Immanuel Church Wilmington Delaware

Philippians 4:10-23 As we conclude our study of Philippians, we find Paul thanking the Philippian church for their gifts of support. He has learned to be content whether in need or with plenty, but he rejoices in the blessings that they will receive for being cheerful givers. Biblical generosity brings joy to the giver. We will be discontented if we put our hope in money and possessions instead of in Jesus.

Philippians 4:2-9 As Paul addresses a conflict between two individuals in Philippi, he shows how to Biblically deal with conflict. Humility is necessary. Disagreement does not mean conflict. Instead of becoming anxious, we must be gentle, and thankful for the worthy things that exist. Prayer is the opposite of anxiety, since it relinquishes control to God.

Ephesians 4:1-16 On Sunday, we officially installed Daniel Nelms as our Senior Pastor. After a time of worship, Eric Loyer, a Pastor at Daniel's former church, Redeemer Fellowship in Tom's River, NJ, challenged Daniel to make his central theme to always be Christ crucified, buried, and resurrected, and not to add to or subtract from the Gospel of Jesus. Elder Joel Porter then challenged the congregation to be an active part in the Body of Immanuel, supportive in prayer and service with Pastor Daniel and family.

Philippians 3:12-21 Because of Christ, our citizenship is in heaven. As a result, we can put the circumstances and failures of the past behind us, and can concentrate on His calling for us. This is the radical nature of grace. We should love our enemies, as well as our neighbors, since everyone needs Jesus. Love like Him, not like the world.

Philippians 3:1-11 Is your identity built around your own accomplishments or memberships? Paul makes it clear that we can have no confidence in these. The hope of the world is in Christ, but Christ is in us. As we focus on living for Christ, we find ultimate meaning in life, and can impact the world with His love.

Philippians 2:19-30 In this portion of Paul's letter, he addresses the spiritual qualities of Timothy and Epaphroditus. We see that modern expectations for success are the reverse of those in the Kingdom, where serving others and making disciples are valued. No matter where we serve, we have supreme value before God, because Jesus has supreme value before God. The humble will be exalted.

Philippians 2:12-18 As Paul writes to the Philippian Church, he encourages them to grow, even though he was absent. Jesus is to remain first in our focus. He discouraged them from grumbling and complaining, but to remember that the same God works within all of us. We need to be patient, and pour ourselves out for one another. The service closed with us taking Communion.

Philippians 2:1-11 A Christian's task is not to just rescue people from Hell and this world. Jesus carved out a path for Christians to follow while in this world now, to be ambassadors of His love. In much of America, that path has become overgrown. As more of us walk in His path, with long obedience in the same direction, the more that path will become visible to the world.

Philippians 1:27-30 We are to live as citizens of Christ's Kingdom, which means serving one another, willing to lay down our rights. Paul laid down his privileges as a Roman citizen, so that he could identify with those believers who were not. Jesus stood silent and suffered for us, when He could have taken advantage of His own privileges.

Philippians 1:19-26 The Church exists for the purpose of loving and glorifying Jesus, as a beacon of light. Despite life's struggles, you should desire it more than heaven, because this world needs you. Your life matters. The way Christians face life and death is our biggest testimony to the power of the resurrection.

Philippians 1:12-18   As we continue the study of Philippians, we see Paul emphasizing that everything in our lives should be focused on Christ. He notes that even his time in prison was being used to further the gospel of Jesus. We should rejoice in any way that the Good News of Jesus is being made known.

Philippians 1:1-11 Each of us has a "master story" that guides the way we live. It may be an ideology, a critical event in our life, the drive for success, etc. These represent the world's narrative which is to compare ourselves with others. The master story of Christ involves humbly serving others. Christians should be a Jesus-like, Cross-shaped family.

Mark 12:28-34 In his first sermon as Immanuel's Senior Pastor, Daniel reminds us that the foundation for revival is Jesus, who challenged us to love God and love our neighbor. As we are ambassadors and disciples of Christ, the world is transformed by the love of God.

Pastor Will concluded his series, reminding us how we can face the uncertain future in the power of Christ. Paul set the example, since he knew Christ goes with us and before us. We can face the future with confidence, with a sense of commitment, cheerfully, and with courage. Deuteronomy 31:8 - The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Luke 6:27-31 We look at what the Word says about prejudice. The only thing that can answer the problem of prejudice today in our society, to combat the massive issue of prejudice, and even combat the racism that exists in various corners and sectors of our country and our world, is through Jesus. Jesus wants us to love everyone the way He did, to be sacrificial to everyone we encounter.

1 Corinthians 15:20-24 As part of his candidating for our Senior Pastor position, Daniel Nelms shared in his sermon that the foundation of our faith is the Good News that Jesus died and rose again, and reconciles us to the Father. He not only makes us new creations, but wants us to share the message of reconciliation.

Acts 16:22-24, 35-40 As the nation and the world are filled with civil unrest, Christians wrestle with how to respond as light in the darkness. As we look at the teachings and experiences of Paul, we see he makes it clear that we are to submit to and pray for the governing authorities. Yet through his own experience, Paul shows that we should still stand on God's Word and against injustice. Also, we must beware of letting the thinking of the world water down our understanding of God's Word. Half truths are actually false.

2 Kings 20:1-6 We learn two more things from King Hezekiah: 1) Our failures don't define us. God looks on our heart. 2) Faithfulness in serving God does not bring a trouble-free life, but, in our times of adversity, remember the battle belongs to the Lord.

2 Chronicles 29:3-19 As we continue the study of the life and reign of King Hezekiah, we see that one of his first acts as king was to cleanse the Temple of all the abominations that had been done to it by previous kings. He knew the nation needed to be purified before it could move on with God. So we also, must examine ourselves and allow Jesus to cleanse us, so that we can be more effective disciples.

Proverbs 3:5-6 As we begin our study of King Hezekiah in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, we find that he trusted and clung to the Lord, and as a result, he prospered in the Lord, and became known as Judah's greatest king. As we cling to the Lord, we realize that we can trust Him with our life, even as Hezekiah did.