Stop and Listen - this is the call of God when we are at a crossroads. As you enter a new year, allow Pastor Dave Ewert to guide you into the words of the prophet Jeremiah, and onto the ancient paths. (Sermon Notes)
Why don't people have the hope, peace, and joy that we talk about at Christmas? Why don't I feel it all the time? The reality is that our faith is a constant process, and we must realize that it is active not passive. This Christmas, know that God actively loves you. Because Love is an Action - We have Christmas. (Sermon Notes)
LISTEN ONLINE: Love is Action that brings Peace, Hope and Joy - 12/24/17
How does what you think impact the joy in your life? God has a great plan and wants you to understand and be part of it. When our thinking is right, joy increases. (Sermon Notes)
If our hope can be built upon the knowledge that we are known and loved by God personally and unconditionally, where do we find peace? We need to do some soul work to have the peace that Christ promises. What truths dispell the lies which keep us on edge in our lives? (Sermon Notes)
We can believe lies that keep us in darkness. There are simple truths which can crush the lies, and let in the light. Maybe you have heard it a thousand times, but does God really love you? Why do people say that God loves you? And how can this simple fact change you life? This Advent Season, let's let in God's light. (Sermon Notes)
What can we do to have the best holidays possible? What does God say about Happy Holidays? Actually there is some great advice, if we are open to listen to it. (Click for Sermon Notes)
This week's topic is Making Big Decisions. Every decision shapes who we are, but some define who we are. How do we make them well and in line with God's will? (Sermon Notes)
The Bible brings up parenting a lot! But have you noticed people tend to go one way or the other. Either they give too much (unwanted) advice, or they are afraid to say much of anything. Family is personal, and it is easy to get defensive, but we might as well admit it, God gives good advice. In this message we will be looking for universal truths and helpful wisdom for all parents. Let's listen to some helpful wisdom. (Click for Sermon Notes)
How can you best share your faith? If I'm asked that question, my mind first goes to what words to use. The best way to explain what I believe and why. But that is not where Jesus starts. When Jesus starts teaching, as recorded by Matthew, he challenges us to who we can be, and then compares those who follow him to shining lights. How can we "let our light shine before others that they might glorify our Father in heaven"?
Be encouraged to SHINE! (click here to download the Sermon Notes)
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)