Emmanuel Sunday Talks

In this sermon, Matt Carvel reflects on Exodus 18, where Moses receives wise advice from Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, about sharing leadership duties. He begins by noting society's growing use of AI and reluctance to ask for help, linking it to Moses' initial attempt to lead alone. Jethro's counsel to delegate is seen as a moment of humility and growth. The sermon highlights that Christianity's core message is not self-effort but God's rescuing love. We, as a church, are encouraged to depend on Jesus, embrace humility, and seek help from both God and our community, finding peace and rest in Him.

In this preach, Matt Simmonds explores Exodus 17 and the story of Israel's battle against Amalek. It emphasises how God's people, though delivered from slavery, still face attacks from external enemies, symbolising the kind of spiritual battles believers face today. Matt highlights the tactics of the enemy - attacking at moments of weakness and rest - and draws parallels to how the enemy works in our lives. The sermon teaches that victory comes through prayer, remembering God's past faithfulness, and standing together in community. Ultimately, it points to Jesus' decisive victory on the cross, encouraging us as believers to fight spiritual battles not with our own strength but by relying on Christ's finished work.

In his preach, Neville Jones explored Exodus 16 and reflects on two main themes: ‘grumbling in the desert' and ‘God's miraculous provision'. Drawing from the Israelites' complaints after being freed from Egypt, Neville highlights how easily we forget past hardships and God's grace when faced with new discomforts. He challenges us to examine our own hearts for dissatisfaction and mistrust, reminding them that desert experiences are often where God shapes us most deeply. He then connects the manna from heaven to Jesus Christ, the ultimate provision from God, who sustains us daily. Neville encourages us to embrace desert seasons, resist grumbling, and recognise Jesus as the true bread of life who meets our needs even in the hardest times.

In his preach Stephen Dawson focusses in on the themes of power and the importance of faith, encouraging us as Christians to trust in God's timing and plan, even when circumstances seem somewhat uncertain. He draws from a number of biblical examples, and emphasises how faith is not just belief but action - it often looks like stepping out even when the outcome isn't visible. Stephen challenges us to live with expectancy, remain obedient, and trust that God is working behind the scenes for their good.

In this exploration of communion, Neville Jones reminds us of the profound significance behind this sacred practice. The breaking of bread and sharing of wine isn't just a ritual – it's a deeply meaningful act that connects us to the very heart of our faith. As we partake, we're looking back at Christ's sacrifice, recognising His presence with us now, and looking forward to His return. This practice, rooted in Jesus' last supper, serves as a tangible reminder of His body broken and blood shed for us. It's a celebration of victory, not just a sombre remembrance.

In this exploration of church membership, we're reminded of the profound mystery of Christ and His body - the Church. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12, we see how each of us is an integral part of this living organism. In a world that champions individualism, convenience, and materialism, we're called to a radically different way of life. The Church isn't just an institution; it's a family bound by covenant love, mirroring God's steadfast commitment to us. As members of Christ's body, we're invited to shift from self-centered living to embracing a mission larger than ourselves.

In the first part of our Easter series, we delve into the mystery of Christ and our connection to Him through the practice of baptism. Baptism isn't just a symbol; it's a declaration of our faith, a demonstration of our spiritual rebirth, and an identification with Jesus' death and resurrection. We're challenged to consider: what does it truly mean to be 'in Christ'?

In this exploration of Acts 12, we're confronted with the challenging question of God's fairness in answering prayers. We see James martyred while Peter is miraculously freed from prison. This stark contrast invites us to grapple with the mystery of God's ways and the different paths He chooses for His followers. Neville reminds us that God's plans often surpass our understanding, and that both life and death can be powerful witnesses to His glory.

Gift Day Sunday // Time to Build - Stephen Dawson // Ephesians 2:19-22 by Emmanuel

In this exploration of Acts 11, we delve into the establishment of the church in Antioch and explore what it means to be the body of Christ. Matt reminds us that the heartbeat of the church is, and always must be, the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Are we keeping Jesus at the centre of our faith and our church? The passage illustrates how the early Christians didn't just preach a concept, but proclaimed the living presence of Jesus himself. Our faith is not about following a set of rules, but about a transformative relationship with the living Christ.

In this exploration of Acts 10, Matt Simmonds challenges us to confront the barriers that divide and embrace the unifying power of the Gospel. The story of Peter and Cornelius reminds us that God shows no partiality - a revolutionary concept in a world marked by division. We see how the Holy Spirit breaks down walls between Jews and Gentiles, foreshadowing the inclusive nature of God's kingdom.

In this message, Stephen Dawson explores the miraculous healings of Aeneas and Tabitha in Acts 9, reminding us that God's power to heal is still active today. We're challenged to examine our faith and expectations when it comes to divine intervention. The story emphasises how these miracles not only transformed individual lives but also led many to turn to the Lord.

The transformative power of God's grace takes center stage in this exploration of Saul's conversion in Acts 9. We're reminded that God's grace doesn't just save us - it saves us into His church, bringing us into profound union with Christ. When we hurt, Jesus feels it personally. The story of Saul, the church's archenemy turned apostle, showcases how God's grace brings powerful change, often starting with our hearts rather than our circumstances.

In this exploration of Acts 8, we're confronted with a profound truth: God often works through seasons of suffering to bring about His greatest purposes. The early Christians faced intense persecution, yet this very hardship became the catalyst for spreading the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. We see how Philip, despite likely grieving the loss of his friend Stephen, becomes a vessel for miraculous conversions and healings.

In this exploration of Acts 7, Stephen Dawson delves into the life and martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The central message revolves around imitating Christ through our actions, even in the face of persecution. Stephen's unwavering faith and bold proclamation of the gospel serve as a profound example for us today. The parallels between Stephen's death and Jesus' crucifixion are striking, reminding us that following Christ may involve suffering, but also brings ultimate victory.

In this talk, Matt Carvel explores the early church's growth and challenges as described in Acts 6:1-7. We're reminded that the church, despite its imperfections, has been a force for good for 2,000 years. God uses ordinary, imperfect people to spread His message and meet the world's needs. Just as the apostles appointed seven men to address the neglect of Hellenistic widows, Jesus continues to call and empower us today. We're challenged to consider: What is Jesus calling us to do? How can we bear fruit in our current season? In Christ, there's no 'subs bench' – we're all called to active ministry, whatever form that may take in our lives.

In this exploration of Acts 5, Tobi Ford-Western reminds us of the early church's unwavering commitment to proclaiming Jesus Christ. The apostles faced intense opposition, yet their faith remained unshakeable. We see God working through both supernatural means (angelic intervention) and practical wisdom (Gamaliel's advice), teaching us that He uses various methods to accomplish His purposes. The apostles' joy in suffering for Christ challenges us to examine our own perspective on hardship. Are we willing to rejoice when faced with opposition for our faith? This passage encourages us to boldly proclaim the name of Jesus, regardless of the consequences, trusting that God is building His church through our faithfulness.

In the first talk of the new series, The World Turned Upside Down, Neville Jones looks at the story of Ananias and Sapphira. This passage challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith and the dangers of hypocrisy. We're reminded that true Christianity isn't about following rules, but about experiencing a heart transformation that leads to genuine generosity and honesty. The stark consequences faced by Ananias and Sapphira serve as a sobering reminder of God's holiness and the seriousness of attempting to deceive Him.

Neville Jones challenges us to embrace the power of prayer, drawing lessons from Elijah on Mount Carmel about persistence, private communion, and praying God's promises.

Christmas, the incarnation, is God coming to dwell with His people. It is God coming to make a home in a broken world. But thirdly, it is also God coming to identify with us as individual people too. Jesus did not float 2cm above the earth but was content to become like us, even live under the labels like, ‘Nazarene' that even everyday people would wince under. Christmas is a story of how Jesus became like us, became like you, to rescue us, to rescue you. God became flesh. He was born as a human baby. With feet and hands and eyes and tummy button. He lived in obscurity, he lived under threat, he lived a life of misunderstanding, persecution and injustice. And He did it all for our sake. He has become like us, even identified among sinners like us. He has made His home with us. To make His home, with the Father, our home.

In this final message of our Crisis of Confidence teaching series, George Benson reminds us that crisis is an inevitable part of life, but peace is always possible through Christ. The central scripture, John 16:33, offers a profound truth: 'In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.' This teaching doesn't shy away from the reality of suffering, but instead prepares us for it. We're encouraged to find our peace not in circumstances, but in our union with Jesus. Just as He remained calm in the storms of life, we too can access His supernatural peace that surpasses understanding. This message challenges us to develop consistent prayer rhythms and to approach Jesus in both good times and bad, finding in Him a source of strength and tranquility that the world cannot provide.

Stephen Dawson reminds us of the profound responsibility and privilege of parenting as a spiritual journey. We're challenged to see our role as parents primarily as spiritual formators, shaping the souls of our children. He draws parallel between our earthly parenting and God's perfect parenting of us. It's a call to acknowledge God in all our ways, with wholehearted embrace. Stephen invites us to courageously trust God, even when parenting feels overwhelming, reminding us that it's not about having the biggest trust, but about trusting the biggest God.

Neville Jones takes us through an overview of scripture looking at references to caring for the poor. In our journey of faith, we're called to reflect on God's heart for the poor and marginalised. The Old Testament, from Exodus to Isaiah, consistently emphasises God's command to care for the needy, strangers, and oppressed. This isn't just a suggestion but a divine mandate. When we serve the poor, we're essentially giving to the Lord Himself. This powerful imagery reminds us that our acts of compassion are deeply intertwined with our worship. The early church exemplified this beautifully, sharing possessions and ensuring no one was in need. Their care for the vulnerable went hand-in-hand with powerful ministry and church growth.

This powerful message reminds us of our profound need for a great high priest - Jesus Christ. The sermon takes us through biblical history, from humanity's original role as priests in Eden to the Old Testament sacrificial system, culminating in Jesus as the ultimate high priest. We learn that Jesus isn't just sympathetic to our struggles; He intimately understands them, having been tempted in every way yet remaining sinless. This gives us the confidence to approach God's throne of grace, no matter our past or present struggles.

In our journey of faith, we often grapple with the question of how to become better people. In this talk, George Benson challenges us to reconsider our approach, focusing on the transformative power of Christ rather than mere self-improvement techniques.

In this talk, Stephen Dawson explores the transformative power of abiding in Christ's love and how it empowers our relationships. The central scripture, John 15:8-17, invites us to dwell in Jesus' love just as He dwells in the Father's love. This beautiful imagery of interconnectedness reminds us that we're not just servants, but friends chosen by God.

In our journey of faith, we often grapple with the concept of money and its place in our spiritual lives. This message challenges us to reframe our perspective on wealth through the lens of biblical stewardship. The key scripture, 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, invites us to consider the Macedonian Christians' example of joyful generosity despite their extreme poverty. Their secret? They 'gave themselves first to the Lord.' This profound act of surrender reminds us that everything we have ultimately belongs to God. We're called to be faithful stewards, managing His resources for His glory. This shift in mindset can liberate us from the grip of materialism and open our hearts to a life of God-honouring generosity.

In this exploration of self-worth and identity, we delve into Psalm 139, uncovering the profound truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God. The story of David's anointing reminds us that God sees beyond outward appearances, choosing the overlooked and underestimated. We confront the epidemic of shame in our society, recognizing how childhood experiences and societal pressures can deeply affect our self-perception. However, the message of being knitted together by God's loving hands offers a transformative perspective on our inherent value. As we grapple with the tension between longing to be known and fearing rejection, we're reminded of Christ's ultimate act of love - taking on our shame so we can experience the Father's unconditional acceptance. This message challenges us to see ourselves through God's eyes, embracing our uniqueness and finding empowerment in His love.

In this message, we're reminded that our confidence in the future doesn't come from knowing what lies ahead, but from knowing who holds the future. Drawing from 2 Peter 1:3-4, we explore how God's divine power grants us everything we need for life and godliness. The sermon challenges us to shift our focus from worldly anxieties to eternal matters, encouraging us to fear the right things – not tomorrow's uncertainties, but the state of our souls before a holy God. Yet, this fear is quickly relieved by God's grace and the precious promises He offers us. We're called to treasure these promises, guarding them against the enemy who seeks to steal our confidence in God's goodness. As we face the future, we're invited to partake in the divine nature, sharing in God's holiness and becoming more like Him. This incredible truth should empower us to live with confidence, knowing that we're united with Christ and equipped for whatever lies ahead.

In this day and age many people feel that Christianity is irrelevant. To find empowerment today we need to have greater self-esteem, tell ourselves we can do it and manifest our goals. The Gospel of Jesus Christ starts from a very different place, in fact an opposite place. In the Gospel we find strength in our weakness. It may seem like, ‘foolishness to the Greeks', but the power of God begins at the end of ourselves.

In our exploration of work through a biblical lens, we uncover profound truths about our purpose and identity. The passage from Colossians 3 invites us to view our daily labour as more than just a means to an end, but as a divine calling.

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, how can we find strength and joy? The book of Habakkuk offers us a powerful lesson in transforming our perspective. We're introduced to a prophet who begins in a state of despair, questioning God's care for the world. Yet, by the end, Habakkuk sings a song of joy and strength, despite unchanged circumstances. This transformation isn't about external factors; it's about the internal 'song' we choose to sing. We're challenged to examine the narratives we tell ourselves about our lives and the world around us. Are we singing songs of fear and anxiety, or are we tuning into God's song of love and salvation?

At the start of the new term, Stephen Dawson brings a word of encouragement about unclogging wells from Genesis 26 and the story of Isaac reopening the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham.

Summer in the Psalms // Psalm 150 - Stu Gibbs by Emmanuel

Summer in the Psalms // Psalm 16 - Matt Simmonds by Emmanuel

Summer In The Psalms // Psalm 34 - George Benson by Emmanuel

Summer in the Psalms // Psalm 117 - Matt Carvel by Emmanuel

Summer in the Psalms // Psalm 147 Part 2 - Stephen Dawson by Emmanuel

Summer in the Psalms // Psalm 147 Part 1 - Stephen Dawson by Emmanuel

In the final message of our series, Tobi examines God's testing of his people through the contrasts of Exodus 15. In a 3 day period, Israel goes from singing to sighing. In it, we see the grace of God, as he exchanges what is bitter for what is sweet.

In this week's message, Stephen delves into Exodus chapter 14 and the crossing of the Red Sea. He addresses what to do when you feel hemmed in by your circumstances. How should we view difficulty and trouble through God's perspective? What does it look like for God to make a way?

In this talk, George Benson looks at the importance of remembering God's salvation through rituals like the dedication of firstborns and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, paralleling them with Christian practices such as the Lord's Supper. He also highlights Christian life as a relationship with Jesus, guided by God's presence, which leads to true fulfillment and restoration.

Stephen Dawson talks about the church's June giving campaign, Time to Plant from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 looking at Paul's words that whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

As the Israelites finally begin the walk from slavery in Egypt to freedom away from it, we unpack how Jesus sets us free from slavery to sin. How do we get free from sinful habits and negative thought patterns? Believe in Jesus, receive His grace and walk in obedience.

Stephen Dawson looks at the Passover and how that points to the work of Christ in redeeming His people.

Matt Carvel looks at the character of God revealed through His judgement on the people of Egypt through the plagues

Continuing in our Otherside teaching series, George Benson looks at how God responds to our doubt and disappointment through the revelation of His name and His promises.

In this talk, Neville Jones looks at some of the things that can hold us back spiritually but Christ sets us free to worship and serve Him.

In the fourth talk in the Otherside teaching series, Tobi Ford-Westerm takes us through Exodus 4, where Moses gives a number of reasons not to obey the call of God. We look at... "Who am I?" "They won't believe me" "I'm not eloquent" "Please send someone else" And what they mean in the context of the battle of the mind.

In the third talk in the Otherside teaching series, Tobi Ford-Westerm takes us through Exodus 3, where we see the call of Moses. In it, we see what the Burning Bush symbolised, what “I am who I am” signified, and considered ‘The Angel of the Lord' personified. Along the way, we see not only how God responds to prayer, but are given fascinating insight into how he receives it.

In the second talk in the Otherside teaching series, Matt Carvel looks at God's pattern of working in our lives that involves preservation, humiliation, and exaltation, leading us closer to Him.