Sermons from Immanuel Church in Wilmington Delaware

John 6 This chapter begins with Jesus speaking to a multitude who become hungry. To meet their need, he multiplies the few available loaves and fish in a miraculous provision for them. After leaving that crowd for a time, he walks on water to reach another crowd. It's here that he proclaims himself the Bread of Life. Many are searchers, but as he further expounds upon this truth, some become grumblers, some arguers, and even some decide to desert him. We must seek after Jesus because we want a relationship with Him- NOT a handout. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

John 5:1-9 When Jesus came to the pool of Bethesda and saw the many disabled people hoping to receive healing from the waters, he was led by God to speak to one man who had been an invalid for 38 years. The man was healed simply by obeying the words of Jesus to stand and walk. Jesus has divine authority to heal, judge, and give life. It's important for us to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance so that we minister in divine authority, not in our own human desires. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

John 4:1-42 As we continue to follow the life of Jeus in the Gospel of John, we come upon his meeting the Samaritan woman at the well. He reveals Himself as Messiah to a broken woman - and transforms a whole town. In John 3, Jesus offered eternal life to a wealthy Council leader. Now he offers it to the outcast and overlooked. Eternal life is available to all. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

John 3:1-18 Continuing the study of John entitled "That You May Believe", we examine the conversation of Jesus with Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling Council. Jesus explains what it means to be born again. Nicodemus's response went from confusion, to curiosity, to conviction, and most likely to conversion. The plan of salvation as declared in John 3:16-18. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

John 2 Since the morning service was cancelled due to the snow emergency, Pastor Will Livestreamed the sermon from his home. In Chapter 2 of John, we see Jesus performing his first miracle and then clearing the Temple. They symbolize His ability to transform lives, but also to confront and cast out evil. He is the Messiah with divine authority. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

John 1:19-51 As we continue through the Gospel of John, we see Jesus revealing himself personally and inviting seekers to believe. John the Baptist gives witness to many that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus then has his first interactions with Andrew, Peter, Philip and Nathanael. Each has his own story of how he came to follow Jesus. Faith often begins with invitation, testimony and simple obedience. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

John 1:1-18 We begin a 13-week Sermon Series entitled "That You May Believe: Encountering Jesus in the Gospel of John". This journey is anchored in the central message of John's Gospel: Jesus is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, and through belief in Him we receive eternal life. In this first sermon, we ask "Who is Jesus?". We see that He is Eternal God. He is Life and Light. The Word became flesh and dwelled among us. We're called to believe, to receive and thus to live. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 Before starting the new year with a Reflective Communion, we looked at teaching about the proper attitude when partaking of Communion. Because of God's righteousness, we need to examine ourselves beforehand and confess our sins to God, so we can enter with the right standard before Him. The Lord's Supper exemplifies the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Psalm 133 As we prepare to begin a new year, we look at what the psalmist says brings the blessings from God. They come when we put aside our selfish desires, our unforgiveness, and our grudges to pursue unity in our family, the church and the nation. Those blessings will then overflow to others. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

This recording includes elements of our Christmas Eve Service. First is the Advent Reading, followed by a sample of the Worship and Scripture readings. Then the sermon begins about 11 minutes in, where Pastor Jeff recounts the significance of the birth of Jesus. Following the sermon, you'll find the 2 Carols sung during the congregational Candle Lighting. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38 As we continue the Advent series, "Crossroads to Christmas", we explore the many emotions that Joseph had surrounding the birth of Jesus. We see his initial anxiety and fear regarding Mary's pregnancy until the angel appears to him and gives him peace. He handles the situation with integrity. When the child arrives, he is filled with joy. Some of the hardest decisions we make are some of the best decisions we make. It's important that Jesus is the center of our lives. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Matthew 1:18-24; 2:1-23 We continue in the sermon series, Crossroads to Christmas, by looking at all the prophecies that were fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. That multitude of prophecies proved true through the test of time, proving that Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Messiah. Because of that, we can trust that God's promises of love and salvation still ring true today. We have peace during the Christmas season knowing God's promises are guaranteed. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Isaiah 7:10-14 We begin an Advent series entitled "The Crossroads of Christmas". In this first sermon, we look at the reality of the virgin birth through Mary. It was a Miraculous Conception, not an Immaculate Conception. Mary was not devoid of original sin. She was an imperfect person fulfilling a perfect plan, God's divine selection for His divine purpose. All have sinned and need a sinless Savior. Jesus had no sin and then gave his life for us. Even Mary declared him to be her Savior. And so we begin to explore all the prophecies of the Messiah that were fulfilled in the birth, life and death of Jesus. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Matthew 13:24-30; 25:31-46 After summarizing the lessons from the previous parable sermons, we concluded the Parade of Parables series by addressing those that dealt with the second coming of Jesus and the time of judgment. Jesus compared it to a time of harvest when the wheat is separated from the weeds, and to a time when a fishing net is cleared of the bad fish. Jesus doesn't do the separating until the final judgment, so the "good wheat" and "good fish" are fully clear. May we be found faithful when the final harvest of true believers takes place. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Luke 15:11-32 Wanting the blessings of God, without God, is sin. The Parable of the prodigal son shows us that sin promises freedom but gives slavery. Repentance is not getting better, not trying harder, not fixing ourselves. Repentance is simply turning away from sin and turning toward God, who will do the cleaning, just as the prodigal son discovered. We may be like the younger son who was lost in rebellion, or like the older son who was lost in religion, but the Father loves us all. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Matthew 25:14-30 In the 24th chapter, verses 5-12, Jesus describes the state of the earth when He returns. He says no one will know the day. Jesus gives parables that show what is needed to prepare for that time. He compares it to a man who goes on a journey and entrusts his possessions to three servants. When the man returns, he blesses the two of them who had increased the possessions and curses the third who had stored it away. Jesus makes it clear that our time on earth should be spent using our finances, possessions and talents to further the Kingdom of God. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Luke 10:25-37 In this parable, Jesus goes into the explanation of what it means to "love thy neighbor as thyself". The Samaritan saw a man in need and chose to help him, despite the social pressures to ignore him. Our neighbors are not just our family and friends. No one is perfect and we deserve judgement, but God has shown us mercy through the sacrifice of Jesus. So, we should put aside judgements and show mercy to all who may be needy, just like the Samaritan. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Matthew 22:1-14; Luke 14:25-33 The parables this week involve the invitation to God's Kingdom and the cost of discipleship. How do we respond to God's invitation? Do we ignore it, or do we decide we're too busy? Some people may actually respond with violence towards those making the invitation. When we choose to accept the invitation though Christ, we must count the cost of discipleship. The benefit is that we receive all the provision of God for today and for eternity. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Matthew 13:31-33 Continuing the Parade of Parables by Jesus, we looked at the characteristics of growth shown with the mustard seed and with yeast. We saw how God takes simple things and works them into great things. However, we also learned there can be unhealthy growth as well as healthy growth. When not handled properly, the mustard plant can become an unruly tree that's affected by birds and storms. So, we must beware of false influences that water down or eat away at Kingdom truths. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Matthew 13:44-46 Continuing the Parade of Parables, we look at one that speaks of a hidden treasure and a pearl of great price. Jesus emphasizes the great value of salvation and the kingdom of God. We spend so much time following the temptations of the valueless, the earthly treasures that are temporary and fade away. We are called to trade in those temporary thrills for the eternal benefits of salvation. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Mark 4:1-20 Pastor Jeff began a sermon series on the parables of Jesus. He began by covering the meaning and purpose of parables. Jesus chose to use them to reveal spiritual principles through common human experiences. The agricultural community understood the practical process of sowing seeds for crops. The successful growth of a crop is dependent upon the quality of the soil and the influence of outside forces. Jesus compared the factors that hinder successful planting to those that affect our spiritual growth. May we be healthy soil for the seeds of the Gospel. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Otis is a retired Pastor who will be leading a new Life Group. As he shares about the comfort of God, he points out how Life Groups are a means for God to manifest His comfort through other believers. As a loving Father, God is responsible for the care of His children, and they are never out of His sight. Many times, He uses His people to comfort His people. Spiritual transformation and growth occur when we walk together instead of alone. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Philippians 2:5-11 Bob is a retired Pastor who will be leading a new Life Group. He reminds us that God wants to be with us. Sin does not alter God's view of us, but alters our view of God, and our understanding of God's view of us. Repentance is not just relief from guilt but is recognizing we've messed up our relationship with God and others. We need to build a relationship with God and allow Him to heal us emotionally. Life Groups are where we can support each other in our daily walks with God. We're not intended to struggle alone. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Acts 20:17-21, 27-35 As Pastor Daniel gave his final sermon as Senior Pastor at Immanuel, he reminded us that the church is the people. Serving the people means serving Jesus. Don't serve the institution, serve the Lord of the institution. Be with the Jesus who inspired the Scriptures. Read the Word and listen to God. Allow the words of Jesus to dwell in you richly so that it overflows to others. Be a faithful presence when the Body of Christ gathers. Let Jesus be your center. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ephesians 2:11-22 We reviewed the Biblical history that led to the development of the Christian Church, before looking at 3 main aspects of the Church that Paul points out in this Ephesians passage. 1- the Church is the household of God; 2- it is built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone; 3- the Church is God's Temple. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ecclesiastes 11 & 12 In these final chapters, the author of Ecclesiastes summarizes what has been taught previously. We don't know or understand the work of God, who makes everything. Be okay with not knowing. "Do not seek to understand in order to believe but believe so that you may understand." Live life with God in the here & now. Trust your Creator for the future. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ecclesiastes 10 In a broken world, true wisdom is rare - but essential. Only the wisdom found in Christ can save us from the destruction of sin and foolishness. God's wisdom preserves life and influence in a world filled with folly. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ecclesiastes 9 The author of Ecclesiastes continues to address those things that bring meaning to life. No one knows when their hour of death will come. Time and chance happen to everyone. Accomplishments fade over time, so make an impact now. Living each day to the fullest for the Lord brings contentment and joy. Avoid the meaningless life. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ecclesiastes 8:1-15 In order to live a life in Christ, we need to first embrace our limitations and humanity before God. Then we should seek to live a life empowered by the Spirit to be more like Christ. This frees us from pressures to be in control of our lives. Instead of being anxious, we can be joyful. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ecclesiastes 7:14-18 As we live our lives, we must be wise in recognizing that we are not God and then be content with that. With the mysteries of life, faith is more valuable than understanding. When times are tough, don't step back from God, but draw closer to Him. Learn to live by faith. Trust in God's faithfulness. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ecclesiastes 6:1-5 The author of Ecclesiastes continues to observe that riches in life don't necessarily bring satisfaction or joy. Joy is not determined by the changing circumstances of life, but by focusing on Jesus, the immovable foundation. His values conflict with the world's values. Are you living life on the periphery, controlled by circumstances, or are you focused on Jesus? Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ecclesiastes 5 & 6 These chapters ask the following questions: What is the point of work and wealth if we're not enjoying them? What is worship if it is hollow? What truly satisfies the human soul? The conclusion is that life is vanity if focused on outward things instead of inward reverence of a holy God. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:12 The author of Ecclesiastes wrestles with some of the evils in life. When we see a lack of justice in this world, we can rejoice that God will mete out justice in the end. In the meantime, we should seek to correct injustice when we see it. We may mourn the reality of death but can rejoice that Jesus overcame it. As a result, we should be wise in the use of our time. The author sees the reality of oppressors, but if we insert ourselves into community, we can experience positive human relationships. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

The Mission Team that went to serve in Costa Rica for a week shared testimonies and slides. They joined with 2 other churches and did a mix of the following: food and Bible distribution, youth ministry, kid's ministry, women's ministry, preaching/testimonies for Sunday service, and construction to build 2 new Sunday School rooms for a church. Their report and testimonies are included here. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ecclesiastes 3 Spiritual maturity comes as we learn to cling to faith in the midst of our doubts, not imagining that there are answers to all of them. We need to be okay with the limitations of humanity and trust the unlimited God. He can take your limitations and do the impossible. God has made everything beautiful in its time, so we need to believe in the goodness of God, even during rough times. That's living a life of faith. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ecclesiastes 2 God created the Earth for His own pleasure. Work and pleasure in the Garden of Eden brought fulfillment because God was in it. As the author of Ecclesiastes reflects on the vanity of life and our pleasure-soaked world, he realizes that exists because eternal longings don't come without God. Instead of unrest and despair, we can have lasting fulfillment and joy. Toil, pleasure, wisdom, and even death, take on new meaning when we allow God to work in us. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ecclesiastes 1 We begin a new series on the book of Ecclesiastes entitled "Asking Questions? - Cling to Faith". We find the author searching for meaning in life. He reflects on the fruitlessness of much of life yet realizes that only God can fulfill us. His frustrations with the sin and circumstances of this world cause him to groan for the day when God will make all things new. The book of Ecclesiastes then deals with the journey of faith. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Matthew 6:9-10 We explored God's plan to bring heaven to earth and to reconcile us to Himself by looking at what takes place in Scripture from Abraham to the end. Throughout history He manifested His presence through wind and fire. The wind and fire present at Pentecost began the time when God's presence came within us. We are now His image bearers to bring His message of reconciliation to the world. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Matthew 6:9-10 As we begin to end the current sermon series, we explore further the Lord's Prayer request that God's Kingdom be manifest on earth. The Bible begins by revealing God's heart. In Genesis Chapter 12, we see God's rescue plan to gather His people back to Himself. We are a part of that plan to see things made new, and we are given the message of reconciliation through the sacrifice of Christ. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ephesians 1:3-14 Continuing the Series "Eternity is Now in Session", we learn that our identity is based on the fact that we are chosen and loved by God, and that we are adopted into His family. Once we receive His mercy and are empowered by His grace, we need to live like we're chosen, walk like we're redeemed and stand like we're sealed. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ephesians 3:20-21 This sermon focuses on understanding the dynamic of the “flesh” and the deep work of God to purge us of sin so our wills may begin desiring the will of God. Once we are saved from our sin, God begins to continually deliver us from sin. He puts heaven into us, so that our will becomes His will. We study the examples of Peter and Zacchaeus. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Luke 9:28-36 In Luke's account of the Transfiguration, we find that Peter and the disciples did not see the glory of Jesus until they were “fully awake.” We looked at God's work in our lives to awaken us to His glory - and how we can recognize the work of His Spirit in our lives, that can awaken our hearts from its slumber. We cannot allow the clouds that enter our lives to shroud the glory of Jesus. He's always there. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Luke 8:4-15 Since our Livestream video did not begin until the end of the worship time, the worship is included here with the sermon. For listening to the sermon alone, go to 19:30 of the recording. Continuing the sermon series "Eternity is Now in Session", we looked at the meaning of salvation, and how we know if we're saved. It's salvation from every dimension of our lives that has been touched by the Fall, by the curse of sin. The end goal of God's work in our lives is to make us completely whole before Him. Fruit is expected from all who are saved. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Mark 1:14-39 God's kingdom is the reign of Jesus, the realm where Jesus' authority is acknowledged and obeyed. To seek God's kingdom is to desire Jesus' rule to be recognized in our life, in the Body of Christ, and in the world around us. The scripture in the book of Mark makes it clear that the Kingdom is now. We explored 8 aspects of God's Kingdom Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

John 17:1-3 This sermon acted as an overview of sorts for a whole new sermon series. We dispelled three myths of heaven and eternal life and then looked at how Jesus defines eternal life. Everyone passes on to eternal life or eternal death. Jesus makes it clear that eternal life comes when we believe in His sacrifice for sin and His resurrection, and that it begins immediately upon choosing to follow Him. We should live our lives with that revelation. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Acts 27 & 28 As we conclude the study of the book of Acts, we find Paul teaching us to be content, even in the midst of adversity and suffering. Following God's will does not always mean that things will get better. However, even in the midst of sorrows and troubles, God still wants to use us. Compassion for others is not possible if we're only thinking of ourselves. Patient endurance opens us up to the work of the Holy Spirit. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE