ECC is a gospel-centered church in Elmira, New York, committed to glorifying the triune God by worshiping and making disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Visit https://eccelmira.org for more information


Emmanuel Community Church | Elmira, NY

While Paul's travel plans might be easy to understand on the surface, there’s much we can learn about his love for the church. His travel plans reveal what Paul desired to see in the churches: the blessing of refreshment, fellowship, and prayer. In this passage, pastor Matt explains that the church is where the blessing of Christ is known and where the glory of God is made known. This happens as the saints experience the peace of God, encourage one another in the faith, and contend together for the sake of the gospel. 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

While Paul's travel plans might be easy to understand on the surface, there’s much we can learn about his love for the church. His travel plans reveal what Paul desired to see in the churches: the blessing of refreshment, fellowship, and prayer. In this passage, pastor Matt explains that the church is where the blessing of Christ is known and where the glory of God is made known. This happens as the saints experience the peace of God, encourage one another in the faith, and contend together for the sake of the gospel.

Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

3,000 Miles for the Church (Romans 15:22-33)

When it comes to those matters on which believers can legitimately disagree, Romans 14 reminds us that true Christian liberty means the freedom to lay our freedoms aside in loving service to our Lord and his church. 
 
In this sermon, pastor Matt continues to teach how Christians are to enjoy their gospel freedoms in a way that keeps their fellow kingdom citizens from stumbling. To do this, we must not only consider the cross of Christ and the kingdom of God, but the goal of edification and the conduct of faith. 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

When it comes to those matters on which believers can legitimately disagree, Romans 14 reminds us that true Christian liberty means the freedom to lay our freedoms aside in loving service to our Lord and his church.

In this sermon, pastor Matt continues to teach how Christians are to enjoy their gospel freedoms in a way that keeps their fellow kingdom citizens from stumbling. To do this, we must not only consider the cross of Christ and the kingdom of God, but the goal of edification and the conduct of faith. 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

To Eat or Not to Eat, part 2 (Romans 14:19-23)

A renewed mind keeps God’s mercies central and takes delights in God’s will. But it not only makes true worship possible when it comes to our relationship to God, but it also makes humble service possible when it comes to our relationship to the church. 
 
In this sermon, pastor Matt teaches that a mind renewed by the gospel is a humble mind that embraces the beauty and necessity of the church. Those who belong by grace to the new humanity created in Christ are those eager to display that grace in service to others through their God-given gifts. 
 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

A renewed mind keeps God’s mercies central and takes delights in God’s will. But it not only makes true worship possible when it comes to our relationship to God, but it also makes humble service possible when it comes to our relationship to the church.

In this sermon, pastor Matt teaches that a mind renewed by the gospel is a humble mind that embraces the beauty and necessity of the church. Those who belong by grace to the new humanity created in Christ are those eager to display that grace in service to others through their God-given gifts.


Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

Our Relationship to the Church: Humble Service (Romans 12:3-8)

Having surveyed God’s plan of salvation in history—from his purpose of election to the fulfillment of his promises—Paul’s argument in Romans 9-11 gives way to adoration. His extended look at the attributes, works, and purpose of God (theology) causes him to erupt in praise to God (doxology). In this sermon, pastor Matt preaches that worship is the only proper response to who God is and what he has done in Christ. A true knowledge of God, informed by his Word and the gospel of his Son, will compel us to give to him the glory he is due in all of life. 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

Having surveyed God’s plan of salvation in history—from his purpose of election to the fulfillment of his promises—Paul’s argument in Romans 9-11 gives way to adoration. His extended look at the attributes, works, and purpose of God (theology) causes him to erupt in praise to God (doxology). In this sermon, pastor Matt preaches that worship is the only proper response to who God is and what he has done in Christ. A true knowledge of God, informed by his Word and the gospel of his Son, will compel us to give to him the glory he is due in all of life.

Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

To God Be the Glory Alone (Romans 11:33-36)

Paul's point in Romans 11 is that God is not done with Israel. If they do not continue in their unbelief, they will certainly be grafted back into their own olive tree, “for God has the power to graft them in again” (Rom. 11:23). But Paul is convinced not only that they can be grafted in, but that they will be. In this sermon, Pastor Matt teaches that God has ordered history in such a way as to magnify his unfathomable mercy. His purpose, in and through Christ, is to save not only the nations but all Israel and so prove faithful to his covenant promises. 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

Paul's point in Romans 11 is that God is not done with Israel. If they do not continue in their unbelief, they will certainly be grafted back into their own olive tree, “for God has the power to graft them in again” (Rom. 11:23). But Paul is convinced not only that they can be grafted in, but that they will be. In this sermon, Pastor Matt teaches that God has ordered history in such a way as to magnify his unfathomable mercy. His purpose, in and through Christ, is to save not only the nations but all Israel and so prove faithful to his covenant promises.

Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

The Mystery of Salvation History (Romans 11:25-32)

As Paul begins Romans 9, he is grieved because the large majority of his fellow Jews have failed to respond to the gospel with faith. But his ultimate concern is God’s faithfulness to his promises. If Israel is “accursed and cut off from Christ” (Rom. 9:3), then have God’s purposes for them been frustrated? Paul's answer is profound: God's word has not failed, "for not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel" (Rom. 9:6). In this sermon, pastor Matt teaches that belonging to the true people of God through faith is the result of being born again by his grace. God’s word of promise has not failed since he has purposed to set his love upon and call a people to himself to the praise of his glory. 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

As Paul begins Romans 9, he is grieved because the large majority of his fellow Jews have failed to respond to the gospel with faith. But his ultimate concern is God’s faithfulness to his promises. If Israel is “accursed and cut off from Christ” (Rom. 9:3), then have God’s purposes for them been frustrated? Paul's answer is profound: God's word has not failed, "for not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel" (Rom. 9:6). In this sermon, pastor Matt teaches that belonging to the true people of God through faith is the result of being born again by his grace. God’s word of promise has not failed since he has purposed to set his love upon and call a people to himself to the praise of his glory.

Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

The Word of Him Who Calls (Romans 9:6-13)

One of the places in Scripture where the Holy Spirit’s work is seen most clearly is in Romans 8. In fact, 20 of the 30 mentions of the Spirit in Romans occur in this chapter alone. And this brings us to vv. 26-27, which are a beautiful summary of the Spirit’s work in our lives as children of God. This is arguably the most strange passage on the Holy Spirit and prayer in all the Bible. And yet, it is a simple, profound, and wildly comforting truth. In this sermon pastor Mitch reminds us that Christians can endure the sufferings of this present time because the Spirit helps us in our weakness. 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

One of the places in Scripture where the Holy Spirit’s work is seen most clearly is in Romans 8. In fact, 20 of the 30 mentions of the Spirit in Romans occur in this chapter alone. And this brings us to vv. 26-27, which are a beautiful summary of the Spirit’s work in our lives as children of God. This is arguably the most strange passage on the Holy Spirit and prayer in all the Bible. And yet, it is a simple, profound, and wildly comforting truth. In this sermon pastor Mitch reminds us that Christians can endure the sufferings of this present time because the Spirit helps us in our weakness.

Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

The Spirit at Work in Our Weakness (Romans 8:26-27)

In the first half of Romans 6 we saw that grace unites us with Christ so that the believer is dead to sin and alive to God to walk in newness of life. By baptism into Christ, we are no longer under law but grace (v. 14). In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that grace doesn't set us free from slavery to sin so that we can live however we want; grace sets us free to become slaves of God our Savior. 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

In the first half of Romans 6 we saw that grace unites us with Christ so that the believer is dead to sin and alive to God to walk in newness of life. By baptism into Christ, we are no longer under law but grace (v. 14). In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that grace doesn't set us free from slavery to sin so that we can live however we want; grace sets us free to become slaves of God our Savior. 

Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

Obedient Slaves by Grace (Romans 6:15-19)

In this sermon, pastor Keith walks us through the apostle Paul’s contrasts between the first Adam and the second Adam, Jesus Christ, and shows us that it is only by the abounding grace of God that we can be found in Christ and reign with him. 
 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

In this sermon, pastor Keith walks us through the apostle Paul’s contrasts between the first Adam and the second Adam, Jesus Christ, and shows us that it is only by the abounding grace of God that we can be found in Christ and reign with him.


Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

The Conquest by Grace: In Christ All Live (Romans 5:15-21)

In this sermon, pastor Joel sums up the glorious benefits of justification we have seen over the last eight verses, reminding us that our rejoicing and reconciliation comes only through our Jesus Christ. 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

In this sermon, pastor Joel sums up the glorious benefits of justification we have seen over the last eight verses, reminding us that our rejoicing and reconciliation comes only through our Jesus Christ.

Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

Rejoicing in God's Reconciliation (Romans 5:9-11)

In this sermon, pastor Mitch shows us those who are justified by faith can rejoice in their sufferings because their sufferings are never wasted, and they because they have the guarantee of God’s love. 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

In this sermon, pastor Mitch shows us those who are justified by faith can rejoice in their sufferings because their sufferings are never wasted, and they because they have the guarantee of God’s love.

Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

Rejoicing In Our Sufferings (Romans 5:3-5)

When "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness" (Rom. 4:3), he had responded to God’s word of promise with faith. But what this promise exactly? It wasn't just to receive the land of Canaan but ultimately the entire world as his inheritance! In this sermon, pastor Matt once again teaches that the promised blessing of belonging to the family of God is received by faith alone. Inheriting the world as fellow heirs with Christ is guaranteed to all who believe because the promise rests on the grace of the Almighty and Ever Faithful God. 
 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

When "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness" (Rom. 4:3), he had responded to God’s word of promise with faith. But what this promise exactly? It wasn't just to receive the land of Canaan but ultimately the entire world as his inheritance! In this sermon, pastor Matt once again teaches that the promised blessing of belonging to the family of God is received by faith alone. Inheriting the world as fellow heirs with Christ is guaranteed to all who believe because the promise rests on the grace of the Almighty and Ever Faithful God.


Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

Father Abraham Had Many Sons - pt. 2 (Romans 4:1-13-17)

Now that God's righteoussness has been revealed apart from the law and justifcation is through faith in Jesus Christ, Paul says that all boasting is ruled out. But the question must be asked: what do we do with the perfect and good law of God? In this sermon, pastor Keith reminds us that one is made right with God only by faith, and all those who are made righteous by God's grace must live by faith, which is the only way to truly uphold the law. 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

Now that God's righteoussness has been revealed apart from the law and justifcation is through faith in Jesus Christ, Paul says that all boasting is ruled out. But the question must be asked: what do we do with the perfect and good law of God? In this sermon, pastor Keith reminds us that one is made right with God only by faith, and all those who are made righteous by God's grace must live by faith, which is the only way to truly uphold the law.

Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith (Romans 3:27-31)

In this sermon, pastor Matt shows us how the people of God are those who respond to the promise of salvation with the obedience of faith. 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

In this sermon, pastor Matt shows us how the people of God are those who respond to the promise of salvation with the obedience of faith.

Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

The True Israel Revealed (Romans 2:17-29)

In this sermon, pastor Matt shows us how God's righteous judgment on the last day will reveal whether or not we lived for Christ and his kingdom and willl expose what was the object of our faith, the deepest desire of our heart, our hope in life and death. 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

In this sermon, pastor Matt shows us how God's righteous judgment on the last day will reveal whether or not we lived for Christ and his kingdom and willl expose what was the object of our faith, the deepest desire of our heart, our hope in life and death.

Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

The Day God Judges the World (Romans 2:6-16)

In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that the hope for our upside-down world is the reconciling work of God in Christ. Only when we have been freed to honor God as God will we discover his good purpose for mankind, and find that his word is life, and his glory our joy. 
 
Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

In this sermon, pastor Matt reminds us that the hope for our upside-down world is the reconciling work of God in Christ. Only when we have been freed to honor God as God will we discover his good purpose for mankind, and find that his word is life, and his glory our joy.

Visit our website for more information: https://eccelmira.org

Corrupt Desires, Dishonored Bodies (Romans 1:24-27)

Having briefly introduced himself and his gospel to the church at Rome (Rom. 1:1-7) Paul shares his desire to visit them (8-15), explaining that he not only longed for mutual encouragement in the faith but also to see more people from all nations respond to King Jesus with obedient faith. To reach these goals, Paul knew that there was only one thing he needed to do above all else, which we discover in v.15: “So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome." But why “preaching”? How could something so simple, foolish, so unattractive, and so offensive as the message of a crucified King be the one thing Paul sought to share above all else? Why was he so eager to tell others about the cross of Christ? In this sermon, pastor Matt looks at Romans 1:16-17, which serves as the main theme of the letter, and considers why Paul was so unashamed of the gospel of God, and why we should be as well. In this passage, we see that God is just and powerful to save all who trust in Christ alone, and the good news of what God has done in Christ to rescue sinners compels us to boast in the cross of our risen Lord

Having briefly introduced himself and his gospel to the church at Rome (Rom. 1:1-7) Paul shares his desire to visit them (8-15), explaining that he not only longed for mutual encouragement in the faith but also to see more people from all nations respond to King Jesus with obedient faith. To reach these goals, Paul knew that there was only one thing he needed to do above all else, which we discover in v.15: “So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome." But why “preaching”? How could something so simple, foolish, so unattractive, and so offensive as the message of a crucified King be the one thing Paul sought to share above all else? Why was he so eager to tell others about the cross of Christ? In this sermon, pastor Matt looks at Romans 1:16-17, which serves as the main theme of the letter, and considers why Paul was so unashamed of the gospel of God, and why we should be as well. In this passage, we see that God is just and powerful to save all who trust in Christ 

Unashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:15-17)

At the center of all human history stands the risen Lord Jesus. His resurrection from the dead is, without a doubt, the single most significant event that has ever occurred in the story of our world. And both his cross and his empty tomb concern the entire world—every nation and all creation. God’s gospel, the good news that his Son, Jesus, is the risen and exalted king, demands a response from the world. 
 
In this sermon, pastor Matt explains that the good news of God’s Son is for the honor of his name and the joy of the nations. God sent his Son into world that all might be saved through him, that all might come and glorify the name of the Lord, the God of grace and peace, the King of the nations.

At the center of all human history stands the risen Lord Jesus. His resurrection from the dead is, without a doubt, the single most significant event that has ever occurred in the story of our world. And both his cross and his empty tomb concern the entire world—every nation and all creation. God’s gospel, the good news that his Son, Jesus, is the risen and exalted king, demands a response from the world. 

In this sermon, pastor Matt explains that the good news of God’s Son is for the honor of his name and the joy of the nations. God sent his Son into world that all might be saved through him, that all might come and glorify the name of the Lord, the God of grace and peace, the King of the nations.

King of the Nations (Romans 1:5-7)

Join us as we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ! 
 
Call to Worship: Psalm 118 
Hymn: "Crown Him With Many Crowns" 
Scripture Reading: Matthew 28 
Prayer of Confession and Assurance 
Sermon: "The Future Certainty of Our Hope" (Romans 5:9-11) 
Hymn: "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" 
Benediction: Ephesians 1:16-23

Join us as we celebrate the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Call to Worship: Psalm 118
Hymn: "Crown Him With Many Crowns"
Scripture Reading: Matthew 28
Prayer of Confession and Assurance
Sermon: "The Future Certainty of Our Hope" (Romans 5:9-11)
Hymn: "Christ the Lord is Risen Today"
Benediction: Ephesians 1:16-23

Easter Sunday // The Future Certainty of Our Hope (Romans 5:9-11) // 4/12/20

Good Friday isn’t good because it shows us how good we are or how valuable we are to God; Good Friday is good because it shows us the riches of God’s glorious grace and steadfast love toward unworthy and rebellious sinners. In this message, pastor Matt reminds us that the love of God in Christ is the firm foundation of our hope.

Emmanuel Community Church | Elmira, NY Videos