We Are Emmanuel

As part of our Gift Day Sunday, Matt Carvel gives a powerful call to faith and generosity, highlighting how God transforms lives through His Word and invites us to spread the gospel locally and globally through the church and acts of giving.

In this sermon, Stephen unpacks the relevance of the Ten Commandments for us today, presenting them not as outdated rules but as a gift from a loving God. He explains that the commandments act as a mirror to reveal our sin, a window into God's character, a guide for living the good life, and part of a covenant of love between God and His people. Far from being legalistic, the commandments show us our need for grace and point us toward deeper relationship and obedience to God. True love for God is expressed by keeping His commands, not to earn salvation, but in response to His saving grace.

In this sermon, Neville Jones explores Exodus 19, emphasising that God’s law was not given to save the Israelites, but to shape them into His “treasured possession,” a holy nation, and a kingdom of priests. He draws parallels to Christians today, stressing that salvation comes through grace, not rule-keeping, and that obedience to God’s instructions flows from love and relationship, not obligation. The law, reinterpreted as God’s blueprint for living, helps foster intimacy with God, create a distinct Christ-centred community, and reveal Jesus to the world through transformed lives lived in unity.

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.