We Are Emmanuel

The humility of Christ (which is about to be unpacked in the following passage) is a demonstration of the other-person focus of the Gospel. Love is selfless, not selfish.

Obedience to Jesus when we believe true joy is found elsewhere is drudgery. But when we see Christ for who He is, and believe that in Him is true joy, following Him with our lives is full of meaning and purpose and joy.

The sovereignty of God and the supremacy of Christ. Again, Paul demonstrates a provocatively joyful attitude. In the face of his unjust imprisonment and even ‘gospel advocates’ trying to make his life even more difficult, he still rejoices. He does so, because he chooses to see life from a Christ-perspective. If Christ is glorified, then I am more than happy! What happens to me physically doesn’t even matter, even death!

Joel looks at the union and unity that Christ brings us into. As a provocation to our current society, Paul and the Philippians rejoice not in themselves or selfish joy/pleasure they have found (Paul is in prison, remember!), but by revelling in the fact they are part of something much bigger than themselves that even involves the glory of God.

Glen Scrivener is Director and Evangelist at Speak Life, an organisation that exists to revive Christians, resource the church and reach the world with the good news of Jesus.

Kenny McCoosh leads Emmanuel Belfast which is part of our global family of churches

Malcolm Gamon leads Cornerstone Church, Bath which is part of our global family of churches

Stephen Dawson is an elder at Emmanuel and leads the Clarendon Centre location

Terry Virgo is the founding pastor of Emmanuel and Newfrontiers, an international network of 1500+ churches in over 60 nations.

As we bring the series to a close, we reflect on Jacob’s life and realise that he hasn’t really changed that much! Despite all the encounters with God, he is not as mature or trusting in God as he perhaps should be. But his unexpected reconciliation with Esau shows that it is God’s faithfulness and grace that underpins his life and causes it to be ‘successful’, not his own efforts.

In one of the strangest passages in the whole bible, we see God seek to do business with his son, Jacob. He ambushes him, seeking to teach him to pray. The result? Jacob is a changed man and would never walk the same again.

In the final episode of season 12 of Livelunch we are joined with Yohaan Philip, Matt Carvel and Jess Debenham, discussing our latest sermon ‘Training For Faith’ from our current teaching series ‘The ‘Promise Endures’. Resources mentioned: Listen to last Sunday's sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs4NbJLtf0Q Listen to Jess Debenham on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0rMCyEsml4lv3TKFeqeSID Presave Infrastructure: https://linktr.ee/Jess_Debenham Rejoice and Tremble: https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/understanding-the-faith/general-theological-issues/rejoice-and-tremble/?site_id=162595&adtype=pla&device=c&product_id=5266270&gclid=CjwKCAjwrNmWBhA4EiwAHbjEQALV8cvIcDrSdpB67CUsizKQId7qN85-QnWWBX9XhrVR3aWj84-vaRoC1WcQAvD_BwE Find out about our Thrive Smallgroups: https://weareemmanuel.com/thrive Apply to do the Emmanuel Internship: https://weareemmanuel.com/internship

The sermon is about God’s goal of making us more confident in his faithfulness and favour. He wants for us to grow in real trust. Jacob was a slow learner. Most of us are. We need to keep beholding the Lord Jesus in his faithfulness. This is how we grow.

Is mental illness caused by the demonic? What is the difference between the accusation of the Devil and the conviction of the Holy Spirit? In season 12 episode 11 of Livelunch we are joined with Yohaan Philip, Matt Carvel and Sophie Cox, discussing our latest sermon ‘The ‘Our True Home. Our True Enemy.’ from our current teaching series ‘The ‘Promise Endures’. Resources mentioned: Listen to last Sunday's sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H65MGz9mCY

This story speaks to our emancipation from the dominion of sin and condemnation.

What does it practically look like to take responsibility in your life? What do you do when you feel like you have a lack in an area of responsibility? In season 12 episode 10 of Livelunch we are joined with Yohaan Philip, Matt Carvel and Christine Liddiard, discussing our latest sermon ‘The ‘What Am I Doing?’ Moment’ from our current teaching series ‘The ‘Promise Endures’. Resources mentioned: Listen to last Sunday's sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t4tdwOuBGk

We’ve reached the point in the story where Jacob finally starts to take responsibility for his life. He tussles with Laban but he is trying to get home and properly provide for his family. In the midst of this, he also begins to more and more recognise God’s hand on his life.

Does God condone polyamorous relationships? Is marriage a good thing? Why do we believe that abortion is wrong? In season 12 episode 9 of Livelunch we are joined with Yohaan Philip, Matt Carvel, Purity Omolo and Stephen Dawson, discussing our latest sermon ‘The Pursuit of Happiness’ from our current teaching series ‘The ‘Promise Endures’. Resources mentioned: Listen to last Sunday's sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5s1qTsvFrs

This story contrasts the placing of one's happiness in love and family versus placing it in the Giver of true happiness.

Why should we give to churches instead of just giving to the poor? Should I give if we are not earning money or in debt? How do I balance Gift Day giving and monthly tithe? In season 12 episode 8 of Livelunch we are joined with Yohaan Philip, Matt Carvel, Megan Nicholas, and Sophie Spital discussing our latest sermon ‘The Parable of the Ten Minas’ from our Gift Day Sunday. Resources mentioned: Gentle & Lowly by Dane C. Ortlund - https://www.10ofthose.com/uk/products/25689/gentle-and-lowly Listen to last Sunday's sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJP9DMuJi1A Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/weareemmanuel Find out more about our Sunday services: https://weareemmanuel.com/services Listen on Spotify: https://spotify.com/weareemmanuel