Advertise on podcast: Emmaus Church Podcast

Preacher: Anson McMahon In this powerful sermon, Pastor Anson explores Joshua 11, where God’s people face their most terrifying and insurmountable problem yet - a massive northern coalition armed with superior technology. Using the historical account of Joshua’s victory at the waters of Merom, Pastor Anson reminds us that while problems are inevitable and often overwhelming, they are sovereignly allowed by a God who is never intimidated. Listeners are challenged to move beyond merely believing in God to truly believing God, shifting from self-reliance to radical obedience. The sermon concludes with a call to trust in the name of the Lord rather than the "horses and chariots" of our modern world. Key Points: Every problem that I face in life is actually an opportunity to trust in God.God is not intimidated by my problems.What I believe about what God says always determines what I do.Different day, different problem, same faithful God.The danger of "Buffet Line" obedience.Intimacy with God is built one act of obedience at a time. Reflect & Discuss: 1. What is the most significant "chariot and horse" problem you are facing right now, and what does it look like to trust God in the midst of it? 2. Are there areas of God’s Word you treat like a "buffet line," picking what you like and passing on what is difficult? 3. How does the truth that God is holding the universe together by his power change your perspective on your current anxieties? Main Passage: Joshua 11:1-15 Supporting Passages: Deuteronomy 20:1-4Philippians 4:6-7Psalm 20:7Hebrews 1:3James 5

Preacher: Brian Bone In this sermon, Pastor Brian Bone concludes the study of Joshua 10, moving from the specific "trees" of the narrative to the "forest" of God's overarching plan in the conquest of Southern Canaan. He explores how Joshua and Israel experienced unparalleled military success not through their own strength alone, but through a synergy of human effort and divine intervention. Pastor Brian challenges listeners to move beyond a "doom scrolling" spiritual life, calling for an enduring devotion that serves as the essential fuel for obedience. The ultimate takeaway is a reminder that while God's judgment for sin is serious, His invitation to return to the "base camp" of His presence through Christ is always open. Keypoints Joshua's Faith: Obedience means following through on what God has said.God's Power: God brings the power for success as His people move forward in obedience.God's Judgement: God has serious judgement for sinful disobedience. Repent!Israel's Devotion: Gilgal was a place of remembrance, dependency, grace, and communion. Enduring devotion is the fuel for enduring obedience.The Concept of Co-laboring: Understanding the interplay between our work and God’s power in sanctification. Reflect & Discuss Is there a specific area where God has given you clear instructions in the past that you have stopped following through on?Are you currently waiting for God to "magic wand" a struggle in your life without taking the active steps of obedience He has already called you to?What is your "base camp"—where do you truly go to find rest and recovery when life becomes overwhelming? Main Passage Joshua 10:28-43 Supporting Passages Deuteronomy 7:23-24Matthew 28:18-20Philippians 2:12-13Revelation 20:11-15John 15:5

Preacher: Anson McMahon In this Easter Sunday sermon, Pastor Anson McMahon delivers a powerful message on the absolute necessity of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Far from being a mere metaphor or an optional belief, the resurrection is presented as the foundational "battery" that powers the entire Christian faith. Anson explores the eyewitness testimony of the Apostle John and methodically addresses common historical objections, concluding that if the resurrection is a historical reality, then every promise Jesus made about our identity and salvation is undeniably true. Listeners are invited to move beyond blind faith and trust in the verifiable victory of the Risen King. Key Points: The resurrection as the essential foundation of Christianity.An eyewitness account of the empty tomb from John 19.Deconstructing historical theories: Wrong Tomb, Stolen Body, Hallucination, and Swoon theories.The significance of the 500 witnesses in 1 Corinthians 15.The transformative power of the resurrection on a believer's identity. Reflect & Discuss: If the resurrection is the "battery" of your faith, how does that change the way you view your daily problems and "first-world" stressors?Which of the historical theories or objections have you wrestled with most, and how does the evidence presented today address those doubts?How does knowing you are "justified, chosen, and hidden with Christ" change your perspective on your own worth and future? Main Passage: John 19:38-20:18 Supporting Passages: Romans 10:91 Corinthians 15:17-191 Corinthians 15:3-8Isaiah 53

Preacher: Brian Bone In this moving Good Friday sermon, Pastor Brian Bone explores the profound connection between the ancient Jewish Passover and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. By looking back at the first Passover in Exodus, Pastor Brian reveals how Jesus serves as the true, unblemished Lamb of God who fulfills history-s greatest redemption. The message transitions from the tragedy of Calvary to the triumph of grace, detailing ten specific spiritual accomplishments achieved through the blood of Christ. Listeners will be encouraged to move from a place of enslavement and hopelessness into the living hope and eternal peace found only in our Savior. Keypoints: The Historical and Eternal Significance of the CrossThe Connection Between Exodus and CalvaryJesus as the True Passover Lamb10 Triumphs of the Blood of JesusFrom Enslavement to Eternal LifeThe Great Exchange: Our Sin for His Righteousness Reflect & Discuss How does understanding the Old Testament Passover change your perspective on the significance of Good Friday?Of the ten things Jesus accomplished on the cross, which one do you need to rest in most deeply today?What does it mean for your daily life to know that you are now "brought near" and no longer "far off" from God? Main Passage Luke 22:15-16 Supporting Passages Exodus 12Romans 3:23-25Colossians 2:13-15Ephesians 1:7Hebrews 10:14-22Revelation 5:9

Preacher: Anson McMahon In this stirring sermon, Pastor Anson explores Joshua 10:16-28, detailing the final defeat of the five Amorite kings. By contrasting the cowardice of those who hide in caves with the courage of those who stand on the promises of God, Pastor Anson calls the church to move from retreating to taking responsibility. The message centers on Jesus Christ as our ultimate King—the one who was also nailed to a tree, not for His own sins, but to crush the head of the enemy and secure our eternal victory. Listeners are challenged to prioritize primary obedience over the urgent distractions of life. Key Points: Cowards run away from things that they should be responsible for.Secondary concerns should not pull me away from primary obedience.God knows how to handle those who stand in opposition to Him.God hates sin and He is going to judge it.The distinction between worldly fear and biblical courage.The victory of Christ as the fulfillment of Joshua's battle.Reflect & Discuss: In what area of your life is God calling you to stop retreating and start taking responsibility?Which "urgent" secondary concerns are currently hindering your primary obedience to God's Word?How does the reality of Christ’s victory over the "serpent" change your perspective on current trials?Main Passage: Joshua 10:16-28 Supporting Passages: Genesis 15:16Deuteronomy 9:4-5Psalm 56:3Psalm 110:1Proverbs 28:1Philippians 2:9-11

Preacher: Anson McMahon Summary: In this powerful sermon on Joshua 10, Pastor Anson explores the profound reality of what happens when we align our lives with God. Using the story of the Gibeonites and the sun standing still, he reminds us that while peace with God often brings conflict with the world, we serve a God who fights for His people. The message challenges listeners to live with integrity, keep their commitments even when it’s difficult, and trust that God can accomplish far more than we ever could on our own. Whether you are facing a "20-mile uphill march" or a battle that feels bigger than you, this sermon offers the soul-stirring encouragement that the Creator of the universe inclines His ear to the prayers of His children. Key Points: Peace with God brings conflict with the world.Integrity: Doing the right thing even when it costs you.God uses our sacrifices and steps of faith.Divine intervention: God can do more than we can.The power of prayer: God listens to His people. Reflect & Discuss: In what areas of your life is your faith in Jesus currently meeting opposition from the world?Integrity is defined as "doing the right thing even when no one is watching." Where is God calling you to show greater integrity this week?What "battle" are you facing right now that you need to intentionally surrender to God in prayer? Main Passage: Joshua 10:1-15 Supporting Passages: John 15:182 Timothy 3:12Proverbs 28:6Proverbs 21:1Romans 8:31

Preacher: Anson McMahon In this sermon, Pastor Anson McMahon explores the miraculous nature of God through the lens of Joshua chapters 9 and 10. Focusing on "Commitment Sunday," the message highlights how God honors the faithfulness of His people even when they falter. We witness the surprising story of the Gibeonites - lying pagans who found mercy - and the staggering miracle of the sun standing still. This sermon serves as a powerful reminder that our God is not bound by the laws of physics or the depth of our sin; He is a God of miracles who remains fully committed to those who trust and obey Him. Key Points: The Importance of Prayer: Even when we think we know the right path, consulting the Lord is vital to avoid deception.Keeping Commitments: God expects His people to be committed to the things He is committed to, reflecting His own faithfulness to us.Mercy for the Undeserving: The story of the Gibeonites demonstrates how God transforms outsiders into worshipers through proximity to His Word.The God of the Impossible: From stopping the earth's rotation to the darkness at the cross, God proves He is Lord over all creation. Reflect & Discuss: Is there a "small" decision in your life right now that you haven't prayed about because you feel you have it handled?How does knowing that God always keeps His commitments to you change the way you view your promises to others and to the church?What is a "sun stand still" prayer you need to bring before God this week, trusting that nothing is impossible for Him? Main Passage: Joshua 10:1-15 Supporting Passages: Joshua 9:16-27Romans 5:8Psalm 84:10Colossians 1:16-17Luke 23:44-45

Preacher: Anson McMahon In this sermon, Pastor Anson explores the sobering account of Joshua 9, where a spiritual "mountaintop experience" is immediately met with calculated deception. Following Israel’s great victories at Jericho and Ai, the Gibeonites use worn-out clothes and moldy bread to trick the leadership into an unauthorized peace treaty. This message from Pastor Anson serves as a vital reminder that our greatest spiritual failures often occur when we rely on our own understanding rather than seeking the Lord. Learn how to recognize the enemy’s tactics and why no decision in our lives - no matter how obvious it seems - is "too small" for prayer. Key Points: Revival Awakens Resistance: When God’s people advance His mission, it always gains the attention of the enemy.The Strategy of Deceit: Much like the Gibeonites, our adversary often approaches us in disguise rather than through direct attack.The Danger of "Almost Right": Discernment is the ability to tell the difference between what is right and what is only "almost right."The Prayerless Pitfall: Even godly leaders can skip prayer and move ahead of God when they lean on their own understanding.Victory in Christ: While we live in enemy-occupied territory, we serve a Savior who has already defeated the deceiver.Reflect & Discuss: In what areas of your life are you currently leaning on your own "common sense" instead of consulting the Lord in prayer?How can you better prepare yourself to recognize when the enemy is using "light" or "subtlety" rather than a direct frontal attack?What does "sacrificial and joyful giving" look like for you in this current season of the "To Another Generation" project?Main Passage: Joshua 9:1-15 Supporting Passages: Deuteronomy 20:10-181 Peter 5:81 Thessalonians 2:17-182 Corinthians 11:14Proverbs 3:5-6

Preacher: Brian Bone Summary: In this sermon, Pastor Brian Bone explores a pivotal moment in the book of Joshua where the Israelites pause their conquest to hold a massive worship service at Shechem. Standing between the lush Mount Gerizim and the barren Mount Ebal, Pastor Brian shows how the people are presented with a clear choice: the path of blessing through obedience or the path of curse through rebellion. We learn that worship is our natural response to God's past faithfulness and that His Word is the only foundation for a successful life. Most importantly, Pastor Brian reveals why God placed the altar on the mountain of the curse, pointing us to the heart of grace for those who have failed and need a way back home. Key Points: When God has been good to us, we should respond with devoted worship!When God speaks, we should build our lives around His Word!When God warns, we should turn back and follow His voice!When we utterly fail, God has made a way to return to Him!The significance of Shechem and the altars of Abraham and Jacob.Choosing between Mount Gerizim (Blessing) and Mount Ebal (Curse).Reflect & Discuss: Looking back at your life, where would you be right now if God had not intervened with His grace?Are you currently approaching God's Word with an "embrace" (Yes, Lord) or with a "stiff neck" (Resistance)?If you feel like you are currently living on "Mount Ebal," how does the finished work of Jesus provide you a way back to the Father?Main Passage: Joshua 8:30-35 Supporting Passages: Psalm 127:1Ephesians 1:3-6Genesis 12:6-7, 33:18-20Joshua 1:8Deuteronomy 27-28John 4 (The Woman at the Well)

In this sermon, Pastor Anson McMahon explores the dramatic narrative of Joshua 8 and the restoration of Israel after their defeat at Ai. Moving from the failure of self-reliance to the victory of divine strategy, Pastor Anson illustrates how God calls His entire community to step out in unified obedience. Whether through sudden miracles or meticulous master plans, God is constantly working to grow our faith beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. Ultimately, the judgment of the King of Ai serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of sin and a powerful pointer toward the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, who took our judgment upon Himself on a tree. Key Points: God's mission advances when His people move together in unity.Faith does not grow in comfort zones.Sometimes God accomplishes His purposes with a miracle. Other times God accomplishes His purposes with a master plan.The Old Testament is meant to remind me of what my sins actually deserve.The "Rope-a-Dope" Strategy: Learning from the Battle of Ai.The Gospel Connection: From the tree of Ai to the cross of Christ. Reflect & Discuss: In what areas of your life are you currently staying in a "comfort zone" rather than taking a step of faith?How can we better foster unity within our church community to ensure we are moving together on God’s mission?When you face a challenge, do you tend to look only for a miracle, or are you willing to faithfully execute a "master plan" God provides? Main Passage: Joshua 8:1-29 Supporting Passages: Joshua 6Joshua 7Psalm 33:11Galatians 3:13Romans 3:23

Preacher: Anson McMahon Summary: In this sermon, Pastor Anson returns to the book of Joshua to explore the aftermath of failure and the beauty of God’s restoration. Following the painful consequences of Achan’s sin, Joshua 8 reveals a God who does not leave His people in dismay but instead speaks words of life and encouragement. Using a relatable (and slightly terrifying) trip to the dentist as a backdrop, this message illustrates how necessary hardships lead to spiritual health. We learn that God’s instructions are not just rules, but a divine battle strategy designed for our victory. This episode challenges listeners to trust in God’s perfect timing and find contentment in His provision, reminding us that we are never alone in the spiritual battles we face daily. Key Points: God is an encourager and He wants to speak words of life to me.God is good to those who trust in Him.Preaching the Bible and teaching the Bible is a battle strategy that matters.Contentment: Why a generosity problem is always a contentment problem.Spiritual Warfare: Using the Sword of the Spirit to combat the lies of the enemy.Restoration: How God turns defeat at Ai into a testimony of His provision.Reflect & Discuss: In what area of your life are you currently tempted to panic, and how does God’s word in Joshua 8:1 speak to that fear?Are you waiting for a "not yet" from God? How can you maintain trust in His goodness while you wait?How are you actively using the Word of God to fight the specific lies the enemy is telling you this week?Main Passage: Joshua 8:1-9 Supporting Passages: Psalm 71Isaiah 55Matthew 6:19-33Ephesians 6:10-18

Preacher: Anson McMahon In this sermon, we explore the identity of Emmaus Church through the lens of Luke 24 and Psalm 71. As the congregation prepares to step out in faith to build on new land, the message centers on the "why" behind the mission: passing the gift of the Gospel to the next generation. We examine the church as a necessary refuge from life's storms and a beacon of truth against the lies of the enemy. The sermon concludes with a powerful challenge to move beyond mere belief and commit to being "all-in" for the glory of King Jesus. Key Points We live in a world where storms are real and people need to know the Protector.We live in a world where wickedness is real.We live in a world where people desperately need to know where they came from.God wants His people to proclaim His goodness to another generation.We want every person who calls Emmaus Church home to give cheerfully, joyfully, abundantly, and sacrificially the gift of a gospel-preaching church to another generation.The local church serves as a megaphone of hope in a culture facing an identity crisis.Reflect & Discuss When the storms of life hit, is your first instinct to run to God as your fortress, or do you try to weather them alone?In what ways can you actively participate in discipling and providing for the generation that will follow you?How does knowing you were "fearfully and wonderfully made" change the way you view your purpose this week?Main Passage Psalm 71 Supporting Passages Luke 24Matthew 7John 8Psalm 139Joshua 8

Preacher: Anson McMahon In this sermon, Pastor Anson explores the story of Achan in Joshua 7 to reveal how discontentment acts as a primary enemy to radical gospel generosity. As Emmaus Church enters a significant season of building for future generations, Anson explains that coveting is a heart problem rooted in believing a lie about God’s provision. By looking to the gospel, we find that our ultimate needs are met in Christ, allowing us to live with true peace regardless of our circumstances. Listeners are challenged to shift their focus from earthly treasures to their secure position in Jesus. Key Points: The cure for coveting is contentment.Contentment is wanting what God wants for me rather than what I want for me.Contentment is dependent on your position with Christ.The secret to true contentment in this life is knowing that Jesus Christ has saved you and that He is always walking with you.Discontentment is a heart problem that leads to greed and steals joy.Radical gospel generosity is fueled by a heart at peace with God's provision.Reflect & Discuss: If you filled in the blank, "If only I had ___, I would finally be happy," what would it be? What does that reveal about your "functional god"?How does the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross prove that God knows how to take care of you better than you can?In what ways can you practice contentment in your current situation today?Main Passage: Joshua 7:19-26 Supporting Passages: 1 Timothy 6:6-8Romans 5:8Philippians 4:11-13

Preacher: Anson McMahon Summary: In this powerful message from Joshua 7, Pastor Anson explores the story of Achan to reveal how secret sin impacts our relationship with God and our community. While we often think our private choices stay hidden, this sermon reminds us that we live "Coram Deo" - before the face of God - who sees what no one else sees. By examining the 10th Commandment, we discover that the root of our disobedience is often the sin of coveting, driven by a heart of discontentment. Ultimately, we find hope in the truth that while we all share in Achan's guilt, a greater Man from the tribe of Judah - Jesus Christ - came to take our shame and provide the grace we need to live in the light. Key Points: There is no such thing as a sin that is hidden from God.God wants me to be honest about my sin.The sin of coveting is not harmless.Beware of the sin of discontentment.It is far better to live God's way than to live life my way.God’s grace provides an opportunity for honesty before exposure.Reflect & Discuss: Is there a "secret" area of your life you have been shielding from God and others, and what is stopping you from bringing it into the light?Which of the seven signs of coveting resonated most with you today?How does the sacrifice of Jesus change your perspective on God's ability to take care of your needs?Main Passage: Joshua 7 Supporting Passages: Exodus 20:17Proverbs 15:3Psalm 90:8Hebrews 4:13Luke 16:15Mark 10:17-22

Preacher: Anson McMahon Summary In this sobering sermon from Joshua 7, Pastor Anson explores the story of Achan to reveal how small, private compromises can lead to public and painful consequences. While the first six chapters of Joshua serve as a masterclass in obedience, chapter seven provides a stark warning: our feelings about sin do not change God’s reality of it. We are reminded that everything we have is a gift from the Father, and while we are free to choose our path, we are not free to choose the consequences that follow. Ultimately, this sermon points us away from the "trouble" of our own making and toward the radical generosity of the Gospel, where Jesus takes on our trouble so we can live in His light. Key Points: It is always better to obey God than not obey God.Beware of becoming desensitized to sin.It is right for me to be generous to God because God has been so generous to me.Sin is a big deal to God even if it's not a big deal to me.l can choose my sin, but l can't choose the consequences.It is possible for me to steal from God.The transition from the victory at Jericho to the defeat at Ai.The concept of "First Fruits" and living as a steward rather than an owner.Reflect & Discuss: Are there areas in your life where you have become "desensitized" to sin because of the culture around you?How would your daily perspective change if you viewed your finances and time as a "steward" rather than an "owner"?What "bait" is the enemy currently using to hide a "hook" in your life?Main Passage: Joshua 7:1-15 Supporting Passages: Proverbs 14:12Joshua 6:18-19James 1:171 Corinthians 4:7Proverbs 3:9-10