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. 28 juin

    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?

  2. 18 juin

    Word

    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?

  3. 14 juin

    Word

    Audio Recording Sacraments Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: FWPSM Romans 4:1-17 (ESV)1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,    and whose sins are covered;8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” 9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. 13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. Sermon OutlineGod has given us signs and seals of the covenant to show us grace, assure us and nurture us. 1. Covenant v13 “for the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world…” v6, 9 “blessing” v16 “that is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring…” (v4 “gift”) 2. Sign v11 “he received the sign of circumcision… the righteousness he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised” v10 “it was not after, but before he was circumcised” v12 “who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith” 3. Seal v11 “as a seal” v11-12 “the purpose…” v16 “the promise… guaranteed to all his offspring” v5 “believes in him who justifies the ungodly” Prayer of ConfessionOur Father, who justifies the ungodly: we acknowledge there is nothing we can do to earn your favor.  We admit we have broken our covenant relationship with you through unbelief and sinful actions.  You would be perfectly just to give us what we deserve.  We thank you for the grace of Jesus Christ, through whom you give us what we don’t deserve.  We marvel at your faithfulness to bring the long-promised blessing to us, and we turn to you today, renewing our faith, thankful for the forgiveness of sins and life with you.  Amen. Questions for Reflection What is pictured/portrayed in baptism?  What are we meant to see? What is pictured/portrayed in the Lord’s Supper?  What are we meant to see? As signs, how do these two sacraments point us to Jesus? What value is there in being baptized and partaking regularly in the Lord’s Supper? Why is it important to remember God’s promises?  How do the sacraments help us to trust the promises of God? What are similarities and differences between circumcision and baptism?  Between the Passover and the Lord’s Supper? How are the sacraments means to assure us God is trustworthy?  How are they means to assure us we are included in God’s plan of grace? What are ways we might misuse the sacraments?  What misunderstandings are we prone to?

  4. 7 juin

    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?

  5. 31 mai

    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?

  6. 24 mai

    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?

  7. 17 mai

    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?

  8. 10 mai

    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?

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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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  • Création
    Emmanuel Presbyterian Church
  • Années d’activité
    2019 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    99
  • Classification
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    Emmanuel Presbyterian Church