Two Encouraging Words + Weekly Updates
Good morning Immanuel! Sometimes the most life-giving and encouraging words in scripture are almost hidden.
“But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” (Mark 16:7)
Sometimes the most life-giving and encouraging words in scripture are almost hidden. You have to read and listen carefully to notice them.
In Mark 16, we see several women approaching the tomb of Jesus. They had witnessed his death. They knew where he was buried and expected Him to be there. Where else would a dead man be? (I mean, other than the fact that he had promised not to be there.) So they are prepared to anoint his body for proper burial since he was buried hastily after his crucifixion.
When they arrive, they encounter an angel who tells them that Jesus isn’t there but is alive. Then he says to them, “go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.”
Did you catch it? That one little phrase: and Peter. This is the same Peter who denied Jesus three times when Jesus was on trial. Despite his bold pronouncements and loud protestations at the last supper, he had played the coward and abandoned his friend and savior. Now, upon rising from the dead, Jesus immediately thinks of Peter and singles him out for good news and hope. One more time, in case it didn’t land: when the savior of the world arose in victory, he thought first about his denier, and he gave mercy and assurance.
In that one little phrase, we hear the heart of Jesus for those who have blown it, for those who feel unforgivable. We know Peter was a wreck; he had wept bitterly over his sin. And that is the one Jesus singles out with the hope of His resurrection life and with his love.
October 12, 2022 - Immanuel At a Glance
Sunday Updates
EPHESIANS - Our sermon series in Ephesians continued with Sam Allberry preaching from Ephesians 1:9-14. View the sermon here.
SIDEBAR - Don’t forget to check out this week’s Immanuel Sidebar episode featuring Sam Allberry!
If you have questions you would like to hear answered on the Immanuel Sidebar, submit them here.
Wednesday Updates
FALL BREAK - No Wednesday Night Tonight (October 12)
LIVE ALBUM - Wednesday, October 19 @ 6:30 PM - The Immanuel Worship Team will lead us in a live hymn album recording! Your voices are the main instruments on this project, so we welcome you to come out and invite a friend!
Celebrating God’s Grace
AND FAR BEYOND - Jesus is on the move, and our dear Immanuel family, Matt & Ansley Kynes + kids, are on the front lines of making the real Jesus non-ignorable in Kijabe, Kenya. We will share a special video update soon. In the meantime, there is an opportunity to serve in Kijabe as a teacher. Learn more here.
DISCOVER LUNCHEON - Our first Discover Luncheon had a great turnout! Every 2nd Sunday of the month after the 10:40 am service, Immanuel hosts a luncheon to welcome new (or newish) people. This is an excellent opportunity to connect, meet the pastors, and ask questions. RSVP for the next one here.
On the Horizon
Sunday, October 23 - Holy Communion
Sunday, October 30 - Family worship (iKids 0-3 only)