Emmanuel Church App Resources

What does it mean to have fellowship with God? When I heard the word ‘fellowship’ I always used to imagine a small group of very solemn believers coming together to talk about God and pray for each other. I learnt over time that fellowship is so much more than that. It can take many forms and has many expressions. Fellowship can find expression among believers but also among family members and in your relationship with God. I recently heard somebody draw a distinction between our relationship with God and our fellowship with Him. We are able to stand in a relationship with the Father because of the price Jesus paid on the cross to reconcile us with Him.  By faith we enter into this life-giving relationship and by faith we grow to maturity in this amazing relationship. While we might enjoy the security and benefits of our relationship with God, our fellowship with Him could be lacking and leave us feeling empty and longing for more.  Truth be told, we should ...

Y ou may or may not have heard the statement made in a Charismatic meeting. The preacher, after using one or more biblical passage to prove his point, solemnly warning the congregation about the dangers of becoming familiar with God. Often spiritual issues like losing the fear of the Lord, unbelief and pride are listed as the end result of familiarity with the Almighty. But is this really true? Now I am not for a moment diminishing the seriousness of the aforementioned spiritual issues. But is familiarity with God truly the culprit? One of the passages I've most often encountered that is used in this regard is found in Mark 6: “Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t th...

What is a family? Follow this link for a humorous take on family.

During the month of May we want to focus on "The Family" because we simply believe that God is the originator of the family and continues to uphold it. The traditional family is under attack. Television programs portray fathers stupid, mothers as overbearing, and children as smart beyond their years.   The biblical ideal, established at the beginning of humanity, is for one man and one woman to join in a spiritually and physically committed union for a lifetime, conceiving and rearing children ( Genesis 1:27–28 ; 2:18 , 21–25 ). Although this model wasn't followed consistently throughout the Scriptures.   Today, single parents, married couples without children, grandparents rearing their grandchildren, and empty-nesters etc., make up a considerable percentage of "Christian" families.   Yet a Christian family can be a group of people who are related to each other and are committed to the person and work of Jesus Christ. We can experience the love, powe...