Emmanuel church is an evangelical church. 'Evangelical' is a word which simply means 'Good News'. This refers to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and what that means for us as individuals.
Each of us has an immortal soul. How vital it is that we consider eternal issues! Jesus said, 'For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul'.
Man fears death. He fears an end to all he knows on this earth, and the uncertainty of what lies beyond the grave. The Bible declares that man has an immortal soul and that a sense of eternity has been stamped upon him by his Maker. It also warns of a great Judgement Day towards which all history is moving. In the light of this, the Bible urges us in this life to prepare to meet God.
The quest of human beings in every age is to find happiness. Many acknowledge privately that they find no satisfaction in this world. However, nothing but Jesus Christ can satisfy the needs of the soul. He describes man as 'hungry' and 'thirsty', and himself as 'the bread of life' and 'the water of life', eternally satisfying. How different to the transient pleasures of this fleeting life! 'He that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst '.
In common with all the major historic Creeds and Confessions of the Christian Church, we believe the Bible is the Word of God and the only true source of knowledge regarding religion. You will hear a message from this unique book at each worship service addressing the most important of life's issues: Who is God? How can he be known? What is the purpose of life?
The gospel is for all people, from every nation and background. Many have come to believe it when very young, others in their later years. No-one should exclude themselves.
It was once said that it was the Bible that made England great. William Tyndale, who produced the first English translation from the original languages, was seen as one of the greatest Englishmen, yet now few know the story of his life. What reasons do people today give for not believing the message of the Bible? The following are some of them.
* Science has proved that the Bible is false.
The 20th Century was a period when many attacked the accuracy of the Scriptures. Evolution became a popular theory for explaining the existence of the world in opposition to the Bible's teaching that God is the creator of all things. The historical accuracy of other parts of the Bible was questioned. However, many scientists have raised objections to the claims of evolution. A greater understanding of the complexity of life is demonstrating the need to acknowledge the role of a Designer rather than simply random change. In addition, archeological finds, many of which can be seen in the British Museum, have consistently verified the historical statements in the Bible.
* The Christian message is too narrow.
The Bible states the reverse. It speaks of people who are confined to a purely materialistic view of life. They are people who fail to take account of the real purpose of life, death, heaven and hell.
* Religion is the cause of many problems in the world.
Man is a religious being. This explains why there has not been a society found without some form of religion. Yet the Bible speaks of people preferring to create their own idea of God rather that seeking to follow the living God. History is full of fanatics who in the name of their own religion or in the name of atheism have committed acts against others which the Bible condemns. How great it would be to have a society where people love the law of God summarised in the two great commands to 'love God with all your heart,...and love your neighbour as yourself'.
We believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ is as relevant as ever and hope you will take the time to find out more about it.