All Episodes - Emmanuel Community Church Sermons
Official feed for the sermons from Emmanuel Community Church in Elmira, NY. We are committed to glorifying the triune God by worshiping and making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Sermons come from pastors Matt Bedzyk, Keith Ryoo, Joel Traylor, and Mitch Bedzyk. Learn more at eccelmira.org
View Podcast Details40 Episodes
Better than the Angels: The Son’s Name (Hebrews 1:4-5)
Today, we will see first that Jesus is better than angels because he has received a greater name. He is the eternal Son who has become the exalted Son, the promised Messiah who is worthy to sit on heaven’s throne and receive the worship that is due to God alone.
The Son Who Sits (Hebrews 1:3-4)
Hebrews began with the author reminding them that the living God has spoken fully and finally in his Son. The God who speaks has made himself known in his Son, and in vv. 3-4 we learn he is the Son who sits. In this sermon, pastor Matt helps us see that God's Son sits enthroned because of who he is and what he has done. Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who became a man in order to cleanse us from sin, and who now reigns in victory as the exalted Son of God.
The God Who Speaks (Hebrews 1:1-2)
As we begin our new sermon series through the book of Hebrews, pastor Matt reminds us of a life-changing truth: The living God has spoken fully and finally by his Son. All that we need to know about the one true God, his plan of salvation, and his purpose for creation is found supremely in Jesus Christ, for he himself is the Word of God.
The Resurrected Body (2 Corinthians 5:1-10)
In this sermon, pastoral resident Seth Hampton concludes our sermon series on the body, reminding us that the Holy Spirit guarantees us a resurrected body like Jesus, so we live in holy hope. Our created, sexual, baptized, and sanctified bodies will also one day be resurrected bodies
The Sanctified Body (Colossians 2:6-3:17)
In this sermon from Colossians, pastor Joel turs helps us answer the question, "How shall we then live?", as those who have called on the name of the Lord in baptism. What we will see is that, being rooted in Christ, renewed in mind, and remade in heart, we embody thankfulness through His Spirit. And the world needs the people of God to be who they truly are.
The Baptized Body (Acts 2:37-41)
In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that the gospel demands a response for Christ from the heart and the body. We not only believe with our heart and confess with our mouth, but we also call on the name of the Lord to be saved in baptism, for it is there that Jesus reclaims our entire life in the body for himself.
The Sexual Body (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
One slogan that captures the spirit of the age is “My body, my choice.” The idea that our body belongs to us and we can with it as we please is the driving force behind the abortion movement, the LGBTQ+ movement, and physician assisted suicide. But this is not an idea that began in the sexual revolution of the 1960s. This idea is as old as sin itself, and Paul addresses it in his letter to the church at Corinth. In this sermon, pastor Mitch helps us see that sexual sin is inconsistent with God's design for the body and that the body is for the Lord. As Paul puts it, "you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6:20). The Christian life is a life of obedience carried out in and with a body created in God’s image. Therefore, what we do with our bodies matters
The Created Body (Genesis 1:26-28)
In this sermon, Pastor Keith challenges the chaotic spirit of this age, the expressive individualism in which the self, with all authority and autonomy, determines his or her own identity, even to the point of changing gender. From Genesis 1:26-28, known as the key text for Imago Dei and the cultural mandate, Pastor Keith calls the church to remember and recover biblical anthropology. By highlighting God's deliberation (v.26), God's creation (v.27), and God's benediction (v.28), He reminds us that God created humanity in His image, male and female, for us to bear His glory, and that the ultimate and perfect image of God was displayed in Christ Jesus who came as a man to save the fallen image-bearers to regain God's blessing.
The Dawn of Redeeming Grace (Zechariah 12:1 – 13:1)
Our text from Zechariah on the fourth Sunday of Advent builds on the picture of restoration and hope we saw in Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Amos. Like all the prophets before him, Zechariah saw a day that was coming when God would return to Jerusalem, rebuild David’s house, restore his people, and deal with their sin. If we want to understand Christmas we must understand the prophets, because it is in these texts we find the promises Jesus came to fulfill, the story of Israel he came to complete, and the hope for a weary world in sin and error pining. In this sermon, pastor Mitch helps us realize that the day of hope, which that the prophets envisioned and Israel longed for, has dawned with the advent of Jesus and the establishment of his church, the Israel of God.
Raising up the Ruins (Amos 9)
In this sermon on the third Sunday of Advent, pastor Matt helps us see that the God of inescapable judgment offers unshakable hope for all people. Sinners who presume upon his grace will find there is nowhere to run from his wrath, but sinners who take refuge in his promised king will be secure and […]
The Shepherd King Who Comes To Stay (Ezekiel 37:15-28)
In this sermon on the second Sunday of Advent, pastor Joel connects Ezekiel's vision of two sticks joined together to the Christmas story, showing how Jesus is the Shepherd King who comes to stay. This message shows us how only Jesus Christ heals division and offers true belonging, and it encourages Christians to live in unity, holiness, and hope as they wait for the New Creation.
The Shepherd King who Comes (Jeremiah 23:1-8)
In this sermon, Pastor Keith reminds us that when leaders fail and darkness deepens, our hope rests not in earthly shepherds but in the Shepherd King God promised. From Jeremiah 23:1–8, we see that while corrupt kings scatter the flock, the Lord Himself gathers, restores, and raises up a righteous Branch from David. In Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, God brings a greater Exodus, rescuing us from sin and death and securing us in His love forever. As we wait for His return, we trust His reign, rest in His righteousness, and follow Him with confidence, knowing He will gather all of His people at last.
How to Cry to God in Suffering (Psalm 89:38-52)
In this sermon, pastor Matt heps us see how to cry to God in suffering, and it’s this: When in suffering, bring your pain and God’s promises together in prayer. This is how we grow strong in the faith through every trial we face, and how we approach the throne of grace for help in time of need.
A King for the Ages (Psalm 89:19-37)
In this sermon, pastor Matt considers the purpose and permanence of God's covenant with David, reminding us that the church of God is secure for the throne of his Christ endures. The good news is that in Jesus Christ, God has kept every one of his covenant promises, and those who belong to God’s exalted king become partakers of those promises.
Let Us Worship God, Still (Psalm 89:1-18)
In this sermon, Pastor Keith reminds us that before we question God’s providence, we remember His promise. From Psalm 89:1–18, we see that even in seasons of darkness and disappointment, God’s steadfast love and faithfulness remain unshaken. His covenant, His power, and His people all testify that He has not failed. Through Christ, the true Son of David, we can worship still—trusting that His rule is righteous, His promises sure, and His presence our joy.
Great Wrath, Greater Mercy (2 Samuel 24)
In this sermon, pastor Matt concludes our sermon series on 1-2 Samuel and shows us that the king we need most is one who can save us from God’s wrath. We need a king who can satisfy the righteous anger of God that burns against us for our sin, who will let the holy hand of judgment be against him, so that we might know the riches of God’s mercy.
Faithful Servants of the King (2 Samuel 23:8-39)
In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that God establishes the reign of his king by the work of his faithful servants. Yet what matters most is not what we do for him but what God does through us, and he is pleased to give us the victory and reward us for our service as we follow his Christ.
The Last Words That Last (2 Samuel 23:1-7)
In this sermon, Pastor Keith reminds us that because of God’s eternal covenant we can flourish under His righteous King. David’s lasting last words point us to Jesus, the true Anointed One, whose rule brings light, life, and lasting renewal. Under His reign, God’s people find secure confidence in His Word, renewed vitality in His presence, and final cleansing through His holy judgment.
The Gospel of the Kingdom (2 Samuel 22:32-51)
In this sermon, pastor Matt helps us see that the Lord exalts his king so that the nations might praise his name. This psalm is a song about the good news of how the kingdom of this world becomes the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, how even his enemies can come to rejoice in his steadfast love.
“His Way Is Perfect” (2 Samuel 22:21-31)
2 Samuel 22 can be divided into five sections. The first two describe David's praise to God for his deliverance (1-20), while the last two sections describe David's praise to God for his dominion (32-51). In the central section (21-31) we find two paragraphs that explain the reasons why God was pleased to give deliverance and dominion to David. Far from being a passage of pharisaical pride, David sings in praise of God’s perfection, inviting all those who hear this psalm to discover how they too can come to know the Lord’s blessing as well. In this sermon, pastor Mitch reminds us that those who faithfully follow the Lord are those who experience his blessing.
Praise the God Who Saves! (2 Samuel 22:1-20)
This poem, which contains the words of Psalm 18, is not only part of the epilogue but is a Spirit-inspired commentary to the books of 1-2 Samuel. It gives the proper perspective we need to understand the gospel according to David. In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that our God moves heaven and earth to save all who call upon his name. And those who take refuge in the Most High will be able to sing with David that Yahweh is my God, my rock, and my salvation, and that he is worthy to be praised.
In the Shadow of Giants (2 Samuel 21:15-22)
In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that the Lord’s faithful servants will overcome every threat to the kingdom. No matter how strong our enemy appears to be, we stand in the victory of Christ and the power of his might as we bear witness to his saving reign.
Full Atonement! Can It Be? (2 Samuel 21:1-14)
In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us of a sobering truth: the tragedy of sin demands the tragedy of atonement. Covenant-breaking requires blood-shedding. But we’ll also see that the gospel of Jesus transforms this tragedy into something glorious, bringing living hope out of despair.
A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken (2 Samuel 20)
The story of Sheba’s rebellion, in many ways, repeats what we’ve seen repeatedly throughout the books of Samuel. There’s division and rebellion; there’s deception and vengeance. But the conclusion subtly reminds us once again that this is God’s story, and he is always at work. In this sermon, pastor Matt shows us that no matter what comes against it, the kingdom of God is unshakable. Nothing—not the schemes of its enemies, the foolishness of its citizens, or even the failure of its leaders—can stop the good news of God’s reign in Christ, for his kingdom is forever.
The Return of the King (2 Samuel 19:9-43)
In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that those who receive God’s king will be received by his grace. And the return of this king is ultimately meant to point us to the return of the King, Jesus Christ, and the salvation that awaits those who are eagerly waiting for him.
The King Weeps, The Kingdom Waits (2 Samuel 18:19–19:15)
In this sermon pastor Joel considers the responses to Absalom's death, reminding us that there is no human resolution to mercy and justice without brokenness.
Between Heaven and Earth: The Ache for Mercy in the Midst of Justice (2 Samuel 18:1-19)
In this sermon pastor Joel considers the tragic death of Absalom at the hands of Joab, reminding us that we need to be careful how we treat the Son of David. Though we are all like Absalom, in our rebellion against God, the good news is that God has not send us a Joab but Jesus.
When God Overrules (2 Samuel 17)
In this sermon, Pastor Keith examines the battle of counsels, God’s hidden providence, and God’s surprising provision in Absalom’s rebellion. Through Ahithophel’s highly probable plan, Hushai’s counter-counsel, the courage of unnamed servants, and the unexpected generosity of unlikely allies, we see that behind every scene, the Lord sovereignly frustrates the wisdom of the wicked to preserve His anointed king. Pastor Keith calls us to walk by faith and trust the God who overruled the wisdom of the wicked for David’s deliverance, and who has ultimately overruled sin, Satan, and death through the cross and resurrection of King Jesus.
Better Than Life (Psalm 63)
In this sermon, pastor Keith reminds us that God's steadfast love is better than life. The true joy and lasting peace that we crave, that was meant to satisfy all our desires, is found in Jesus Christ.
Meekness and Weakness (2 Samuel 16)
In this sermon, pastor Adam Powers (Sonrise Community Church, in New Port Richey, Florida) reminds us that a posture of meekness is possible because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because he is strong, we are free to be meek, trusting that he will not only protect and preserve us but also vindicate us.
Salvation Belongs to the Lord (Psalm 3)
In this sermon, pastor Mitch reminds us that we can have confidence in crisis because salvation belongs to the Lord. The God who delivered David and brought blessing to his people was also faithful to Jesus, and through him, God now brings the blessings of salvation to all who believe in his name. When we feel outnumbered and outmatched, when the waves of fear and anxiety threaten, we can rest assured, knowing that Christ is not only with us, but has secured God’s blessings for us.
Following the True King Through Crisis and Covenant (2 Samuel 15:18-37)
We live in a world where “Absaloms” rise daily—where truth is traded for influence, and loyalty is seduced by charm. We live as strangers in a land shaped by self-expression, not self-denial. In such a world, faithfulness can feel like foolishness. But it’s not. Sometimes faith doesn’t look like standing tall—it looks like walking barefoot through tears. In this sermon pastor Joel reminds us that crisis proves and strengthens covenant faithfulness to God’s true King. In David’s darkest hour, God showed up as Redeemer, Savior, and Friend. In Jesus, those roles aren’t just revealed—they’re fulfilled. And in your crisis, they are real. The same God who walked with David and wept with Jesus walks with you now.
Empty Kisses, Stolen Hearts, and a Hollow Crown (2 Samuel 15:1-17)
In this sermon pastor Joel considers Absalom's return to Jerusalem and his plans to become king, reminding us that our way ends in lies and death and that only Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Ultimately, we can be encouraged to know that Jesus is a king who does not flatter, who does not fail his people, and who does not flee.
Can You Fake It till You Make It? (2 Samuel 14)
In this sermon, Pastor Keith examines Joab's scheme, Absalom's return, and David's hesitant kiss, exposing the tragic results of manipulated mercy, sentimentalism, and unresolved sin. Through a fake parable, a forced return, false beauty, and a feeble kiss, we see that every shortcut to peace—without repentance and justice—only results in greater division. Pastor Keith urges us to seek true restoration not in human schemes, but in the righteous and gracious King Jesus, who alone brings peace with God and men through the cross.
Vengeance Is Mine: Absalom (2 Samuel 13:23-39)
In this sermon, Pastor Keith expounds the tragic aftermath of Amnon’s sin and David’s silence, resulting in Absalom’s vengeful murder of his brother. He exposes the fallacy of revenge without righteousness. We are exhorted to entrust judgment to the Lord rather than taking matters into our own hands, and to wait for a King who will render righteous vengeance, which is the hope we have with the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Judge of all the earth.
An Outrageous Fool (2 Samuel 13:1-22)
In this sermon, pastor Keith looks at the consequences of King David's sin, found in the tragic story of Amnon and Tamar, and exposes the destructive and disgusting nature of sin. We learn about Amnon’s untamed desire and Jonadab’s deceit which leads to a disgraceful and outrageous act that is left unresolved and leaves the innocent Tamar in shame. He exhorts us to put to death the desire of the flesh lest it lead us to disgrace, and encourages us to look to Christ, the faithful redeemer and the fearful judge, who does not remain silent in the face of injustice.
The Hope of Transformation (Psalm 51:10-19)
In this sermon on Pentecost Sunday, guest preacher Josh Jenkins (from Del Cerro Baptist Church in La Mesa, CA) looks at the second half of David's psalm of repentance, reminding us that the goal of true repentance is not merely forgiveness or restoration, but transformation. And this transformation is only made possible by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A Plea for Purging (Psalm 51:1-9)
In this sermon, pastor Mitch considers David's response to being confronted by Nathan in Psalm 51 and reminds us that repentance is the way to life for both ruined and redeemed sinners. The only way out of humanity’s downward spiral into sin begins with repentance, for this is where God in Christ has promised to meet us, to save us, to heal us, and to set us free.
The Fall of David: Solomon (2 Samuel 12:15-31)
In this sermon pastor Matt helps us see a truth revealed throughout all Scripture, that God's grace brings new life out of death. And this he does for the sake of his name and the blessing of his people.
The Fall of David: Yahweh (2 Samuel 12:1-14)
As we continue on with the fall of David in 2 Samuel 12, it should be no surprise to find that after taking Uriah’s wife, and trying to cover it up with the “fig leaves” of Uriah’s death, Yahweh now comes to David. And just like he came to Adam and Eve, he comes to David here in judgment. We’ve seen that even great kings like David fall like Adam, and that no sin can be hidden from God’s sight. In this sermon, as the word of the Lord comes to David through the prophet Nathan, pastor Matt helps us see another simple but profound truth: the Lord will judge those who despise him.