On Oct 29 - Reformation Sunday we had the priviledge to hear from Pastor David Jones from Greenbush Reformed Church. He shared a great message from a pivotal moment in the life of one of Jesus' disciplles. Sometimes spiritual growth causes growing pains, but maybe it is true - no pain, no gain... (Sermon Notes)
Money is personal, and marriage is personal and emotional. So this week we go deeper.
The Bible is far from silent about marriage. While there is some great advice given by God on making marriage work, from commuication to forgiveness, from sex to honestly - to really understand the model of marriage God has for couples we must get to a fundimental message of Jesus. And this isn't something for only picture book perfect marriages, but it is tranformational in unions that are far from ideal. God has a plan, and it can change your life! (Sermon Notes)
What is one piece of advice to anchor your financial life into God's ways and God's blessings? Well, the ancient prophet Malachi shares and important word from God, and it will impact your life as a Christian unlike almost any other advice. (Click to open the Sermon Notes)
A new sermon series at Emmanuel. We might as well admit it - God gives good advice.
Implied in the word coexist is the idea of peace. We are called to live at peace, but at the same time, strive for the things of God's Kingdom. This will mean change in our lives, and being agents of change in the world. Some might say that coexisting in peace with other relgions and cultures means that sharing about your faith is out of bounds. That simply isn't true. This message will bring together peace within us, peace with others, and peace with God. (Sermon Notes - HERE)
What is the biggest group of non-Christians you probably know? Maybe those who hold up some good values, but in many ways have given up believing much of anything spiritually. The agnostics, universalists and moderate atheists are not necessarily against God, the Bible, or even Jesus - but they are an interesting and important group to know, love and support. (Click for SERMON NOTES)
How hard can it be to live a peace with those whose faith centers around eliminating suffering and finding peace? Actually it isn't very hard at all. So in this message the focus isn't about the challenges between Christians and Buddhist, but rather what are the differences? How are the beliefs compatible, and how are they at odds. (Click for SERMON NOTES)
Do you know how many Muslims live in the USA? What about what they believe? As school starts, we are going to spend some time learning about this major world religion, and God's call to live like Jesus. (Click for Sermon Notes - which you will need to take the quiz during the message.)
Before we think about how God calls us to relate to other religions and beliefs, we need to think about how we are called to relate to other Christians. There are Christians who believe differently, do crazy things, who have questionable reputations - what are we supposed to do about them? Hear the guidance from Romans, and follow the example of Jesus. (Click for SERMON NOTES)
Some things we don't like are good for us. God truly wants something great for you, and cares for you deeply, but sometimes there is pain in the process. Jesus doesn't have much of anything good to say about the rich city of Laodicea, but in it there is something good for us to hear. If you have an ear, hear what the Spirit is saying. (Click for Sermon Notes)
Even when you are doing the right things, for the right reasons - it can get tiring. We get tired, but God has a special command for us. Be encouraged to hold on, keep going, and see it through to the end. (click for Sermon Notes)
Are you making the most of life, or are you coasting? Jesus calls us to wake up. What steps can you take to be spiritually awake? Listen to Pastor Dirk share about some life changing ways to WAKE UP! (click for Sermon Notes)
Pastor Dave shares on how we can guard our hearts to help us do the right things for the right reasons. The good things God calls you to do, fit into God's grand design!
Jesus said, "I do not come to bring peace but a sword." That is a strange thing for us to hear when we think about a loving, caring, compassionate person - especially one who is set apart from all others as holy and right. This message starts in Revelation chapter 2, digs into the words of Jesus, and then challenges us to think about swords, pleace and our lives.
What is the Spirit saying? What is getting in your way of really hearing, and if we listen carefully, what might we learn from a man killed for his faith in the year 155? Smyrna, Polycarp, and your faith.
In the book of Revelation there is a recurring call in the early chapters.
"He who has an ear; let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
So what is the Spirit and how do we listen? Click for Sermon Notes.
There are so many ideas of how things will end, what it will be like, how the second coming happens that it can be a bit confusing. What is the promised future in the Book of Revelation? A look at Revelation 21 is a great place to start. Click for Sermon Notes
In the last message you got some background on the last book in the Bible. Within the broad framework of "Now & Later" and "Apocalypse" there is great complexity. From a satelite view, we now move to a road map. What are the main streets, and how to they intersect? To get the most from the Book of Revelation, there is some basic information you need to know - including a very special "Apocalyptic Decoder Ring."
Reading for this Message: Revelation 15:1-8
Click for SERMON NOTES to help follow along.
One hundred pound hailstones must pack a pretty good punch. How can a creature with the face of an ox be covered with eyes, have multiple wings, and know how to sing? And why does the number 666 have any special meaning? These are the types of things which can enter you mind if you've ever even glanced into the final book of the Bible.
The Revelation of John is unlike other books in the New Testament, but that doesn't mean it should be ignored. What does it say, and how can the message God gives in it impact our lives today? This message begins a series to help you get a handle on this great book of the Bible.
Let's start with, "What is the Apolcalypse?"
Click for SERMON NOTES
Click to see "know, don't know" chart referenced in sermon.
Living by Grace - even when things do not go as planned. Julia Ewert shares her personaly testimony of living the diagnosis of a terminal desease. Making a life that is truly life happens when we start to see God's gracious care for our lives.
Sunday - May 28