Emmanuel Sunday Talks

In this preach, Neville Jones looks at the life of Elijah in 1 Kings 17 to show what it means to live by faith when hope feels delayed, disappointment sets in, or mystery surrounds us. He calls us to trust God’s unceasing provision, even when circumstances seem bleak, and to step out in faith, knowing Christ offers abundant life. This is a message of encouragement to keep believing, keep receiving, and let faith rise in every season.

In this preach, based on Psalm 130, Matt Simmonds explains that sin is more than a few mistakes - it’s a powerful force that leads to brokenness, guilt, and helplessness, with both temporary and eternal consequences. Yet in the depths of our failure, God offers steadfast love and plentiful redemption through Jesus’ sacrifice, wiping away all sin and granting true freedom. Our awareness of sin is evidence of His grace at work, calling us to repentance and hope in His unending forgiveness.

In this sermon, George Benson unpacks Psalm 131 and teaches us that true peace comes from humility and trust in God, not control or self-reliance. Pride and striving lead to anxiety, but like a child resting in its mother’s arms, we can find calm by depending on God. George shows us how Jesus perfectly modelled this humility at the cross, making peace possible for us. Therefore our role is to trust in Him, surrender pride, and rest in His care.

In his preach, Neville Jones unpacked Psalm 139, highlighting God’s omniscience and omnipresence - the Lord knows everything about us, from our actions to unspoken thoughts, and is present everywhere. God surrounds us, guides us with His hand, and brings light into darkness. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, intricately formed by Him and known before birth. Neville tells us how these truths should lead us to worship, trusting that nothing can separate us from God’s love in Christ and that our lives have purpose and divine care from start to finish.

In this sermon, Matt explores Psalm 119, focusing on its call to love, obey, and delight in God's Word. He explains that while the psalm emphasises obedience, its true aim is deep relationship with God. Drawing from the life of Jesus - who perfectly fulfilled God's law - Matt highlights that we are invited to walk in that same way, not by our own strength, but through the divine power given by the Spirit. Obedience isn't just about moral behaviour, but about entering into God's very nature, experiencing His love, blessing, and power. Matt finishes with a call to repentance and wholehearted devotion, urging us to embrace the life-giving way of Christ.