Sermons at Graham Emmanuel

Pharaoh Oppresses the Israelites| Exodus 1:8-22

Who do you fear more? God? Or other humans? Out of an ungodly fear of man, Pharaoh persecutes the Israelites because of their increase in numbers, and attempts to recruit Hebrew midwives to kill the Israelite newborns. But the Hebrew midwives fear of God compels them to obey the Lord instead of the king, and God blesses them as a result. Find out what this reveals about how God expects His people to act in a world of suffering.  

God’s People Multiply | Exodus 1:1-7

Exodus continues the story of God's people, the Israelites, and the Lord's fulfillment of His covenant to Abraham. Exodus begins with a reference to how God multiplied the sons of Jacob and protected them in Egypt. In doing so, He reveals Hos nature as a God who keeps His promises across generations.

Paul’s Farewell to Philemon | Philemon 23-25

As Paul ends his letter to Philemon, he speaks not only to the individual, but to the entire church meeting in Philemon’s house. He bids farewell by mentioning names that represent the themes of Paul’s letter, namely, the need for one’s new identity in Christ to impact the way one interacts with others: in a way personified by Christ’s grace.  

Paul Pleads for Onesimus | Philemon 15-22

Paul instructs Philemon on how, as a child of God, he should receive his runaway slave, Onesimus. By commanding Philemon to receive Onesimus as more than a slave, but as a brother, forgiving his debts, and graciously accepting him into his home. In doing so, Paul commands Philemon, like all Christians, to relate to believers in a way that illustrates the Gospel and imitates what Christ did for the lost.      

Paul Exhorts Philemon | Philemon 8-14

Instead of commanding Philemon, Paul instead chooses to humbly encourage Philemon to allow Onesimus to work with Paul in ministry. In doing so, Paul provides a model for how Christians should regard themselves and others in light of their new identity in Christ, with humility towards themselves, affection towards others, and respect towards authority.

From God, For God | Philemon 4-7

This week in the study of Philemon, we walk through verses 4-7 and discuss how all that we do is not just in response to what God has done for us, but in reverence for God.    

Paul’s Greeting to Philemon | Philemon 1-3

In a compassion letter to the Colossians, Paul sends a short letter with Onesimus to Philemon, a Colossians who hosts a church at his home, and also the slave owner of Onesimus. In this extraordinary letter, discover how Paul calls the church at Philemon’s home to re-calibrate their understanding of identity within the community of Christ.    

Paul’s Farewell to the Colossians | Colossians 4:7-18

Paul ends his letter, not by focusing on himself, but by focusing on those working with him for the sake of the Gospel, and those at Colossae who share that same purpose. In doing so, Paul pulls the curtain to reveal the work of the early church and provides a model for how the Church today should collectively encourage each other in the work of the Gospel. 

Is Church for Christians or Non-Christians? | Colossians 4:2-6

As Paul concludes his letter, he ends with final exhortations focused on one theme: advancing the Gospel. Paul calls to Colossians to be watchful in prayer, especially praying that God will provide opportunities for His Word to be shared. Paul also urges the Colossians to live in such a way that fulfills this prayer by treating non-believers with graciousness.  

Slaves Obey Your Masters | Colossians 3:22-4:1

In a world of slavery in the ancient Roman Empire, as many as 30% of the population were slaves, including in Colossae. Without ever endorsing the institution of slavery, Paul instructs both slaves and masters to honor God by seeing themselves as spiritual slaves and Christ as their Heavenly Master. In doing so, God teaches Christians today how to honor Christ as the ultimate authority in all the spheres of authority that life offers.