Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

The Right Kind of Fear

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

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Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

The Blood of the Lamb

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

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Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

GOD vs. gods

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

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Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

A Spirit of Pharaoh in Our Spirituality

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

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Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

Don’t “DQ” Yourself

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

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Emmanuel Church Emmanuel Church

Feel Like You Don’t Fit In?

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

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