdom’ would accomplish nothing of eternal value. Instead, Paul demonstrated God’s power so that those who witnessed it would trust in God and not man. EMPOWERED TO DEMONSTRATE Paul’s actions should not be unique to him. God’s power is not reserved for certain people; He has empowered all His children to demonstrate His power in exactly the same way. Jesus said, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me 14

in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8. Every Christian has the potential to be a witness of God’s power and presence, but not every Christian demonstrates Him as Paul did. Let’s look at some reasons why: 1. CONTEMPT FOR GOD’S WORD Christians who don’t allow God’s Word to be the final authority in their lives reveal their contempt for it. Instead of respecting God’s Word on every subject, they disregard the sections that confront them to change their sinful attitudes or behaviour. For example, some Christians seek advice from secular counsellors because their redefinition of ‘sin’ as a ‘problem’ appeases the conscience and justifies behaviour. Such Christians refuse to allow the counsel of God’s Word to purify their imperfections and shape them into God’s image since this kind of change is painful for the fleshly nature (Jeremiah 23:29). As a result, they remain subject to their sin, which, in turn, causes them to live powerless lives. 2. CONTAMINATION OF THE WORLD Worldly thinking causes people to focus on their individual rights, pleasures and comforts. Christians who adopt this way of thinking allow their lives to become contaminated by self-seeking motives. An example of this is when Christians attend church to be entertained by the worship team or the preacher rather than attending church to entertain God’s presence. For these Christians, church is about them and not about God. They become become like the Pharisees who were more concerned about having the best seats in the synagogues than seeking and worshipping God (Matthew 23:5-7). Those who become contaminated by worldly thinking and influences live powerless Christian lives because God’s presence and power is manifest in holiness, not contamination. That’s why God warns us to not learn the way of the Gentiles. Jeremiah 10:2. 3. COMPROMISE OF GOD’S PRINCIPLES God’s principles are compromised when His absolute truth is replaced

with relative truth. Absolute truth never changes because God’s Word never changes, therefore we can depend upon His principles (Matthew 24:35). Conversely, relative truth is based upon circumstances, feelings, preferences or understanding, which are subject to change and, therefore, untrustworthy. Christians who are governed by relative truth follow what ‘feels right’ to them rather than doing what is right according to the principles of God’s Word. Some Christians believe that God’s principles are restrictive and controlling, but this is not true. God’s principles guide, protect and lead us into victorious and powerful living. Equally, compromising God’s principles will result in powerless living.

We become powerless when we have contempt for God’s Word, become contaminated by worldly thinking or compromise God’s principles. In addition to rectifying these three things, there are three essential ingredients that will release God’s power in our lives: 1. REVELATION OF GOD AS FATHER Firstly, it’s crucial to know God as our Father. Some Christians view God as a distant and uncaring entity, but the Bible reveals that God is a loving Father who demonstrated His love by provided for our salvation through His Son, Jesus. The sacrifice of Jesus has given everyone the opportunity to know God as a heavenly Father (John 1:12, 3:16; Romans 5:8). Jesus knew God as His Father and declared that He and the Father were united as one. This is significant because Jesus revealed that we can be united with the Father in the same way. God’s power was released through Jesus because of this unity – He only did and spoke what He saw and heard from the Father (John 5:19; 14:8-10; 17:21). Equally, when we relate to God as our Father and are united with Him, God’s power will be released through us. 2. RESPOND TO GOD LIKE A CHILD Secondly, we must respond to Father God in childlike faith. Young children are an apt example of this: they

innocently believe and trust everything their parents tell them. Whether or not their parents have told them the truth is irrelevant; they simply believe. Likewise, we must respond to God with absolute trust, believing everything He says. Since God never lies, there is no reason why we should not trust Him (Numbers 23:19). Responding to God in childlike faith means depending on Him for His solution to any difficulty we encounter rather than depending on our own ability to resolve it. When we trust and depend upon God in these situations, we allow His limitless power to work on our behalf.

“

DEMONSTRATING GOD’S POWER IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT REVEALS HIS PRESENCE IN A TANGIBLE AND UNDENIABLE WAY.

”

3. RESPONSIBILITY OF A SON Thirdly, it’s vital to act responsibly as God’s sons. Although we respond to God with childlike faith, this doesn’t mean that we behave childishly. On the contrary, being a son of God signifies maturity; just as we mature physically into adulthood and leave behind our irresponsible, childish ways, so we must also mature spiritually by becoming responsible towards the things of God’s kingdom (1 Corinthians 13:11). Mature Christians are identified by their acceptance of responsibility. A key area of this responsibility is obedience to God’s instructions. Since obedience to God unlocks all of His blessings into our lives, including His power, it’s essential that we act responsibly by doing whatever is necessary to obey God’s instructions. RELEASE YOUR POTENTIAL You have the potential to demonstrate God’s power. It’s within you! If you have not been living a life that demonstrates God’s power, examine whether you have become contemptuous of God’s Word, contaminated by the world or have compromised God’s principles. If you identify any of these areas in your life, repent, recognise that God is your Father, come to Him as a child and take responsibility for anything He requires of you. Then go and demonstrate His presence and power to a world that does not know Him. 15

“

DANIEL EXPERIENCED SUCCESS DESPITE HIS CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES.

”

DANIEL’S SUCCESS SECRETS TEACHING BY PASTOR GERRI DI SOMMA Carmel started an Urdu-English campus in November 2013 to facilitate the growing number of Urdu-speaking people in the congregation and community.

congregation to overcome difficult situations.

At the opening service, Pastor Gerri Di Somma addressed the congregation with the aid of an interpreter. He spoke about the life of Daniel, drawing a parallel between Daniel’s life and the lives of those present: “Daniel was a foreigner in Babylon and most of you are foreigners in the UK.”

A CRITICAL CHOICE

governors who were jealous because the king was contemplating promoting Daniel above them. They knew that Daniel wouldn’t compromise his faith by worshipping anyone other than the God of Israel (Daniel 6:1-5).

The account of Daniel and the lions’ den is familiar to most Christians: while Daniel was a captive in Babylon, the Babylonian king was advised to make a royal decree, “that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.” Daniel 6:7. This suggestion came from the king’s

When the decree was signed, Daniel had to make a choice: to worship the king and live, or continue worshipping God and die. Daniel’s response was instant. He returned home, prayed and gave thanks before his God. Daniel 6:10. The story ends in victory: although Daniel was left to the mercy of the lions, God shut the lions’ mouths

Using Daniel’s life as an example, Pastor Gerri challenged the 16

The following is an abridged version of Pastor Gerri’s message.

so that they were unable to harm him (Daniel 6:22). A CONFIRMED CHARACTER Daniel encountered many difficult situations prior to the lions’ den incident. In each case, he proved his godly, blameless character and, as a result, was delivered out of every circumstance. Even in the face of death, he demonstrated his upright character by remaining true to God. Daniel maintained his godly character by keeping his heart free from thoughts, feelings and beliefs that had the potential to discourage, define, defeat, distract and deceive him. He demonstrated what it means to keep your heart with all diligence. Proverbs 4:23. By avoiding these traps, Daniel experienced success despite his challenging circumstances. I refer to these as his ‘success secrets’. Let’s look at each success secret so that we can learn to guard our own hearts and develop our characters in order to overcome life’s difficulties. 1. DON’T BE DISCOURAGED BY CIRCUMSTANCES Daniel’s circumstances couldn’t have been much worse. He was a slave in a foreign land, forced to work for the king and learn the ungodly practices of the culture. Additionally, many scholars believe he was made a eunuch. It’s easy to see how Daniel could have become discouraged. Yet, he didn’t. This is evident by his decision to not partake of the king’s food or wine, but to consume only vegetables and water (Daniel 1:8-16). This was significant because pagan cultures dedicated meat and wine to their gods, and Daniel didn’t want to defile himself by partaking of it. Had Daniel believed that his circumstances were outside of God’s control, he would have succumbed to discouragement and undoubtedly indulged in the king’s delicacies. However, Daniel knew his circumstances were subject to change, and he trusted God while keeping himself pure according to Jewish Law. By avoiding discouragement, Daniel lived through three dynasties and was promoted by each king (Daniel 2:48; 5:29; 6:28).

2. DON’T BE DEFINED BY WORK Daniel’s job was in the king’s court; he was a Jewish slave working to promote the empire of his oppressors. Daniel could have allowed the external position and value of his employment to influence his view of himself. However, he didn’t define himself according to the identity of a slave. Daniel had a firm conviction of who he really was; he knew he was one of God’s chosen people. As a result, he never allowed his status to stop him from working with integrity and faithfulness (Daniel 6:4). Daniel avoided being defined by his work and became known as a man with God’s Spirit (Daniel 5:14). 3. DON’T BE DEFEATED BY ATTITUDE Daniel gained the reputation of being a man with an excellent spirit (Daniel 5:12). The fact that others identified him as such a man means that Daniel must have conducted his entire life with excellence. Since an attitude of excellence precedes a life of excellence, we can confidently deduce that Daniel’s attitude was one of excellence. Instead of allowing a mediocre attitude to determine how he lived and approached his duties, Daniel did everything with excellence. If Daniel’s attitude had been anything but excellent, his attitude would have defeated him. However, over time, Daniel’s excellent spirit distinguished him above his peers (Daniel 6:3). Daniel avoided being defeated by a mediocre attitude and was made great in the eyes of kings and his fellow men (Daniel 1:9, 19; 2:48). 4. DON’T BE DISTRACTED BY PROMOTION Daniel was promoted several times while in Babylon. His last promotion elevated him to the position of the third most powerful person in the kingdom (Daniel 5:29). Considering he arrived in Babylon as a slave, his promotion could have distracted him from doing God’s will and obeying His commands. However, Daniel kept his focus on God, not his promotion, and continued to serve with faithfulness. He did not become proud or arrogant and he didn’t misuse his position of authority. Even those who sought to destroy him

could find no fault in him: they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Daniel 6:4. Daniel avoided being distracted by promotion and prospered (Daniel 6:28). 5. DON’T BE DECEIVED BY CONCERNS Disobeying the decree to worship the king meant that Daniel would lose his job and die. Despite the obvious concerns, Daniel did not entertain the deception of compromise. He could have been deceived into believing that compromising his faith and trust in God would secure his job and life. However, Daniel considered his worship of God to be more important than the worth of his life. Rather than compromising, he openly prayed and thanked God, as was his daily custom (Daniel 6:10). By avoiding deception, Daniel honoured God, and God delivered him from the lions’ den (Daniel 6:22). A CHALLENGING CONCLUSION In challenging and life-threatening situations, Daniel’s heart was guarded against things that sought to discourage, define, defeat, distract and deceive him. He trusted God to vindicate him and to bless him. Likewise, we must trust God in our own challenging situations. If you have allowed circumstances to discourage you, work to define you, your attitude to defeat you, promotion to distract you or concerns to deceive you, stop! Turn around and start trusting God to vindicate and bless you. Just as God shut the lions’ mouths to deliver Daniel, He will shut your accusers’ mouths if you guard your heart and trust Him. It doesn’t matter what your circumstances are or whether you live in a foreign land. By guarding your heart, developing your character and trusting God, He will prosper and promote you so that you can make a difference in your sphere of influence. 17

DISCOVER

ISRAEL

Last year, Pastors Gerri and Michelle met and connected with Moran Rosenblit, a Messianic Jew and founder of Hope for Israel Ministries. This connection enabled them to lead a group of people on a tour of the Holy Land in November. Sixteen people from Carmel and other churches joined Pastors Gerri and Michelle on the tour, which included visits to many historic and religious sites, such as Caesarea, Mount Carmel, the Sea of Galilee, Nazareth, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem. Each person on the tour was impacted in a different way. Here are just a few testimonies:

TRACEY SLEEMAN I had never previously con sidered going to Israel, bu t when I saw the tour adver I wanted to go. I desired to tised at church, I knew im hear God’s voice and experi mediately that ence Him in a new way, an d I was not disappointed! We visited some amazing places and I learnt so much from the people we met. In I was impacted significantl particular, y by meeting a holocaust sur vivor who shared his story concentration camp. Despi of life in a te the way he and his fam ily were treated, he displa love that caused me to exa yed strength and mine my own life and appre ciate God’s grace in every situation. A personal highlight of the trip was taking part in the daily devotions with the res God showed me His love, t of the group. Through the and my relationship with Him se times, deepened as I understood more about His character.

GRAHAM KEELAN Although others had expectations of the tour, I purposely embarked on the journey with none. I wanted to allow myself to be moved by the places we visited without any preconceived ideas or expectations, and this proved to be very beneficial for me. For example, I found our visits to the Independence Hall and Holocaust Museum to be particularly moving. Personally, I believe that holding certain expectations would have caused me to miss the impact of these and other aspects of the tour. The trip was exceptional from start to finish. The fact that we started in Tel Aviv, the secular capital, and finished in Jerusalem, the spiritual capital, was extremely fitting. We travelled far and saw much. The Sea of Galilee experience was outstanding, comprising of an impromptu worship service that was special for each of us. Every part of the trip stirred an emotion and elicited a response. Even though there were 18 of us in total, it was, nevertheless, a very private and individual experience, and one that will live with me for many years to come.

JUNE CLAPP

died and rose ere our Saviour lived, wh ce pla e th it’s e us nsider the l to the Holy Land, beca and and I to go – we co sb hu my for s ce I had a desire to trave an fin e didn’t before. l to God for providing th ve to us in ways that it again! I am so thankfu ali s me co w no le Bib since the tour as a gift from Him casions that I will e were two specific oc er th e, nc rie pe ex ing of God. It was p was an amaz the tangible presence ed nc rie Although the whole tri pe ex I h, ilo Sh talk to anyone, y, when we visited . I didn’t even want to ve lea r ve ne always treasure. Firstl d an ce en ing the tomb to stay in His pres . Secondly, upon enter ce en es pr ly ho awesome! I just wanted s Hi th a reality to me. anything to interfere wi because I didn’t want d resurrection became an ath de s Hi of ty mi , the enor where Jesus once lay ? Yes please! Would I like to go again s! Ye ? re mo y sa I uld Co

Another Israel tour is planned for February 2015. If you would like more information about the trip, please email info@carmelcentre.org 18

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