Immanuel Church Wilmington Delaware

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.

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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.

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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 we make are some of the best decisions we make. It's important that Jesus is the center of our lives.

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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 during the Christmas season knowing God's promises are guaranteed.

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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 Savior. Jesus had no sin and then gave his life for us. Even Mary declared him to be her Savior. And so we begin to explore all the prophecies of the Messiah that were fulfilled in the birth, life and death of Jesus.

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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 until the final judgment, so the "good wheat" and "good fish" are fully clear. May we be found faithful when the final harvest of true believers takes place.

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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 in rebellion, or like the older son who was lost in religion, but the Father loves us all.

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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 curses the third who had stored it away. Jesus makes it clear that our time on earth should be spent using our finances, possessions and talents to further the Kingdom of God.

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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 judgements and show mercy to all who may be needy, just like the Samaritan.

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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 benefit is that we receive all the provision of God for today and for eternity.

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