John 20:21 "Sent as He was Sent"

This concludes the sermon series "A Community of Light". Because the risen Christ was sent by the Father and now sends His people, the church must live as a gospel-shaped, Spirit-empowered, mission-minded community in the world. We are not merely saved from the world; we are sent into it by Jesus. We considered 4 ways to follow His calling: 1- See yourself as sent, 2- Pray for open doors, 3- Speak the Gospel clearly, 4- Live in a way that fits the message.

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Matthew 5:14-16 "Witness in a Dark World"

After previously being challenged to love one another, to bear one another's burdens, and to walk in the unity of the Spirit, we are now challenged to shine His light to the world. The church does not create the light; we reflect the Light who has changed us. Because Christ has made us His people, we are called to live visibly different lives that point a watching world toward the glory of our Father. Ways to shine include: living with visible integrity; noticing someone who needs light; doing something good without needing credit; being ready to speak of Jesus.

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Ephesians 4:1-6 "Unity in the Spirit"

Paul encourages us to live our life in a manner worthy of our calling as Christians. One aspect of that is to seek to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We looked at four practical ways to protect unity: 1- ASSUME LESS AND ASK MORE. 2- MAKE CHRIST BIGGER THAN YOUR PREFERENCES. 3- TALK TO PEOPLE, NOT ABOUT PEOPLE. 4- REMEMBER THE ONENESS YOU SHARE.

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Colossians 3:12-15 "Bearing With One Another"

We look at Paul's letter to the Colossians where he describes the characteristics that should be present in a Christian community. We should have compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. We should be bearing with one another since we are all sinners saved by grace. This will enable us to be a light to the world, drawing people out of darkness.

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John 13:34-35 "Love One Another"

Having finished a series challenging us to grow in Him, we begin a new series challenging us to reflect Him. John chapters 13-17 contain the final instructions of Jesus before the cross. The Old Testament told us to love one another as we love ourselves, but Jesus gave the command to love one another as He loved us. He humbled himself before others. He loved imperfect people patiently. He loved us with truth and grace. He loved us sacrificially. Jesus died to create a redeemed family. Love must come from Christ before it can flow through us, shining His light to the world.

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Galatians 5:22-25 "Fruit That Remains"

As we concluded the "Abide" series, we reviewed the lessons from the previous weeks. Study the Word. Pray with quicky prayers throughout the day, as well as having devoted prayer times. Fellowship with other believers who can support you. Obey God in the small things. Remember that the fruit of the Spirit is not decoration, but meant to feed a hungry world.

Pastor Jeff was in an accident, so will be out for several weeks, but sermons will be from Pastor Will for a brief season. Pray for Pastor Jeff's smooth and rapid recovery.

Website: immanuelde.com

1 John 1:5-9 "Walking in the Light"

God is light and in Him there is no darkness. Once we confess our sins and choose to follow Christ, we must choose to walk in that light, and to avoid darkness. Walking in the Light involves: daily surrender, honest confession, scripture saturation, accountable fellowship, and rejection of darkness. That's how we abide in Him.

Website: immanuelde.com

NOTE: The previous 7/5 recording was mistakenly the Sunday Worship instead of the Sermon. This is the correct recording.

Sorry for the confusion.

John 15:1-8 "Rooted in Him"

As we begin a new 4-part series, we address the challenge that comes after salvation. Jesus teaches that we are branches on Jesus, the Vine, and we must draw life from Him. As we do, we will begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit. We grow as we should if we let Him prune us and feed us, not resting on our own resources. Spend time with Him in prayer and study of the Word.

Website: immanuelde.com

NOTE: see the corrected recording of Part 1

Colossians 3:16; Matthew 6 " The Word and Prayer"

How do we "abide in Him"? The Word is how we inhale the life of God. God's Word changes us from the inside out. It's not just information, but also transformation. Prayer is how we exhale our dependence upon Him. The Lord's Prayer teaches us how to abide. Abiding is a daily rhythm, not a weekly event. 

Website: immanuelde.com

John 15:1-8 "Rooted in Him"

As we begin a new 4-part series, we address the challenge that comes after salvation. Jesus teaches that we are branches on Jesus, the Vine, and we must draw life from Him. As we do, we will begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit. We grow as we should if we let Him prune us and feed us, not resting on our own resources. Spend time with Him in prayer and study of the Word.

Website: immanuelde.com