Emmanuel Baptist Church of Jacksonville - Sermons

The Ascended Lord and His Continuing Work - The Ascended Lord and His Continuing Work

When Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples’ mission didn’t come to an end—it was only just beginning. In Acts 1:1–11, we see that Jesus had to leave His followers physically so He could lead them spiritually. Though He no longer walks among us in the flesh, His work on Earth has never stopped. Through the Holy Spirit, the acts of Christ continued through the hands and feet of the early apostles—and that same work continues through us today. While God certainly doesn't need us to accomplish His divine purposes, He graciously chooses to use us. Yet, as Jesus reminds us in John 15:5, "Without me, you can do nothing." We can only carry out His work when we are fully rooted in His power, keeping our priorities clear as His witnesses to the ends of the earth. Even in the moment of His ascension, Jesus did not leave His followers uncared for—angels descended to encourage and guide them. Take heart: Jesus is still working today. He is actively building His Church, equipping every believer to be a faithful witness, and preparing for the glorious day when He will return. Key Takeaway: Jesus ascended, but He never stepped down. We are called to step up as His witnesses, fully dependent on His strength until He returns.

The Lord Builds The House - General Preaching

In a world that never stops moving, modern families are facing immense, unprecedented pressure from every angle. We are told to run faster, achieve more, and conform to the frantic pace of the culture around us. But what happens when the dust settles and we realize we’ve been building our lives on a shifting foundation? Based on Psalm 127, this sermon challenges us to look closely at our foundational motivations. Why do we do what we do? Are we striving to conform to Christ, or are we bowing to the pressures of the world? Scripture reminds us that human effort alone is not enough: "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it." This message is a compassionate roadmap for any family feeling the strain of the world. We will explore how to step off the cultural treadmill, slow down to listen to God’s voice, and establish boundaries rooted in love rather than rigid rules. For those carrying the scars of past hurts or broken relationships, we will discover the radical, restoring power of God—the Master Builder who specializes in healing broken hearts and redeeming what the enemy has stolen. Whether your family is just beginning, navigating deep storms, or looking to rebuild from the ground up, this sermon will guide you toward the peace found only in total surrender to Jesus Christ. Every family is building something. What will you build your home with? Key Takeaways & Core Themes The Danger of the World’s Pace: Finding peace in Christ (John 16:33) and learning to be still (Psalm 46:10) rather than conforming to cultural burnout (Romans 12:2). Motivations vs. Rules: Examining why we build (Galatians 1:10) and understanding that relationship and heart-alignment build a home, not just rules. Healing for the Scars of Life: Remembering that scars mean healing has happened, and trusting God to restore broken relationships (Psalm 147:3, Jeremiah 32:27). The Blueprint of Surrender: Shifting our trust from human strength to God's ultimate provision (Psalm 20:7, James 4:10). A Storm-Proof Foundation: How letting Christ build the house ensures it will stand, no matter what winds blow against it (Matthew 7:24-25). "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." — Psalm 127:1

Raising Children - 2026 Family Life Conference

Parenting is one of the greatest privileges God entrusts to us—but let’s be honest, it is also some of the hardest, most exhausting work we will ever do. In a world full of competing voices and parenting philosophies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But God has not left us to figure it out on our own. He has given us a blueprint. Join us as we dive into Proverbs 22:6 to discover what it truly means to raise our children "the Bible way." We will look past the surface of modern parenting trends and anchor ourselves in God’s timeless truth, learning how to raise a generation of children who are prepared to be used mightily by Him. "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord... As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth." — Psalm 127:3-4 What We Will Explore Together: 1. A Command to Be Obeyed: "Train Up" Active, Not Passive: Parenting is not a passive spectator sport. It takes intentional daily work. We cannot just hear the Word; we must be doers of it (James 1:22-23). Heart Check: We cannot lead our children where we have not gone ourselves. To display a life submitted to God, our own hearts must first be right with Him. 2. A Task to Be Performed: The Daily Work of Training A Lifelong Journey: Training doesn't stop when they get out of diapers; it continues until they are fully grown. Grace in Failure: Our children are going to fail—and how we respond to their failures reveals our true colors as parents. The Tools of the Trade: We teach through consistency, repetition, our words, our actions, and loving discipline. True biblical discipline is never done in anger; it is done for their ultimate good, just as our Heavenly Father disciplines us. 3. A Goal to Be Achieved: "In the Way He Should Go" God's Will, Not Ours: The goal of biblical parenting is not to mold our children into who we want them to be, but to guide them into who God created them to be—fully aligned with His will. Consistency Matters: What can we expect from our children if our own walk with God is inconsistent? We must live out our faith regardless of our circumstances. 4. A Promise to Be Received: "He Will Not Depart From It" The Anchor of Truth: Though our children may wander or go through seasons of testing, a foundation built on the uncompromising Word of God will not fail them. When we train them up the right way—with love and without compromise—they carry an anchor that holds fast for a lifetime. Who is this for? Whether you are currently in the thick of toddlers, navigating the teenage years, grandparenting, or preparing to start a family, this message will equip, challenge, and encourage you. Come ready to be refreshed in your calling as a parent!

A Message To The Men - 2026 Family Life Conference

It is easy to sit in a pew, nod along, and say "Amen." The real test of a man's faith doesn't happen during the Sunday morning service—it begins the moment he walks out the church doors and steps back into the world. Every single day, men are bombarded with voices demanding their allegiance, their time, and their strength. But Scripture is uncompromisingly clear: no man can serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). We are standing at a crossroads, and a choice must be made. In this powerful message, we dive into Joshua’s historic, line-in-the-sand declaration: "Choose this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." To lead his family with his words, actions, and attitude, a man must first have a heart that is right with God. This sermon challenges men to make three defining, life-altering choices: An Individual Choice: The Man Before you can lead anyone else, you must choose who you are going to follow. It starts with a personal decision to choose life, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), and refuse to conform to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). Like Job, it requires integrity when no one else is watching. An Inclusive Choice: The Family A godly man’s choice naturally encompasses his household. How could Joshua speak with such bold confidence about his family’s future? Because he had a track record of consistent, quiet faithfulness to God long before he became a leader (Deuteronomy 34:9, Joshua 1:1–5). You cannot lead your family where you are not willing to go yourself. An Intentional Choice: To Serve This isn't about legalism, rules, or checking off religious boxes. It is about a deliberate, heart-driven decision to serve the Living God. We are not performing for the approval of people; we are serving the Creator of the universe. Men, the choice is yours. Will you drift with the culture, or will you draw a line in the sand? Choose this day. "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." — Joshua 24:15

How Do You Save A Split Home? - 2026 Family Life Conference