Emmanuel Baptist Church of Lewiston Idaho

Our world is obsessed with love—but often misses what real love looks like. In this message from 1 John 4:7–21, we’ll explore God’s definition of love: not just an emotion or attraction, but a divine action rooted in His very nature. John reminds us that love begins with God, is revealed through Jesus, and is made complete when we love one another. Join us as we rediscover what it means to not onl...

1 John 4:1 warns us: "Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God." Here's the reality: there are two kingdoms operating in this world. The world's system puts self at the center, chases comfort over holiness, and calls evil good. But the Kingdom of God flips everything upside down - it's about servanthood, sacrifice,...

“Lay Down & Pick Up” In 1 John 3:11–24, John reminds believers that our new identity in Christ should be visible through the way we love others. True love is more than words—it’s the willingness to lay down our own agenda and pick up the heart of a servant, just as Jesus did. In contrast to Cain’s jealousy and hatred, followers of Christ live from a transformed identity—marked by compassion, sacri...

What defines who you are? In a world that measures worth by performance, appearance, and approval, Scripture reminds us that our true identity is found in being children of God. In this message, we explore how God’s love gives us value, how His Spirit shapes us to reflect His character, and how we can live with hope and confidence even when we fall short. Join us as we discover what it means to re...

In a world filled with confusion, deception, and competing voices, how do we know what is true? Scripture warns us about adversaries, counterfeit faith, and even well-meaning believers who can mislead. In 1 John 2:18–29, John urges us to remain steadfast in Christ, anchored in His Word and guided by the Spirit. This message will explore how to recognize lies, discern truth, and practice living in...

Text: 1 John 2:7–17 (NLT) What does it really mean to “live in the light”? In this passage, John reminds us that the command to love one another is both ancient and brand new—fulfilled and deepened in Jesus. True maturity in Christ shows up in how we love God, love others, and resist the pull of the world. This week we’ll see how disciples grow at different stages of faith, how God’s Word strength...

In the opening of his letter, John reminds us that true and lasting joy is found only in fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. To walk with Him means walking in the light—confessing sin, pursuing holiness, and trusting in Christ as our advocate. This passage challenges us to examine our hearts and invites us into the assurance and joy that come from abiding in Him.

Sermon: Steadfast Faith (James 5:7–20) In this passage, James closes his letter by urging believers to live with patience, endurance, integrity, and prayer. He points us to the farmer’s patience, the prophets’ endurance, and Job’s faith as examples of trusting God through trials. James also calls us to be people of integrity in our words, to turn to prayer in every season of life, and to lovingly...

This passage offers three sober warnings for believers. First, James warns against speaking evil and judging others(4:11–12). When we slander or condemn, we place ourselves above God’s law and assume a role that belongs to Him alone—the righteous Judge. Second, James warns against boasting about tomorrow (4:13–17). Life is a mist, fleeting and fragile. To live as though we control our future is ar...

"Above or Below: Where Does Your Wisdom Come From? Ever wonder why some decisions lead to peace while others create chaos? It all comes down to the source of our wisdom. In today's message, we explored James 3:13-18 and discovered: Godly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, and full of good fruit 🌪️ Worldly wisdom leads to jealousy, selfishness, and disorder The choice is yours: Will you tap into the wis...

Words have power—to heal or to harm, to bless or to burn. In this message from James 3:1–12, we explore how something as small as the tongue can shape the direction of our lives and the lives of those around us. Whether you're a teacher, parent, friend, or leader, your words carry weight. Drawing from vivid imagery—like horses, ships, and forest fires—James calls us to recognize both the danger an...

Is your faith alive—or just an idea? This week we’ll explore what James says about the kind of faith that saves. True faith doesn’t just speak; it acts. It’s not about earning salvation, but about evidence of transformation. Join us as we unpack what it means to have a faith that moves, a faith that works, and a faith that’s real.

God doesn’t play favorites—and neither should we. In this message from James 2, we explore how favoritism misrepresents the heart of God, violates the command to love our neighbor, and stands in direct conflict with the law of liberty we've received in Christ. We’ll define justice, mercy, and grace from a biblical perspective and confront the subtle ways we show partiality in our lives, churches,...

In a world pulling us in a hundred different directions, James challenges us to live with an undivided heart. This week, we explore how trials, wealth, temptation, and desire reveal who we truly follow. Are we shaped more by culture or by Christ? Do we love God—or just admire Him from a distance? Anchored in James 1:9–18 and Luke 9:23–25, this message invites us to examine our loyalties, trust in...

Who or what are you really following? In a world of competing loyalties, James challenges us to examine the direction of our lives. Are we walking the narrow way that leads to life—or wavering between God and the world? This message unpacks the call to wholehearted discipleship: to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did. A divided heart leads to instability, but a devoted heart leads t...

In the final chapter of Jonah, God confronts Jonah’s anger, comfort, and self-righteousness with soul-searching questions. This sermon explores what happens when God's mercy challenges our expectations, comforts, and even our prejudices. Are we trusting in what we’ve built, or are we surrendering to the story God is writing? Through Jonah’s struggle, we’re invited to examine our own hearts—how we...

In Jonah 3, we see the incredible mercy of God—both toward His reluctant prophet and the wicked city of Nineveh. This week, we’ll explore how Jonah’s second chance mirrors God’s heart for restoration, how the repentance of Nineveh challenges our assumptions about God’s justice, and how this ancient story invites us to reflect on our own beliefs, words, and actions. Through parallels between Jonah...

When Jonah found himself at rock bottom—literally in the depths of the sea—his cry to God became a turning point. In Jonah 2, we see a powerful picture of repentance, renewal, and the mercy of God. This message explores what it means to return to God in prayer, even when we feel far from Him. Through Jonah’s prayer, we learn that God hears us in our darkest moments, redeems us in our distress, and...

In the opening chapter of Jonah, we see a prophet on the run—but not from enemies or danger. Jonah flees from God’s call, only to discover that you can’t outrun the God who made the land and sea. This message explores God’s sovereignty, mercy, and pursuit—even when we resist Him. Through Jonah’s rebellion, a pagan crew comes to faith, reminding us that God uses imperfect people for His perfect pla...

As we close out our series in Ruth, we witness the powerful conclusion of a redemptive story that moves from brokenness to blessing. In Ruth 4, Boaz steps in to fulfill the heart of God’s law—not out of obligation, but out of sacrificial love. Through his actions, we see a picture of Christ’s redemption, a community that celebrates restoration, and a legacy that points to the coming King. This mes...

In Ruth 3, we see Naomi devising a bold plan, Ruth taking a courageous step of faith, and Boaz responding with integrity and compassion. This message explores how God works through ordinary obedience, quiet courage, and patient trust to fulfill His purposes. When we surrender our plans and follow His lead, He provides more than we could imagine—in His timing and His way.

Sermon Title: “Living Out Proverbs 31: A Portrait in Ruth” Text: Proverbs 31:25–31; Ruth 2 Mother’s Day Message In this special Mother’s Day message, we explore how Ruth embodies the traits of the Proverbs 31 woman—not through status or charm, but through faithfulness, humility, and hard work. As Ruth gathers grain to care for Naomi, her quiet strength and godly character shine through. Her story...

When life doesn’t go as planned, bitterness can quietly take root in our hearts. In Ruth 1, we meet Naomi—broken by loss and convinced her story is over. But through Ruth’s loyalty and God’s unseen hand, we discover that even in bitterness, God is at work preparing the way for restoration. This message helps us recognize how bitterness grows—and how to begin starving it with grace, hope, and faith...

How do you see God—distant, indifferent, or as a loving Father who eagerly hears your prayers? In this week's message, we explore how Jesus radically redefines our identity as God’s children through prayer. Discover six powerful principles from Jesus’ teaching on prayer, and learn how understanding God’s true character transforms your relationship with Him—and with others.