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Last Sunday we considered St Paul's use of Abraham as an illustration of faith. This is helpful for us as we grow in effective prayer. 

Romans 4.21 says that Abraham was "fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised."

A few observations for us today: 

  • This passage should NOT direct our attention to trying to become "fully persuaded," otherwise we have moved into putting faith in faith itself, rather than in God.
  • Instead our attention goes to God, His nature and ability. 
  • Abraham trusted that God would do what He said He would do (that's God's faithfulness) and that God could do what Abraham could not (that's God's supernatural ability).  

Therefore, and this is important for our living and praying today, Biblical faith is trust in God's nature and ability. 

  • Trusting His nature of faithfulness
  • Trusting His ability to do what we cannot do
  • Eternally: we cannot save ourselves
  • Everyday life: We cannot cause His Kingdom realities to overcome earthly ones 

So, let's give our attention to the fact that God is faithful. When He makes a promise, He keeps it. And let's give our attention to the fact that God is able. With His words He brought things into existence, and through His Word, by His Spirit and in partnership with us in prayer, He still does today. 

If you missed our Prayer Service on Sunday night (you really missed out :) 40+ people were on the Zoom call, it was great!), I want to share 5 Prayer Priorities for CPC for 2021. Would you join me in praying regularly for these five things? Imagine the impact that is possible! 

  1. God’s Vision for CPC
    • His Guidance in our Visions Process
    • Divine discernment of values & strategies
    • For a vision that would be bigger than us and what we can do
  1. The People of the Comox Valley
    • Your neighbours by name
    • Military Families (PTSD)
    • Healthcare Workers
  1. Vitalization of our Church
    • For greater Passion for Jesus to burn in our hearts & all generations!
    • Emotional & Relational Health throughout our church
    • Organizational progression for teams & ministries to flourish
  1. Young Families
    • Discipleship at home
    • Growth in CPC
    • Next Generation Ministries
  1. Stewardship & Future of our Building
    • God’s Direction for the next 20 years
    • Wisdom for Leadership Council & Building Committee
    • Leaks & building concerns

God is faithful, He can do it!
Pastor Mike