Emmanuel Sunday Talks

In this sermon, George Benson unpacks Psalm 131 and teaches us that true peace comes from humility and trust in God, not control or self-reliance. Pride and striving lead to anxiety, but like a child resting in its mother’s arms, we can find calm by depending on God. George shows us how Jesus perfectly modelled this humility at the cross, making peace possible for us. Therefore our role is to trus...

In his preach, Neville Jones unpacked Psalm 139, highlighting God’s omniscience and omnipresence - the Lord knows everything about us, from our actions to unspoken thoughts, and is present everywhere. God surrounds us, guides us with His hand, and brings light into darkness. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, intricately formed by Him and known before birth. Neville tells us how these truths s...

In this sermon, Matt explores Psalm 119, focusing on its call to love, obey, and delight in God's Word. He explains that while the psalm emphasises obedience, its true aim is deep relationship with God. Drawing from the life of Jesus - who perfectly fulfilled God's law - Matt highlights that we are invited to walk in that same way, not by our own strength, but through the divine power given by the...

In this preach, Tobi Ford-Western addresses the global and local crisis of depression, particularly in Brighton, showing that despite a culture promising freedom and happiness, many are suffering deeply. Using Psalm 42, he explains that depression can be spiritual, physical, or practical, and calls listeners to find hope in Jesus, who offers comfort, healing, and ultimate restoration.

In this preach, Glen Scrivener uses Psalm 24 to help us reframe our understanding of prayer. He does this by challenging the view that the world is a mechanical factory and we are merely workers, reminding us instead that we are priests in a temple where all creation is sacred and infused with God's presence. He emphasises that Jesus, our great High Priest, has ascended into heaven carrying us on...

In this sermon, George Benson concludes our Otherside series on Exodus by focussing on the topic of Sabbath rest. George teaches us that God commands rest not as a burden but as a gift - one rooted in mercy, worship, and trust in God’s provision. He challenges listeners to reject the modern "treadmill" of self-justification through work and to find true rest in Jesus, who completed the ultimate wo...

In this sermon, Matt Carvel unpacks the moral laws in Exodus 22, showing how our emotional reactions to them are shaped by cultural values. While some laws may seem harsh, they reflect God's justice, compassion, and desire to protect His people. The message points to Jesus, who took on sin so we could be made holy and belong to God.

In this sermon, Matt Simmonds highlights God’s concern for justice, ownership, and restitution. He explains that we are stewards, not owners, of what we have, and that theft can take many forms—greed, carelessness, or withholding from others. True repentance involves more than apology; it means making things right, just as Jesus restores us through his grace.

In this sermon, Matt Carvel tackles the accusation that the Bible condones slavery by unpacking Exodus 21. He explains that the passage describes a form of voluntary servitude meant to protect the vulnerable, not oppressive slavery as we understand it today. These laws were compassionate provisions in a broken world, pointing to a deeper spiritual truth: through Jesus, we are set free from sin and...

In this sermon Tobi Ford-Western reflects on the profound holiness of God as revealed in Exodus 20 and contrasts it with His equally astounding mercy. Tobi emphasises that God’s holiness is overwhelming and often causes fear and guilt in humanity, yet God desires closeness, not distance. Instead of expecting perfection, God invites people to approach Him through simple, humble means - symbolised b...

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...

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...

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 c...

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...

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, remindin...

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...

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 practi...

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 c...

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 li...

Gift Day Sunday // Time to Build - Stephen Dawson // Ephesians 2:19-22 by We Are 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...

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.