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. 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?

  2. 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?

  3. 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.

  4. 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?

  5. Jul 10

    Correction

    Audio Recording Correction Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 12:1, 18:2, 19:25, 21:11, 29:1 (ESV)12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,    but he who hates reproof is stupid. 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,    but only in expressing his opinion. 19:25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;    reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. 21:11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;    when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. 29:1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,    will suddenly be broken beyond healing. Sermon OutlineDiscipline and correction are a welcome part of life for the one who wants to become wise. 1. Desire to Learn 12:1 “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” 18:2  “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” 2. Ways to Learn 19:25  “Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.”  21:11 “When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.” 3. The Lesson to Learn 29:1  “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. “ 12:1 “whoever loves...” (18:2 “pleasure”) Prayer of ConfessionMerciful God, you bear patiently with us. We confess that we are stiff-necked people. We acknowledge we have been influenced by the scoffer, who taught us to justify ourselves and protect our sin. We have not welcomed your instruction. Instead, we have blamed you for our struggles, and we have failed to admit our part in the consequences of our actions. We are guilty of defensiveness and blame shifting. Ashamed, we recognize our own mocking voices among the scoffers. It was for our sins that Jesus went to the cross. As we turn from sin to you, we ask that you pardon us through him. May your gracious Spirit soften our hearts and sharpen our minds until we have the mind of Christ and the character that follows. Amen. Questions for Reflection When are you defensive?  What situations or interactions provoke a defensive reaction in you? What within you do you defend?  What are you protecting?  What are you aiming for? Are you “teachable”?  What motivates you more, the carrot or the stick (drawn towards learning, or prodded to learn to avoid further pain)? How can a love for learning and growth, and a desire for wisdom, help frame difficult experiences?  Do you believe difficulties can be learning opportunities?  Are there situations where one cannot learn or grow? What makes scoffers effective? When people bear the consequences of their wrongdoing, how can those observing it gain wisdom?  What wrong conclusions might we make as observers? Why do you imagine a whole crowd was enticed to demand the crucifixion of Jesus?  What were they seeing?  As the Gospels present that story, what is God showing us? How can the love of God for us help us come out of cynicism, skepticism, bitterness, fault finding and negativity?

  6. Jul 5

    Understanding for Our Raging Hearts

    Audio Recording Understanding for Our Raging Hearts Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Proverbs Proverbs 19:2-3 (ESV)2 Desire without knowledge is not good,    and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.3 When a man's folly brings his way to ruin,    his heart rages against the Lord. Sermon OutlineWisdom involves a kind of understanding that helps us navigate complexity such that we come out in the right place. 1. A Key Ingredient of a Wise Life v2 Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.   2. Dynamics of a Fool’s Life v3  When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord. 3.  Outcomes of a Redeemed Life v2 “misses the way”, v3 “his way to ruin” v3 “his heart… the Lord” Prayer of ConfessionOur wise and loving Father, pardon our sins. Our desires have ruled our lives. We have hastily done what we should not have, without understanding, and we have hated the consequences. Our frustrations have promoted anger and resentment instead of reflection, learning and change. We have raged against you and others. We have lost our way. We thank you that in your wisdom you sent Jesus, and through his suffering we are redeemed. We look to him for forgiveness and pray that you would grant us understanding. Amen. Questions for Reflection Of these two proverbs, which is more characteristic of you:  a) “He who hesitates is lost”  b) “Look before you leap” What role does desire play in your experience?  How are your choices affected by what you desire?  Do you associate any difficulties in your life with your desires? How can desires shape (or distort) understanding?  How can understanding help you contain, form, or properly direct and express your desires? When things go wrong, when you fail, when troubles come, what role does anger play in your response? When you are angry, do you feel a need to identify fault?  Can you be angry and not have anyone or anything to blame? When a person is angry with God: what should they not do?  What should they do? How does a lack of understanding and being controlled by desires lead to ruin?  What needs to happen to change course as you move forward in life knowing you will face situations where you don’t know all that you need to know? God deals with sin and separation through Jesus, who holds together God and humanity in himself, and God Himself bears the hostility in order to extinguish it so there can be peace – if there was an easier way, do you imagine God would have taken another way?  Do you discern any wisdom in the plan of God to address the world’s deepest issues in this way? Why is it important that we understand that Jesus wants us to “join” ourselves to him?  How does that attachment become where our desires are satisfied, changed, or renewed? How does a maturing understanding of the gospel transform the role of desire in our lives?  What becomes different?

  7. Jun 28

    Ask for Wisdom

    Audio Recording Ask for Wisdom Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Proverbs 1 Kings 3:3-28 (ESV)3 Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, only he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. 9 Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 10 It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12 behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. 14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” 15 And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. Then he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants. 16 Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 The one woman said, “Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. 18 Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone. There was no one else with us in the house; only we two were in the house. 19 And this woman's son died in the night, because she lay on him. 20 And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while your servant slept, and laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. 21 When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne.” 22 But the other woman said, “No, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours.” The first said, “No, the dead child is yours, and the living child is mine.” Thus they spoke before the king. 23 Then the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead’; and the other says, ‘No; but your son is dead, and my son is the living one.’” 24 And the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So a sword was brought before the king. 25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” 26 Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, “Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” But the other said, “He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.” 27 Then the king answered and said, “Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother.” 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice. Sermon OutlineThe Bible urges us to “get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:5, v9) 1. Why You Need It v9 “….that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” vv16-22 “one… said… the other… said…” 2. What You Need vv23-25  “…the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” v26-27 “the woman whose son was alive said… give her the living child...  Then the king answered… ‘she is his mother’.” 3. How to Attain It vv12-14 “Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind… I give you also what you have not asked” v6 “You have shown great and steadfast love” (v3 “Solomon loved the Lord”) Prayer of ConfessionThe only wise God: we recognize and admit our folly.  We have been proud, thinking we know more than we do.  We have pursued selfish desires and ignored your wise counsel.  We have chosen to do what we ought not do, and neglected to do what we should.  In these and in many ways, we have sinned.  Forgive us all our sins, and in love, grant us wisdom.  We ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What is wisdom?  What does wisdom include (what are some components of wisdom)? Why is wisdom needed? What are some wise principles for navigating situations where you have to make decisions without having all of the information? Why is wisdom not all that you need?  What else is necessary? How is wisdom attained? Why should we God for wisdom?  How does God answer prayers asking for wisdom?  What can you expect, or what will you look for, if you pray for wisdom? How is Jesus “the wisdom of God”?  What does Jesus bring that we could not otherwise have?

  8. Jun 18

    Mission

    Audio Recording Mission Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: FWPSM Acts 1:1-11 (ESV)1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Sermon OutlineWe thrive as we go into the world with lives that bear witness to a greater reality. 1. Witnesses of Christ v8 “ you will be my witnesses” vv2-3 “…to the apostles whom he had chosen.  He presented himself alive to them…” v8 “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 2. Witnesses of His Kingdom v3 “He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” v11 “Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven…” 3. Witnesses of the Spirit’s Power v8 “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” v1 “the first book… all that Jesus began to do and teach…” Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty God, you have sent Jesus into the world for us, and you send us into the world for him.  We admit our failings and need of your grace.  We seek you for comfort and relief, not transformation.  We go into the world to take from it for ourselves, failing to give what you have entrusted to us.  We don’t bear witness to Christ because we fear judgment and rejection.  We don’t go to the vulnerable because we are judgmental and fear failure.  Forgive these and all our sins.  We thank you for the Spirit that points us to Christ and opens our eyes to the beauty of his kingdom.  We pray you would lead us forward and continue your work of transformation in us and our world.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What motivates you to take action? Why is it important, in Christianity, to receive, listen, heal, get guidance, etc. and not just “do”? How do Christians fail to grow if they are not “doing”? Why is “witness” a valuable lens through which to understand the mission of the church?  What does it show us? What value is there in drawing attention to Christ?  What benefit is there in clarifying a chief strategy for the church is that he would be seen? How can Christians bear witness to the Kingdom of God?  What about the way we choose to live can demonstrate a greater reality?  What guidelines or principles should Christians have in mind for how to live well? How can every Christian know their life has purpose?  What if they don’t see how their lives make a difference, or if they are not successful?  What are wise ways to evaluate purpose and meaning? What are the best ways for the church to work together to bear witness to Christ and his kingdom?  What should we do?  What should we not do? How do we live by the Holy Spirit’s power?  What does it look like to be actively engaged, but not in your own strength?  How does this work?

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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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