Podcasts about central church

Nothing complicates our faith like shame, but Jesus came to not only forgive our past but give us a new life where we can walk with our heads held high. In this message we are encouraged to receive our new identity and walk in our true value.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 all have days where it feels like if it can go wrong, it will go wrong. But we can face our troubles without a troubled heart. In this message we are encouraged to lean into the character of God and His promises. The solution to a troubled heart is a trustworthy 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/

Are you stressed trying to discover God's purpose for your life.. and worried you might somehow miss it? Jesus makes our purpose incredibly simple when we listen to His words, remain close to Him, and take the next loving step.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/

Why does God make us wait?Whether you're waiting for healing, direction, a relationship, or God to answer your prayers, waiting can feel frustrating and even confusing. But throughout Scripture, we see that God never wastes a waiting season.In this message from Acts 7, Pastor Matt Shackelford continues the Dwell series by examining the life of Moses. Before God used Moses to deliver Israel, He first prepared him through years of waiting in the wilderness. The same God who worked in Moses' waiting room is still at work in ours.You'll discover: Why God often works while we wait  What Moses' life teaches us about trusting God's timing  How waiting prepares us for God's purposes  Why God's presence matters more than immediate answers  How Jesus meets us in seasons of uncertainty  What it means to trust God when life feels delayed Your waiting season isn't a detour. It may be the very place where God is preparing you for what's next.Scripture: Acts 7:17–43Series: DwellIf this message encouraged you, subscribe for more biblical teaching each week from Central Church.

Soms is iets gewoon dat het zo vanzelfsprekend is dat je nog nooit over nagedacht hebt. Wanneer je dat wel doet, zie opeens iets schitterends, zo indrukwekkend, dat je beseft, dit moet wel God zijn.

We all want to live a blessed life, but it can get complicated. In John 15, Jesus gives us a simple way to experience a fruitful life: “Remain in me.” In this message we are encouraged to uncomplicate our faith by remembering that faithfulness leads to fruitfulness.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 do you do when life feels like you've been thrown into a pit?Whether it's betrayal, loss, disappointment, or suffering, every believer eventually walks through seasons they never would have chosen. The good news is that God doesn't wait for you to climb out before He comes near.In this message from Acts 7, Pastor Matt Shackelford continues the Dwell series by looking at the life of Joseph. Through betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and imprisonment, Joseph experienced God's faithful presence every step of the journey.You'll discover: Why every Christian experiences "pit" moments  How Joseph's story points us to Jesus  Why God's presence matters more than your circumstances  How suffering can become part of God's greater purpose  What God is producing in you through difficult seasons  Why your deepest pit is never beyond God's reach No matter what pit you find yourself in today, God has not abandoned you. His presence reaches farther than your pain.Scripture: Acts 7:9-16Series: DwellIf this message encouraged you, subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Central Church. 

Gods Genezende Genade | Ps. Jeroen Dorstijn | Jesus Central Church by GODcentre Gouda

by Mark Gaskin https://cpcchurchimages.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/29112723/July-26-Sermon-1.mp3 1 Kings 3:5-12(NIV) 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. 7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Matthew 15: 21–28 The Faith of a Canaanite Woman 21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” 23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” 25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. 26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs.” 27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table.” 28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. Transcript (Transcribed by TurboScribe) Alexander:Our speaker this morning is the Reverend Mark Richardson. Mark is a long-term friend of Central. We’re so glad that you’re here, Mark. Mark is retired from Westside Galt and from Central Church in Brantford, and we are so glad that he’s here. No, no, we don’t have to correct Alexander. I’ve messed up his name several times. Mark Gaskin: And, you know, if I had to be confused with somebody, Richardson is the one I’d want to be confused with. He’s a great guy, the other Mark. I don’t blame him. There’s something about this presbytery, and Lynn Pennington knows, for a while, there were four, there were at least four ordained ministers in the presbytery of Waterloo West. Mark Lewis, Kitchener, Mark Gedke, also in Kitchener, Mark Richardson, and Mark Gaskin. And the clerk of the presbytery started to give us nicknames. I have no desire to share with you what my nickname was. So Richardson is fine, Alexander, fine. I did also want to mention that I’m wearing my Camp Kintail shirt. They’re coming to get Alexander. When you confuse me, that’s when I, 911. I’m wearing my Camp Kintail shirt because I know this congregation has a deep relationship with Camp Kintail on Lake Huron. I know Jonathan and Teresa, the co-executive directors of the camp, have worshipped with you, have led worship. Every time I’m up at camp, and I go up several times a year, there is their Sunday suppers. There are also, it’s also Kirk and the Cedars. In fact, there’s one today, four o’clock, they worship in the chapel. And then there is a gathering in McDonald Lodge, afterwards a meal in McDonald Lodge. We often go up, myself and our adult children and their children, will have for several years gone up for family camp held in August. And when I mention to Jonathan and Teresa that I have preached at Central Cambridge or will be preaching at Central Church in Cambridge, they always say to me, please say thank you. They are deeply grateful for the support they receive, monetary and otherwise, especially the men’s ministry, that goes up in, is it twice a year or else, spring and fall, and just does the work that needs to be done on that acreage. There’s always something, and especially, it used to be that they would close down for the winter. So there was this spring cleanup and the fall shutdown. It’s a year-round camp now. So there’s always, there’s more to be done. And I know Jonathan and Teresa and the board at Camp Kintail very much are grateful for the support they receive from Central Church Cambridge. Our first reading is from 1 Kings 3, beginning at verse 5. King David has passed and his son, King Solomon, has come to the throne. It’s been a few months. And this is the dream that King Solomon has. At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, ask for whatever you want me to give to you. Solomon answered, you have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. Now, Lord, my God, you have made your servant King in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have you asked for the death of your enemies, but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. And our good news reading for this morning from the gospel according to Matthew, and this is what I’ll be basing the message on today. Matthew tells us that Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman came from that vicinity, came to him crying out, Lord, son of David, have mercy on me. Your daughter is suffering terribly from demon possession. Jesus did not say a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, send him away for she keeps crying out after us. He answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel. The woman came and knelt before him. Lord, help me, she said. He replied, it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs. Yes, Lord. Yes, Lord, she said. But even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table. Then Jesus answered, woman, you have great faith. Your request is granted. And her daughter was healed from that very hour. Amen. In the name of the creator, the redeemer, and the sustainer. Amen. Once upon a time, a woman came to a Presbyterian church. Let’s call it Knox St. Andrews on the Speedy Grand River. And she asked him, would you do a funeral for my dog? I’ve had this dog many, many years. A wonderful companion to me. I would like to have a funeral for my faithful dog. Well, the minister was more than a little taken aback. And he replied with a certain tone to his voice, well, I couldn’t possibly conduct a funeral for a dog. Perhaps you should try one of the other churches in town. The woman was polite, thanked him, and started to leave. And then turned back and she said, oh, just so you can help me when I visit these other churches. Is $500 enough of an honorarium for this type of funeral? And would I make that out to the minister or to the church? There was a pause. And the minister says, you didn’t say that the dog was Presbyterian. I’d be happy to help. I’m glad you laughed. And I am quite sure that many of you have heard that joke before. But it’s easier to tell that joke than it is to deal with this passage. We’re hearing Jesus speak in a way that we have not heard before. And we don’t hear very often. Because there’s nothing funny about these words. It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs. Those words land with a thud. They sound harsh. They sound insulting. And if we’re honest, they don’t sound very much like the Jesus that you and I like to talk about. And it really comes down to that one word. Dog. Now, today, in our culture, in our time, dogs are beloved companions. They sleep on our couches. They have birthday parties. We sentimentalise our dogs in ways that would have seemed very strange to the ancient world. And let’s not just think about the companionship that dogs offer. Let’s think about service dogs. And how that area has expanded over the years. To include that they once helped disabled or impaired individuals. And now they do a host of activities with that population. And let’s think about the working dogs. That search for explosives or drugs. Canine dogs that protect you and I. That was not the role of dogs in Jesus’ time. They weren’t pets. They didn’t do anything. They were scavengers, mostly. Wild, dirty animals that wandered the streets. Feeding on refuse and garbage. To call someone a dog, even in our time, it’s not really a compliment. But we have a different understanding. But to call someone a dog in Jesus’ time was an absolute insult. No compliment whatsoever. Scripture reflects this attitude over and over again. The prophet Isaiah says, Israel’s watchmen are blind. They are all mute dogs. They cannot bark. They lie around and dream. They love to sleep. Dogs were representations of things that were unclean, unworthy. They were outsiders. They did not belong to any household, any group. And that is exactly what was meant when Jesus said, made that statement. A Gentile woman comes pleading for healing for her daughter. Jesus answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. She kneels before him, Lord, help me. And then comes the response that shocks us. It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs. The point is unmistakable. A Jewish rabbi who abandons his own people in order to minister to outsiders, to Gentiles, well, that would be like a parent taking the food off the table that’s feeding his children and throwing it on the floor, giving it to animals instead. There is no way to soften those words. Preachers try to. I have tried to in the past. I have said, well, it’s a test of faith for the woman. I mean, after all, later in the story, he says, you are a woman of great faith. Others suggest that he was drawing out her courage by this statement, perhaps. But why not let the story just speak in all of its uncomfortable honesty? Why not hear what was being said? Matthew doesn’t hide the difficulty. He lets us hear Jesus exactly as he sounds. And maybe that honesty is important. After all, this is the same Jesus, the same Jesus who makes the statement. Elsewhere, he welcomes sinners and tax collectors. This is the same Jesus who touched lepers. It’s the same Jesus who blessed children, forgave enemies, and sat down at tables where respected people would refuse to sit. Those are the stories we know well. That is the Jesus we know well. Why can’t Jesus be as complicated as humans are, as you and I are? We’re not one person or one thing. We are complicated. That’s our nature. Why can’t Jesus be the same way? So when Jesus speaks this way in this occasion, we are unsettled. And perhaps that’s where the gospel wants us to be at that time. The mystery of the incarnation, the mystery of Jesus’ birth, is that God became truly human. We say that in our prayers, in our creeds. That’s what we read in the gospels. Jesus had a human side. And every once in a while, we see it. He doesn’t just appear to be human or pretend to be human. Jesus was born a first-century Jewish man. He lived within a culture that drew sharp distinctions between Jew and Gentile, clean and unclean, insider, outsider. The incarnation, the birth of Jesus, meant that God entered a real culture at a real time in history. He came into the real world with all of its assumptions and boundaries. So sometimes, maybe not very often, but sometimes we might be tempted to see Jesus sort of floating above his time and place, floating above human history, floating above human temptations, drawbacks, limitations. Untouched by the world around him, Matthew will not let us do that. He shows us that Jesus is genuinely human. Yes, divine, without doubt. That’s what Easter is all about. But in this moment, genuinely human. This is a Jesus who listens. This is a Jesus who responds, who grows. And that might be one of the most hopeful things in the gospel. Because if Jesus is truly human, then he engages people as real people do. Most of us do not easily change our minds. I know my wife marks on the calendar the number of times I change my mind. At the end of the year, it’s not an exercise I like to go through. Because I think I’m Mr. Flexible. That’s one of the nicknames I’ve given myself. Clerk of Presbytery never used it, but I think of myself, Mr. Flexible. Oh, sure, I listen to people. Give me a well-reasoned argument, I’ll change my mind. We cling to assumptions. We hold on to prejudice. We protect the boundaries that comfort us, that we can be sure of, that have always worked for us in the past. Sometimes we are reasoned with. Sometimes we can be challenged. Sometimes we can be confronted. And sometimes we change our minds. But lots of times we don’t. We cling on to what we know. But look carefully at this story. The woman refuses to walk away. She doesn’t become angry. She’s not confrontational. She doesn’t become defensive. She just answers Jesus with remarkable wit and astonishing faith. Yes, Lord. I hear what you say. You don’t throw food from the table to the dogs. Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table. It’s one of the finest, most faithful responses in all of the New Testament. She accepts Jesus’ image. She accepts that characterisation and then turns it inside out. Is there enough bread for God’s children? Sure there is. Then surely there are enough crumbs for everyone else. If God’s grace is truly abundant and eternal, then no one needs to ever be hungry. Her faith is bold. Her persistence is courageous. Her love for her daughter is unstoppable and unmistakable. And Jesus hears that. He hears all of that. And he allows himself to be changed by that encounter. He says, woman, great is your faith. And her daughter is healed. This is not a story about someone winning an argument. It’s a story about the kingdom of God becoming larger than anyone could have imagined. Even larger than when Jesus’ own disciples, they saw that Jesus was expanding it, making it bigger. But this was still new territory. This is not what they expected. The boundaries begin to fall. They continue to fall. The table continues to grow wider. The invitations become larger. The grace of God spills over the edges. It cannot be contained. Winston Churchill once said, to improve is to change. To be perfect is to change often. Whether Churchill intended it or not, those words echo something deeply Christian. Faith is not stubborn certainty. Faith is open to the spirit of God. Faith is allowing ourselves to be surprised. Faith is discerning that God’s mercy is always bigger than we could have imagined. And this is where the gospel finally meets us. Because the question is no longer simply whether Jesus changed. We can debate that in coffee. The fellowship time. We can have that discussion. The question is, can we change? Can we allow ourselves to learn something from someone that we might have dismissed? Can we allow a stranger to help us grow in our faith? Can we admit that an outsider might reveal something about God? History suggests that’s how the Holy Spirit works. Again and again, God speaks through people that we don’t expect God to speak through. God surprises us when God speaks through foreigners and children and the poor and the outsider. Perhaps the greatest miracle in today’s gospel is not that the daughter was healed. That is a miracle. But that has happened before. Perhaps the greatest miracle is that was a conversation where God once again welcomed more people into God’s world. Which was always God’s intent. But this was God’s Son doing the welcoming. The work of welcoming people into God’s world is not finished. That’s one of the reasons that Central Church exists. That’s your mission statement. It should be every church’s mission statement. A place where God’s people are welcomed into God’s world. People still build walls. I know that. We still divide people into insiders and outsiders. People who spend time discussing who belongs and who does not. I am happy that that’s not a characteristic of this church. That every time you gather around Christ’s table, you hear this message. There is enough bread. There is enough grace. There’s enough mercy. There’s enough room. The table belongs to Christ, not to us. And everyone whom Christ welcomes is already welcomed. Every person. Without exception. Amen. And so be it.

Your relationship with God doesn't have to look like anyone else's relationship with God. And it doesn't have to look like it did years ago. God wants a real relationship with the real you in the current season you're in.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/

Have you ever felt like God was far away?Whether you're walking through suffering, uncertainty, or simply feel spiritually dry, it's easy to wonder where God is. But throughout Scripture, we see the opposite of what we often assume: God is the One who moves toward us.In this message from Acts 7, Pastor Matt Shackelford begins the Dwell series by exploring Stephen's sermon and the story of Abraham. Long before Abraham sought God, God sought Abraham. The same God who called Abraham still pursues people today through Jesus Christ.You'll discover: Why God's presence isn't limited by a place  How Abraham's story points to God's pursuit of His people  Why God always makes the first move  What it means to live by faith instead of sight  How Stephen's message points us to Jesus  Why you can trust God even when His plan isn't fully visible  How Jesus makes it possible for us to dwell in God's presence forever No matter how far away you may feel, God's presence goes farther.Scripture: Acts 7:1-8Series: DwellIf this message encouraged you, subscribe for more biblical teaching each week from Central Church.

Als discipel van Jezus ben je geroepen om discipelen te maken. En jij bent daar klaar voor. In deze boodschap ontdek je dat al die aanklagende stemmen dat je er nog niet klaar voor bent, leugens zijn. Hoe maken we discipelen? Door mensen te dopen en ze te leren over alle lessen van Jezus. Vanuit waarheid en liefde!

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/

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.

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.

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.

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