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. Jun 7

    Prayer

    Audio Recording Prayer Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: FWPSM Luke 11:1-13 (ESV)1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come.3 Give us each day our daily bread,4 and forgive us our sins,    for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.And lead us not into temptation.” 5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Sermon Outline1. A Vision for Prayer (v. 1-4) [1] Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” [2] And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. [2b] Your kingdom come. [3] Give us each day our daily bread, [4] and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” 2. How to Pray (v. 5-10) [5] And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, [6] for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’ [7] and [the neighbor] will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? [8] I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. [9] And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.                                     3. Who We Pray To (v. 11-13) [11] What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; [12] or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Prayer of ConfessionOur perfect Heavenly Father, you created us for rich intimacy and relationship with you. You have given us the gift of prayer to know you more deeply, but we have misused it to get things from you instead of wanting simply you. Forgive us. We thank you that you did not leave us separated from you, but you sent your Son, Jesus so that we might be adopted as your children. Through all that he has done, you invite us to draw near to you with confidence and boldness. Help us to cherish the gift of prayer so that we can know you more deeply. Amen. Questions for Reflection What connected with you from the sermon or the passage? What do you enjoy about prayer? What do you find challenging? What do you think the disciples noticed in Jesus’ prayer life that made them ask him for teaching and guidance on prayer? How might your prayer life look different if you approach God with shameless persistence? What makes it difficult to approach God with unashamed boldness? What helps you feel free to approach God with anything? How does Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane and at the cross help us trust God when our prayers seem unanswered? If prayer is not primarily about getting things from God, but instead it’s about getting God, how might this shape your practice of prayer? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

  2. May 31

    Word

    Audio Recording Word Rev. Scott Strickman Download There is a short gap that represents about 20 seconds of missing content at about minute 14:15 and again at 42:45. We’re sorry for the omission. Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: FWPSM 2 Timothy 4:1-8 (ESV)4 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 But as for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. Sermon OutlineTime in the Bible – particularly in the weekly assembly of God’s people – is a chief means of spiritual nourishment for maturing in Christ. 1.  Hear the Word v2 “preach the word” 2. Endure Sound Teaching v3 the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching 3.  Keep the Faith v7 “I have kept the faith” v6 “I am already being poured out as a drink offering” v8 “the crown of righteousness… not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” Prayer of ConfessionDear heavenly Father: we humbly admit our sin and acknowledge our need for forgiveness. You have spoken to us through the Scriptures, but we have not listened. We have not endured sound teaching; with itching ears we have gathered to ourselves teachers that suit our own passions. We have wandered off into myths, and we have not kept the faith. We have done what we ought not to have done. Yet the same word we have neglected points to Jesus Christ, the righteous judge, who pardons sins. In his name we ask for forgiveness, with thankful acknowledgement of your mercy. Amen. Questions for Reflection What is your experience reading the Bible?  What do you value, appreciate, benefit from?  What is challenging?  What competes for your attention?  How is the public reading and preaching of Scripture a unique way to listen to God? What are some guidelines for listening to a sermon?  What can you be doing to receive the most from it?  What are some things to not do? Why is the Bible the most reliable way to learn about Jesus Christ? How can you tell if Christ is being faithfully preached (in a sermon)? What are some habits that would help you better engage weekly preaching and reflect on what you heard or put something into practice over the course of the week? How do you “keep the faith”?  What does that mean, and what implications does it have for how we understand Christianity? Why is it important to “love” the “appearing” of Christ?  What does that mean?  How can you cultivate better appreciation for the appearing of Christ?

  3. May 24

    Fellowship

    Audio Recording Fellowship Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: FWPSM 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 (ESV)11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Sermon Outline“Fellowship” moves us into deeper relationships where we grow through life with God and His people.  1.  A Spiritual Fellowship v14  “the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”  2. A Participatory Fellowship v11-13  “…rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace.  Greet one another…”  3. A Healthy Fellowship v11  “live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” v14  “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God…” Prayer of ConfessionMerciful God, you have called us into fellowship with yourself and one another, but we have often chosen isolation over community, selfishness over service, and resentment over reconciliation.  We have failed to love one another with patience, humility, generosity, and grace.  Forgive us for withdrawing from others, using people, and neglecting the unity of your church.  By the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, restore us to joyful communion with you and with one another, so that our life together reflects your peace and love to the world.  Amen. Questions for Reflection Why is community important? Why is community hard? How is “fellowship” more than friendship?  What are the qualities of deeper relationships? What role does enjoying things together play in fellowship?  What happens when having fun is the only commonality?  What role can joining together to accomplish something play in relationships?  What happens when the only commonality between people is working together on a task? What are some implications from Jesus’ phrase “it is more blessed to give than receive”? (Acts 20:35) How can this guide how you approach relationships? If you find yourself in a relationship where you give but the other person is taking advantage and not contributing – what are appropriate responses or choices you can make? How can you let the Holy Spirit guide you when you recognize conflicting desires in yourself that are problematic?   Do you recognize any patterns in yourself that threaten peace in relationships? What encouragement or help can you draw from the promise that God will be with you?  What about that can sustain you when you feel all alone? How is the grace that comes from a loving God through Jesus Christ a source of healing and help?  How does peace with God begin to change you and your understanding of relationships?  What can a relationship with God re-shape in you to stir growth and maturity?

  4. May 17

    Prayer

    Audio Recording Faith Practices Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: FWPSM Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Sermon Outline1. A life of devotion [42] And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 2. A life of sharing [44] And all who believed were together and had all things in common. [45] And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 3. A life of witness [46] And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Prayer of ConfessionOur gracious God, we confess that the Christian life is full of challenges. There are so many things competing for our devotion, and we are not always committed to you. We have received spiritual blessings and abundant gifts, but instead of sharing, we often hoard. We struggle to bear witness to Jesus openly and hide out of shame and fear. Forgive us for not living in line with who you have called us to be. May the power of Jesus’ devotion to us, his generous sharing of all that belonged to him, and his beautiful witness of good news renew us and shape us according to your will. Questions for Reflection What connected with you from the sermon or the passage? Based on this passage, our church emphasizes five practices: fellowship, word, sacraments, prayer, mission. What’s the difference between merely valuing these practices and actually being devoted to them? Which of these practices feel most natural to you and which ones need more attention or take more effort on your part? What makes it hard for us to notice the needs of those around us, and perhaps even within our own church? In what ways is the call to generosity easy for you; in what ways is it challenging? The early church seemed to have a Christian identity in both public and private settings. To what degree is your Christian identity on full display? What are the obstacles to having “favor with all people” right now? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

  5. May 10

    Gospel People

    Audio Recording Gospel People Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in Christ Colossians 4:7-18 (ESV)7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Sermon OutlineThe good news draws you in to the life of Christ where ordinary people are transformed by the extraordinary grace of Christ. 1. Gospel Message v12 …struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 2. Gospel Workers v10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas v14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 3. Gospel People v16 … also read the letter from Laodicea. vv7-9 Tychicus… that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts vv12 Epaphras… a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you… v9 …with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother; v18 remember my chains Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty God, full of glory and abounding with grace: thank you that you are so patient and merciful with us. We continue to try to make you more like us, yet resist your work to make us more like you. We are slow to believe and understand. Forgive us for not treating others consistently with the grace we have received. Forgive us for when we have strayed from faithfulness because we dreaded hardship or have been lured by what seemed instantly rewarding. We have lacked the humility and wisdom to embrace the call to be servants of Christ. Forgive every sin. Please continue the work of sanctification by the grace of Jesus Christ until we are brought to maturity and completion. Amen. Questions for Reflection What value could there be in a book of the Bible ending with greetings between people we know little about?  Why is that part of the Bible? If part of the work of the early Christians was to show how God’s will is made known in Jesus, what are we supposed to know?  How does our understanding of life expand as we look to Jesus?  What are some implications of our need to mature in Christ?  What expectations or understandings follow from it? What value is there that the book of Colossians was written by someone who was in prison?  What does it tell us about the one writing and the world in which he lives?  How can we understand that Paul, John Mark and Barnabas had a strong disagreement even though they were leaders in the church?  What are reasonable expectations for church leaders? What is the difference between the letters Paul wrote which became part of the New Testament and other letters he wrote (which we don’t have access to)? What value is there in Paul referring to himself and Tychicus as servants (slaves) of Christ?  Why does Paul call Tychicus a fellow servant, Aristarchus a fellow prisoner, and Onesimus a beloved brother? Why is it important to see that the story of Jesus is not just about a man born in poverty who faced hardship and yet attained to being a king, but that he was a prince who willingly gave up everything and became a servant before these things?  What does this imply about the identity, attitude and expectations of those who answer the call to follow him?

  6. May 3

    Humble Oversight

    Audio Recording Humble Oversight Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in Christ 1 Peter 5:1-5 (ESV)1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Sermon OutlineAs we help one another walk the path of following Jesus, some are entrusted with the responsibility of oversight (vv1-2) 1. Motivation vv2-3 Not: under compulsion… for shameful gain…. domineering…But: willingly… eagerly…   being examples to the flock 2. Qualification v5 Clothe yourselves… with humility… v1 So I exhort… as a fellow elder and a witness… 3. Reward v1 a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed v4  when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Prayer of ConfessionOur great Shepherd: who is like you, who leads us on a path to glory but walks before us through suffering?  Forgive us for all we have taken for granted.  With pride, we have insisted on forging our own path.  With fear, we have lacked faith to follow where you lead.  With cynicism, we have used our energy to complain and resist, rather than walk with you.  We are guilty of resentful compliance, seeking shameful gain, and domineering over others.  Forgive these and all our sins.  Thank you for Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, whose grace makes us wholeheartedly willing and ready, from now on, to live for him.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What do you enjoy contributing to the church, or what forms of service are appealing?  Why? Why is maturity needed for roles of oversight? Which corrupt desires do you recognize at work within you which effect choices you make regarding participation, leadership and responsibility?  Is it possible to untangle corrupt motives from good desires?  How do you move forward when you discern your motives are not pure? How can you cultivate good, God-honoring desires, to motivate you for your tasks outside of church?  What does it look like to do work or pursue your interests along with people who may have similar goals but different motivations? What are you currently doing that feels like obligation or that you are compelled to do?  How are you processing resentment?  What can it look like to take ownership of what you choose to do? What can you infer about Peter, who writes because he is an Apostle, but makes his appeal as a “fellow elder”?  What does this teach about Christian leadership? Is it wrong to be motivated by rewards?  What role do rewards play in Christianity and how does it fit within a message of grace? How does grace provide intrinsic motivation to live a life energized for what is good?

  7. Apr 26

    A Leader Worth Following

    Audio Recording A Leader Worth Following Rev. Charles Drew Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Charles DrewSermon Series: Guest Preacher Psalm 45 (ESV)1 My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;    I address my verses to the king;    my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe. 2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men;    grace is poured upon your lips;    therefore God has blessed you forever.3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,    in your splendor and majesty! 4 In your majesty ride out victoriously    for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;    let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!5 Your arrows are sharp    in the heart of the king's enemies;    the peoples fall under you. 6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.    The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;7     you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.Therefore God, your God, has anointed you    with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;8     your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;9     daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;    at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:    forget your people and your father's house,11     and the king will desire your beauty.Since he is your lord, bow to him.12     The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,    the richest of the people. 13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.14     In many-colored robes she is led to the king,    with her virgin companions following behind her.15 With joy and gladness they are led along    as they enter the palace of the king. 16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons;    you will make them princes in all the earth.17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;    therefore nations will praise you forever and ever. Sermon OutlinePsalm 45 blows like a fresh wind of hope into our gloomy social dysfunction, inviting our hearts to overflow with a pleasing theme (v. 1). 1. The Prince at the center of our hope Supremely attractive:v 2: The most handsome of the sons of men 2. The Prince at the center of our hope His words: v 2: Grace is poured upon your lips 3. The Prince at the center of our hope His character: vv 4, 7: In your majesty ride out . . . for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; . . . You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. 4. The Prince at the center of our hope His victory: vv.4-5:  In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!   Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.  5. The Groom 10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house, 11 and the king will desire your beauty. Prayer of ConfessionLord Jesus, you are the Father’s great gift to us. You speak words we don’t deserve but gladly receive, words of healing and forgiveness, words that fill us with hope, words that change our motivations and appetites. You love us and our world and have done and will do all that is necessary to reverse the damage that we have brought upon ourselves. You desire us, eager for us to love you back. Forgive our tepid hearts. Forgive our ingratitude. Forgive our failure to listen carefully to what you say. Forgive our distractedness, our convenient reconstructions of who you are, and our divided loyalties. Please do not give up on us. We need and want more than forgiveness. We want to be better people, more like you, more responsive to you and to each other. How grateful we are for your promise to finish what you have begun in us. Alleluia. Amen.

  8. Apr 19

    Using Time Wisely

    Audio Recording Using Time Wisely Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in Christ Colossians 4:2-6 (ESV)2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Sermon OutlineHow do we make the best use of the time? Walk in Wisdom Towards Outsiders Speak Graciously Prayer of ConfessionOur wise God, full of grace and truth: we remember your mercy to us, showing kindness when we have not deserved it.  We admit we need forgiveness.  We have been fools, running after things that are of no use, with little control over our impulses.  We have squandered the time.  We have filled our time with things that are trivial, and things that are problematic.  We have not stewarded our time to do what is good and honorable.  Our words expose us: we grumble, gossip, boast and lie.  We appeal to you for more grace.  Pardon our sins, renew us, and show us the goodness of Jesus.  May we do all things – in word and deed – for your glory.  Amen. Questions for Reflection Do you organize your time?  If so, how?  If not, how do you approach the use of time? Why is wisdom needed for setting priorities and making choices?  What are examples of foolish ways of using time?  Do you spend time doing things you don’t think you should?  If so, why? What are examples of good ways to use time?  Which of these good things do you not do enough of, and why? What values or priorities do most human beings share (or the people of New York City)?  Are there any?  What are some differences where Christians hold counter cultural values and priorities?  Are there any distinctives of Christianity that you have trouble with? Why is there such an emphasis in the New Testament on what we say? If salt brings out the goodness of the flavor of food, how can your words be like salt?  What are we being called to do (“let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt”)? When you look at Jesus, what do you see?  Do you have trouble seeing his goodness?  If so, why?  How does seeing the goodness of Jesus have a transformative effect? What changes would you like to make in how you use your time?  What do you want to do more of?  What do you want to stop doing or do less of?  How do you make these changes as part of following Christ (walking in him)?  What can he uniquely add to help you better steward your time?

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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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