A great lesson that every kid learns at some point in their life is that you get away with things, until you don’t. Everyone can get away with stuff, but at some point, it catches up to you, or as Moses told the Israelites before crossing the Jordan “Your sins will find you out!” I had a similar situation happen to me. When I was a kid, I was really entitled and decided that if I wanted something ...  Read More

This is one of those passages in the NIV that is difficult to give a definitive application to. Your Bible may preface the passage (7:53-8:11), with something like, [The earliest manuscripts and many other ancient witnesses do not have John 7:53–8:11. A few manuscripts include these verses, wholly or in part, after John 7:36, John 21:25, Luke 21:38 or Luke 24:53.] However, there is a reason that s...  Read More

Motivations matter. In fact, they are arguably more important than our actions. When I was a college student, I did an internship at my home church in Warren, Michigan. I was young. I was cocky. I ended up being lazy...at that time in my life. One of my responsibilities was that I was put in charge of a floundering van route. The purpose of this ministry was to provide rides for kids who couldn’t ...  Read More

Main Point and Overview:At the heart of DEI, which stands for diversity, equity and inclusion, is the notion that everyone belongs. Often, this belief system has no boundaries as long as there is not outward animosity shown toward others. What happens is that truth gets watered down as every thought, belief, and lifestyle is championed. Jesus came to teach exclusive truths. He was very clear that ...  Read More

The Women's Ministry at Emmanuel offers opportunities for women of all ages to flourish in deep community as we CONNECT and GROW in the grace and knowledge of the Lord, and then think through practical applications to everyday life through weekly Bible studies and fellowship events. This ministry is filled with some amazing women of God with servants' hearts who treasure and LIVE out God’s word. W...  Read More

Colossians 3:16-17“It may be Friday, but Sunday’s coming...”  This is such an encouraging quote around Good Friday and Easter. From a worship ministry point of view though, this is a weekly reminder of the need to plan and schedule volunteers for Sunday gatherings. I’ve been blessed to be the full-time worship director at Emmanuel now since 2020 (part time in 2018 and 2019) and have learned SO MUC...  Read More