Emmanuel Baptist Church Sermons

We should notice the symmetry of this passage: we get grace and peace. Jesus gets glory and dominion forever and ever.

Revelation can be a confusing book, but these opening verses really help us approach it wisely.

Christ gave up His life to serve - and so should we

Passage: Philippians 2:1-6 | Message By: Josh Bondoc | Series: PhilippiansFor those of you who are new or visiting and don't know me, my name is Josh—I'm one of the members of this church, and I serve as one of the pastors here as well. And today, I get to serve you by starting a two-part sermon series from Philippians 2. Every summer, we take a few weeks (usually in the back end of August) to focus on specific topics or themes that would be helpful for us as we continue to pursue life together as a church.  And a few months ago, one of our pastors suggested that we do a series on serving one another. Then another one suggested focusing on loving one another. Then, we all looked at each other and quickly realized, “why don't we hit two birds with one stone?!”  So for the next two weeks, we will be looking at the book of Philippians (and there will be a lot more application points than usual, so feel free to take notes). Specifically, we will look at chp. 2 and doing verses 1-6 today, And next week, we will look at verses 7-11, which Josh will preach for us—the other Josh (L, which stands for lighter skin tone, to give you a helpful distinction). And the reason why we broke up the text this way is because there are actually two big ideas in this passage. While this text exhorts Christians to serve others like Jesus served them, it doesn't start with the acts of service. Instead, this chapter starts by calling for a certain way of thinking that drives the doing. Thinking, then Doing If you look at verse 2, the apostle Paul says “complete my joy by being of the same mind.” Then, in verse 5, he says: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” He commands a way of Thinking Like Jesus (which is what I titled this sermon). In fact, this was Paul's train of thought leading up to chapter 2.  In 1:27, Paul tells the Philippians to stand firm in one spirit and one mind as they strive side by side together for the faith of the gospel. He's talking about having a unified mindset in the faith and thinking in line with their togetherness in the gospel that is able to overcome any hardship or opposition (1:28-30), like Paul was doing from his prison cell while writing this letter.  In other words, Paul is telling Christians here to have a Christian mindset. But where does this start? By first finding our common ground in Christ. Look at chapter 2 starting with verses 1 and 2, which is an “if-then” statement: I. Finding Our Common Ground in Christ (2:1-2) “So if there is any encouragement in Christ… comfort from love… participation in the Spirit… affection and sympathy, [then] complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (2:1). So here, Paul states the obvious and asks rhetorical questions to make them think and evaluate! Are you Christians? Do you find any encouragement or comfort or love from being in Christ? Is the Spirit of God in your hearts that stirs you towards affection and sympathy towards others? If there's any of that in you, then be of the same mind. Have the same love you've received from Christ with each other, since his Spirit is in each one of you. Be in full accord and one mind. Paul basically says the same thing in four different ways. If you experienced these realities vertically, then it only makes sense to experience these horizontally with one another. But Paul isn't assuming that this is happening yet. He tells the Philippians to “complete my joy” by doing this. As in, don't let me lack any of this or miss out on fullness of joy because nothing else would me happier than to see you loving one another in Christ. Make my imprisonment worth it by being of one mind. But what does being of the same mind look like? This phrase is repeated in chapter 4 when Paul entreats two Christian women in Philippi who are in conflict with each other to “agree in the Lord” (Phil. 4:2). This is what was likely happening with Christians in Philippi. They were in tension over their disagreements. A bunch of them weren't on the same page. In the NASB, “agree" is also translated as “live in harmony with one another.” Think of a choir singing a harmony line together—different people singing different notes, yet together to make a more beautiful sound than what they could produce individually apart from one another. So Paul, back in chp. 2, is calling for a like-mindedness that unites them through their disagreements or differences! But why is Paul emphasizing like-mindedness? Well, think of who he's talking to. People. You might think, “well duh, Josh, he's not talking to animals.” But think about it: He's talking to a whole room of people—with different looks, tastes, backgrounds, opinions, personalities, preferences, you name it. I mean, didn't I just describe this whole room this morning? And Paul tells Christians, in Philippi and here today, that being of the same mind (like-mindedness in the Lord) and having the same love (having Christ as our common ground) brings us together through our differences. Here is what we have in common with one another.  Better yet, He is who we have in common with one another. Different people who would not otherwise spend time or share life with one another are brought together into fellowship because of Christ. These people are called Christians! Christ is the core of our identity. If that's not you today, I hope you're appealed by the vision of this kind of relationship. a) Navigating Our Differences But if that's you today, there are many lessons for us to learn here in light of our relationships with one another. First, let's think about what this has to say to us in regard to all of our differences. Because by default, even in a room this size, we tend to gravitate towards people who we have the most in common with (whether you share the same interests or hobbies or sense of humour, or maybe you're in the same age range or season of life, single, married, parents, grandparents, etc).  Now, I'm encouraged because many of you in this room (who are able to do this) intentionally think about switching seats each Sunday to connect with other people and avoid sitting in the same spot each time. And I want to commend that mindset. But we all know that it's easy to default backwards when we're not on guard (maybe you'll see that when you line up for the potluck today). And that's not necessarily bad! We can enjoy being with people who are like us. I really love spending time with people who I have lots in common with! Don't we all have those people who we can just put our feet up with, or laugh out loud with, and even when you accidentally let out a fart you're not scared of being judged (like I fear some of you are probably doing right now—I meant the judging part). Our families and close, comfort friends are a gift from the Lord. But think about it: don't we have the most conflict and tension with our family members? Don't our close friends get on our nerves faster than “other” people?  Why is that? Because your blood ties with your family members only bind you in harmony until your blood boils against each other. And your close friends are only close when you're doing the same things that you like doing together, but butt heads once your different agendas start clashing with each other. And in some cases (which I know a number of you here have unfortunately experienced), didn't some of these best friends ironically become your worst enemies? Why? Because all relationships that do not have Christ as their foundation do not last (not even blood, because those part at death)! But if the risen Christ is your common ground with people, then these relationships last beyond death. This is why, in chapter 4 when Paul tells the two women to settle their differences and disagreements in the Lord, Paul's motivation was the fact that “their names are [written] in the book of life” (Phil. 4:3). This tells us that disagreements between Christians on matters outside of gospel fundamentals can (and should) be resolved through our eternal fellowship in Christ. One of my concerns today (and I've noticed this with both young and old) is how Christians have tended to handle disagreements with one another with little to no concern or regard for preserving unity (like we can just throw it away).  On one end, some lack tactfulness when offering their differing opinions. Some Christians feel very comfortable (often too much) in expressing their disagreements with people's opinions (and usually these are the kinds of people who are very happy to blurt out opinions of their own).  And if this is where you tend to land, the question for you is this: though there are times when it is fitting to offer your thoughts, could there also be times to consider if it's worth holding yourself back from expressing disagreement—simply for the sake of preserving Christian fellowship and unity? “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion” (Prov. 18:2). On the other end, there's a lack of emotional maturity and stability in responding to any sort of disagreement. For some, any differing opinion or disagreement is instantly met with defensiveness. As in, “they disagreed with me so they must dislike me.”  What can so easily sap Christian` love and unity is when affection is replaced by assumption, and when sympathy is replaced by suspicion. Sound familiar? Then from there, any joke or comment from that person now rubs us the wrong way. We receive each word with utter suspicion and thus interpret it in the worst possible way, which quickly harbours quiet resentment in our hearts towards that brother or sister.  If this is you, could it be that you feel such defensiveness when people offer any disagreement because you hold your opinions on trivial matters as facts, and that you feel the need to be right?...

Everything in heaven & earth will be shaken - what will remain?

Our Sins They Are Many His Mercy Is More

Passage: Haggai 2:1-9 | Message By: Brad Lytle | Series: Through the Storm

For some of us, the call from Haggai 1 might actually be a call to spend less time with our Christian friends, and to get to know our neighbours instead.

God's word to Edom through Obadiah has a lot to say to us today.

We rejoice in the hope that one day, when He appears, we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as he is, and He will be our joy as we know Him in a way that we couldn't even fathom right now.

Looking back to look forward.

God cares about what nations to do each other. Do we?

"The righteous shall live by faith." God's people make it through whatever they're going through as they steadfastly trust him.

God's sovereignty often surprises us. Are we okay with that?

Our older brother Jesus has saved us - but there's work to do...

It matters what we look at—but even more, it matters how we see.

Christian, remember what story you live in. Whatever struggles or challenges are going on in your life today, they are but skirmishes in a long spiritual war that began in the garden and will end when Satan is cast into the lack of fire forever.

God does not need defending; we do need to trust Him.

God does not want some sacrifice here and there. He want's our lives.

Instead of "go and do likewise," today's passage causes us to reflect on the way that selfish thoughtlessness brings suffering to us and others—and how Jesus is our rescue.

Jonathan trusted God and then took thoughtful, deliberate action. What can we learn from him about ourselves—and our Saviour?

The point of this chapter is that there is no such thing as a "small" disobedience. There is no such thing as tiny sin. There are no circumstances, however dire, that justify disobedience.

This is why God will not forsake His people.

Good beginnings are worthless without a strong ending.

Jesus is not just a beloved character from a book. He's really alive.

Good Friday is a time to celebrate, not mourn.

Saul's fear is not humility. Jesus's humility is not fear.

God is telling a story. We might not be able to guess the ending, but that doesn't mean He's not in control.

One of God's strategies is to bring the greatest good through the worst evils... How may He do that in your life?

"Here I raise my Ebenezer."

We become what we worship. Is that good news or bad news for us?

God can handle Himself. Isn't it good, though, that He wants to use us?

Passage: 1 Samuel 4:1-22 | Message By: Chris Hutchison | Series: The Rise and Fall of the House of Saul - 1 Samuel 1-15

Passage: 1 Samuel 3:10-18 | Message By: Chris Hutchison | Series: The Rise and Fall of the House of Saul - 1 Samuel 1-15How does a faithful parent love their sinning children? Or, more broadly, how does a faithful Christian love a sinning family member? That is a question that we've been asked in various ways over the past few weeks by the book of 1 Samuel. Eli the priest had two sons who used their position to serve their own appetites. Eli knew it, and he gave them a scolding, but he didn't do anything actively to stop them. And two times, two separate occasions, God rebuked Eli for his failure as a priest and as a parent. The first time was in chapter 2, where an unnamed prophet condemned Eli for honouring his sons above God by actually enjoying the fruits of their theft. The second time came in chapter 3, God spoke through the boy Samuel, and he rebuked Eli not so much for sharing in his sons' sins, but simply for not stopping them for what they were doing. “His sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them,” says verse 13. So twice over the last two weeks, as we've just been following along with what God has said in his book, we've heard about different aspects of this relationship between Eli and his sons and we've talked, briefly, about what lessons we might learn about this for the present day. But there's a lot more to say, and at some point it was clear that we just needed a part two to last week's sermon, which is what we're doing here today. Speak, Lord So let's pick up on where we left off last week, and not actually on the issue of Eli and his sons, but on the issue of God speaking the message about Eli and his sons to Samuel. Samuel said, "Speak, Lord," and received God's message, whatever it was. And he passed it on without tinkering with it at all. And like we saw last week, that was a hard message. It was a hard message that didn't come padded with any padding of encouragement. God spoke directly and without apology, even though He knew better than anybody else how much his message would upset His hearers. Just consider that. Today, if we find out that we've upset people by something we've said, we tend to assume we've made a mistake. And often enough that's true, but not always. God upset Samuel. Jesus upset his own disciples all the time, on purpose. And part of being a Christian means that Jesus has the permission to rock our boats as often as he wants to. Let's learn from both Samuel and Eli about our posture when we hear something from God's word that rocks our boats. Of course it's okay to ask questions to try to understand better. Of course it's okay to say, "How do I actually work that out? How does that apply to this or that situation?" But our default posture should be like Samuel: "Speak, Lord." Or like Eli: “It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him” (1 Samuel 3:18). 1. Family is From God Let's keep that in mind as we listen now to a number of passages from across the whole Bible, some of which we might find reassuring and comforting, some of which we might find profoundly challenging. Let's start back at the beginning: families are a part of God's good design. God created marriage and childbirth and all of the connections between parents and children and siblings, and this was a part of His good design. There are bonds of love between members of a family forged in shared experiences and connections that begin at birth and, if all goes well, get only stronger as years go on. And this was God's idea, and God's good design. So if we ever feel like our families are something that we need to protect from God's interference, we're missing something. Family itself was God's good idea and design. Our family is God's gift to us. 2. Family is About God Second, we want to remember that even in the goodness of the original creation, family was never an end unto itself. Just like nothing God created was ever an end unto itself. Everything in creation, from waterfalls to water bears, was made to declare the glory of God, and family does so in particularly unique ways. Out of all of his creation, God made us in His image, which applies to our relationships as well. The clearest example is marriage, and how Ephesians 5:32 tells us that all the way back in Genesis 2:24, God designed human marriage to be a picture of the divine relationship between Christ and His church. It's not like Jesus and His Church are kind of like a husband and a wife. It's that a husband and a wife are kind of like Jesus and His church. The same goes for fathers and their children. Long before human fathers and sons existed, God the Father lived in perfect eternal relationship with God the Son, and planned to draw us into that same eternal love relationship. So it's not like God is like a human father—it's that the best human fathers are kind of like God. He came first. And if God is our Father, then we're brothers and sisters, "members of the household of God" (Eph 2:19, 1 Tim 3:15). Which, if we're putting the pieces together, doesn't mean that the church is like a family. It means that a family is like the church. The family is a picture of the people of God, just like fathers are a picture of God, and marriage is a picture of Jesus. So family is not just from God, family is about God. Family is about God in other ways, as well. Families were designed by God to be greenhouses for training and discipleship in godliness, and families work best when God is actively at the centre of their life together. That's one reason we've poured hours into training parents and husbands and wives and dating couples—all of which you can find on our website. And the point here is that families are about God. 3. Satan vs. Family Not surprisingly, then, family is one of the first and repeated things that Satan has attacked in his long war against God. It's right there in the garden, where he works to weasel in between Eve and Adam. It's right there in Cain's murder of Abel. It's there in Ham's sin against Noah, Lot and his daughters, the sons of Jacob selling Joseph into slavery. It's there in our world today in every unmarried mom, every deadbeat dad, every rebellious teenager, every divorce, every act of abuse or neglect. The family is one of Satan's favourite places to attack because when he attacks the family, he attacks one of the places where we're supposed to see God's truth displayed and where God's truth is supposed to be taught and lived out. And that's why the Bible and our modern world give us no end of examples of families broken by sin in countless ways. 4. Family vs. God And one of the saddest ways that this can happen is when some members of a family choose to reject their creator and rebel against him, while others in the family want to stay faithful to him. That puts those faithful members of a family in a really, really tough spot. If family is from God and about God, what happens when part of your family starts working against God, and you need to choose between your family and God? And the Lord knew that these situations would arise, and told His people how to respond to these situations. Consider Deuteronomy 13. The first five verses announce that anybody in Israel who tried to entice the people to forsake God and worship other gods was to receive the death penalty. Anybody. Does that include your own flesh and blood? Listen to verses 6-11: “6 ‘If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son or your daughter or the wife you embrace or your friend who is as your own soul entices you secretly, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,' which neither you nor your fathers have known, 7 some of the gods of the peoples who are around you, whether near you or far off from you, from the one end of the earth to the other, 8 you shall not yield to him or listen to him, nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him, nor shall you conceal him. 9 But you shall kill him. Your hand shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. 10 You shall stone him to death with stones, because he sought to draw you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 11 And all Israel shall hear and fear and never again do any such wickedness as this among you” (Deuteronomy 13:6–11). God knows that the people are going to hear the first five verses and say "uh-huh. Got it." And then when it's their own son or daughter or brother or wife, they're going to say "ahh, maybe things aren't so black and white." The natural thing for families to do in a situation like that is to yield, to listen to them, to pity them, to spare them, to conceal them from what the law required. That's what years of bonding and attachment and familial love make you want to do. That's what feels natural. But in reality, it's profoundly unnatural. Because families are from God and for God, a family that is actively working to pull its members away from God is a family that is working against what God designed them to do. And so the Lord is clear: your family doesn't get a pass when it comes to obeying and applying the law of God. There's no spiritual nepotism. No exceptions. Another example, slightly different, is found in Deuteronomy 21: “18 ‘If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and, though they discipline him, will not listen to them, 19 then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gate of the place where he lives, 20 and they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This our son is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.' 21 Then all the men of the city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall purge the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear,

When we encounter something in the Bible, whether we're reading it or hearing it being faithfully preached, and we don't like what we hear for one reason or another, how do we respond?

As we think about our participation in the life of the church, do we think like priests in a holy temple whose priority is offering God acceptable worship, or do we think like consumers in a buffet line, coming in with the big fork to take the best for ourselves and leave the rest behind?

Samuel spent his days being taught, not by pop culture, but by older, godly people. He made the best use of time by learning good things from these people—things that lasted more than a few seconds or minutes.

Hannah is more in awe of what God has given her than she is sad to give it up.

The cries of Hannah—"don't forget about me"—are fulfilled in the cries of the cross, where Jesus asked His father why He'd forsaken Him. And because Jesus tasted that pain for us, we can know, even in our worst pain, that we are not abandoned.

You will not be able to love like Ruth and Boaz until you really know how well you've been loved by the heir of Ruth and Boaz' great-grandson David.

Like Ruth, our redemption is done for us, and without our help...

Jesus is not just the true Boaz; He's the better Boaz because he didn't need anybody to suggest the idea of redeeming us to Him.