Immanuel Church Wilmington Delaware

1 Corinthians 11:17-34 Before starting the new year with a Reflective Communion, we looked at teaching about the proper attitude when partaking of Communion. Because of God's righteousness, we need to examine ourselves beforehand and confess our sins to God, so we can enter with the right standard before Him. The Lord's Supper exemplifies the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. Website: immanuelde.co...

Psalm 133 As we prepare to begin a new year, we look at what the psalmist says brings the blessings from God. They come when we put aside our selfish desires, our unforgiveness, and our grudges to pursue unity in our family, the church and the nation. Those blessings will then overflow to others. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

This recording includes elements of our Christmas Eve Service. First is the Advent Reading, followed by a sample of the Worship and Scripture readings. Then the sermon begins about 11 minutes in, where Pastor Jeff recounts the significance of the birth of Jesus. Following the sermon, you'll find the 2 Carols sung during the congregational Candle Lighting. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuel...

Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38 As we continue the Advent series, "Crossroads to Christmas", we explore the many emotions that Joseph had surrounding the birth of Jesus. We see his initial anxiety and fear regarding Mary's pregnancy until the angel appears to him and gives him peace. He handles the situation with integrity. When the child arrives, he is filled with joy. Some of the hardest decisions...

Matthew 1:18-24; 2:1-23 We continue in the sermon series, Crossroads to Christmas, by looking at all the prophecies that were fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. That multitude of prophecies proved true through the test of time, proving that Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Messiah. Because of that, we can trust that God's promises of love and salvation still ring true today. We have peace du...

Isaiah 7:10-14 We begin an Advent series entitled "The Crossroads of Christmas". In this first sermon, we look at the reality of the virgin birth through Mary. It was a Miraculous Conception, not an Immaculate Conception. Mary was not devoid of original sin. She was an imperfect person fulfilling a perfect plan, God's divine selection for His divine purpose. All have sinned and need a sinless Savi...

Matthew 13:24-30; 25:31-46 After summarizing the lessons from the previous parable sermons, we concluded the Parade of Parables series by addressing those that dealt with the second coming of Jesus and the time of judgment. Jesus compared it to a time of harvest when the wheat is separated from the weeds, and to a time when a fishing net is cleared of the bad fish. Jesus doesn't do the separating...

Luke 15:11-32 Wanting the blessings of God, without God, is sin. The Parable of the prodigal son shows us that sin promises freedom but gives slavery. Repentance is not getting better, not trying harder, not fixing ourselves. Repentance is simply turning away from sin and turning toward God, who will do the cleaning, just as the prodigal son discovered. We may be like the younger son who was lost...

Matthew 25:14-30 In the 24th chapter, verses 5-12, Jesus describes the state of the earth when He returns.  He says no one will know the day. Jesus gives parables that show what is needed to prepare for that time. He compares it to a man who goes on a journey and entrusts his possessions to three servants. When the man returns, he blesses the two of them who had increased the possessions and curse...

Luke 10:25-37 In this parable, Jesus goes into the explanation of what it means to "love thy neighbor as thyself". The Samaritan saw a man in need and chose to help him, despite the social pressures to ignore him. Our neighbors are not just our family and friends. No one is perfect and we deserve judgement, but God has shown us mercy through the sacrifice of Jesus. So, we should put aside judgemen...

Matthew 22:1-14; Luke 14:25-33 The parables this week involve the invitation to God's Kingdom and the cost of discipleship. How do we respond to God's invitation? Do we ignore it, or do we decide we're too busy? Some people may actually respond with violence towards those making the invitation. When we choose to accept the invitation though Christ, we must count the cost of discipleship. The benef...

Matthew 13:31-33 Continuing the Parade of Parables by Jesus, we looked at the characteristics of growth shown with the mustard seed and with yeast. We saw how God takes simple things and works them into great things. However, we also learned there can be unhealthy growth as well as healthy growth. When not handled properly, the mustard plant can become an unruly tree that's affected by birds and s...

Matthew 13:44-46 Continuing the Parade of Parables, we look at one that speaks of a hidden treasure and a pearl of great price. Jesus emphasizes the great value of salvation and the kingdom of God. We spend so much time following the temptations of the valueless, the earthly treasures that are temporary and fade away. We are called to trade in those temporary thrills for the eternal benefits of sa...

Mark 4:1-20 Pastor Jeff began a sermon series on the parables of Jesus. He began by covering the meaning and purpose of parables. Jesus chose to use them to reveal spiritual principles through common human experiences. The agricultural community understood the practical process of sowing seeds for crops. The successful growth of a crop is dependent upon the quality of the soil and the influence of...

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Otis is a retired Pastor who will be leading a new Life Group. As he shares about the comfort of God, he points out how Life Groups are a means for God to manifest His comfort through other believers. As a loving Father, God is responsible for the care of His children, and they are never out of His sight. Many times, He uses His people to comfort His people. Spiritual transform...

Philippians 2:5-11 Bob is a retired Pastor who will be leading a new Life Group. He reminds us that God wants to be with us. Sin does not alter God's view of us, but alters our view of God, and our understanding of God's view of us. Repentance is not just relief from guilt but is recognizing we've messed up our relationship with God and others. We need to build a relationship with God and allow Hi...

Acts 20:17-21, 27-35 As Pastor Daniel gave his final sermon as Senior Pastor at Immanuel, he reminded us that the church is the people. Serving the people means serving Jesus. Don't serve the institution, serve the Lord of the institution. Be with the Jesus who inspired the Scriptures. Read the Word and listen to God. Allow the words of Jesus to dwell in you richly so that it overflows to others....

Ephesians 2:11-22 We reviewed the Biblical history that led to the development of the Christian Church, before looking at 3 main aspects of the Church that Paul points out in this Ephesians passage. 1- the Church is the household of God; 2- it is built on the foundation of apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone; 3- the Church is God's Temple. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook:...

Ecclesiastes 11 & 12 In these final chapters, the author of Ecclesiastes summarizes what has been taught previously. We don't know or understand the work of God, who makes everything. Be okay with not knowing. "Do not seek to understand in order to believe but believe so that you may understand." Live life with God in the here & now. Trust your Creator for the future. Website: immanuelde.c...

Ecclesiastes 10 In a broken world, true wisdom is rare - but essential. Only the wisdom found in Christ can save us from the destruction of sin and foolishness. God's wisdom preserves life and influence in a world filled with folly. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmington DE

Ecclesiastes 9 The author of Ecclesiastes continues to address those things that bring meaning to life. No one knows when their hour of death will come. Time and chance happen to everyone. Accomplishments fade over time, so make an impact now. Living each day to the fullest for the Lord brings contentment and joy. Avoid the meaningless life. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmingt...

Ecclesiastes 8:1-15 In order to live a life in Christ, we need to first embrace our limitations and humanity before God. Then we should seek to live a life empowered by the Spirit to be more like Christ. This frees us from pressures to be in control of our lives. Instead of being anxious, we can be joyful. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilmingt...

Ecclesiastes 7:14-18 As we live our lives, we must be wise in recognizing that we are not God and then be content with that. With the mysteries of life, faith is more valuable than understanding. When times are tough, don't step back from God, but draw closer to Him. Learn to live by faith. Trust in God's faithfulness. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Ch...

Ecclesiastes 6:1-5 The author of Ecclesiastes continues to observe that riches in life don't necessarily bring satisfaction or joy. Joy is not determined by the changing circumstances of life, but by focusing on Jesus, the immovable foundation. His values conflict with the world's values. Are you living life on the periphery, controlled by circumstances, or are you focused on Jesus? Website: imman...

Ecclesiastes 5 & 6 These chapters ask the following questions: What is the point of work and wealth if we're not enjoying them? What is worship if it is hollow? What truly satisfies the human soul? The conclusion is that life is vanity if focused on outward things instead of inward reverence of a holy God. Website: immanuelde.com Facebook: immanuelchurchwilmington YouTube: Immanuel Church Wilm...