This week's sermon, delivered by guest speaker Corey Ruis, explored the Parable of the Lost Sheep from Luke 15:1-7. Corey touched on our dual roles as both the lost sheep in need of rescue and the shepherd called to seek out others. He emphasized God's relentless pursuit of us, regardless of our past, and our responsibility to share this good news with others.

Takeaways:

• God's love is unrelenting: No matter how far we've strayed or how lost we feel, God never stops pursuing us. We can't outrun His love or grace!
• We are called to be both sheep and shepherd: While we may sometimes find ourselves lost, we're also called to seek out others who don't know Jesus, joyfully helping to carry them "home."
• Sharing the Gospel is urgent! We were reminded that hell is real, and sharing the good news of Jesus is literally a matter of eternal life and death. We shouldn't let discomfort hold us back from this crucial task!

As we go forward, let's remember Corey's challenge to step out of our comfort zones and share the good news of Jesus with someone - be it a friend, family member, coworker, or even a stranger. Our community should know the name of Jesus because of our willingness to speak and live out His love.
May we be encouraged that no matter where we find ourselves, we are never beyond the reach of our Good Shepherd, and may we be bold enough to seek out others with the same relentless love that pursues us!

This week's sermon used the game of Uno as a creative analogy to explore the tactics Satan uses against believers and how God can turn those very tactics for our good! Looking at Genesis 50:20, we were reminded that what the enemy intends for evil, God can use for good. Pastor Kanon highlighted how various challenges in our lives - represented by Uno cards like "Skip," "Reverse," "Draw Two," "Draw Four," and "Wild" - can be transformed by God into opportunities for growth, dependence on Him, and ultimately victory through Christ.

Takeaways:

• God is in control: Even when life seems chaotic or we feel attacked, God is the ultimate "card dealer" and can use every situation for His purpose.
• Recognize the enemy's tactics: Being aware of how Satan tries to disrupt, delay, and confuse us helps us stay vigilant in our faith.
• We have the victory card! Through Christ's work on the cross, we have been given ultimate victory over the enemy's schemes.

As we go through this week, let's remember that no matter what "card" we're dealt, God can use it for our good and His glory. We're encouraged to play our "victory card" by submitting to God, trusting His Word, and resisting the devil.

The sermon explored God's enduring promises to Israel and how they extend to us as Gentile believers. We looked into Romans 11, examining God's faithfulness to His chosen people and His plan for ultimate redemption. The message emphasized the importance of understanding our place in God's grand narrative and the assurance we have in His unchanging love and mercy.

Takeaways:

• God's promises to Israel are still valid, and we as believers have been grafted into this covenant through Christ.
• We are called to love and support Israel and the Jewish people because God loves them and has not abandoned His plans for them.
• Our salvation is secure in Christ, and we should live each day with gratitude for God's mercy and in preparation for Christ's return.

As we reflect on these truths, let's be encouraged that we serve a God who keeps His promises. Let's also be mindful of the urgency to share the Gospel, knowing that He's coming back soon!

May we live with purpose, sharing God's love and the hope we have in Jesus with those around us.

The message this week focused on the significance of Israel in God's plan and the importance of grounding ourselves in God's Word. We explored the covenant God made with Abraham and its ongoing importance for Israel and believers today. It emphasized how understanding Israel's role in God's plan is crucial for our faith, especially in these challenging times. Pastor Gwen highlighted the spiritual nature of the ongoing conflicts surrounding Israel and the importance of supporting God's chosen people.

Takeaways:

• God's love for Israel is unwavering. As believers, we love what God loves, even if the people of Israel don't seem perfect!
• The Bible is our essential guide for discernment and wisdom in a confusing world.
• Our faith should be active, leading us to stand for truth and against evil in our daily lives!

As we reflect on this message, let's consider how we can deepen our understanding of God's Word and His plans for Israel. Let's also examine how we can apply these truths to strengthen our faith and be a light in our communities!

The sermon explored Isaiah's vision of God and his call to service, as described in Isaiah 6:1-8. Pastor Kanon talked about the importance of recognizing God's holiness, our own sinfulness, and the need to respond to God's call with willingness and humility. The message also challenged us to examine our own hearts and readiness to serve God, reminding us that God doesn't just call on the equipped... He equips the called!

Takeaways:

• God's holiness and power should inspire awe and reverence in us, helping us to see our own sinfulness and need for cleansing.
• A willing heart is crucial in serving God. This involves prioritizing God's will, maintaining humility, consistent obedience, a servant attitude, perseverance, and love for God and others.
• We should be ready to answer God's call with "Here I am, send me," trusting that God will equip us for the tasks He gives us.

Let's think about how we can cultivate a willing heart and be ready to answer God's call in our lives. Whether it's serving in our church, reaching out to our community, or simply being faithful in our daily walk with Christ, may we all strive to say "Yes" to God's invitations!

The sermon explored the concept of leaving a lasting legacy that reflects Christ. Using Paul's final letter to Timothy as a foundation, we were challenged to consider how our lives impact others and what we'll be remembered for when our time on earth ends. Pastor Kanon emphasized that every one of us is preaching something through our words and actions, and we should strive to leave a legacy rooted in Jesus.

Takeaways:

• We are all preachers in our own way, whether through our words or actions. We need to be mindful of what we're communicating to those around us.
• Leaving a Christ-centered legacy may involve suffering and sacrifice, but it's worth it!
• Knowing Jesus personally is crucial to leaving a legacy that truly matters. Without Him at the center, our efforts fall short.

How can we intentionally build a legacy that points others to Christ? Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we have daily opportunities to make an impact that lasts beyond our earthly lives!

We explored the book of Job, focusing on how Job maintained his faith despite immense suffering. We learned that even when life seems unfair, God remains fair and present. The sermon emphasized that while we may not always get answers to our "why" questions, we can find comfort and strength in God's presence. Job's story teaches us to trust God, especially in the unknowns and unexplainable circumstances of life!

Takeaways:

• Trust God with the unknowns: Life often presents us with situations we can't explain or understand. Like Job, we're called to trust God even when we don't have all the answers.
• Run towards God in hard times: When life gets difficult, we have a choice to either run towards God or away from Him. Even though it's hard, we need to remain in communion with God during our trials!
• Surround yourself with Godly people: We were reminded of the importance of having a supportive community of believers, especially during challenging times.

As we go through this week, let's remember Job's perseverance and faith. Whether we're facing trials or celebrating joys, may we always seek God's presence and trust in His timing!

The sermon explored the story of Job, focusing on how he maintained his faith and integrity in the face of overwhelming loss and suffering. It emphasized God's sovereignty, Satan's limited power, and the importance of trusting God even when we don't understand His ways. The sermon challenged us to consider whether Jesus is truly enough for us, even if everything else is taken away.

Takeaways:

• God is always in control, even when allowing suffering. He sets limits on what Satan can do and has a greater purpose, even if we can't see it!
• True worship and faith are demonstrated not just in good times, but especially in times of hardship and loss.
• Our perspective should shift from focusing solely on our circumstances to trusting in who God is and what He wants to do in us through our trials.

As we navigate our own challenges, let's remember Job's example of unwavering faith. May we learn to trust God's plan even when we don't understand it, knowing that He is working for our good and His glory!

This week's sermon explored how we can deal with and tame our anger by looking at Jesus' example. Pastor Kanon highlighted that anger itself isn't sinful, but how we handle it matters greatly. We examined three scenarios where Jesus displayed anger, showing us that anger can be a tool for positive change when channeled correctly. The sermon emphasized that our anger should be fueled by love, used to confront injustice, and ultimately lead to restoration.

Takeaways:

• Jesus' anger was always purposeful and controlled. He confronted problems, not people, and used his anger to teach and bring about positive change.
• Our anger should be a catalyst for growth, not destruction. Like Jesus, we should use it to protect what's good and correct what's broken.
• Dealing with anger involves three steps: cleansing the wound (confessing to God), treating the wound (extending forgiveness), and bandaging the wound (putting the past behind us).

As we move forward, let's reflect on how we can make our anger work for us rather than against us. Remember, God gave us the emotion of anger as a tool to become more like Christ. Let's strive to use it wisely and lovingly, always seeking restoration and growth!

Pastor Kanon's sermon explored anger, emphasizing that it's a secondary emotion often rooted in hurt, frustration, or insecurity. We learned that anger itself isn't sinful, but how we express and manage it can lead to sin. The message highlighted God's perspective on anger, showing both its positive potential for motivating righteous action and its negative capacity for destruction when left unchecked.

Takeaways:

• Anger is a neutral emotion created by God, but we must be careful how we express it.
• There are three main "masks" of anger: spewers, stuffers, and leakers. Recognizing our anger style can help us manage it better.
• Righteous anger can be appropriate when confronting injustice or sin, but it must be controlled and purposeful like God's anger.

We were challenged to examine our hearts and consider how we handle anger in our daily lives. Kanon reminded us that while the enemy may try to use our anger against us, Jesus has already won the ultimate victory. Let's strive to use our emotions, including anger, in ways that honor God and further His kingdom.

May we all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, producing the righteousness that God desires!

This week, Pastor Gwen talked about the importance of guarding our hearts, using Proverbs 4:23 as a benchmark. She delved into how our hearts determine the course of our lives and why it's essential to set healthy boundaries. The message highlighted that while we're called to love our neighbors, we must also learn to love ourselves as God loves us. This balance is so important for our spiritual and emotional well-being!

Takeaways:

• Our hearts are precious to God and deeply affect our relationships with Him and others. We have to protect them by creating boundaries in various aspects of our lives.
• Jesus had boundaries too. He set limits on His interactions to stay focused on His mission, teaching us the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God.
• The Beatitudes in Matthew 5 can be viewed as stages of brokenness leading to complete healing, reminding us of God's blessings in every step of our spiritual journey.

As we move forward, let's reflect on areas where we might need to establish or reinforce boundaries. Remember, setting boundaries isn't selfish; it's a biblical principle that allows us to love and serve others more effectively from a place of strength and wholeness!

The sermon explored what it means to live a holy life in an unholy world. Pastor Gwen shared her personal journey of transformation and emphasized that while God declares us holy when we accept Christ, we are called to pursue personal holiness in our daily lives. The message highlighted the importance of fearing God, submitting to His Word, walking with the Holy Spirit, and receiving God's grace as important parts of living a holy life.

Takeaways:

• Holiness is not about perfection, but about being set apart for God's purposes and becoming more like Christ.
• Our lifestyle choices affect not only us but also our loved ones, making the pursuit of holiness even more important for our relationships.
• Living a holy life requires a constant connection with God's Word, awareness of the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to address even "small" sins in our lives.

As we move forward, let's reflect on areas where we might be compromising our holiness and consider how we can more fully surrender all aspects of our lives to God. Pursuing holiness will have it's challenges, but "It's worth it because He is worth it!"

The sermon, delivered by Rachel and the kids of our youth groups, explored essential Christian characteristics and the importance of love in our faith journey. They focused on forgiveness, humility, thankfulness, and ultimately, how love ties everything together. All these traits are crucial, and they all stem from and are empowered by love - specifically, the love of Jesus Christ.

Takeaways:

• Forgiveness brings peace: When we forgive others as God forgives us, we replace negative emotions with God's peace.
• Humility attracts God's favor: Being humble means putting others first and relying on God's strength rather than our own.
• Thankfulness should overflow: We should actively seek reasons to be thankful, recognizing both big and small blessings as gifts from God.

Rachel and the kids beautifully illustrated how these characteristics, when rooted in love, transform our daily lives and relationships. They challenged us to examine how we're loving and living - is it truly like Jesus?
As we move forward, let's reflect on how we can embody these characteristics more fully, always remembering that love is the foundation. May we strive to do everything in love, just as Jesus did!

This week's sermon touched on the critical topic of mental health, exploring how our faith can be a powerful tool in addressing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Pastor Kanon's message emphasized the importance of filling our minds with God's truth and surrounding ourselves with supportive people, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.

Takeaways:

• Our thoughts matter: We have the power to direct our minds towards positive, Scripture-based truths that can transform our mental state.
• Remember God's goodness: In times of distress, having a heart of gratitude can provide hope and strength!
• Seek support: As a church family, we are called to support one another through life's challenges.  Emmanuel is here for you!!

We encourage you all to reflect on how we can apply these insights to our daily lives. Remember, our church is a safe place for those battling mental health issues, and we are committed to supporting one another with love and understanding!

Pastor Kanon's sermon focused on the importance of forgiveness in our spiritual growth. The sermon explored Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:21-35, emphasizing how our own forgiveness from God should motivate us to forgive others. Pastor Kanon highlighted that unforgiveness can act as a prison, holding us back from experiencing true freedom in Christ.

Takeaways:

• Forgiveness is not about letting someone off the hook, but about surrendering the debt owed to us to God, who is the ultimate judge.
• We struggle with forgiveness because it can feel like we're "letting them off the hook", but holding onto unforgiveness actually hurts us more.
• Forgiveness is a process that may take time, but it's crucial for our spiritual and emotional well-being.

As we move forward this week, let's reflect on areas in our lives where we might be holding onto unforgiveness. Remember, we have the power to choose freedom through forgiveness, just as Christ has forgiven us.

Pastor Gwen's sermon explored the profound significance of Jesus' resurrection and its impact on our lives. She emphasized that believing in the resurrection means we can have peace even in the midst of overwhelming circumstances, hope in tragedy, and joy through heartache. Most importantly, it means we have the promise of eternal life through Christ.

Takeaways:

• Jesus' resurrection is the most significant event in history, offering us forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life.
• Our identity shifts from "sinner" to "saint" when we accept Christ, though we remain a work in progress.
• God's love for us is unconditional and transformative, changing us from the inside out and giving us new purpose.

As we move forward from Easter, let's carry the hope and power of the resurrection with us. "Jesus died so we could live." May this truth continue to shape our daily lives and interactions with others!

The sermon explored the events of Palm Sunday, contrasting the crowd's expectations of Jesus with His true purpose. It challenged us to examine our own faith and expectations of Christ, especially in difficult times. The message emphasized that Jesus came not for political peace, but to bring personal, saving peace to our hearts and souls.

Takeaways:

• Jesus weeps for those who miss recognizing Him, just as He wept over Jerusalem. We're called to truly see and understand who He is.
• Our faith is tested not in times of triumph, but in moments of hardship when we have to choose to believe without seeing.
• The ultimate question for each of us is: Is Jesus enough, regardless of our circumstances?

As we journey through this Holy Week, let's reflect on these truths. Are we like the Palm Sunday crowd? Praising Jesus only when things go our way? Or do we cling to faith even in the darkest moments? May we all grow in our understanding that what Jesus has already done for us on the cross is truly enough. Let's approach Easter with hearts full of gratitude, proclaiming "God, you are good, and Jesus, you are enough."

The sermon explored the true meaning and importance of worship in our Christian lives. Pastor Kanon emphasized that worship is not just about music or Sunday services, but a heart posture that should permeate every aspect of our lives. He reminded us that we were created to worship God, and challenged us to examine what we're truly worshiping in our daily lives.

Takeaways:

• Worship is more than music - it's adoring God, serving others, trusting Him completely, and surrendering our will to His.
• We should worship God not because life is good, but because He is good - omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent.
• True worship perseveres even in difficult circumstances, as demonstrated by Paul and Silas praising God while they were in prison.

As we go about our week, let's remember to cultivate a heart of worship in all we do. Whether we're at work, with family, or facing challenges, may we continually direct our attention and adoration to our good, good Father.

Pastor Kanon gave us an insightful sermon on the importance of fasting in our Christian walk. He explored how fasting is not just about giving up food, but a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God. The sermon emphasized that fasting is a way to express our desperate need for God and combat the lie that there's never enough in our lives. It's a practice that Jesus himself engaged in and expects his followers to do as well.

Takeaways:

• Fasting is not for show, but for spiritual growth. It should be done discreetly and humbly, focusing on our relationship with God rather than impressing others.
• True fasting produces fruit like humility, generosity, and a desire to serve others. It's not just about what we give up, but how it transforms us.
• Fasting helps us fight against the lie of scarcity and reminds us of God's abundance. It's a physical expression of our trust in God's provision.

As we go forward, we encourage you to prayerfully consider how you might incorporate fasting into your spiritual practice. Remember, fasting doesn't have to be just about food - it can be abstaining from anything that takes your focus away from God. As Pastor Kanon asked, "What can you go without - to gain more of Christ?"
May we all grow in our desperation for God and experience His presence in new and profound ways!

The sermon explored the various spiritual gifts given to believers and their importance in building up the body of Christ. Pastor Gwen emphasized that each of us has at least one spiritual gift, if not more, and that these gifts are meant to bless and build up the church while glorifying God. The message highlighted the beauty of diversity within the church family and the importance of embracing our unique roles as parts of Christ's body.

Takeaways:

• We are all uniquely gifted: The sermon reminded us that God has given each believer specific spiritual gifts. It's important to discover and embrace these gifts, using them to serve the church and glorify God.
• Unity in diversity: Just as a human body has many parts working together, the body of Christ functions best when all members use their diverse gifts in harmony.
• Love is the greatest gift: While all spiritual gifts are important, the sermon emphasized that love should be our highest goal in using these gifts and interacting with one another.

As we move forward, let's reflect on how we can better understand and utilize our spiritual gifts. Consider taking the spiritual gifts test available on our app to help identify your areas of giftedness. Remember, when we all contribute our unique gifts, we create a stronger, more vibrant church family that can effectively represent Jesus to the world!

Pastor Gwen delivered an insightful sermon on spiritual gifts, exploring the nine gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12. The message emphasized that every believer has at least one spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit, and these gifts are meant to bless and build up the church while glorifying God. Pastor Gwen reminded us that these supernatural abilities go beyond our natural talents and are distributed according to God's will, not our own preferences.

Takeaways:

• Spiritual gifts are for all believers: We were encouraged to recognize and embrace the gifts God has given us, understanding that they are meant to serve others
• Unity in diversity: The sermon highlighted that while our gifts may differ, they all come from the same Spirit and are equally valuable in building up the body of Christ.
• Hunger for more: Pastor Gwen challenged us to not become complacent in our faith journey but to continually seek a deeper relationship with God and a greater manifestation of His Spirit in our lives.

As we move forward, let's prayerfully consider how we can use our spiritual gifts to serve one another and glorify God. Remember, there is always more that God has for us, and He desires for us to grow in our understanding and use of these gifts!

The sermon explored the biblical concept of rest, emphasizing its significance from creation through to Jesus' fulfillment of the Sabbath. We were reminded that in our busy world, God calls us to intentional rest - not just physical, but spiritual rest that renews our relationship with Him. The message highlighted how rest is a gift from God, a spiritual discipline, and a way to trust in His provision.

Takeaways:

• Rest is rhythmic: We need to find a regular time for rest that works in our individual lives, whether it's a full day or a few dedicated hours.
• Rest is spiritual: It's more than physical relaxation; it's about connecting with God and setting aside distractions like technology (or kids!)
• Rest leads to remembrance: When we rest, we create space to recall God's faithfulness and promises in our lives.

Let's encourage each other to reflect on how we can incorporate more intentional rest into our lives. Remember, when we don't break, we will break. Let's challenge ourselves to trust God enough to pause our busyness and find true rest in Him.

The sermon from Sunday touched on the important role that the local church plays in our spiritual growth and community life. Pastor Kanon shared his personal testimony, emphasizing how Emmanuel has shaped his faith journey. He highlighted that the church is not just a building, but a house of presence, prayer, and people. The message stressed the importance of unity in the Spirit and the benefits—both spiritual and physical—of being actively involved in a church community.
Takeaways:

• Our church is a house for all people to come just as they are
• Being united in the Spirit is crucial, and we have to guard against division caused by lack of forgiveness, gossip, and being easily offended.
• Physically being in church can offer both spiritual growth and tangible health benefits

As we move forward this week, let's remember that we are all part of Christ's body, each with a unique role to play. Let's continue to support one another, invite others to experience our welcoming community, and actively look for God in every moment of our daily lives.
May we always strive to make Emmanuel a Bible-believing, truth-speaking, people-loving house of worship.

The sermon, "Prayer Shift Part Two," explored the difference between praying out of fear versus praying with faith. Pastor Gwen emphasized how our prayer life can be transformed when we shift from asking God to fix our circumstances to trusting Him in the midst of them. She used the story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10 to illustrate the difference, showing how Mary's faith-filled approach of sitting at Jesus' feet compares to Martha's fear-driven complaints.

Takeaways:

• Praying with faith involves more thanksgiving than pleading, trusting God before we see the answer.
• Our prayers should focus less on changing our circumstances and more on aligning our hearts with God's will.
• Praying Scriptures like Psalm 91 can help us shift our prayers from fear to faith.

As we move forward this week, let's challenge ourselves to pray with more faith and less fear.  Remember, we have the Holy Spirit within us, giving us authority over fear and equipping us with love, joy, peace, and all the fruits of the Spirit.

May God bless you and guide your prayers this week!

The sermon explored the importance of prayer in our daily lives, focusing on Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6. Pastor Gwen emphasized that prayer is not just a ritual, but a vital communication between our soul and its Creator. She reminded us that prayer should be an ongoing conversation with God throughout our day, not limited to specific times or places. The sermon delved into the Lord's Prayer as a model for how we should approach God, highlighting the intimacy of calling God our Father and the importance of aligning our will with His.

• Prayer is about relationship with God, not performance. We're encouraged to approach God as "Abba" or "Daddy," emphasizing intimacy and trust.
• We should pray continuously throughout our day, bringing God into every aspect of our lives, from small decisions to major challenges.
• Forgiveness is crucial in our prayer life. Unforgiveness can create distance between us and God, so we must be quick to forgive others as God forgives us.

As we go through this week, let's challenge ourselves to deepen our prayer life. Can we find moments throughout our day to connect with God? Can we approach Him with the trust and openness of a child? Remember, as Pastor Gwen said, "Our battle is on our knees." Let's fight for our faith through consistent, heartfelt prayer.