Podcasts about central church

Are you carrying a stone God never asked you to hold? Jesus shows us why judgment keeps us stuck, why grace sets us free, and what it really means to live for an Audience of One.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

by Aubrey Botha https://cpcchurchimages.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/14130359/July-12-Sermon.mp3 Genesis 25:21-34 21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. 22 The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 The Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb,    and two peoples from within you will be separated;one people will be stronger than the other,    and the older will serve the younger.” 24 When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. 25 The first to come out was red, and his whole body was like a hairy garment; so they named him Esau.[a] 26 After this, his brother came out, with his hand grasping Esau's heel; so he was named Jacob.[b] Isaac was sixty years old when Rebekah gave birth to them. 27 The boys grew up, and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. 28 Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.[c]) 31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” 32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” 33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright.   Matthew 13:1-9 The Parable of the Sower 13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. 5 Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.” Transcript (Transcribed by TurboScribe) Well, thank you, Alexander, and thank you for all those who make me feel welcome on a Sunday morning in your own special way. I mentioned this last week. There’s a lot of good natured teasing that goes on, and that’s simply because, as Alexander shared, I’ve known the congregation a long time. I guess it was 2009, I came to what was then St. Andrew’s Church, just up the hill, and a few years later, St. Andrew’s and St. Giles amalgamated and became Westside Presbyterian Church, and stayed for several, well, more than some years after that, and retired, I think it would be about four years ago, but still active in ministry. I enjoy attending churches, church services on those Sundays. I’m not preaching elsewhere, but one of the things I look forward to is being here for a few weeks in the summer. So, again, thank you to Aubrey and the session for the invitation. Two readings this morning, from the book of Genesis and then from Matthew. Let us hear God’s word. Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebecca became pregnant. The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, why is this happening to me? So she went to enquire of the Lord. The Lord said to her, two nations are in your womb, and two peoples within you will be separated. One people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger. When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. The boys grew up, and Esau became a skilful hunter, a man of the open country, while Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebecca loved Jacob. Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, quick, let me have some of that red stew. I am famished. That is why he is also called Edom. Jacob replied, first sell me your birthright. Look, I’m about to die, Esau said. What good is a birthright to me? But Jacob answered, swear to me first. So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. From Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 13, that same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying a farmer went out to sow his seed, and as he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky places where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, but because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among the thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. And still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear. Amen. In the name of the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sustainer. Amen. We are told earlier in Genesis that for twenty years Isaac and Rebekah had prayed for a child. Finally their prayers are answered, and the miracle of conception came. But it wasn’t smooth sailing. Even in the womb, the twins were struggling with one another. It’s a foreshadowing of what would continue on throughout their whole lives. It leads Rebekah to ask, while the twins are still in the room, it leads Rebekah to ask, why is this happening to me? And God answers, two nations are in your womb. One people shall be stronger than the other, and the elder shall serve the younger. We’re not told within the text how Rebekah would have received this news. It helps us understand what is about to unfold in foreshadows what’s taking place. But it wouldn’t have been immediate help at that time, and especially that latter phrase, the elder shall serve the younger. As I say, it’s not said in the text, but Rebekah must have said to herself, oh this does not bode well, because that’s not the culture. That’s not the custom. Firstborn, the elder, that’s the head, and the younger siblings serve the elder, but that’s not what Rebekah is told. Esau is born first. Jacob falls close behind, grasping at his brother’s heel. Even that small detail foreshadows the life that Jacob will lead, always grabbing and holding on. In fewer than 15 verses, the twins grow from newborns to young men, yet very little has changed in their lives or in their personalities. They were different in the womb, and they are different outside. Esau is impulsive. He’s driven by the moment, never thinking things all the way through. Jacob is patient, calculating, and as we see, he’s very opportunistic. With that understanding of who these twins were and their personalities, we come to the latter part of the story that I read to you. Esau comes in from the field, exhausted and starving. Let me have some of that red stew, I am famished. Jacob replies, sure. First, sell me your birthright. Sell. You’re firstborn. I’m to serve you. Sell it. Not even give it. Sell it to me. Esau, again, in the moment, not thinking it through. I’m about to die. What good is a birthright to me? And just like that, Esau gives away the birthright over a bowl of lentil stew. Now, I know something about the persuasive power of a good bowl of food. I know I’ve mentioned, I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before. After all, I’ve been coming here for some years. I’m sure I’ve mentioned the trophy I received for cooking chilli. Just happen to have it here. I have it at home, but if there’s a display case, I’m happy to leave it later. Yes, the People’s Choice Award from 2003. Okay, a few years ago. The Rotary Club of Brantford Sunrise, the ninth annual chilli cook-off, June 21st, 2003. The People’s Choice. Not just awarded by, the people spoke and gave me and my team this, I know the power of a good bowl of food. Now, some of you are saying, wait a minute, 2003, anything more recent? Funny you should ask. I thought I heard somebody ask. 2020, just before the world changed, we had in February of 2020, we had our annual Super Bowl contest up at Westside. Super, S-O-U-P-E-R. And yes, if you are asking, I placed in the top 10 of that competition. There were nine of us in entry, but that still places me in the top 10. A good bowl of chilli, soup, stew, that can certainly be tempting. But it’s probably not worth however good it is. It’s not worth your inheritance, your birthright. Neither brother comes out of this encounter looking particularly good. Esau acts impulsively with little thought for the future. Jacob sees his brother’s weakness. He sees it and he exploits it. Neither brother comes out looking good. And let us not completely overlook the parents. It says within the text, the father favoured one child and the mother favoured the other. It’s not just the brothers are not looking good. The family is not looking particularly good. Later in the book of Genesis, Jacob will deceive his own ageing father as well. So where does this ancient family story, and I know many of you would be familiar with this story, where does that ancient story about a long ago family meet us today in our circumstances? With our families. Well, when we think about our families, most of us still feel the pressure to convince the world that everything’s fine. Most often that’s certainly the image we would like to project in a natural way, that everything is okay. Family is normal. Everything’s under control. But when we’re honest, and we can be honest with each other at times and with good friends, when we’re speaking a little more honestly and it feels safe to do so, we know better. We know families can be complicated. We know relationships can be strained. Old wounds can linger. Misunderstandings happen, and sometimes as they’re explained, the situation does not get better. I’ve offered enough explanations over a misunderstanding that I have successfully made the situation worse with my explanations. Sometimes the people we love the most are the ones who can hurt us the most. And yet, let’s get to this, and yet God is still present. God is still there in the midst of that, in the midst of the strain, and the misunderstanding, and the friction, and the tension. That’s one of the great gifts of the stories in the book of Genesis. The very first book, the book that not only emphasises our ongoing, our original and ongoing relationship with God, but also talks about the families that are within that relationship with God. The Bible never pretends that God’s people are flawless. The Bible never pretends that families are not without their challenges. Quite the opposite. Again and again, God chooses to work through people. Again and again, God chooses to work through families that are imperfect. At the heart of Genesis is the inspiring truth that God accomplishes God’s purpose through some of the strangest, most awkward, most hard-to-understand families imaginable. When God looked across the world for people through whom to bless the nations, that’s where that phrase comes from Genesis, when God looked for people through whom to bless the nations, God did not choose people who seemed to have it all together, who had no flaws, that had never known challenges. Sometimes it looks like God would choose the B team, that God would choose not the best and the brightest, but God would still choose them. Families that argue, families that failed, people who doubted, people who made terrible decisions. God would still use them, people just like us. Many of the stories in Genesis make the very first book, as I said, of God’s story with God’s people. Many of the stories make this wonderfully clear. We do not have to be perfect before God can use us. We do not have to have everything figured out before God can bless us. We do not have to belong to a flawless family before God can call us to be a blessing to others. The good news is that God does not wait for perfect people. The good news is that God is faithful even when we are not. If God could work through Isaac and Rebecca, if God could work through Esau and Jacob, if God could bring blessings to people, to nations, to the world through that family, then surely God can work through us and ours. You’ve heard me say in the past, and I mean it with the utmost sincerity, Central Church has a lot going for it. And I hope this doesn’t shock you. But it’s not because you’re perfect. I’ve never heard anyone claim that about Central Church. What I have heard, it’s a group of people who care about each other, who care about the neighbourhood they’re in, who care about the community that you’re part of. Not perfect, but perfectly caring people. This is a church that God has, that God can, and God will continue to work through. Because by the grace of God, we are exactly the kind of people that God has always used and loved to use. People, people just like us. Amen, and so be it.

Aan de hand van Hebreeën 5 en het leven van Petrus wordt duidelijk dat groei ontstaat door gehoorzaamheid aan God, het toepassen van Zijn Woord in de praktijk en het leren onderscheiden van Zijn wil. Moeilijke ervaringen vormen ons niet vanzelf, maar wanneer we ze samen met God doorleven, veranderen ze ons karakter en verdiepen ze ons geloof. Uiteindelijk is geestelijke volwassenheid niet het resultaat van meer kennis, maar van een persoonlijke ontmoeting met de opgestane Jezus, die ons door Zijn genade vormt en verandert.

Perspective, posture, and persistence can build a faith that refuses to give up. God can use the mountains in front of you to strengthen your faith and turn your struggle into a testimony.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

Jona heeft een hoopvolle boodschap gebracht bij koning Jerobeam II. Iedereen geeft graag namens God een hoopvolle boodschap aan anderen. Maar wat doen we als we iets moeten doen van God wat we niet willen? Jona vlucht en daalt af. Een weg van God is een weg van afdalen. Uiteindelijk is Jona zover bij God vandaan, dat hij weet: Ik kan mezelf niet redden, al mijn plannen zijn vastgelopen, ik moet het van de Heer verwachten. Het is de Heer Die redt!

Prayer frees us from the pressures and anxieties of the world by helping us place our trust in God instead of in ourselves.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

Een leerling van Jezus verandert. Niet zomaar een verandering, maar een metamorfose. Zoals Jezus veranderde op de berg, zoals wij de Heer aanschouwen als in een spiegel, naar Zijn beeld. Onderga jij een metamorfose?

Why are we so exhausted? Maybe it's because we've spent our lives performing for everyone else's approval. In this message, discover the freedom that comes when you stop chasing applause and start living for an Audience of One.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

Gods Vaderhart klopt voor jou | Auke van den Berg, Matthias Spijkstra, Gerard Boon | Jesus Central Church by GODcentre Gouda

Everybody has difficult people in their life, but Jesus calls us to respond differently. Discover three practical ways to let go of revenge, extend unexpected grace, and learn to love people the way Jesus first loved us.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

Plaats je passie op de juiste plaats | SERIE: Leerlingen van Jezus | Ps. Jeroen Dorstijn | Jesus Central Church by GODcentre Gouda

Terug naar je eerste liefde | Ps. Michel van Zuthem | Jesus Central Church by GODcentre Gouda

We live in a culture that plays fast and loose with the truth, but Jesus challenges us to keep our word. In this message we are encouraged to avoid empty promises, tell the truth, and simply let our yes be yes and our no be no.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

Relationships can be complicated and people often wonder if tying the knot is worth the trouble. But Jesus reminds us that marriage is not simply an arrangement between two people, but something scared established by God. Marriage makes you happy by making you holy.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

Pastor Matt Shackelford, Lead Pastor of Central Church, talks about the defining "moment of truth" that set him on a lifelong journey with Jesus. Matt shares his personal testimony, the lessons that have shaped his ministry, and the importance of keeping faith at the center of both his personal and professional life. The conversation also explores the role his wife Ashley and their children's tribal citizenship play in their family's story, how he navigates the demands of ministry while prioritizing family, and his approach to addressing difficult and sometimes controversial topics from the pulpit. Matt also discusses the vision and mission behind his radio program, Moment of Truth, offering insight into why clear biblical teaching and meaningful conversations are so important today.

We hebben in deze wereld te maken met diepe pijn en verlies, maar daarin wordt de vraag zichtbaar: waar is onze hoop eigenlijk op gebaseerd? De Bijbel laat zien dat er twee soorten hoop zijn: een tijdelijke hoop die zich richt op dit leven, en een hemelse hoop die eeuwig, zeker en verankerd is in Christus. Ons leven hier op aarde is kort in vergelijking met de eeuwigheid, en daarom worden we uitgedaagd om niet alleen voor het zichtbare nu te leven, maar voor wat blijft. Wie deze hemelse hoop werkelijk omarmt, leeft anders: met focus, toewijding en vertrouwen, ook midden in een wereld die vaak een andere richting opgaat. Uiteindelijk draait het om deze vraag: leef je voor het kleine stukje nu, of voor de eeuwigheid die komt?

Focus op het juiste | SERIE: Leerlingen van Jezus | Ps. Jeroen Dorstijn | Jesus Central Church by GODcentre Gouda

Deze tijd tussen Hemelvaart en Pinksteren is het belangrijk om te beseffen wat verwachting doet. Is onze verwachting nog in Jezus? Onze blik nog enkel op Hem gericht? Hij troont in de hemel. Hij is onze hoop. In Hem is onze verwachting.

Om te kunnen leven vanuit Pinksteren, moet je de Heilige Geest hebben ontvangen, moet je leven vanuit de kracht van de Heilige Geest in plaats vanuit eigen kracht en dan zul je gaan getuigen wat Jezus in jouw leven heeft gedaan.

In deze krachtige boodschap over de praktijk van Pinksteren in ons dagelijks leven, neemt pastor Jeroen Dorstijn ons mee naar het verhaal van Israël in de woestijn. De wolk vervulde het volk en leidde het volk. Zoals de Heilige Geest ons vervuld en we Hem mogen leren volgen in ons leven. Zijn we gericht op Zijn aanwezigheid? En hoe doen we dat dan praktisch? Durven we Hem te volgen, ook al brengt het onbekendheid met zich mee? Allemaal vragen die naar voren komen tijdens deze preek. Wees gezegend door het Woord van God!

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

In this message we are encouraged to honor our bodies and honor each other. God wants to redeem sex, not simply repress it. He can forgive, heal and redeem our hearts and minds for His glory.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

People often use anger to get their way, but Jesus warns us that rage can take us places we don't want to go. In this message we are encouraged to face our anger and fight for peace.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

Showing up isn't the same as growing.Many Christians settle into a pattern of attending church without ever stepping into maturity. But Ephesians 4 paints a different picture: God designed His church so every believer grows and helps others grow too.In this sermon, Pastor Todd walks through God's design for spiritual maturity and challenges us with a hard truth: healthy things grow. God didn't save you simply to attend church—He saved you to grow in Christ and help others do the same.In this message you'll discover:• Why church attendance isn't the same as spiritual growth• Signs you may be spiritually stalled• Why spectatorship can quietly replace discipleship• Why truth and love are both essential for growth• Practical next steps toward maturity in ChristIf you've ever felt stagnant, disconnected, or spiritually inconsistent, this message is for you.Visit https://www.centralchurch.com to get involved with Central Church.

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

What if real happiness isn't found in comfort, but in courage? In this message, discover how living as “salt and light” means standing out, even when it costs you, and that's where God shows up.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

When life gets harder even though you're doing the right thing it's easy to question where God is. Jesus shows us that real happiness isn't found in perfect circumstances, but in trusting God's presence, choosing the right response, and believing He's still working in the middle of it.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/

We often seek happiness with an outside-in approach and focus on getting the things we crave, but the surprising message of Jesus is that happiness is an inside job. In this message we look at what Jesus says about living a blessed life.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

The world is full of advice on how to be happy, but what does Jesus say? In this message we dive into the beatitudes to discover Jesus's surprising description of what it means to be blessed.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

The ups and downs of life make us long for stability. Easter reminds us that God's is in control even when things feel out of control. In this message we are encouraged to keep believing, keep showing up, and remember the reasons we have for hope.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

"Remember the Cross" weekend invites us to pause and reflect on the profound love and sacrifice that reshaped our world. It's an invitation to reflect on more than just a familiar emblem but the life-changing love it embodies, encouraging us to embrace its deep impact on our journey.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

Some people think of faith as an obligation, but Jesus describes it as party. In this message we are encouraged to face our excuses and fill God's house so that we don't miss out on the good things He is already doing.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

What if the way we serve people today echoes into eternity? In this message from Matthew 25, we explore how noticing the overlooked and serving the hurting can become one of the most powerful ways we spread the message of Jesus.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

Guest Speaker: Herbert CooperWelcome to Central Church! Central is a place where it's okay to not be okay. No matter where you're watching from, we're glad you're joining us!To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://centralchurch.online/give/ If you've made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/ Central Live: https://central.live/

The world is full of bad news, but we are called to be good news people. In this message we are encouraged to not only spread the word, but to live the Gospel, allowing God's Spirit to flow through our lives and attract people to Him.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

The real reason people are blind to Jesus isn't lack of evidence—it's a moral issue rooted in loving darkness rather than light. At the crucifixion, everyone mocked Jesus except one criminal who saw what others missed. To see Christ the King, you must first see yourself as the criminal in need of salvation. Pastor Greg teaches from Luke 23 and how it shows we're all criminals that are blind to Christ. However, there is hope! Two criminals hung beside Jesus with two different destinies: one humbled himself and received paradise, the other remained proud and faced judgment.Visit https://www.centralchurch.com to get involved with Central Church.

We'd all welcome greater blessings in our lives, but how do we position ourselves to receive it? In this message we look at Jesus's teaching on the Faithfulness Principle: when you are faithful with little God can trust you with more.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

The need to feel secure is a powerful human emotion, especially when it comes to money. We can fall into all kinds of traps trying to get to place where we feel we have enough. But Jesus reminds us that while money can solve problems, only a rich relationship with God can provide security.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

This message walks through David's journey to a Psalm 23 level of confidence and shows how remembering God's faithfulness, taking a step forward, and trusting the Shepherd can transform the way you face tomorrow.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

Sometimes when we look to future we imagine the worst is on the way, but Psalm 23 reminds us that the best is yet to come. In this message we remember that God's goodness and love will pursue us all the days of our lives and we will live in the house of the Lord forever.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

We live in a time of great change, and it can produce fear in our lives. But Psalm 23 reminds us that God cares for us like a shepherd: He is with us and will never fail us. Even though we live in uncertain times we can be certain of God's care.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

"One night I'm sitting out in my car, smoking a cigarette, and I look up at the church (cause it's always lit up) and the tree that's on the front corner...is engulfed in flames. I got joy for a second, you know. Like, 'oh this is good.' But I'm looking at it, and it's burning...but it's not being consumed."— Patrick MahonToday's Episode: Listen in as Natalie's friend Patrick Mahon shares his remarkable testimony of God's work in his life to bring him out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light. It's a powerful story of miraculous transformation. You won't want to miss it! Note: this episode is not appropriate for younger listeners. This month's memory verse: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” — Isaiah 9:2 Today's guest: Patrick Mahon is a member of Central Church in Jefferson City, Missouri, where Natalie's husband is the pastor. Memorize Scripture with us: Find out more about the easy button for Scripture memory, Dwell Differently's monthly membership!Love this show? Support us by leaving a review.Links from today's show: Be encouraged with bite-sized biblical truth in New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional, by Paul David Tripp.Find empathy, wisdom, and real-life stories in When Dreams Fall Apart, by Jennifer Lucy Tyler.Dwell on God's character in Amazed: 30 Days of Growing in Awe, by Carolyn Lacey.Join Dwell Differently, and start memorizing in 2026!Support the showFollow Natalie & Vera at DwellDifferently.com and @dwelldifferenly.

Christmas is full of traditions, but the nativity reminds us that Jesus, born in a manger, is the true center of it all. His story shows that no one is too small or too far from God, and that His hope still changes lives today.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

Christmas lights remind us of the light of Christ, the hope Isaiah promised to people walking in darkness. Even when life feels heavy or uncertain, Jesus' birth tells us we are not alone and our darkness is not the end.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

Life can throw a lot of troubles our way, but we can be grateful for the future because God is our refuge. In this message we are encouraged to deal with our stress in healthy ways and trust God for all we cannot control.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

When times get tough we often look backward to way things were or look forward to what could be… but Psalm 42 encourages is to look inwards and use gratitude to deal with our discouragement. In this message we are encouraged to once again put our hope in God.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

It's easy to be grateful when things are great, but God can work even in the challenging seasons of our lives. In this message we are encouraged to remember God's rescue, share God's rescue with others, and realize that gratitude positions us for greater blessing.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

Life doesn't have to be perfect to be grateful. This message explores Psalm 136 to understand how gratitude can transform your outlook, even when life feels hard.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live

Pastor Jud interviews Lee Strobel, author of Seeing the Supernatural. Lee is an atheist-turned-Christian, the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune, is a New York Times best-selling author of more than 40 books and curricula that have sold 18 million copies worldwide.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://pushpay.com/g/centralchurchonlineIf you've just made a decision to follow Jesus, please let us know: https://centralchurch.online/custom-forms/i-decided-to-follow-jesus/Central Church: https://centralchurch.online/Central Live: https://linktr.ee/central.live