The Reality of Church
God has already done far more than we could ask or think and has promised to continue doing so in and through his church.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Sometimes, it’s easy to take for granted the amazing reality of the Church. I don’t just mean our church (although we do love Immanuel). I mean the church as a whole, the global body of believers. In God’s great wisdom, he devised the church as his means of spreading the gospel on earth, bringing salvation to all peoples, and creating a reality here that is reflective of heaven. Through his Son, he has brought us from death to life, torn down dividing walls of hostility between us and him and between us and one another, and he has formed us into one new people in Christ. Across the world believers share more in common in Christ than we do with anyone of our own ethnicity, upbringing, or even blood family.
God has given us both a family and a home with our fellow believers. And he has given us a mission and a promise. So we have fellowship with one another and a purpose with which to live.
And wrapped around all this is the amazing, eternal reality that God has claimed us as the bride of Christ. We, the church, have a certain future of perfect love and unity with Jesus. We have a certain future of joyous celebration and oneness with our Savior. And he loves us that much now and proved and sealed his love at the cross, laying down his life to make us his own.
So, how could we take the church for granted? And how could we not thank and praise God for it? How could we not be daily stunned by what he has called us to be part of? How could we not look at our fellow believers in wonder at his ongoing work of saving, unifying, renewing, healing, and calling? God has already done far more than we could ask or think and has promised to continue doing so in and through his church.
This Sunday At Immanuel
Sunday Morning…
SUNDAY WORSHIP: Join us for our 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. as Pastor TJ continues our series in the book of James.
Sunday Seminars…
9 AM: Student Seminar led by Vince Greenwald (grades 5-12) in the gymnasium
9 AM: Studying the Bible Together, led by Dr. Tom Cox, studying the book of Romans in the staff lounge
9 AM: Last Word: The Gospel of Christ in the Book of Revelation, led by Dr. Russell Moore in the cafe
10:45 AM: How to Talk About Jesus Without Being Weird, led by Dr. Gavin Ortlund in the cafe
On the Horizon…
Men & Women’s Retreat: We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for our upcoming men’s and women’s retreats! This is a fantastic opportunity to build deeper relationships at Immanuel, whether you have been at the church for a week or a decade. We also have the wonderful privilege of hearing from Ray and Jani Ortlund as our respective speakers. Register for the women’s retreat here and the men’s retreat here.
Men’s & Women’s Fellowship: Starting September 9th, men's and women’s fellowship kicks off at Immanuel! Every Monday from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, the women, led by Amy Cox, will gather in the cafe, and the men, led by Tony Shepherd, will gather in the gymnasium. We hope to see you there!
Women’s Bible Study: Starting September 19, Heidi Faulks will kick off our Immanuel's Women's Bible Study. This study meets every Thursday morning from 10:00-11:30 AM. They will go through Abide, Jen Wilkin's study on 1, 2, and 3 John. Childcare will be provided. Register here!