"What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us" - AW Tozer. While that quote is true, it is equally important that what we know about God has reached our hearts. In this message, Pastor Mike breaks down the importance of knowing God, not just knowing facts, but having a real and true relationship with God.

"The Goliath Syndrome" Chaplain Mike Nimesheim December 28, 2025

Christmas Eve often feels quiet, gentle, and familiar. A baby in a manger. Candlelight. Songs we’ve sung for years. But Christmas is not merely a comforting story—it is a bold declaration. In this Christmas Eve message from Isaiah 9:7, we are reminded that the birth of Jesus was not the prelude to His reign, but the beginning of it. The night Christ was born was the night a new kingdom was inaugurated. Isaiah proclaims a King whose rule does not fade, whose authority does not weaken, and whose peace continues to increase—even now. This sermon explores how Jesus’ reign advances quietly and personally, not through force or spectacle, but through grace, invitation, and transformed hearts. Whether you come to Christmas Eve carrying joy, grief, doubt, or weariness, this message points us to the One who bears the weight of the world—and invites us to trust Him with our lives. Sermon Title: Christmas Initiated Jesus’ Rule Text: Isaiah 9:7 🎄 Join us as we worship the King whose government and peace will have no end.

If you’re not a Christian—or you’re unsure what you believe—this message is for you. Christmas is often presented as sentimental, nostalgic, or moral. But Isaiah 9:6 makes a far bigger claim: that the weight of the world, our lives, and our future was never meant to rest on human leaders or on ourselves. Instead, it points to a child who came not to demand loyalty, but to carry what we cannot. This sermon explores why so many of us feel exhausted trying to manage life, control outcomes, and make ourselves sufficient—and why the Christian faith claims that Jesus came to relieve that burden rather than add to it. Before Christianity is about rules or behavior, it is about a gift: a Son given for people who are tired of holding everything together. You’ll hear what Christians believe about who Jesus is, why His coming matters, and how faith in Him offers peace that isn’t dependent on circumstances or performance. Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or simply searching for something solid to stand on, this message invites you to consider a different kind of leadership—and a different kind of hope. 🎄 A thoughtful Christmas message for skeptics, seekers, and the curious 📖 Based on Isaiah 9:6 🕊 No pressure—just an invitation to consider who Jesus claims to be

In a season when cheer can feel like a thin veil over real chaos, Isaiah 9 reminds us that God breaks into our gloom with a deeper truth. Into fear, uncertainty, and heaviness, He speaks light, joy, freedom, and peace through the coming of Christ. This Advent message invites us to lift our eyes from the darkness around us and see the hope already given in Jesus—the light that shines, the joy that grows, the freedom that breaks every yoke, and the peace that steadies our souls. Christmas isn’t something we’re waiting for. In Christ, it has already come. #Isaiah9 #Advent #AdventSermon #ChristmasSermon #LightInTheDarkness #JesusIsTheLight #GospelHope #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #ChurchOnline

JUDGES 19–21 is some of the most shocking, graphic, and unsettling Scripture in the entire Bible. These closing chapters read like a world spiraling out of control—abuse, violence, moral confusion, and a nation collapsing under the weight of its own sin. It’s a hard story to read…and that’s the point. In this message, Pastor Mike Rue walks through the final chapters of Judges and shows why God included this dark episode in His Word. It isn’t to sensationalize sin—it’s to expose what happens when people live as if God isn’t King and everyone does what is right in their own eyes. Yet even here, in one of the bleakest corners of Scripture, there is hope. These chapters stir in us a deep longing for a King who brings clarity, justice, mercy, and restoration. They point beyond Israel’s chaos to the true King—Jesus Christ, who steps into our darkness not to destroy us but to heal us fully and finally. In this message, you’ll learn: 🔹 Why Judges 19–21 confronts our assumptions about human goodness 🔹 How rejecting God’s kingship distorts how we see others 🔹 Why justice without God becomes vengeance 🔹 What happens when we try to “fix” what only God can restore 🔹 How the scandal of the cross answers the scandal of Judges Whether you’re a pastor, a Bible student, or simply someone wrestling with the brokenness of the world, this passage reveals the dangerous cost of self-rule—and the beautiful hope found in the reign of Christ. If this message encourages you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that—even in the darkest places—God is working redemption.

Judges 17–18 is one of the most unsettling sections in the book of Judges—not because of violence or war, but because it exposes what happens when people create their own version of God. In these chapters, we meet Micah, his family, a wandering Levite, and an entire tribe who each build a custom-made religion that looks spiritual on the surface but is completely detached from the true God. This sermon explores how easy it is for any of us to fashion a god that suits our preferences—one who never confronts us, never contradicts us, and always agrees with our desires. Whether it’s reshaping God’s character, using religion as a tool for personal gain, or redefining morality to fit our lifestyles, man-made gods always lead to confusion, emptiness, and ruin. In this message, we look at three warnings from Judges 17–18: Let God be Himself — resisting the temptation to remake God in our image. Make God the object of worship, not the means — turning from performance-based religion and self-centered faith. Let God define right and wrong — rejecting the chaos of self-made morality and submitting to God’s authority. But the good news shines through: Jesus Christ stands in stark contrast to every false god we create. He does not bend to our whims, nor does He leave us to define our own truth. He is the Holy One of God—the true source of life, righteousness, and transformation. If you’ve felt the emptiness of chasing a god of your own making, this passage offers hope. The real God is better. The real God is enough. And the real God invites you into a life shaped not by your desires, but by His truth and grace. Scripture: Judges 17–18 Speaker: Pastor Mike Rue

Judges 16 tells the story of Samson’s final downfall and ultimate redemption. Once Israel’s strongest man, Samson squandered his God-given power through pride, lust, and self-reliance. Betrayed by Delilah, blinded, and enslaved by the Philistines, he reached the lowest point of his life. Yet in his weakness, Samson finally recognized that his strength had never come from himself, but from the Lord. This sermon explores how Samson’s story reveals the danger of misplaced trust, the consequences of sin, and the grace of God that meets us even in our failure. In his final act, Samson points us forward to a greater Deliverer—Jesus Christ—whose strength is made perfect in our weakness. 📖 Scripture: Judges 16 🎙️ Speaker: Pastor Mike Rue 🏠 Church: Emmanuel Church #Judges16 #Samson #MikeRue #EmmanuelChurch #TrueSourceOfStrength #JesusChrist #Sermon

Trusting in His Provision, Power, and Victory in Every Circumstance 📖 Judges 13–15 Have you ever found yourself completely stuck—with no way out—and then help shows up in the most unexpected way? In this message, Pastor Mike Rue shares how God often works behind the scenes in ways we can’t see and through people we wouldn’t expect. Through the story of Samson, we see God’s unseen hand at work—providing, empowering, and ultimately securing victory for His people, even when they aren’t seeking Him. Samson’s flawed story points forward to the perfect Savior, Jesus Christ, who rescues us not because we deserve it, but because of His grace. If you’ve ever wondered whether God is still at work in your mess, this message is for you. Trust that His provision is already in motion, His power is more than enough, and His victory is certain. 📍 Key Themes: Trusting God’s saving provision (Judges 13) Recognizing God’s unseen work (Judges 14) Resting in God’s ultimate victory (Judges 15) 🙌 Join us as we remember that God delights to do the unexpected—bringing salvation, strength, and hope to those who least expect it. #Judges #Samson #GodsProvidence #BibleSermon #UnexpectedGrace #FaithInAction

A simple misunderstanding can change everything. A misheard word can start a fight that didn’t need to happen. A misread intention can fracture a friendship. A misunderstood promise can spiral into consequences no one imagined. But what happens when we misunderstand grace—the very foundation of our relationship with God? In Judges 10–12, we meet Jephthah, a man of courage but shallow understanding—a leader who tried to bargain with God instead of trusting His grace. His story shows what happens when we turn God’s mercy into a transaction—and how that misunderstanding can lead to destruction. Yet, through it all, we see that God’s grace, though often complex and misunderstood, is constant, free, and redemptive. This message, “Misappropriated Grace,” explores: 1️⃣ Recognizing the complex grace of God in seasons of silence and struggle 2️⃣ Understanding the simplicity of grace—why it can’t be earned or bargained for 3️⃣ Learning to extend grace to others as freely as we’ve received it Jephthah’s story is tragic, but it points us toward the greater story—where God did not demand the sacrifice of our children, but gave His own Son to save us. Grace isn’t a deal to make; it’s a gift to receive. 📖 Scripture: Judges 10–12 (ESV) 🎙️ Speaker: Pastor Mike Rue 📍 Series: The Book of Judges If this message encouraged or challenged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to be reminded that God’s grace can’t be earned—it’s already been given. #Sermon #Judges #Grace #BibleTeaching #Faith #ChristianLiving #Jephthah #BookOfJudges #GraceOfGod #PastorMikeRue

The Christian life isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. It’s a long, grueling race of faith filled with hills, hardships, and heartache. But at the end of the course, there’s a finish line—and a crown waiting for those who endure to the end. In 2 Timothy 4:6–8, the Apostle Paul looks back on his life and says, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” As Paul faces death, he doesn’t see defeat—he sees departure. He knows that death isn’t the end, but the beginning of eternal joy in Christ. His eyes are fixed not on what he’s leaving behind, but on the One who ran before him and secured the victory. In this message, we’ll explore what it means to: 1️⃣ Redefine death – viewing it not as an end, but as a departure into life with Christ. 2️⃣ Finish strong – running with endurance, even when the race gets hard. 3️⃣ Prepare for the awards ceremony – living now in light of the eternal reward Christ has already won for us. Whether you’re weary from the race or just beginning your journey of faith, this sermon will help you see that in Christ, every step matters. You can finish strong because Jesus already finished for you. 🏁 Key Passage: 2 Timothy 4:6–8 🎯 Main Idea: The Christian race is hard, but Christ carries us across the finish line victorious. 👑 Big Takeaway: The finish line isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of forever joy in the presence of the One who wore the crown of thorns so we could wear the crown of righteousness. 📖 Watch, be encouraged, and keep running your race. The crown of righteousness awaits all who love His appearing. #FinishStrong #2Timothy #ChristianSermon #KeepTheFaith #BibleTeaching #Faith #Endurance #RunTheRace #CrownOfRighteousness

🏃‍♂️ It’s time to stop standing still and start running the race of faith. You can study the course, get the right shoes, and train for months—but none of it matters if you never run. Hebrews 12:1–2 calls us to step onto the track and move forward in faith, with endurance, perseverance, and our eyes fixed on Jesus. In this message, Pastor Mike Rue unpacks what it means to run the race set before us—to live the Christian life with endurance, to throw off every weight and sin that slows us down, and to run with motivation, knowing that Jesus has already run before us and runs beside us. 🔹 Part of our series: Running the Race 🔹 Key Passage: Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV) 🔹 Main points: 1️⃣ Run with endurance 2️⃣ Run without restraints 3️⃣ Run with motivation No matter how steep your hills or how long your miles, you are not running alone. The cloud of witnesses is cheering you on, and Jesus—the founder and perfecter of our faith—has secured the finish line. 🕊️ So lace up your shoes. Throw off the weights. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Run the race. Run well. Run now. 📖 “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…” — Hebrews 12:1–2 #RunTheRace #Hebrews12 #Sermon #Faith #Endurance #KeepRunning #Jesus #MikeRue #EmmanuelChurch

Running a race sounds simple—line up, take off, and hope to finish. But anyone who has trained knows it takes discipline, sacrifice, and endurance to reach the finish line. The Christian life is no different. In 1 Timothy 4:6–10, Paul tells us that following Christ is like running a race that lasts a lifetime. To finish strong, every believer needs three essentials: 1️⃣ Proper nutrition – feeding your soul on God’s Word and sound doctrine. 2️⃣ Disciplined training – practicing spiritual disciplines that shape us in godliness. 3️⃣ A clear reason to run – fixing our eyes on the hope of the living God. This sermon, Train Well, continues our Running the Race series and challenges us to build a spiritual foundation that lasts. You can’t out-train a bad diet, and you can’t coast your way to godliness. Growth in Christ requires intentionality, consistency, and endurance—but the reward is worth it. 📖 Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6–10 🎯 Series: Running the Race If you’ve ever felt weary in your faith or tempted to coast, this message will encourage you to keep going—to train well, stay disciplined, and set your hope fully on the living God. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this message with someone who needs encouragement today. #TrainWell #RunningTheRace #1Timothy4 #ChristianLife #SpiritualDisciplines

Running the race of faith isn’t easy. The terrain is rugged, the obstacles are real, and the enemy is relentless. Last week, we saw the importance of examining the terrain—knowing what we’re up against in this life. But knowledge alone isn’t enough. No runner shows up on race day in flip-flops and jeans—they gear up for the course ahead. In the same way, God hasn’t left us unprepared for the spiritual battle we face. In Ephesians 6:10–20, Paul shows us the armor of God—His own gear that equips us to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. In this message, GET THE RIGHT GEAR, we’ll see three essentials for running the Christian race: Get Strong – not in yourself, but in the Lord and the strength of His might. Gear Up – putting on the full armor of God: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, Scripture, and prayer. Get Purpose – understanding why this equipment matters for real, everyday battles. You don’t fight for victory—you fight from victory. Christ has already triumphed, and when you put on His armor, you share in His strength. Don’t leave a piece behind. Gear up. Stand firm. Run hard. 📖 Scripture: Ephesians 6:10–20 🎥 Sermon Series: Running the Race 🙌 Subscribe for more gospel-centered preaching and encouragement for everyday faith.

RUNNING THE RACE: EXAMINE THE TERRAIN Galatians 5:16–26; 1 John 2:15–17; James 4:7 The Christian life isn’t a quick sprint—it’s a long, grueling, but joy-filled race. And like any runner, we can’t run well unless we first know the course. In the opening message of our new series Running the Race, we’re examining the terrain. The Bible names three obstacles every believer faces: the flesh, the world, and the devil. These enemies of faith will try to trip us up, slow us down, or take us out of the race altogether. But in Christ, we have the strength to resist, endure, and run with joy. 📖 In this sermon, you’ll discover: What the Bible really means by “the flesh” and how to crucify it daily. Why loving the world draws us away from God—and how to set our hearts on what truly lasts. How to resist the devil’s schemes without fear, standing firm in God’s strength. When you wake up tomorrow, the terrain won’t be smooth. The flesh will whisper, the world will seduce, and the devil will scheme. But you are not running alone. The Spirit of God is in you, the Word of God is before you, and Christ Himself intercedes for you. 🏃‍♂️ Lace up your shoes. Lift your eyes. Run the race. The One who called you will carry you to the finish. ✨ If this message encourages you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more sermons in our Running the Race series. #RunningTheRace #ExamineTheTerrain #ChristianLife #SpiritualWarfare #Sermon

Why does the world try so hard to snuff out the flame of Christ in His people? In Matthew 5:10–12, Jesus reminds us that persecution is not a sign of failure but of blessing. The world may mock, reject, or oppose us—but every attempt to blow out the flame only proves that Christ’s light is burning within us. In this message, we’ll explore: 🔥 The real reason Christians face persecution 🔥 The different forms opposition can take—mockery, loss, slander, even hostility 🔥 How to respond with joy when the world pushes back 🔥 Why persecution is not the end of the story, but proof that Jesus is worth it Persecution isn’t easy—but it’s also not the end. The flame of Christ cannot be extinguished, and those who suffer for His name are promised a great reward in heaven. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:10–12 🙌 Series: The Beatitudes If this sermon encourages you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more biblical teaching. #Beatitudes #Persecution #Sermon #Matthew5 #Flourishing

Everyone longs for peace—whether it’s inner peace, peace in our relationships, or peace in the world. Yet despite centuries of human effort through education, diplomacy, and politics, true peace remains elusive. Why? Because the real problem isn’t out there—it’s in here. The human heart. In this message from Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God,” Pastor Mike Rue shows us why peace is only possible through Jesus Christ. We’ll discover: ✅ Why peace with God is the starting point for all true peace ✅ How the church is called to display the unity and peace of Christ ✅ What it looks like to live as ambassadors of peace in a broken world True peacemakers aren’t just diplomats or negotiators—they are followers of Jesus who live out the gospel. If you’re longing for peace that lasts, and if you want your life to bring peace to others, this message will help you take the next step. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:9 🎥 Sermon Series: The Beatitudes – Flourishing in the Kingdom

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8) What does it really mean to be pure in heart? In a world filled with distraction, compromise, and hidden motives, Jesus calls His followers to something far deeper than surface-level purity. In this message, we’ll explore how true purity isn’t about perfection or appearances—it’s about a heart transformed by Christ. 👉 In this sermon, you’ll discover: - Why purity starts in the heart, not just in behavior - How Jesus exposes the root problem of sin - Why only those made new in Him can “see God” - How to pursue purity in everyday life If you long for a deeper walk with God and a faith that flows from the inside out, this teaching will help you see the beauty of a pure heart in Christ. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:8\ Speaker: Pastor Mike Rue

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) What does it mean to flourish through mercy? In this sermon, Pastor Mike unpacks Jesus’ words from the fifth Beatitude and shows how God’s mercy toward us shapes the way we live with others. Mercy isn’t just a duty—it’s a response to the mercy we’ve already received in Christ. Through stories, Scripture, and practical application, discover: Why mercy is radical in a world marked by judgment and self-interest How forgiveness and compassion flow from a heart humbled by grace The freedom of receiving God’s past, present, and future mercy How mercy becomes the pathway to true flourishing If you’ve ever struggled with forgiveness, bitterness, or knowing how to show compassion, this message will point you to the God who is rich in mercy—and invites us to live mercifully. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:7 🙌 Series: Made to Flourish: Kingdom Living in a Broken World

📖 Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” We live in a world that promises satisfaction but leaves us hungrier than before. From Snickers to social media, from career success to comfort—our culture feeds our cravings with spiritual junk food. The result? A full stomach but an empty soul. In this sermon, Pastor Mike explores Jesus’ radical prescription for true satisfaction: hunger and thirst for righteousness. We’ll see how Christ alone can fill our deepest longings—both in making us right with God and in shaping how we live each day. If you’ve been chasing things that never satisfy, the invitation is clear: push back from the world’s empty buffet and come to the table Christ has prepared. He offers Himself, and He satisfies. ⏩ In this message, you’ll learn: Why our cravings are not the problem—but their object is The two kinds of righteousness every believer should hunger for How to retrain your spiritual appetite to desire what truly nourishes Why Jesus is the only source of lasting satisfaction 📌 Key Scriptures: Matthew 5:6, Isaiah 55:1–3, John 6:35, Romans 3:21–22, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Philippians 2:12–13, Psalm 107:9 💬 Questions to Consider: What does your soul crave when no one’s watching? What “junk food” do you need to push away from? What would change in your life if you believed Jesus could satisfy you more than anything else?