Graham Emmanuel Baptist Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
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Stephen Angliss | In a world of fast fads and temporary trends, people long for things that last. History and tradition help shape one’s perception of their present, and those things which stand the test of time show their true colors. When Peter wrote to the Christians in Asia Minor, he was writing to a group of people who abandoned longstanding traditions of Judaism and Greek mythology for what appeared to them to be a new religion. Join us to find out why Christianity is not new, but the culmination of a plan predicted and shared in by those in the Old Testament centuries before.
Stephen Angliss | Jesus told His disciples that those who believed in Him without seeing Him are blessed. Peter commends the Christians in Asia Minor for their faith without ever having seen Christ, even in the midst of suffering. Join us to find out how Christians are called to love and believe in Christ and the blessings that come through that.
Stephen Angliss | What is the purpose of pain? As Peter writes to suffering Christians, he explains how God uses pain to bless, grow, and reward those who follow Him by faith. What does this look like, and what does this mean? Join us to find out.
Stephen Angliss | Everyone suffers. Suffering is a byproduct of a sinful world. Even more, God promises that just as Christ suffered, so too will those who follow Christ face trials. How should Christians think about tough times when they come? Join us in 1 Peter 1:6 to find out.
Joshua Cross | Born-again Christians are guarded by God's intrinsic power, an ongoing act of preservation rather than human perseverance, assuring them of their imperishable heavenly inheritance amid earthly persecution. This guarding happens through genuine saving faith in Christ — a gift from God and the conduit of His power — which must produce the fruit of the Spirit as evidence, steering clear of both self-reliant works and shallow easy-believism.
Stephen Angliss | When you expect an inheritance, it impacts how you live your life. The same is infinitely true for Christians. Even though they’re exiles on this Earth, they have an inheritance in the world to come. What is that inheritance? And how should it impact Christians’ current life? Join us in 1 Peter 1:4 to find out.
Stephen Angliss | Peter begins the body of his letter with a benediction, or a word of praise to God. Why should God be praised? There are infinite reasons, but here Peter gives two main reasons why God should be praised, both of which involve the life He gives. What should life look like for those who are in Christ? What does a new life in Christ tell us about who God is? Find out by joining us in 1 Peter 1:3.
Stephen Angliss | As Peter ends his greeting to the believers scattered in Asia Minor, he ends with a customary welcoming line full of spiritual wisdom. He wishes that believers will experience the multiplication of grace and peace in their lives. In this short salutation, Peter gives a helpful reflection of how Christians should desire the good of other Christians.
Stephen Angliss | In Peter’s introduction to his letter, he gives in one single sentence an explanation of how God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit work together to bring about salvation. It is God who foreordains salvation, the Holy Spirit who applies salvation, but a saved life is a life that is to, for, and under Jesus Christ. Find out how the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross should guide and fuel every aspect of a believer’s life.
Stephen Angliss | As Peter sends his greetings to the Christians in Asia Minor called to be God’s elect exiles, in the following verse, he explains how God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit each function to make a Christian an elect exile. In this sermon, Pastor Stephen will expound on the phrase “in sanctification of the Spirit” and explain how sanctification relates to salvation and the Holy Spirit's role in all believers’ lives, enabling them to live as God’s elect representatives as exiles on Earth.
Stephen Angliss | Now that Peter has greeted the Christians in Asia Minor and introduced himself to them, and now that he has established that they are elect exiles of God on Earth, Peter compels himself to explain the basis of God’s election before he concludes his greeting. What is so important about God’s election that Peter would choose to explain in the introduction of his letter? Join us to found out the basis for God choosing His people, and how that impacts the way His people live for Him.
Stephen Angliss | Peter was a chosen outcast writing to chosen outcasts. Peter was called by God to be an Apostle but also lived the life of an outsider due to his faith. The Christians that he is writing to are in the same situation. God has called them to be His people through faith in Jesus Christ, but the very faith that saves them is also the faith that sours them in the eyes of a secular world.
Stephen Angliss | As the movement of Christianity spreads across the Roman Empire, so too does the suffering Christians face for the name of Christ. By the twilight of Peter’s life, thirties years since Christ’s Ascension, tension in the Roman Empire against Christians has grown to levels never reached before, and soon after Peter writes his letter, the fire of Rome will break out, and Emperor Nero will begin torturing and executing Christians—including Peter himself. As the world darkens against Christianity, Peter writes to a far-off region in modern day Turkey where Christians face isolation and persecution for the faith. In his letter, he explains why their identity as elect exiles can motivate their life for the Lord amidst hardship. Join us as we begin our expository series in the letter of 1 Peter, and see how the life of Peter shaped him as an elect exile to encourage other elect exiles to follow Christ by faith in dark times.
Stephen Angliss | At the conclusion of Exodus, God dwells with His people in the Tabernacle as a result of His grace in response to their adultery, and in response to the faith which they showed through their obedience. As we end our expositional series on Exodus, we see how Exodus forms the bedrock of the entire story of the Bible, and how it outlines the Gospel narrative of how God saved a sinful people and dwelt with them. Join us to find out how Exodus should shape the way you view God, the Bible, and your walk with the Lord.
Stephen Angliss | The reality of everything that God has said and done hinges on the reality of the Resurrection. While many understand the purpose of Christ’s death on the Cross to atone for sin, the specific purpose and function of the Resurrection may seem uncertain to them. When the Risen Lord first appears to Mary Magdalene, He does so in a way that outlines the specific accomplishments of the Resurrection. Join us in our study of Christ’s interaction with Mary to better understand what He accomplished by coming back from the dead.
Stephen Angliss | After God showed His back to Moses, revealing His glory, and remaking the covenant which the Israelites had broken through the idolatry of the Golden Calf, Moses returns to the Israelites with a shining face. This moment is so important that the Apostle Paul references it as an analogy for Christians in the New Testament. What is the significance of Moses’ shining face, and what does it mean for Christ-followers today? Join us in God’s Word to find out.
Stephen Angliss | A covenant is a contract that creates a relationship. After rescuing Israel from Egypt, God established a relationship with them through a covenant He gave at Mount Sinai. After that covenant was broken, God mercifully gave it to Israel again. What does it look like to be God’s people? What does God expect from those whom He saves and forgives? Join us in our expositional study of Exodus to discover what it looks like in daily life to be the people of God.
Stephen Angliss | A covenant is a contract that creates a relationship. After rescuing Israel from Egypt, God established a relationship with them through a covenant He gave at Mount Sinai. After that covenant was broken, God mercifully gave it to Israel again. What does it look like to be God’s people? What does God expect from those whom He saves and forgives? Join us in our expositional study of Exodus to discover what it looks like in daily life to be the people of God.
Stephen Angliss | What does it mean to be right with God? After the Israelites committed adultery against the Lord through the idolatry of the Golden Calf, they remained God’s people, yet their relationship to Him was distant. After beholding God in all His mercy and justice, Moses asks God to renew His loving relationship with the Israelites. What that looks like will illustrate what a right relationship with God looks like through the Gospel, as well as with each other.
Stephen Angliss | Who is God? It’s been said that everyone is a theologian because, right or wrong, everyone has a belief about God. In Exodus 34:1-9, God is going to reveal Himself to the world in an intimate way He had never done before, and to unveil the kind of God He is and how He must be acknowledged and worshipped as such. Join us in our pursuit of knowing God.
Stephen Angliss | Who is God? It’s been said that everyone is a theologian because, right or wrong, everyone has a belief about God. In Exodus 34:1-9, God is going to reveal Himself to the world in an intimate way He had never done before, and to unveil the kind of God He is and how He must be acknowledged and worshipped as such. Join us in our pursuit of knowing God.
Stephen Angliss | Who is God? It’s been said that everyone is a theologian because, right or wrong, everyone has a belief about God. In Exodus 34:1-9, God is going to reveal Himself to the world in an intimate way He had never done before, and to unveil the kind of God He is and how He must be acknowledged and worshipped as such. Join us in our pursuit of knowing God.
Stephen Angliss | What is the difference between a good relationship with God and a bad relationship with God? In Exodus 33, God outlines three kinds of relationships that all of humanity has had with Him: either a broken relationship, a right relationship, or a restored relationship. Which one are you? Join us in our expository study of Exodus 33:1-23 to find the details God gives of a right relationship with Him.
Stephen Angliss | Even though God relents from abandoning His people, He still brings them consequences for their sin of idolatry. How does one balance the difference between compassion and consequence, and what do consequences for sin teach us about God and the Gospel. Join us in our study of Exodus to find out.
Stephen Angliss | How should Christians respond when other Christians fail? In an American Christian culture where church-hopping is common, pastoral tenures are short, divorce is normalized, cutting off family members is encouraged, and protecting oneself from “toxic” people is encouraged, how should the people of God relate to other people of God when they sin? Join us as we study Moses’ response to Israel’s idolatry and how God triumphs when His people trust Him in trials.
Stephen Angliss | Are you committing adultery against God? The Israelites did so by worshiping a Golden Calf instead of the Lord. Today, many self-professed Christians do the same by giving their love and devotion to created things instead of the Creator. A life that honors God, glorifies Him, and enjoys Him is a life that by faith rejects the love affair of idols. What does that look like? Join us in our study of Scripture to find out.
Stephen Angliss | Churches are always developing new plans for what they think their church should be and do. The end of the year especially is a time when both churches and Christians reflect on their goals and plans for the future. But what is God’s plan? In His Word, Christ lays out the means, purpose, and goal with which He builds His Church, including our local church. Join us to discover God’s plan for Graham Emmanuel Baptist Church, and all churches.
Stephen Angliss | For the fourth time in Exodus, God teaches His people about the Sabbath. Not only was it the first of the Ten Commandments to be given (Ex. 16:33), but it is also the most repeated of the Ten Commandments in Exodus. Why? Because like circumcision, the Sabbath is one of the key signs of God’s covenant with His people, and it beautifully illustrates the Gospel. Join us to find out why the Sabbath is a sign of salvation.
Stephen Angliss | As God completes His instructions on the Tabernacle, He does not leave it to His people to try to figure out how to build it on their own, but gives His Spirit on specific individuals whom He appointed to create the tabernacle with skill and in accordance to God’s will so that He might dwell with His people. Join us to discover how this striking example of the giving of the Holy Spirit outlines the role of the Spirit in Christian’s lives today.
Stephen Angliss | As God completes His instructions on the Tabernacle, He does not leave it to His people to try to figure out how to build it on their own, but gives His Spirit on specific individuals whom He appointed to create the tabernacle with skill and in accordance to God’s will so that He might dwell with His people. Join us to discover how this striking example of the giving of the Holy Spirit outlines the role of the Spirit in Christian’s lives today.
Josh Cross | In a world marred by sin and suffering, becoming a follower of Christ is not to be considered a path of least resistance, but rather, a call to endurance. As an apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul understood the cost of the call and in this heartfelt epistle, looks to center and encourage Timothy in his efforts. As fellow believers, we should take the words of Paul to heart and be spurred on by them as we run the race toward the finish line.
Stephen Angliss | God is holy, meaning that to be with God, you must also be holy. What is necessary to make someone holy before God? The act of setting someone apart as holy—consecration—and the process of purifying someone as holy—sanctification—occur in two ways, illustrated in the bronze basin and the anointing oils. Join us to discover how God purifies and sets apart His people.
Stephen Angliss | It’s been said that nothing is certain in life but death in taxes. Yet in Exodus 30, God will show how the paying of a tax will save His people from death, and in doing so, illustrate the work of Christ and the Gospel in paying the debt all people owe to God. Join us to understand a census points to salvation.
Stephen Angliss | If the Tabernacle is a blueprint for how to know God, then the golden altar of incense is an illustration of how to interact with the God that is known. If the Gospel provides a relationship with the Lord, then what does that relationship entail? Join us in our study of the Altar of Incense in Exodus 30:1-10 to discover biblical truths about how God can be known through prayer and praise.
Stephen Angliss | Not only does being God’s representative require much sacrifice and grace in the life of a believer, it also results of much blessing. Join us for this final sermon in Exodus 29 to see what results from God consecrating sinners to be His saints.
Stephen Angliss | God calls all of His people to serve Him as priests to the world, but that doesn’t mean they are qualified in themselves to be God’s representatives — God must qualify them. Join us for the second installment of our study of Exodus 29 where God shows how He equips His priests through sacrifice.
Stephen Angliss | In order to be a priest, or a representative of God to the world, there is a long list of qualifications that only God can put on your life. Find out what those are and what it means to be God’s priest today by joining us in Exodus 29:1-14.
Stephen Angliss | What enters one into a relationship with God? The Eastern Orthodox tradition holds that baptism brings someone into fellowship with God. The Bible says only faith can do that. Join us as we study Scripture to examine how one becomes a Christian and the proper role of Baptism in a believer’s life.
Stephen Angliss | The Bible teaches that a Christian is only saved by grace through faith, not through their works, but only through God’s gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. All false religions, particularly Eastern Orthodoxy, deny this Gospel, which is why it’s crucial to look always to Scripture to understand how one can be made right with God. Join us as we continue to expose the lies of Eastern Orthodoxy with Scripture alone.
Stephen Angliss | Paul describes Christ as the “icon” of the invisible God. Because of this, stemming back to the giving of the Ten Commandments, God has always forbidden people from worshipping through any physical images other than the ones He provides and prescribes. Join us in God’s Word to discover why only Christ is worthy of worship and why worshipping God in any created thing is idolatry.
Stephen Angliss | Part 2 of this three-part series examining the lies of Eastern Orthodoxy against Scripture focuses on the supremacy and centrality of Christ. There is no other mediator, intercessor, savior, or icon of worship other than Christ alone. Join us as we study God’s Word and what it says about the importance of Christ.
Stephen Angliss | Christ warned that in the last days many with itching ears would wander off into myths and accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Perhaps no myth exemplifies this more in our current age than Eastern Orthodoxy. What should be made of Eastern Orthodoxy? Is it the true Church? Simply another form of Christianity? Or something else entirely? Join us Sunday at 9am & 10:30am for a message examining the falsehoods of Eastern Orthodoxy and discovering in Scripture how authentic, sincere, and intentional devotion to Christ can only be done according to His Word alone.
Stephen Angliss | In God’s Instructions on the garments of the priests, He provides details that illustrate the kind of High Priest God is for His people, and also the kind of priests Christians should be as they represent Christ.
As God nears the end of His instructions on the Tabernacle, He instructs Moses on who should be selected as priests, what they should wear, and what they should do. Because Jesus is now the Great High Priest, and because Christ has called His followers to be a kingdom of priests, what God says about the priests in Exodus illustrates what Christ has done for His people and what His people should do for Him.
Surrounding the Tent of Meeting, in which was found the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy of Holies, was a linen fence forming an outer courtyard around the tent. This outer part of the Tabernacle was where God’s people gathered to worship Him. Join us in God’s Word to discover how the courtyard of the Tabernacle provides a blueprint for what God expects of His people.
The Tabernacle complex was divided into two parts, the outer courtyard and the inner tent of meeting. How did one gain access from the outside to go inside? The answer: the bronze altar. Study God’s Word with us to discover how the bronze altar illustrates how people outside of God in their sin can gain access to Him through surrender to the sacrifice.
The three most precious artifacts in the Tabernacle were the Ark of the Covenant, the Table for Bread, and the Lampstand, sometimes called the Menorah. All were made of gold, and all were near God’s presence in the Holy of Holies. This is because each piece of furniture symbolizes a means by which God is present with His people. The Lampstand—a literal means of giving light—also symbolizes the many ways in which God reveals Himself to those who, by faith, follow Him. Join us to discover why God can only be known because He makes Himself knowable.
This Psalm of David teaches us how to pray when we feel distant from God as if we were at “the end of the earth”. When we feel distant from God, our hearts are “overwhelmed” with trouble, and our greatest need is God’s presence. Our prayer for God’s presence will be answered, and the basis of our expectation is the Gospel. We will pray expectantly for God’s presence during troubled times because “the king” is the source of our “inheritance”.
The three most precious artifacts in the Tabernacle were the Ark of the Covenant, the Table for Bread, and the Lampstand, sometimes called the Menorah. All were made of gold, and all were near God’s presence in the Holy of Holies. This is because each piece of furniture symbolizes a means by which God is present with His people. The Lampstand—a literal means of giving light—also symbolizes the many ways in which God reveals Himself to those who, by faith, follow Him. Join us to discover why God can only be known because He makes Himself knowable.
After the Ark of the Covenant, Scripture mentions the Table of Bread as the second most holy item in the Tabernacle. God doesn’t need food, so how could something as simple as a table and bread be so important that it is placed closer to the Ark of the Covenant than any other thing in the Tabernacle? Find out why the Table of Bread is a shadow of greater spiritual truths the Bible reveals about how God provides for His people.
The Ark of the Covenant is more than a prop in a Hollywood movie. It was truly commanded by God and constructed by the Israelites as their most treasured earthly possession. With it, God brought down the walls of Jericho, divided the Jordan, and defeated the Philistines. But what makes the Ark of the Covenant so important? Find out why the Ark of the Covenant symbolizes the most important truths about God, and why it points us to worshipping God through Jesus Christ.
Now that the covenant between God and Israel has been confirmed, the time has come for it to be consummated. God is beginning the process of moving into the midst of His people, and by His grace, He chooses to allow Israel to be involved in this process. Instead of creating a dwelling place for Himself, God calls for His people to generously offer back what He has given them, in doing so, He creates a bond far greater than proximity to a tent could ever offer.
Life is full of contracts. Marriages, mortgages—even terms and conditions on a web page, all function as a contract. In the Bible, contracts were formed through covenant. A covenant was more than just an agreement; it was a mutual agreement that bonded two parties together in solemn relationship. Throughout Scripture, God has connected with His people in different dispensations through covenants, including with Christians today. In Exodus 24:1-18, as Moses comes off Mount Sinai with the Book of the Covenant, God confirms the covenant with His people and in doing so gives an outline of His covenant with Christians today.
What makes something worthy of obedience? Is it their authority? Their character? Their ability to cause harm? What about God? What makes Him worthy of obedience. At the conclusion of the Book of the Covenant where God expands on the Ten Commandments with laws about how His people can conduct themselves in a way that represents Him, God concludes with the promise to go before His people and bring them to the Promised Land. In all this, God shows why He and only He is worthy of worship.
What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit and what kind of impact does this have in the life of the believer, especially amidst an unbelieving culture? The church of Ephesus during the time of the Apostles found itself in the midst of a culture that celebrated sin and self-indulgence. With many believers being new gentile converts, the challenges of living a new unified life in Christ were immense. In the same way, we find ourselves living in the midst of a culture that celebrates self and elevates the sinful desires of the flesh. Being filled with the Spirit spurs on the Christian towards desires that reflect a new life in Christ and help in the fight against the flesh.
What’s the point of holidays? For Americans, holidays are chances to remember, reflect, and rejoice in what God has done for their country and the world. The same should be true for Christians. God’s people should honor Him by remembering, reflecting on, and rejoicing in what God has done for them. In Exodus 23:10- 19, God called His people to celebrate Him by celebrating special days and feasts. Even though those feasts are no longer required under the New Covenant, join us to learn how believers should honor God by celebrating Him in their lives.
The phrase “social justice” comes with much cultural confusion. Is it good or is it bad? The Bible reminds us that, no matter how the world may pervert justice, God is the author of justice and demands that His people conduct themselves in a just society that imitates Him according to His commands. Find out what that means by joining us in our expository study of Exodus 22:16-23:9.
What do verses about dead oxen in ditches and burnt crops in fields have to do with today? Quite a lot. We live in a world of sin, which means we live in a world where wrongs need to be made right. Who has the authority to do this? And how does this draw us closer to God? Find out on Sunday.
Jesus said that to love your neighbor as yourself is “like” loving the Lord with all your heart. How can this be? Far from being an irrelevant chapter about outdated laws, Exodus 21 beautifully outlines how a love for God is shown in the treatment of other human beings. Honor, respect, justice, and kindness are shown to be more than mere morals but necessary characteristics of the community of God’s people. Join us to learn more.
Altars were built by people of the Old Testament to show their personal love for God and desire to worship Him. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—among many others—worshipped God in this personal way. But what makes worship worthy? And is God okay with any kind of worship? Join us to look in Scripture at God’s instructions for those who wish to worship Him, and what God demands of worthy worship.
After God declares the Ten Commandments to Israel, the people respond with fear—but not in response to the commands, but because of the display of God’s power on the mountain. The Bible speaks often of God’s fearfulness, but how can a good God be a fearful God? What is the point of God being fearful? And how should God’s people response to His fearfulness? Join us to find out.
Christianity is a dead religion if Christ remains dead. The truths of the Gospel have no power if Jesus is powerless over the grave. The Resurrection of Christ is a sign of hope for every promise of God, but in this life and the life to come. Join us this Resurrection Sunday and find out from the oldest book in the Bible why the resurrection of the Savior shows His worthiness to redeem, to rule, to raise, and to reign with His people.
The crucifixion of Christ was more than an example of love, it revealed God’s justice, holiness, and wrath — and also His abundant mercy and grace. Understanding the Cross is crucial to understanding Christianity. Join us for an expositional look at one of the most famous chapters in Scripture to see why Christ alone is the only worthy Lamb to take away the sins of the world.
Jesus’ most repeated question in the Gospels is, “Have you not read?” Everything Jesus did was done intentionally to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament, from His birth, to His life, to His death and resurrection. It’s not enough to simply accept the historical Jesus, one must submit to the Word of God, which Christ fulfilled.
Jesus commanded that God’s people must be perfect and that their righteousness must exceed even that of the Pharisees. How can this be, since all people sin? As we study the life of Christ in preparation for Easter, join us and see why the entire counsel of Scripture points to the necessity of Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law as the basis of salvation for all who believe.
Jesus is the only one worthy to save sinners from God’s wrath. There was no other way for God to redeem people enslaved to sin other than sending Jesus to be born in human flesh, to live under the law, to die a condemned death, and to rise on the third day. In this Easter series, we look systematically at God’s Word to understand why each aspect of Christ’s life was necessary to fulfill the Gospel. Join us in studying God’s Word to see how the incarnation of Christ is a central part of the Easter story.
In God’s tenth and final command in the Decalogue, He emphasized the importance of contentment. A lack of contentment is shown is covetousness. Join us and find out why God commands more than just outward obedience from His people, but an obedience of the heart that delights in Him alone!
Satan is called the Father of Lies (John 8:44), which is why it’s no surprise that falsehood is one of his most common strategies in dividing the people of God. Thankfully, God warns against the dangers of speaking falsely of each other, starting at Mount Sinai. Join us and found out why God demands that people speak of each other in a truthful manner.
Does stealing matter? Although it may feel tempting to justify petty theft, fraud, and deception, wrongly taking what belongs to someone else goes against God’s holiness and runs counter to what it means to be God’s people. Find out why.
In a world where promiscuity is promoted, lewdness is loved, and sexual sin is tolerated for the sake of self, find out why God hates adultery and why committing adultery is not just a grave sin against other people but against God Himself.
Yahweh is a God of life. He is also a God of justice. Because of that, the penalty for taking an innocent life is severe. Find out why God cares so much about human life, and how the protection of human life is honoring to God’s image and His attributes.
Only one group of people are mentioned specifically in the Ten Commandments, and they are parents. In the first command directed towards how God’s people treat other people, God begins by commanding His people to honor their fathers and mothers. Find out why this command is so important and how, both in the Old Testament and the New Testament, it is treated literally as a matter of life and death.
God gives the first positive command of the Decalogue—not of what His people should not do, but what they should do: keep the Sabbath. What is a Sabbath? Why is it important? And what does it look like for God’s people in the modern world today? Join us and find out.
God’s Ten Commandments are more than just commands. They’re ten principles about who He is and what it looks like to be His holy people. After declaring that His people shall have no other gods, and that they shall not dishonor Him by making idols, God continues by stating that His people shall not dishonor His name. Find out why God’s name is so important and how to bear His name in a worthy manner.
As God speaks directly to the people of Israel on Mount Sinai and gives the conditions of His covenant with them, He makes clear that those who make and worship idols cannot be His people. The same is true for God’s people today. What is an idol? Why are idols bad? Join us as we study God’s Word in Exodus 20 to find out.
Now that God has given the purpose of His covenant to His people, for them to be His holy and treasured possession, and now that the people have obediently consecrated themselves at Mount Sinai, God now gives the words of His covenant to Moses, beginning with what is famously called, “The Ten Commandments.” Find out why these “Ten Words” are much more than commandments, and what they mean for God’s people today.
Before God gives the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, He commands that Israel be consecrated. Another word for “holy” to be consecrated means to be pure and set apart, and the consequences are literally life and death. Find out why God calls Christians to be consecrated and what it means to live a holy life for Christ on Earth.
As Israel arrives at Mount Sinai, God makes a covenant with the people. This covenant promises that if the people obey His Word, they will be His people and represent His glory and holiness to each other and to the entire world. For those in Christ Jesus who by faith have been “grafted in” to God’s plan that started with Israel, it means that the Church, likewise, has been saved for a purpose. Join us to find out how to live out that purpose as a church.
During Moses’ visit with his father-in-law, Jethro advises Moses not to lead God’s people alone but to do so with the help of other spiritually qualified men. Jethro says that this will help Moses to endure and ultimately bless God’s people by giving them longevity, unity, and peace. These same principles are true for the church today, and are exactly why God still has His people, the Church, led by a plurality of shepherds.
After returning to Mount Sinai, where Moses first encountered God while shepherding his father-in-law’s sheep, Moses reunites with his father-in-law Jethro and shares all that God has accomplished in rescuing the Israelites. In response, Jethro receives the good news with rejoicing, belief, and worship. Find out how God’s salvation demands a response, and what that response should look like for all people.
The people of God engage in their first battle after the Amalekites attack them at Rephidim. But, instead of going into battle depending on their own strength, Joshua and the men of Israel fight in dependence on God’s strength. Join us to see how this battle illustrates the need to have the kind of faith in God that is willing to rest in dependence of His power to save.
For the final time before reaching Mount Sinai, God’s people grumble against Him and put Him to the test. Find out how God once again shows that He is a God worth trusting in, and how He provides for His people in a way that is personal and present with them. Most of all, find out about the true Rock and Water of life that God gives, His Son Jesus Christ.
After God gave His people water, they complained again about no food. Remarkably, God doesn’t smite them but serves them! Find out how God’s sufficient provision shows the kind of God He is and how His people should respond with faithful submissiveness that trusts and rests and remembers what God has provided, ultimately salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.
Immediately after praising God, Israel begins grumbling against Him. As Moses leads the Israelites into the wilderness, their need for water becomes great, which reveals their even greater need to depend on the Lord by following His Word faithfully. Join us and find out why God allows suffering so that He makes people realize their need to depend on Him.
Since the days of the prophets, to the age of the New Testament, through the times of Martin Luther and the Reformation, until now, God has saved His people through faith alone. The question is, what is faith? What must happen in one’s heart and life to respond to God’s grace with the kind of faith that saves? Join us as Pastor Stephen offers a systematic look at what the whole counsel of God has to say about saving faith, starting in Romans 1:16-17.
There are many kinds of faith, but only one that saves. In the letter to the Hebrews, God encourages suffering Christians with examples from the Old Testament of saving faith. No other example of faith is described more explicitly than that of Moses in Hebrews 11:24-26. In this passage, discover the inner workings of saving faith, and what happens in the human heart when it decides to trust Christ as Lord and Savior.
After God glorifies Himself by victoriously defeating Egypt and saving Israel, Moses and Miriam lead the people in a song of praise in reaction to who God is and what He’s done. In doing so, they explain why God is to be praised and how He is to be praised, giving a model for worship for all of God’s people everywhere.
God glorifies Himself by delivering His people out of the presence of the Egyptians. By parting the waters of the Red Sea, God shows why He delivered His people, how He delivered His people, and how His people should respond.
God has redeemed Israel, His “firstborn” from slavery in Egypt and while traveling out of Egypt He has instructed them on how to consecrate and remember His redemption through the feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread and the dedication of the firstborn. Now, as they journey to the Red Sea, God miraculously leads Israel with a pillar of fire and cloud, and in doing so reveals the nature of how God leads His people.
God gives the final of three messages before His people cross the Red Sea into the wilderness. Each message focused on remembering an aspect of God’s salvation from Egypt—the Passover remembered God’s sacrifice, the feast of Unleavened Bread remembered God’s salvation, and this final lesson on the consecration of the firstborn focuses on the passing along of God’s salvation to subsequent generations. In fact, the firstborn itself is a symbol of salvation. Found out why.
God gives the second of three lessons to His people after delivering them from slavery in Egypt after the death of the firstborn. After giving instructions for who can and cannot partake in Passover, God now gives instructions on the Feast of Unleavened Bread and will conclude by giving instructions on dedicating the firstborn. All three lessons touch on an element of God’s salvation from Egypt, and point to God’s salvation from sin. In instructions on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, God explains that doing so is part of the process of consecrating the firstborn to Him. Join us and find out how the way parents lead their families impacts the spiritual future of their children.
After God has provided a sacrifice, and after God has saved His people, God now gives instructions on how that salvation should be shared with others. To do so, God calls for strict adherence to the Passover to ensure that His people set themselves apart from the rest of the world, while also allowing all nations of the world to be identified as His people. Join us to find out how this impacts the way the Church conducts itself in worship and missions.
With the Passover and the striking of every firstborn in Egypt, God finally gives freedom to the Israelites and delivers them from Egypt. But what does it mean to have freedom from God, and how does one receive it? The historical true story of the Exodus illustrates the spiritually true story of the Gospel. Join us and find out the true meaning of spiritual freedom, and how it only comes by responding to God’s grace with faith, and results in obedience.
As God prepares to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt, he gives them two festivals, each one intended to illustrate His spiritual work. The Feast of Passover illustrates God’s saving work through the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God, while the Feast of Unleavened Bread illustrates God’s sanctifying work as He now calls His people to live as saved people by rejecting the impurities of sin in their life. Join us for this fascinating study on a Jewish tradition that illustrates eternal principles.
After warning Pharaoh of the first nine plagues, God chooses to announce His final plague to the Israelites themselves. As a result of His Word of warning, God expects His people to respond with faithful obedience. Join us to see in Scripture how God used the Passover to point to His ultimate plan of salvation through His son Jesus Christ.
Pharaoh made a threat to Moses and failed to keep it, but as God shows through the ninth plague of bringing darkness over Egypt, whether to bless or to curse, God always does what He says, and His words should be treated with the full weight of reality.
Today, we talk about the concept of Zeal: The unquenchable desire to seek God and honor Him. We talk about how it was lost in the fall of man, how it’s regained through repentance, and ultimately how it’s seen in the childlike faith that Jesus calls us to have.
In the eighth of God’s ten plagues against Egypt, He brings locusts, but this time, not just so that Pharaoh can know that Yahweh is God, but specifically so that the Israelites and their families will know that Yahweh is God. This emphasis on the family shows how God has bigger things in mind than just proving His power to a pagan Pharaoh, but showing His sovereignty to His promised people so that they may share it with their families forever.
Before God unleashes His seventh strike on Pharaoh and Egypt, God takes time to explain exactly why He is bringing suffering to Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Surprisingly, none of the reasons God gives concerns punishment. Instead, God explains that His plagues reveal His might and mercy and are intended to make His name known and revered in the nations of the world.
Pharaoh’s heart grows harder and harder, and in return, God’s plagues grow mightier and mightier. After showing His sovereignty over life and the animal kingdom, God now shows His sovereignty over bodily health and disease, as He brings pestilence to Egypt’s animals and boils on its people. In doing so, God shows that He does what He says, and that the sign of a soft and upright heart to God is one who not only hears what He says but responds accordingly.
Paul continues to give practicals of how Christians can walk in a manner worthy of the Lord by living with a Heavenly perspective. In vs. 5-6 Paul told Christians to execute the desires of their flesh by faith. In vs. 7-8 he now tells them by faith to “put off” sin from themselves like one puts off a garment. Find out what it means to put off sin and why it matters.
As Paul describes in Colossians 3 what it looks like to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, he tells Christians in light of their heavenly perspective to put to death their flesh while still dwelling on Earth, especially in matters of lust and greed.
Synopsis: Paul in Colossians 3 teaches how Christians are to walk in Christ. He starts with perspective and tells believers to live on Earth with a focus on Heaven. In Colossians 3:2-4, Paul specifically commands the Colossians to live with a continual hope and expectation of their physical resurrection when Christ returns.
Paul now begins the second half of his letter by shifting from his focus on the sufficiency of Christ and the insufficiency of the world to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord to giving practical help on how to walk with Christ. Paul begins chapter 3 of his letter by urging the Colossians to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord by living with a focus as one who is resurrected with Christ and living with a heavenly perspective.
God calls every Christian to love one another by serving each other with the gifts that God has given us. Serving is an important discipline that all Christians should be engaged in.
The apostle John, known as the disciple whom Jesus loved, challenges his readers to stand against the false teaching that was invading the early church with the truth he knew about Jesus as an eyewitness to His life, death & resurrection. His letter confronts the spreading gnostic false beliefs that were opposite of true Christianity and contrary to what he knew about Jesus. He highlights several attributes of God and then encourages Christ followers to walk in the light, not in the darkness. He also highlights Jesus as the Advocate for every believer and the One who defends them against the accusations of the enemy.
Paul ends chapter two by urging the Colossians to not unnecessarily submit themselves to any created things, rules, or teachings other than Christ. He does so by reminding them that in Christ they have died to these things, meaning they are no longer slaves to them. In doing so, Paul also reminds Christians today that it is futile to live according to anything that they have died to in Christ.
Paul continues to give examples of insufficient means to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. In the previous verses he highlighted the insufficiency of food and drink and festivals for spiritual growth, and in Colossians 2:18-19 Paul points out the insufficiency of asceticism and angel worship to produce the spiritual growth which only Christ, the Head, can do.
After Paul explained the sufficiency of being “in Christ” in order to walk in Him, Paul now addresses the insufficiency of the “philosophy,” “empty deceit,” “human tradition,” and “elementary principles of the world,” mentioned in Col. 2:8. Find out specifically why Paul says Christians should not be judged according to eating, drinking, or religious practices now that they are followers of Christ.
Paul concludes his thoughts on the sufficiency of Christ as means for “walking in a manner worthy of the Lord” by reminding them that they have been made alive with Christ as a result of what God has done to sin on the Cross. Find out how this impacts the way believers should think about sin and Christ’s death in their daily life.
Paul continues to describe the sufficiency of Christ to empower believers to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” The next “in him” statement Paul makes about Christ is that believers are baptized in Christ. Find out what it means to be baptized in Christ and its relationship to Christ’s death and resurrection.
Synopsis: As Paul explains the various ways in which Christ is sufficient as the source of Christians walking in a manner worthy of the Lord, Paul specifically reminds the Colossians that they have been circumcised “in Christ.” By doing so, Paul makes important claims about the source of a Christian’s spiritual identity and spiritual security.
Paul breaks down Colossians two into two parts. After commanding the Colossians to “walk in Christ” in verse 6, Paul spends the first half of the chapter describing the sufficiency of Christ to enable believers to do so. In Colossians 2:9-10, Paul explains how God is filled in Christ, how believers are filled in Christ, the difference between those two kinds of fillings, and its implications for the role of depending on Christ in the Christian life.
After Paul gives his first command in the entire letter for the Colossians to walk in Christ in the same way they received Him, Paul then gives a warning by telling them to watch out for those who wish to take them captive by ideas that may sound good but are not centered in Christ.
Paul explains his own struggle to present believers as mature in Christ, specifically that the Colossians and Laodiceans will be spiritually encouraged, united in love, certain in what they know, and have a knowing relationship with Christ. In doing so, Paul sets a blueprint for the goal of all church members.
Paul ends chapter one of his letter to the Colossians by describing the kind of strenuous work that should be done by all Christians for the sake of presenting each other mature in Christ. Find out how this impacts the way Christians should serve each other in the family and the local church.
Paul describes his ministry as one which involves a “mystery.” That is, Paul says that the Church is now functioning in a new phase of God’s plan to fix a broken world, a plan that includes all people, including Gentiles, and is accomplished through Jesus Christ.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-04-23 00:00:00 After teaching on Christ and the Gospel, Paul begins to describe his personal spiritual journey to the Colossians by describing his suffering as service for their sake, and in imitation of Christs suffering. This provides a good example of how Christians should serve each other the way Christ served the Church on the Cross.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-04-16 00:00:00 Paul makes a stunning statement about salvation. After saying that Christ reconciled believers in His flesh even while they were being estranged from Him and hostile in mind in vs. 21-22, Paul then states that believers will only stand before God as “holy and blameless” if they continue in the faith. Find out what Paul means by that and what it says about salvation by grace alone through faith alone.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-04-09 00:00:00 Its Resurrection Sunday! Jesus is risen! In todays sermon, Paul transitions from talking about Christ to talking about “you.” Specifically, all people who are estranged from a holy God because of their active sinful hostility in thoughts and deeds. Paul explains how enemies of Christ receive a restored relationship with Him through the crucified body of Christ. Because of this, Christians should understand the crucifixion as the means of being in right relationship with God.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-04-02 00:00:00 Paul ends this ancient hymn on the doctrine of Christ by proclaiming the Son of God as not just the cause of creation and the Church, but also the cause of reconciliation between sinful creation and a holy God by being the dwelling place of God and the sacrifice by which peace was restored between God and His enemies.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-03-26 00:00:00 As Paul explains the importance of Christ in this ancient hymn, he has explained the importance of the Person of Christ (v. 15), the importance of Christ in creation (v. 16-17) and now the importance of Christ in the Church. In doing so, Paul helps the Church understand how they should conduct themselves in a way that is honoring to Him.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-03-19 00:00:00 In this ancient hymn on the Person of Christ found in Colossians 1:15-20, Paul emphasizes in verses 16-17 the role of Christ in Creation and claims that Christ is the beginning and end of all created things, being the sole cause and ultimate goal of everything that exists. Join Pastor Stephen and Graham Emmanuel Baptist Church to understand how this impacts the Christian life.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-03-12 00:00:00 In the second half of Colossians 1:15. Paul makes a second claim about who Christ is. Not only is Christ the image of God given by God for the world to see Him, but Christ is also greater than every other created thing. Find out the numerous and beautiful meanings of the term “firstborn” as it relates to Christs status as God, and how it teaches us to worship Him.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-03-05 00:00:00 Paul begins a new section of his letter to the Colossians in the same way he ended the previous section: by talking about Christ. In perhaps the most famous Christological verse in the New Testament, Paul explains who Jesus is. Listen as Pastor Stephen exposits the first half of Colossians 1:15 and the significance of Christ being the image of the invisible God.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-02-26 00:00:00 As Paul concludes his introduction to the Colossians, he transitions his focus from the Body of Christ in Colossae to the Person of Christ in salvation. He does so by describing the four ways in which God qualifies believers to share in the inheritance of the saints in light mentioned in Colossians 1:12. In doing so, Paul shifts believers focus to Christ as the means by which God saves sinners.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-02-19 00:00:00 Paul gives the fourth and final continuous activity that should occur in the life of a believer walking in a “manner worthy of the Lord” (Col. 1:10). In Colossians 1:12 Paul returns to the theme of thankfulness begun in 1:3 and emphasizes that a life worthy of the Gospel is one which gives thanks to God as our Heavenly Father for the salvation He provides.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-02-12 00:00:00 In Colossians 1:9 Paul prayed that the Colossian Church would be “filled with all spiritual wisdom and knowledge.” In Colossians 1:10 Paul explains why he prayed that prayer: in order that the Colossian Christians would “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” Find out what it means to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and why it matters.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-02-05 00:00:00 In Colossians 1:9 Paul prayed that the Colossian Church would be “filled with all spiritual wisdom and knowledge.” In Colossians 1:10 Paul explains why he prayed that prayer: in order that the Colossian Christians would “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” Find out what it means to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and why it matters.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-01-29 00:00:00 Paul continues to express his thankfulness for the church in Colossae and recounts the way God used Epaphras to plant a church there. In doing so, Paul again shows the relationship between a heavenly focus and an earthly impact by connecting a greater knowledge of God within the Church with a greater knowledge of God outside of the Church.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-01-22 00:00:00 Paul models how church members should treat each other by sharing his prayers and thankfulness to the Church in Colossae. Find out how devotion to God and a love for others are dependent on each other, and how Christians must pursue both.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-01-15 00:00:00 In the first sermon in a new series on Colossians, Pastor Stephen looks at Pauls greeting to the church in Colossae, a group of Christians whom Paul never met, but that he still calls “brothers.” Find out why.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2023-01-08 00:00:00 What is the Church? What is the Churchs job? Is being part of a Church even necessary for a Christian? These questions pervade our world and must be answered. Join us as we together look at the teachings of the New Testament to to define the Churchs meaning, role, and purpose and to discover what it implies for Christians today.”
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2023-01-01 00:00:00 Its hard to believe that another year has passed. As we stand atthe threshold of a new year the question for many of us is- what does the Lord want me to do this year? What does the Lord want Emmanuel Baptist to do this year? As you embark on an exciting time with new leadership, this message will examine ten priorities for the new year that will help promote growth and spiritual health for the future.
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-12-25 00:00:00 The Christmas season ushers in a variety of emotional responses. For some the anticipation of gifts and family gatherings create an exciting mood. For others Christmas is a time of frenetic activity that wears down the soul. And for some its a difficult time coping with a recent loss or the absence of meaningful relationships. But for all of us, as believers, it should be a time to reflect upon the wonder of the Incarnation. Oh, the wonder of Gods grace, the wonder of Gods sacrifice and the wonder of Gods gifts. As the Apostle Paul wrote: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Sermon by Pastor Meredith Ayling on 2022-12-24 00:00:00 Christmas Eve is a time of reflection and worship. Pastor Meredith gives us a glimps into the meaning of the very special occasion called Christmas!
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-12-18 00:00:00 The Christian life is impossible to live apart from the indwelling, empoweringHoly Spirit. Some may seek to live a moral life by keeping the laws of God but as sinful human beings we cannot ever please God by our own efforts. Fortunately, there is no condemnation for those who have put their trust in Christ and seek live by the power of the Spirit. In this message from Pastor Dave Parsons, we will examine the freedom of the Spirit, the battle between the flesh and the Spirit and the evidence of the Spirit in your life.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2022-12-11 00:00:00 The first portion of Zechariah reminded Gods people that they are purified for a purpose. The second portion of Zechariah 3 explains what that purpose. Our Sr. Pastor candidate, Stephen Angliss, will be exploringthe role of the Messiah in Gods grand plan, and what it means for Christians today who are called to live faithfully.
Sermon by Pastor Stephen Angliss on 2022-12-04 00:00:00 After seventy years in exile, God restores His people to the Promised Land. But in Zechariah 3, the prophet receives a vision that shows a deeper need for a restoration of the heart. In the first of two installments fromour Sr. Pastor candidate, Stephen Angliss, find out how God deals with the problem of sin, and why God always purifies His people for a purpose.
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-11-27 00:00:00 Recent statistics indicate that the clergy of our nation are in trouble. Pastors are resigning, churches are closing, and the overall health of the church is compromised. How a church loves and supports their pastors can make a big difference to the overall health and growth of the church. In this message using the acronym PASTOR we will look at six ways a church can show love and support for their pastors.
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-11-20 00:00:00 As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with our loved ones its good to take some time to reflect upon the many benefits we have received from our Lord. The psalmist proclaims, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalm 103:2). Psalm 103 is a beautiful psalm composed by King David to encourage Gods people to remember the blessings we have received from God. In this message we will reflect upon the numerous ways God has blessed our lives and thereby prompt appropriate praise from His people. As the Chinese proverb states: “when you drink from the stream, remember the spring.”
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-11-13 00:00:00 It was the late Dallas Willard who said, “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day.” Have you ever wondered why so many people today are stressed out, over-worked, tired and anxious? We live in a fast-paced, hectic, pressure filled world and most of us feel its impact. On the other hand, our God is not in a hurry. His timing is always perfect, and He knows what Hes doing in our lives. In this message, we will learn that sometimes the best thing we can do is slow down and take time to listen to our Heavenly Father and acknowledge that He accomplishes His purpose for our lives. What we consider an interruption may really be a blessing in disguise!
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-11-06 00:00:00 If you want to humble most Christians ask them about their prayer lives. Almost every believer struggles with his or her prayer life. The reasons are varied for these struggles but probably the biggest cause is a lack of understanding of what prayer is all about. Yet the Bible has much to say about prayer. In this message we will examine five Biblical truths regarding the nature of prayer. As one man stated: “If you want to see God move in a mighty way in your church, prayer cannot just be another program in your church, it must be a way of life.”
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-10-30 00:00:00 One of the dangers of the Christian life is that it can become “too routine”. As we become overwhelmed and pre-occupied by the things of everyday life, we can subtly allow our relationship with God to slide and our passion for His work to wane. It was no different for the people of Israel when they returned to the land after their exile in Babylon. They became complacent and fearful, so God sent a faithful prophet by the name of Haggai to renew their commitment and courage. Although Haggai is the second shortest book in the Old Testament, it contains some powerful truths that can revive our Christian walk.
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-10-30 00:00:00 One of the dangers of the Christian life is that it can become “too routine”. As we become overwhelmed and pre-occupied by the things of everyday life, we can subtly allow our relationship with God to slide and our passion for His work to wane. It was no different for the people of Israel when they returned to the land after their exile in Babylon. They became complacent and fearful, so God sent a faithful prophet by the name of Haggai to renew their commitment and courage. Although Haggai is the second shortest book in the Old Testament, it contains some powerful truths that can revive our Christian walk.
Sermon by Pastor Jay Schilling on 2022-10-23 00:00:00 Many of us have heard the Biblical phrase the fear of the LORD but we dont really understandthe true meaning. In this message we will be looking at what it means to fear the LORD and to live that out in our lives. Although there are dozens of examples in the Bible, we will look at five different examples of people who walked in the fear of the LORD.
Sermon by Pastor Jay Schilling on 2022-10-23 00:00:00 Many of us have heard the Biblical phrase the fear of the LORD but we dont really understandthe true meaning. In this message we will be looking at what it means to fear the LORD and to live that out in our lives. Although there are dozens of examples in the Bible, we will look at five different examples of people who walked in the fear of the LORD.
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-10-16 00:00:00 He was one of Israels greatest kings known for his leadership and heart for God. But when King David let down his guard, he sinned not only against his subjects but more importantly his Lord and God. In this message we will examine the dangerous circumstances that led to Davids sin and then his deceitful attempt to cover it up. Although God graciously forgave him, the consequences of his sin had a devasting impact on his family and nation. The truth found throughout the bible is clearly illustrated in this message. You reap what you sow!
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-10-16 00:00:00 He was one of Israels greatest kings known for his leadership and heart for God. But when King David let down his guard, he sinned not only against his subjects but more importantly his Lord and God. In this message we will examine the dangerous circumstances that led to Davids sin and then his deceitful attempt to cover it up. Although God graciously forgave him, the consequences of his sin had a devasting impact on his family and nation. The truth found throughout the bible is clearly illustrated in this message. You reap what you sow!
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-10-09 00:00:00 We live in a broken and sinful world. If you have not encountered a period of suffering, its only a matter of time before it comes. When you are going through a period of testing the natural impulse is to panic and become discouraged. God wants us to trust Him wholly in times of duress even when we dont understand whats going on. He loves us and has our best interest in mind. When we persevere in those trying times trusting our Heavenly Father we grow spiritually and someday will be rewarded for our faithfulness.
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-10-09 00:00:00 We live in a broken and sinful world. If you have not encountered a period of suffering, its only a matter of time before it comes. When you are going through a period of testing the natural impulse is to panic and become discouraged. God wants us to trust Him wholly in times of duress even when we dont understand whats going on. He loves us and has our best interest in mind. When we persevere in those trying times trusting our Heavenly Father we grow spiritually and someday will be rewarded for our faithfulness.
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-10-02 00:00:00 Gearing up and being ready for battle at all times is crucial. We need to know the source of our struggle, as well as the schemes of our enemy. In order to effectively fight our enemy, we must be strengthened by God, be suited in the armor of Gods word, and must pray in the Spirit.
Sermon by Pastor Jim Tiefenthaler on 2022-09-25 00:00:00 The book of Psalms was the hymnbook for the nation of Israel. The songs were set to music. The Psalm 1 is the gateway to the entire book. The theme of the Psalm 1 is the centrality of Gods Word to ones own life.
Sermon by Pastor Jim Tiefenthaler on 2022-09-25 00:00:00 The book of Psalms was the hymnbook for the nation of Israel. The songs were set to music. The Psalm 1 is the gateway to the entire book. The theme of the Psalm 1 is the centrality of Gods Word to ones own life.
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-09-18 00:00:00 Christian author Gordon MacDonald said, “disordered families create disordered communities.” Much of the chaos in our society can be directly linked to families and workplaces that have come unraveled. In this message we will discover from the Apostle Paul the biblical principles that promote health and harmony in our homes as well as a productive and positive working environment.
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-09-18 00:00:00 Christian author Gordon MacDonald said, “disordered families create disordered communities.” Much of the chaos in our society can be directly linked to families and workplaces that have come unraveled. In this message we will discover from the Apostle Paul the biblical principles that promote health and harmony in our homes as well as a productive and positive working environment.
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-09-11 00:00:00 Marriage is an ancient institution that is under attack today. People are seeking to redefine the norms and roles of the marriage relationship that have prevailed for millennia. As believers in Jesus Christ, we must turn to what God says makes a marriage functional and fulfilling. In this message we will see Gods blueprint for marriage.
Sermon by Pastor Dave Parsons on 2022-09-11 00:00:00 Marriage is an ancient institution that is under attack today. People are seeking to redefine the norms and roles of the marriage relationship that have prevailed for millennia. As believers in Jesus Christ, we must turn to what God says makes a marriage functional and fulfilling. In this message we will see Gods blueprint for marriage.
Sermon by Pastor Meredith Ayling on 2022-09-04 00:00:00 Understanding who Jesus is, is of utmost importance in a believers life. It invokes the proper response from believers in how we approach our prayer time, our worship, and our bible study. The essential doctrine of the deity of Christ must be believed by anyone claiming Jesus as Lord. Any belief to the contrary is a false gospel.
Sermon by Pastor Jon Wimmer on 2022-08-28 00:00:00 Choose the things of God as priorities over the things of the world.
Sermon by Pastor Jon Wimmer on 2022-08-21 00:00:00 Parable of the Two DebtorsLuke 7:36-50. Like Jesus, stop viewing sinners for who they have been, and start viewing them for what only God can make of them.
Sermon by Dave Parsons on 2022-08-14 00:00:00 As believers in Jesus Christ, we have a responsibility to live in a manner worthy of our calling. God is glorified when believers walk with God in the power of the Holy Spirit. In this passage, Paul describes the characteristics of those people who truly walk with God.
Sermon by Dave Parsons on 2022-08-07 00:00:00 When you become a Christian, you become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Although your old nature is not eradicated, you are no longer enslaved to its demands. In this passage Paul describes the marks of the old self characterized by unbelievers and entreats the believer to put aside the old self with its sinful traits and live in accordance with the new nature received at conversion.
Sermon by Dave Parsons on 2022-07-31 00:00:00 God has gifted every believer with a special gift to be used in the building up of His Church. Some believers have a special gift of equipping Gods people for the work of ministry. Gods purpose for the church is fulfilled when each member does his or her part in building up the church through authentic relationships and growth in spiritual maturity.
Sermon by Dave Parsons on 2022-07-17 00:00:00 Oh, how amazing is Christs love for us. When the Apostle Paul reflected upon the greatness of Gods redeeming work in Jesus Christ, he cried out in prayer that his readers may come to know the multi-faceted love of Christ for them. He prays they may experience the fullness of God and understand his immeasurable power to carry out His glorious work through them.
Sermon by Dave Parsons on 2022-07-10 00:00:00 The greatest mystery in not an enigma that cant be solved but the revelation to the world that God has established in His church a new body of believers made up of both Jews and Gentiles. At just the right time God revealed to the Apostle Paul the essence of this mystery and through his powerful ministry proclaimed the unsearchable riches of Christ.
Sermon by Pastor Jay Schilling on 2022-07-03 00:00:00 David wrote many psalms that highlight Gods nature and divine attributes. In todays message given by Pastor Jay, well see three important attributes of God that David highlights in Psalm 139. We will also see howDavidresponds to these,since he was known as a man after Gods heart.
Sermon by Dave Parsons on 2022-06-26 00:00:00 Peace is a rare commodity in our conflicted and violent world. For centuries most people had no access to God or the hope of finding peace with Him. But at just the right time, God sent His Son into the world to provide a way for people to be reconciled to Him and one another. Now as a growing body of believers we not only have a special relationship with God, but also the opportunity to proclaim His message of redemption to the world.
Sermon by Dave Parsons on 2022-06-19 00:00:00 Living a godly Christian life is not an easy task in our 21st century culture. Many believers are alarmed by the increasing hostility and rejection of biblical values by the majority of our society. Guest speaker, Pastor Dave Parsons, points out how theApostle Paul explains that the natural condition of unbelievers makes it impossible for them to follow Christ. Fortunately, God not only saves some by His grace and mercy but also uses their lives for His glory.
Sermon by Dave Parsons on 2022-06-12 00:00:00 Pauls prayer for the believers in Ephesus is just as much for us today as it was for the Christians then. In this message from Pastor Jay, we will explore Pauls plea for God the Father to help these saints understand and comprehend the incredibly blessed position they have in Jesus Christ. Paul also expounds on the exalted position of the resurrected Savior of the world - Jesus Christ.
Sermon by Dave Parsons on 2022-06-05 00:00:00 Many people today are living their lives in quiet desperation. Do you have little hope for the future and are burdened down with a nagging guilt that hinders your peace of mind? As guest speaker, Pastor Dave Parsons explains, the Good News is that God has provided a way for you to be forgiven through the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus Christ. Furthermore, God has provided a Helper in the Holy Spirit to ensure that the good work He has started in you will be accomplished in His time.
Sermon by Dave Parsons on 2022-05-29 00:00:00 Many Christians today are unaware of the incredible spiritual riches they possess in Christ Jesus. Its a wonderful privilege to be chosen and adopted by God the Father. As guest speaker, Pastor Dave Parsons explains, as Gods children, we have a responsibility to appreciate the blessings we possess and live in a way worthy of our calling.
Sermon by Dave Parsons on 2022-05-22 00:00:00 As Christians living in America, we are blessed with one of the highest standards of living in history. If we are not careful, we can become enamored with the affluence around us and consequently make decisions that are harmful to our spiritual lives. Money is not evil in and of itself, but when we have an unhealthy love for money it can cause all kinds of problems. In this passage, guest speaker, Pastor Dave Parsons highlightsJesus confrontation witha man who had a greedy heart and warned his listeners with a parable about a rich fool illustrating that ones life does not consist of his possessions.
Sermon by Dave Parsons on 2022-05-15 00:00:00 Life is difficult. Sometimes when were in the midst of lifes challenges we get bogged down with discouragement. Aging bodies, relational problems and inadequate finances can become overwhelming. Guest speaker, Pastor Dave Parsons points us to the Apostle Paul, who gives us a perspective that provides hope in times of distress. No matter how difficult our present circumstances may be, when we have an eternal perspective, it provides the motivation to move forward in our life with God.
Sermon by Pastor Meredith Ayling on 2022-05-08 00:00:00 As believers in Jesus Christ, we are to stand firm on the truth of Gods word, un-wavered by the pervasive culture of the world.
Sermon by Guest Speaker on 2022-05-01 00:00:00 In Mark 10:35-37, Mark 10:35–45 describes the arrogant request of James and John to have positions of power and authority in Jesus coming kingdom. This comes after learning that Jesus values the powerless like women and children (Mark 10:1–16), that those with earthly power and wealth can have a hard time following God because they can tend to value their possessions more (Mark 10:17–22), and that part of Jesus plan for His kingdom is to die a horrible death (Mark 10:32–34). Neither Luke nor John records this account, but Matthew adds that James and Johns mother is involved in the request (Matthew 20:20–28). Guest speaker, Pastor Todd Morrison highlights how this passage plays a key role in the Gospel according to Marks understanding of why Jesus dies and what his death means.
Sermon by Guest Speaker on 2022-04-24 00:00:00 In 1 Corinthians 15:18-31, the apostle Paul focuses on the message of the cross is foolishness to a dying world. Guest speaker, Pastor Todd Morrison highlights the message that Gods ways are different than the worlds ways and we must consider laying down our own preferences in order to bring glory to Him in our churches. Our boasting should be only in the Lord and His work in our midst!
Sermon by Pastor Jay Schilling on 2022-04-17 00:00:00 Jesus is risen. . . He is risen indeed! The resurrection of Jesus Christ is truly the greatest event in history because it proves His claim to be the resurrection and life as well as the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. In this message from Pastor Jay, we learn the simple acronym F.E.A.T. that reminds us of the truth and power of Jesus resurrection and why we can say with confidence, He is risen indeed!
Sermon by Guest Speaker on 2022-04-10 00:00:00 When mistrust, quarreling and division are damaging the church they must be confronted, loving and directly. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-16, the Apostle Paul makes an impassioned plea for the church in Corinth to seek healing, love, unity and purpose by surrendering to Jesus
Sermon by Guest Speaker on 2022-04-03 00:00:00 If weve been in the church for any length of time it can be very easy to become religious while also becoming unspiritual. When we opt for good behavior over a surrendered life or a transactional relationship with God over an intimate relationship with Jesus we find ourselves in a place similar to the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 19. Guest speaker, Pastor Todd Morrison encourages us to understand that our hope is not found in how good we can be, but in how much we are loved.
Sermon by Guest Speaker on 2022-03-27 00:00:00 We can be thankful in every situation. As guest speaker, Pastor Todd Morrison says, even though we are “prone to wander” away from Him – God never leaves or forsakes us! As a result, even when weve lost our way or made our faith and Church about ourselves, God is there willing and ready to redeem our lives from the mess weve made. God promises to do that in I Corinthians 1:4-6
Sermon by Guest Speaker on 2022-03-20 00:00:00 One of the great challenges for the church is that we maintain a healthy balance of being “in the world but not of it”. In I Corinthians 1, the Apostle Paul lays the groundwork necessary for reminding the church in Corinth they were out of balance. He reminds of them of their glorious position and calling in Jesus, while also pointing out the sin that made them indistinguishable, in many ways, from the culture around it. Guest speaker, Pastor Todd Morrison, reveals that there is much for us to learn from the first chapter of Pauls letter to a church that faced much of what we face in our church and culture.
Sermon by Guest Speaker on 2022-03-13 00:00:00 When life is uncertain and the future unclear, there is great hope for us in the question Jesus asks Bartimaeus in Mark 10.What do you want me to do for you? In thismessage from guest speaker Pastor Todd Morrison, he highlightswhat a great opportunity there is for us as we answer that question.
Sermon by Guest Speaker on 2022-03-06 00:00:00 For most of us prayer does not come easily. We know that the practice of prayer makes a difference in our lives but often we fail to practice what we know to be true. How can we make a powerful, life-changing difference with our prayers? In this message we will examine from the Bible six characteristics of what makes powerful and effective praying.
Sermon by Guest Speaker on 2022-02-27 00:00:00 When the future looks bleak, its good to be reminded that God is on the throne. Guest speaker, Pastor Dave Parson highlights Isaiahs vision of a holy God and his subsequent cleansing from sin empowered him for a new commitment of service to God.
Sermon by Guest Speaker on 2022-02-20 00:00:00 In these troubled times many of us face storms of various kinds that unsettle our lives. Guest speaker, Pastor Dave Parsons explains how Jesus assures us that in the midst of the storm we can trust Him completely for He is always with us.
Sermon by Guest Speaker on 2022-02-13 00:00:00 Our Converge NW, District Executive minister, Nate Hettinga, shares a message challenging us to continue on with the mission of sharing the Good News of thegospel of Jesus Christ to the world!
Sermon by Pastor Meredith Ayling on 2022-02-06 00:00:00 The Apostle Paul makes it clear to the church in Rome that the Law of Moses simply reveals sin and that the only way to salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Sermon by Guest Speaker on 2022-01-30 00:00:00 Everyone knows Marks name, but few people know much about him. Join us as GEBC Elder Tyson Bryantexplores Marks life, his public failure, and his reconciliation.
Sermon by Pastor Jon Wimmer on 2022-01-23 00:00:00 Jesus taught us his standard for engaging natural people in this parable, but he also modeled it with his life. We can copy Jesus modeled for how to engage the natural person today.
Sermon by Pastor Jay Schilling on 2022-01-16 00:00:00 In a day and age where sexual immorality is being embraced and celebrated, we need to be reminded of Gods original design of sexuality and how that is to be lived out in the believers life without compromise.
Sermon by Pastor Jay Schilling on 2022-01-09 00:00:00 There are certain characteristics that are present in thriving churches that prove to help the church be fruitful in ministry and a testimony for the world. In this message, Pastor Jay highlights two that are crucial for a church body to live out.
Sermon by Pastor Meredith Ayling on 2022-01-02 00:00:00 In this passage the apostle Paul is giving Timothy instructions for the qualifications for Pastors, Elders, and Deacons
Sermon by Pastor Jim Tiefenthaler on 2021-12-26 00:00:00 The apostle Paul ends his letter to the Philippians with personal greetings to the entire church. He also reminds the believers that everything is for the glory of God.
Sermon by Pastor Jim Tiefenthaler on 2021-12-24 00:00:00 Jesus, as “the Light of men”, offers truth to a world of lies. He came that first Christmas to die on the cross for the sins of the world. He offers rescue from Satans kingdom of darkness and life eternal to all who believe in Him.
Sermon by Pastor Jim Tiefenthaler on 2021-12-19 00:00:00 Jesus Christ is the greatest gift ever given to mankind. His birth was called “good news of great joy”. That is because, through Jesus Christ one can enjoy the forgiveness of sins and peace with God.
Sermon by Pastor Jim Tiefenthaler on 2021-12-12 00:00:00 There is no secret to finding contentment. Contentment is the outcome of living for and loving deeply the Lord Jesus Christ.