Emmanuel Presbyterian Church

Emmanuel Presbyterian Church
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Browse and listen through our library of Sunday Sermons recorded at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in New York City.

  1. Sep 6

    Integrity and Deception

    Audio Recording Integrity and Deception Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 20:17; 28:18 (ESV)20:17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,    but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel. 28:18 Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,    but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall. Sermon OutlineIt is wise to live with integrity and to gain understanding about why we are lured by deception and what the real consequences are. 1.  Lured by deception Proverbs 20:17  “Bread gained by deceit…” 2.  Impact of short-term thinking Proverbs 20:17  “…is sweet to a man but afterwards his mouth with be full of gravel” 3.  Waking in integrity 28:18  “Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered…” Prayer of ConfessionOur wise and loving God: we turn to you for help, admitting our lack of integrity.  We are guilty of seeking to get what we want in ways that are wrong.  We have been deceptive, and we have been deceived.  We have suffered the consequences of various sins, and we have raged, blamed and rationalized rather than admitting our wrong and making things right.  The turmoil and tensions within us are more than we can bear.  Forgive us.  We thank you that you offer grace through Jesus and we receive it by faith.  Renew us by the power of your Spirit so that we enter this week with undivided hearts, eager to walk with you, ready to do what is right, and trusting you to lead us in what is good and honorable.  Amen. Questions for Reflection When are you tempted to compromise to get what you truly want?  What kinds of compromises are tempting enough for you to consider? Why is Jesus’ teaching to “let your yes be yes” and to speak the truth plainly so difficult?  What is hard about consistently speaking truthfully? What impact does lying have on relationships?  Why can it be intensely satisfying to get what you want, especially if you have compromised and used corrupt means to attain it?  Can that kind of satisfaction last? What outcomes can one typically expect from deceitful patterns and habits (lying, manipulating, exaggerating, gaslighting, etc.)?  What impact do these patterns have on the person doing them?  What kind of person do they become? Is it true that people who live with integrity, who aim to be honest and straightforward, are disadvantaged?  If acting with integrity doesn’t always work, what incentives are there to still act with integrity?  How should you maintain integrity when it is not working (in unjust situations, for example)? What does the person who has confidence that the Lord will deliver His faithful gain from that understanding?  How does that add wisdom and perspective?  How does it motivate integrity? How are Christians meant to understand that Jesus walked with integrity but wasn’t delivered?  Why did things turn out that way?  What does it tell us about God, and how the gospel works? What is one area of your life where you lack integrity?  What can you do to make different choices in that area this week?  How can the gospel of grace encourage, strengthen and guide you as you seek to make progress in that area?

  2. Aug 30

    Justice

    Audio Recording Justice Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 21:3; 28:5; 14:31; 21:13; 14:20-21 (ESV)21:3 To do righteousness and justice    is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 28:5 Evil men do not understand justice,    but those who seek the Lord understand it completely. 14:31 Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker,    but he who is generous to the needy honors him. 2:13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor    will himself call out and not be answered. 14:20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,    but the rich has many friends.21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,    but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. Sermon Outline1. The centrality of justice Proverbs 21:3  To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. Proverbs 28:5  Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely. 2. The reality of injustice Proverbs 14:31  Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him Proverbs 21:13  Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. Proverbs 14:20 The poor is disliked even by his neighbor, but the rich has many friends. Proverbs 14:21 Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. 3. The God of justice Proverbs 14:21  Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner Proverbs 14:31  Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker Proverbs 21:13  Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. Prayer of ConfessionOur Heavenly Father, you are the God of justice. You always do what is right and good. But we confess that we fail to do righteousness and justice. We fail to love our neighbors. We close our ears to the cry of the poor. We favor those who bring us benefit. We choose to protect our own advantage. Forgive us. We deserve your just judgment, not your mercy. But in your kindness, you sent Jesus, who disadvantaged himself for our good. Jesus received the judgment we deserved and gave us the mercy we did not deserve. May this gift of the gospel change our hearts and lives, that we would do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with you, our God. Amen. Questions for Reflection What connected with you from the sermon or the passage? What are some ways Christians today can be faithful in reading the Bible, prayer, and going to church, but still neglect righteousness and justice in everyday life? Reflect on Proverbs 28:5. What connection does this verse make between seeking the Lord and understanding justice?  Why do the two belong together? Consider the idea that the wicked “advantage themselves by disadvantaging others.” Where do you see this dynamic in your life? Reflect on Proverbs 21:13. What’s the difference between actively harming someone and passively ignoring someone’s suffering? Why do you think the Bible takes both seriously? How does Jesus reverse the patterns of injustice in these passages? How does the cross of Christ demonstrate both God’s justice and his mercy? How does the mercy of Jesus compel us to pursue justice? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

  3. Aug 23

    Generosity

    Audio Recording Generosity Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 11:24-28 (ESV)24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;    another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,    and one who waters will himself be watered.26 The people curse him who holds back grain,    but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor,    but evil comes to him who searches for it.28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,    but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. Sermon Outline1. The difficulty of generosity Proverbs 11:28 - Whoever trusts in his riches will fall… Proverbs 11:24 - One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:26 - The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it. 2. A renewed vision of generosity Proverbs 11:24 - One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Proverbs 11:25 - Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:28 - Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. Proverbs 11:27 - Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, 3. The freedom to be generous 2 Corinthians 8:9 - For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. Prayer of ConfessionOur Heavenly Father, every good and perfect gift comes from you. Generosity is central to your character. But we confess that we struggle to be generous. We do not give freely, but we hold tightly. We place far too much trust in our riches believing they will provide comfort and security. Forgive us. May your Spirit renew our vision for generosity. Help us to see that giving leads to flourishing for all. Remind us of the gift of Jesus’ generosity to us, that though he was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that we by his poverty might become rich. Amen. Questions for Reflection What connected with you from the sermon or the passage? Proverbs 11:28 warns about trusting in riches. What are some ways money and possessions can give us a sense of security, control, or independence? What fears can make us hold tightly to what we have? How do the Proverbs challenge our assumptions about generosity? If you really believed that generosity produces flourishing, how might that change the way you use your money, time, possessions, or abilities? Reflect on 2 Corinthians 8:9. What does Jesus’ becoming “poor” for our sake teach us about the character of God and his generosity towards us?   How does the gospel give us a different source of security? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

  4. Aug 16

    Repentance

    Audio Recording Repentance Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 28:13-14; 20:9; 1:23 (ESV)28:13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,    but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.14 Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always,    but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 20:9 Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;    I am clean from my sin”? 1:23 If you turn at my reproof,behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;    I will make my words known to you. Sermon Outline1. What repentance is not  Proverbs 28:13–14  [13] Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper…  [14] … but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 2. What repentance is Proverbs 28:13–14 [13] Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. [14] Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. 3. What makes repentance possible Proverbs 20:9 [9] Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”? 2 Corinthians 5:21 [21] For our sake [God] made [Jesus] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in [Jesus] we might become the righteousness of God. Proverbs 1:23 [23] If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. Prayer of ConfessionOur gracious God, none of us can say that our hearts are completely pure or that we are clean from sin.  We conceal and hide instead of confessing and forsaking our sins.  We harden our hearts, we refuse correction, we fail to take responsibility.  Forgive us.  Jesus, you knew no sin and yet you took our sin and gave us your perfect record.  Because your righteousness is now ours, free us from the need to hide our sins or prove ourselves.  Give us courage to repent.  May we delight in the mercy that is already ours in Christ.  By your Spirit, humble us and lead us deeper into your wisdom.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What connected with you from the sermon or the passage? Why do you think our instinct is often to conceal something we’ve done wrong rather than admit it? How do you normally respond when you realize you may have done something wrong. Are you more likely to hide, minimize, explain, blame, become defensive, or do something else? What might it look like to respond differently? Read Proverbs 28:13 again. Why do you think the Proverb includes both confessing and forsaking? What would be missing if we did only one? Repentance involves forsaking sin, but it does not mean we will never struggle with that sin again. What does forsaking sin look like? Read Proverbs 20:9. Why is it important to recognize that none of us can make ourselves completely pure or clean from sin? Why cannot we simply “try harder” to repent? How does knowing that our standing with God is based on Christ’s righteousness rather than our own record give us greater freedom to admit when we are wrong? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

  5. Aug 9

    Friendship

    Audio Recording Friendship Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 13:20; 22:24-25; 18:24; 17:17; 27:6 (ESV)13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,    but the companion of fools will suffer harm. 22:24 Make no friendship with a man given to anger,    nor go with a wrathful man,25 lest you learn his ways    and entangle yourself in a snare. 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin,    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. 17:17 A friend loves at all times,    and a brother is born for adversity. 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;    profuse are the kisses of an enemy. Sermon OutlineWisdom helps us to see… 1. We need good friends Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 22:24–25 [24] Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, [25] lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. 2. We need to be a good friend Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. 3. We have a perfect friend Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.Proverbs 18:24 A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. John 15:15-16 [15] No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. [16] You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; Prayer of ConfessionJesus, it is a beautiful gift that you call us your friends. Your love for us has been constant. Your commitment to us has never wavered. Everything you do is for our ultimate good. But we confess that we are not the friend that you have been to us. Too often, our commitment to you depends on our circumstances. Rather than loving others with faithful commitment, we often keep them at arm’s length. Forgive us for receiving the benefits of your friendship while neglecting you. Help us to see that your faithful wounds were for our good, so that, having received your friendship, we might become the faithful friends you call us to be. Amen. Questions for Reflection What connected with you from the sermon or the passage? Proverbs says we can “learn the ways” of the people we're closest to. Where have you seen that happen whether in your own life or in someone else's? The Bible teaches us that we shouldn't isolate themselves from the world but should be intentional about our closest friendships. How do you personally balance those two callings? Where do you find that balance challenging? Friendship is more about commitment rather than convenience. How is that different from the way our culture often thinks about friendship? Where do you see relationships becoming transactional? How do you discern the difference between a boundary that gives protection from an unhealthy relationship and one that simply avoids discomfort? Jesus calls his disciples “friends” in John 15. What does it mean to you that the Son of God chooses to call you, his friend? As someone who has been loved by the perfect Friend, what is one practical way you can reflect that friendship this week? Is there someone you need to pursue, forgive, encourage, serve, or speak truth to in love? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

  6. Aug 2

    Self Control

    Audio Recording Self Control Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 16:32; 17:27; 25:28; 29:11 (ESV)16:32 Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,    and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 17:27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,    and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. 25:28 A man without self-control    is like a city broken into and left without walls. 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his spirit,    but a wise man quietly holds it back. Sermon OutlineSelf control is a product of wisdom working in a person’s life and a mark of those who are wise. 1. Mastery “he who rules his spirit” 2. Superficial Mastery “than he who takes a city” 3. True Mastery “Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty” Prayer of ConfessionWe have moved you from your proper place and our lives are disordered. We admit we have been ruled by desires, passions, feelings, confused thoughts and the opinions of others. We have lost control of ourselves and have acted harmfully. Forgive us for every sin. Forgive us for using your patience as an opportunity for more self-serving choices, rather than recognize the opportunities you have given us to turn to you and order our lives under the rule of Christ. We marvel that you are slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Thank you for the forgiveness extended to us through Christ. Amen. Questions for Reflection Is there a difference between self-control and will power?  How does self-control work? What areas of your life do you have difficulty controlling?  Why?  What impact is this having? What are some things you are trying to control or are taking responsibility for that you shouldn’t?  What are some areas of responsibility that you are neglecting? How does putting God in the wrong place create an imbalance, making it impossible to keep things under control?  Why is God being “slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love” something that points to His mastery? Where do you see restraint, wisdom and power in Jesus willingly going to the cross?  What were those who were there likely seeing/perceiving? How is self-control a “fruit of the Spirit”?  What about the work of the Holy Spirit helps believers get their lives under control? What does it mean to walk in the Spirit, pray in the Spirit, be led by the Spirit?  How does faith in Christ help us to choose wisely?

  7. Jul 26

    Satisfying Speech

    Audio Recording Satisfying Speech Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 18:20-21 (ESV)20 From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,    and those who love it will eat its fruits. Sermon OutlineThe wise understand that a person’s satisfaction is linked with what they say. 1.  Your words have power. v21  Death and life are in the power of the tongue 2.  Your words reveal what you love. v21 and those who love it will eat its fruits. v21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue 3.  Your words bear fruit. v21 and those who love it will eat its fruits. v20 he is satisfied by the yield of his lips Prayer of ConfessionMerciful God: We are slow to listen, and hasty to say what we ought not. Forgive us for every foolish and harmful thing we have said and done. Forgive us for when we have failed to steward our power to speak words that encourage, build up, form, clarify, or express thanksgiving. We confess we are more inclined to slander and complaint than praise and thanksgiving. Our words expose corruption deep within us, so along with a plea for forgiveness, we ask for help. Open our ears to hear your message of grace, and plant your word deep in us. Nourish us with Christ, the Word who became flesh, who tasted death so that we could have life. May we bear the fruits of life in the Spirit. Amen. Questions for Reflection Do you enjoy speaking words of thanks, encouragement and praise?  What is your experience of this kind of communication? What do you find hard about speaking positively? Why is it tempting to complain, slander, lie, insult, etc.?  Why do you speak in such ways? How can wisdom help you change?  What is important to understand about your words that can make it more compelling to speak what is good and resist problematic speech?  What insights can help shift your patterns?  What is God showing you? How do your words reveal what is going on within you?  When you look at the things you want to say, what conclusions do you draw? Why is it crucial that we hear good news?  What makes the message of the grace of God so essential? How is the gospel message a seed in the life of the person who receives it by faith?  How does that new reality grow and form the believer?  What prayer habits will help you be more consistent with thanks and praise?  How can your words become a greater source of satisfaction to your own soul?  What can you do to taste more of the grace of God through what you choose to say? Reflect on Psalm 50, and consider how it helps you gain understanding of our speech in relation to God.

  8. Jul 19

    Pride

    Audio Recording Pride Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 11:2, 16:18, 18:12, 21:24, 25:6-7 (ESV)11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,    but with the humble is wisdom. 16:18 Pride goes before destruction,    and a haughty spirit before a fall. 18:12 Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,    but humility comes before honor. 21:24 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man    who acts with arrogant pride. 25:6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence    or stand in the place of the great,7 for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”    than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. Sermon OutlineThe problem of pride is deep within us, but with wisdom we can recognize it and grow in true humility. 1. Let it pass by. 11:2  “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” 16:18  “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” 18:12 “Before a disaster the heart is haughty, but before honor is humility.” 2. Recognize the place you want to be. 25:6–7 “Do not put yourself forward in the king’s presence or stand in the place of the great, for it is better to be told, “Come up here,” than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.” 21:24 “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.” 3. Listen to the right person. 25:7 “it is better to be told ‘come up here’” Prayer of ConfessionOur great God, there is none higher than you. Instead of rejoicing at your greatness, we have puffed ourselves up. Craving the admiration of others, we suffer envy and arrogance. We are guilty of pride. Our sins have merited disgrace. Forgive us. May the mind of Christ, who humbly bore our sin and shame, be in each of us. Amen. Questions for Reflection What makes true humility hard? How does pride show up in your life?  What are some subtle signs that you are being tempted by pride? What are some of the negative effects of pride?  What damage does it do?  What problems does it cause? How can you let pride pass by when you recognize its voice?  If you can’t get rid of it, how can you reduce its influence?  What markers of status are you particularly drawn to?  What forms of humiliation do you fear?  What does that tell you about values that may be out of balance in your thinking and perception? What can we learn from the humility of Jesus?  How does the humiliation he willingly endured create new possibilities for us? How does the gospel invite you to humble yourself?  How does the gospel call you to a better life? What new possibilities come with a life that is both humble and hopeful?

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Browse and listen through our library of Sunday Sermons recorded at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in New York City.

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