Emmanuel Community Church Sermons

We live in a world where “Absaloms” rise daily—where truth is traded for influence, and loyalty is seduced by charm. We live as strangers in a land shaped by self-expression, not self-denial. In such a world, faithfulness can feel like foolishness. But it’s not. Sometimes faith doesn’t look like standing tall—it looks like walking barefoot through tears. In this sermon pastor Joel reminds us that...

In this sermon pastor Joel considers Absalom's return to Jerusalem and his plans to become king, reminding us that our way ends in lies and death and that only Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Ultimately, we can be encouraged to know that Jesus is a king who does not flatter, who does not fail his people, and who does not flee.

In this sermon, Pastor Keith examines Joab's scheme, Absalom's return, and David's hesitant kiss, exposing the tragic results of manipulated mercy, sentimentalism, and unresolved sin. Through a fake parable, a forced return, false beauty, and a feeble kiss, we see that every shortcut to peace—without repentance and justice—only results in greater division. Pastor Keith urges us to seek true restor...

In this sermon, Pastor Keith expounds the tragic aftermath of Amnon’s sin and David’s silence, resulting in Absalom’s vengeful murder of his brother. He exposes the fallacy of revenge without righteousness. We are exhorted to entrust judgment to the Lord rather than taking matters into our own hands, and to wait for a King who will render righteous vengeance, which is the hope we have with the ret...

In this sermon, pastor Keith looks at the consequences of King David's sin, found in the tragic story of Amnon and Tamar, and exposes the destructive and disgusting nature of sin. We learn about Amnon’s untamed desire and Jonadab’s deceit which leads to a disgraceful and outrageous act that is left unresolved and leaves the innocent Tamar in shame. He exhorts us to put to death the desire of the f...

In this sermon on Pentecost Sunday, guest preacher Josh Jenkins (from Del Cerro Baptist Church in La Mesa, CA) looks at the second half of David's psalm of repentance, reminding us that the goal of true repentance is not merely forgiveness or restoration, but transformation. And this transformation is only made possible by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In this sermon, pastor Mitch considers David's response to being confronted by Nathan in Psalm 51 and reminds us that repentance is the way to life for both ruined and redeemed sinners. The only way out of humanity’s downward spiral into sin begins with repentance, for this is where God in Christ has promised to meet us, to save us, to heal us, and to set us free.

In this sermon pastor Matt helps us see a truth revealed throughout all Scripture, that God's grace brings new life out of death. And this he does for the sake of his name and the blessing of his people. 

As we continue on with the fall of David in 2 Samuel 12, it should be no surprise to find that after taking Uriah’s wife, and trying to cover it up with the “fig leaves” of Uriah’s death, Yahweh now comes to David. And just like he came to Adam and Eve, he comes to David here in judgment. We’ve seen that even great kings like David fall like Adam, and that no sin can be hidden from God’s sight. In...

In this sermon, pastor Matt continues to look at David's tragic fall and reminds us that no sin can be hidden from god's sight. Despite every attempt to cover up our selfish and rebellious choices, our omniscient God searches and knows all hearts

In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that even great kings like David fall like Adam. No one is immune from temptations to sin, and those who think they are standing strong must take care lest they fall. But because God is faithful, our sin does not have to have the last word.

In this sermon, pastor Matt shows us that to reject God’s kindness is to receive his severity. Those who refuse to respond to Christ with loyal love, but choose to continue in defiant unbelief, will only have themselves to blame when he comes to defeat his enemies.

In this sermon on Easter Sunday pastor Matt considers the story of David's lovingkindness to Mephibosheth and shows us that God's covenant love seats the unworthy at his table. Our God delights to lavish the riches of his grace up on his enemies that we might enjoy communion with him as part of his family, and he has made this possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

In this sermon, pastor Joel reminds us that, through tragedy and triumph, God faithfully provides for his beloved people. God faithfulness in the past guarantees his faithfulness in the future, and even in the heartbreak of the "not yet" we can cling to the promises of resurrection and new creation.

As we conclude our time in this mountain peak passage in the OT, we see David's response to God's word. In this sermon, pastor Matt shows us that the right response to the word of God is humble praise and expectant prayer. Great grace compels great gratitude, and rejoicing in God's covenant promises will ignite our faith as we wait for Christ's kingdom to come.

In this sermon, pastor Matt continues to unpack God's covenant with David, reminding us again that God’s gracious promises to his chosen king guarantee a glorious future for his people. And the good news is that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all these promises because he is the Son of David, the Builder of the house, and the Son of God .

2 Samuel 7 is a mountain peak of the OT. It is here that all of the promises and patterns of Scripture since Genesis 1 are gathered up and filtered into God’s covenant with David. It is here, at this mountain peak, that we find God doing what he does best: making promises and keeping promises, surprising us with his goodness and grace. In this sermon, pastor Mitch reminds us that God’s gracious pr...

In this sermon, pastor Matt shows how God’s king brings the blessing of God’s rule to his people. This is the good news of the kingdom. And like David, we too must humble ourselves before the King of kings and recognize the place where he belongs—enthroned over our lives as the source of our joy.

In this sermon, Pastor Keith examines David's failed attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, during which Uzzah, having disregarded God's holiness, is struck down for touching the untouchable. Pastor Keith argues that our Holy God must be approached according to His way and points out that God faithfully provided the way through the Law first, then in time graciously through His Son...

In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that God goes before his people to give them the victory through Christ. Despite relentless opposition from the enemy, we can rejoice in the gospel of his exalted king, trusting our God to always lead us in triumph until his kingdom comes on earth as in heaven

In 2 Samuel 5, the king whom Samuel had anointed years before to replace Saul is finally recognized as the rightful king over all Israel. David, the man whom God chose for himself, after his own heart, is exalted and enthroned. As always, we’ll find that this story, like the whole story of Israel, anticipates the greater king God would one day raise up to wear the crown. This story is simply, as o...

In this sermon pastor Matt reminds us that our sovereign God is faithful to redeem his people out of every adversity. Instead of taking matters into our own hands, we must wait on the Lord, trusting he will deliver us, establish his kingdom, and bring all of his promises to pass

When Joab learned that Abner had made peace with David, he was not happy about, and decided to take matters into his own hands. 2 Samuel 3 not only recounts the tragic death of Abner, but also reveals the stark contrast between the heart of David and the heart of Joab. In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that the vengeance of man has no place in the kingdom of God. Those who belong to Christ wi...

In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that we must choose this day whom you will serve: God’s king or our own. The good news is that God’s king has been exalted and invites everyone to know his saving rule. The question is whether we will recognize and serve him faithfully, or reject him for a king of our making.

In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that lament is good and right in a world under death's dark shadow. We mourn the curse of sin. We weep over the reign of death. But because of the gospel, we need not grieve as those who have no hope.