Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

Everlasting Father

In this powerful message, we delve into the profound meaning of Jesus as our 'Everlasting Father,' as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6-7. This title speaks to Christ's eternal nature and His enduring, fatherly love for us. We're reminded that in a world where everything fades, Jesus stands as our unchanging, ever-present source of comfort and strength. The message challenges us to recognize our need for a miracle - something beyond human capability - to address the deep-seated issues of sin and mortality. As we approach Christmas, we're invited to marvel at the impossible becoming possible: the Creator becoming part of creation out of love for us. This perspective renews our sense of wonder and gratitude for the incarnation, encouraging us to approach Jesus as our accessible, approachable, and knowable Everlasting Father.

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

Redefining Mighty

In this powerful message, we're invited to redefine our understanding of 'might' through the lens of God's kingdom. The central scripture, Isaiah 9:1-7, prophesies the coming of a Messiah described as 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' This prophecy challenges our worldly perceptions of strength and power. We're reminded that true might isn't found in worldly success, military prowess, or personal achievements, but in the humble birth of Jesus - God incarnate. The parallel drawn between King Ahaz's dilemma and our daily choices emphasizes how we often trust in worldly might rather than God's strength. This message encourages us to reflect on where we place our trust and how we define power in our lives. Are we fighting fire with fire, or are we embodying Christ's revolutionary approach to might - one of humility, service, and sacrificial love? As we approach Advent, we're challenged to reflect the heart of our mighty God in ways that may seem counterintuitive to the world, but align with the kingdom of heaven.

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

Wonderful Counselor

As we enter the season of Advent, we're reminded of the profound hope and joy that Jesus brings as our Wonderful Counselor. Isaiah 9:6 paints a powerful portrait of Christ, describing Him as the light breaking into our darkness. This imagery resonates deeply with our human experience of struggle and longing for redemption. We're called to recognize Jesus as not just a historical figure, but as a living, active presence in our lives today. His counsel goes beyond mere advice; it's transformative wisdom that can guide us through life's challenges. As we reflect on this, let's consider how we can embody Christ's light in our own spheres of influence, bringing hope and joy to those around us. How might we, like Jesus, serve others and share the good news of God's kingdom? This Advent, let's renew our commitment to living as bearers of Christ's light and love in a world that desperately needs it.

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

Let God Speak for Himself

In this powerful exploration of Exodus 34:6-7, we're invited to let God speak for Himself about His true nature. The passage reveals God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness. This portrayal challenges our often-skewed perceptions of God, reminding us that His love far outweighs His judgment. The golden calf incident serves as a stark contrast, highlighting humanity's tendency to create false images of God. Yet, even in our unfaithfulness, God's chesed - His enduring love and commitment - remains steadfast. This message encourages us to align our view of God with His self-revelation, recognizing that our perception of Him shapes every aspect of our lives. As we focus on God's true character, we, like Moses, can reflect His glory to the world around us.

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

You Got A Pray-er

In this powerful message, we're reminded of our tendency to create idols in our lives. The story of the Israelites crafting a golden calf in Exodus 32 serves as a stark warning about how quickly we can turn away from God. Just as the Israelites did, we often fashion idols out of things like success, family, or even church, placing them alongside or above God. This idol-making tendency is deeply rooted in our hearts, as John Calvin aptly described them as 'idol factories.' The message challenges us to identify and confront our own golden calves, those things that compete for our ultimate allegiance. It's a call to guard our hearts, stay focused on God, and resist the urge to wander from His love. This timeless lesson reminds us of our constant need for God's grace and the importance of keeping Him at the center of our lives.

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

The Tabernacle & Worship Today

In this powerful exploration of Exodus 25, we're reminded of God's deep desire to dwell among His people. The intricate details of the tabernacle construction aren't just ancient history - they're a beautiful foreshadowing of Christ. Just as God provided specific instructions for His dwelling place then, He's given us Jesus as the ultimate pattern for our lives now. The tabernacle's design, with its altar of sacrifice preceding the cleansing basin, teaches us a profound truth: we don't need to 'clean up' before approaching God. He invites us to come as we are, letting His grace transform us. This message challenges us to recognize that as believers, we are now God's temple. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, a reality that should shape our everyday choices and actions. How might our lives change if we truly lived with the constant awareness of God's presence?

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

Carried

We're reminded of our divine election as priests of God. The central theme revolves around Exodus 19 and 24, where God carries the Israelites to Himself on eagle's wings. This beautiful imagery emphasizes that our salvation is entirely God's work - we do nothing to earn it. Just as the Israelites were brought out of Egypt, we too are carried into God's kingdom through Christ's sacrifice. The message challenges us to live as God's chosen people, not through our own strength, but by opening our arms to receive His grace. We're called to a covenant relationship with God, where obedience to His commands becomes a path to blessing rather than a burden. This shift in perspective invites us to see God's laws as a 'health prescription' rather than a restrictive 'job description'. As we commune with God, we're transformed to reflect His glory, becoming a light to the world around us. This message encourages us to anchor our hope in Christ, regardless of life's circumstances, and to let our faces shine with the radiance of belonging to Jesus.

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

Are the 10 Commandments for Today?

Today, we’re exploring the enduring relevance of the 10 commandments in our modern lives. Far from being a mere list of dos and don'ts, these divine instructions are a gift from God, designed to help us flourish and live in freedom. We're reminded that God's law isn't about earning salvation, but about responding to the grace we've already received. Just as God freed the Israelites before giving them the commandments, He offers us salvation through Christ before calling us to obedience. This perspective shift invites us to see God's law not as a burden, but as a loving guide for those already redeemed. As we reflect on Jesus' teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, we see how He deepens our understanding of these commandments, moving beyond external actions to the intentions of our hearts. This challenges us to examine our lives more closely and rely on the Holy Spirit to transform us from within.

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

Spiritual Stockholm Syndrome

We’re delving into the story of Exodus, drawing parallels between Israel's journey from slavery and our own struggles with 'spiritual Stockholm syndrome.' The central message challenges us to confront our tendency to revert to old, destructive patterns when faced with difficulties, instead of trusting in God's provision. We're reminded of how God used bread and water in the wilderness to teach Israel - and us - about His faithfulness. The beautiful connection is made to Jesus, who declares Himself the true Bread of Life and Living Water. This message urges us to break free from our 'hostage' mentality to sin and worldly coping mechanisms, encouraging us to bring our honest questions to God, rely on His Word as our daily sustenance, and allow the Holy Spirit to flow through us. It's a call to choose freedom in Christ over the familiar chains of our past, reminding us that in our thirst for purpose and fulfillment, Jesus offers an eternal wellspring that satisfies our deepest needs.

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

The Right Kind of Fear

In Exodus 14, we're reminded of the incredible parallels between the Israelites' journey through the Red Sea and our own journey of salvation. The story isn't just about walls of water and Pharaoh's defeat; it's a profound picture of the Gospel itself. Just as the Israelites were called to 'stand firm' and witness God's deliverance, we too are invited to put our faith in Christ's finished work. This passage beautifully illustrates how our salvation is not about the quality of our faith, but about the object of our faith - Jesus Christ. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to consider: Are we still trying to build our own bridges to God, or are we resting in the deliverance He has already provided? This message encourages us to live by faith, not by sight, reminding us that our freedom in Christ is not something we earn, but something we receive and walk in daily.

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

The Blood of the Lamb

In this powerful exploration of Exodus 12, we delve into the profound significance of the Passover event. We're reminded that God calls us to reorient our lives around His work and worship, challenging us to examine what truly dictates our schedules and priorities. The Passover meal, with its specific instructions, teaches us about faith and preparedness - celebrating God's promises even before they're fulfilled. Most crucially, we learn about the life-saving power of the blood of the lamb, a powerful foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice. This ancient story isn't just history; it's a call for us to live under the protection and guidance of God, trusting in His provision and deliverance. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to consider: Are we truly orienting our lives around God's purposes? Are we living in faith, ready to follow His lead at a moment's notice?

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

GOD vs. gods

In Exodus 7-11, we dive deep into the story of the plagues of Egypt, uncovering profound spiritual truths that resonate with our lives today. The central message revolves around God's supreme authority over all other 'lower case g gods' - a reminder that our Creator stands above all worldly powers and idols. As we journey through the plagues, we see how God systematically dismantles the Egyptian pantheon, demonstrating His unmatched power and love for His people. This narrative challenges us to examine our own hearts: What 'gods' have we allowed to take precedence in our lives? The sermon draws fascinating parallels between the hardening of Pharaoh's heart and our own potential for spiritual desensitization, urging us to remain vigilant against the subtle compromises that can lead us astray. Ultimately, we're called to authentic repentance - not just saying sorry, but actively turning towards God. This message leaves us with a renewed appreciation for God's patience and grace, inspiring us to draw near to Him with genuine hearts.

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

A Spirit of Pharaoh in Our Spirituality

In Exodus 5 and 6, we're confronted with a challenging question: Has the spirit of Pharaoh crept into our spirituality? We delve into the contrast between Pharaoh's oppressive demands and God's covenant love, examining how easily we can misrepresent God's character in our own lives. The sermon encourages us to reflect on our priorities and motivations, asking if we've fallen into a 'do more, be more' mentality that mirrors Pharaoh's relentless demands rather than embracing God's unconditional love. Through this lens, we're invited to reconsider our relationship with God, moving from a transactional approach to one rooted in covenant and grace. This message challenges us to examine our hearts, realign our priorities, and embrace the freedom that comes from truly understanding God's unconditional love for us.

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

Don’t “DQ” Yourself

In this message, we're reminded of God's unwavering faithfulness and His desire to use us despite our perceived inadequacies. The story of Moses in Exodus 3 takes center stage, highlighting how even great biblical figures struggled with self-doubt. We see Moses attempting to disqualify himself from God's call, much like we often do in our own lives. However, God's response is a beautiful reminder of His grace: 'I will be with you.' This promise echoes through time, assuring us that God equips those He calls. The revelation of God's personal name, Yahweh (I AM WHO I AM), underscores the intimate relationship He desires with us. As we face our own 'burning bush' moments, we're encouraged to step out in faith, trusting not in our own abilities, but in the God who goes before us. This message challenges us to confront the excuses and shame that hold us back, urging us to embrace the freedom and purpose God offers.

Read More
Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

Feel Like You Don’t Fit In?

In this powerful exploration of Exodus, we're reminded that God's plan is never thwarted, even when circumstances seem dire. The story of Moses' birth and early life shows us how God works in unexpected ways, using what appears to be defeat to bring about victory. Just as Moses was placed in a vulnerable position in the Nile, only to be rescued and raised in Pharaoh's own house, we too can trust that God is working behind the scenes in our lives. This message challenges us to redefine our concept of 'home' and 'fitting in.' As followers of Christ, we're called to be in the world but not of it, finding our true identity and belonging in God's family rather than worldly systems. Let's embrace our role as pilgrims and sojourners, allowing our passions to be guided by God's Word as we navigate the complexities of modern life.

Read More