Romans 1:16, 15:13 The title of this devotion, “Real Power”, had me browsing the internet to research what the most powerful thing on earth is. The funny thing is, from Google’s perspective, the most powerful thing in the world depends on how one measures power. So, let’s look at a few different categories. From a scientific standpoint, the strong nuclear force is the strongest force in nature and...  Read More

1 Corinthians 4:14-21 Here at Emmanuel our purpose statement is “We exist to honor God by making passionate disciples.” This guides us as a church. Being a disciple is what every believer is called to do. Trying to be Christ-like, emulating Jesus, is really what a disciple is. Being a disciple is rooted in a relationship that is trusting and encouraging. Paul in our passage is laying down the foun...  Read More

1 Corinthians 4:8-13 The American dream is something that we all chase after, everyone wants to be successful. However, what does that truly mean? Does it mean you make a six-figure income, have no debt, or even have a cabin up north? Hear my heart, none of those are bad things, but as believers do those things make us successful in our journey of faith? In today's passage Paul calls out the Corin...  Read More

1 Corinthians 4:1-7 The greatest kind of leadership is servant-leadership. It’s the kind of leadership that is counter-cultural in so many ways. It’s not flashy. It’s not showy. It’s not shiny. It’s not all that attractive to power-hungry people. What it IS: The model that the early church exemplified.The Apostle Paul was trying to help the Corinthians to realize that he, Apollos, Peter, and other...  Read More

Week 3Main Point and Overview:    Many churches have great resources, abilities, and buildings. Some have great preachers, programs, and activities. Ultimately, their “legacy of longevity” is not based on any of these things; it’s based on the unique power of God. The Apostle Paul was noticing a growing trend in the Corinthian church. They were becoming distracted with personalities, prosperity, a...  Read More

Matthew 7:24-27 I sing a song to my 9-month-old all the time about this passage. “A wise man built his house upon the rock, and the rains came tumbling down. The rains came down and the floods came up, but the house on the rock stood firm.”When it comes to us as individual believers, our foundation must be built on Jesus Christ. Because when the storms of life come passing through, we won’t be sha...  Read More