Between a heavy doctrinal emphasis on sin, the promise of pain and suffering, and a foundational belief in the savior being crucified, in many ways Christianity doesn’t seem to embody what we perceive as joy or happiness. But Scripture reveals to us that happiness — true happiness — is actually found in the opposite place than we might expect, and the seemingly negative aspects of Christianity point us in a very positive direction. Listen to this sermon as we consider whether or not Christianity...
Jun 09, 2024
How does God work in his world? It’s a question worth asking, and at first mention, a question that appears difficult to answer. But upon closer examination of a short but dense passage in John 20, we can see with beautiful clarity that Jesus creates anew through his Spirit, and more particularly, through his people. Listen to this sermon from the Right Reverend N.T. Wright as we consider the role we play in God’s dwelling in the midst of his world. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters her...
Jun 02, 2024
Pastoral resident Abhishikth Babu gave a sermon on Philippians 3:3-10 titled "Christ, Our Righteousness."
May 26, 2024
It’s a painful reality that Christians have, in some instances, been on the wrong side of history when it comes to issues of injustice and oppression. Is that a right representation of Christianity? Is that a reflection of what the Christian faith is all about? The New Testament book of Philemon suggests otherwise. Listen to this sermon as we consider a lesser recognized contrasting reality: That the most powerful critique of oppression actually has a Christian source. ________ Sign up for Centr...
May 19, 2024
Christianity is often regarded as being just a bunch of restrictive rules, limiting the freedom of its followers by forcing them to adhere to a long list of specific dos and don’ts. But was Jesus’ intent to suppress us and restrict us from freely being ourselves? As it turns out, both ancient and modern conceptions of freedom lead us down a path that is ironically enslaving. But the most glorious irony is in what the so-called “restrictive” nature of Christianity does for us. Listen to this serm...
May 12, 2024
Christianity is a faith with ancient origins. But is it outdated? More specifically, are the principles, morals, and ways of Christianity enemies of progress? This is a question that has been asked throughout much of Christianity’s existence. Answering this question requires an examination of the notion of “progress,” the presumed trajectory of society. But what if “progress” is really rooted in something much deeper — something directly correlated to the Christian faith itself? Listen to this s...
May 05, 2024
Across the centuries there have been people who have used the Bible to propagate chauvinistic, sexist, denigrating views. But this ideological conclusion can only be drawn when Scripture is mishandled, misinterpreted, or misapplied. Jesus’ life and teachings not only uphold the value and dignity of women, they also promote a beautiful synergy between men and women as God’s image bearers that strongly counters Christianity’s misogynistic reputation. Listen to this sermon as we consider the biblic...
Apr 28, 2024
Understanding who we are is integral to living a meaningful life. As human beings we strive to discover and live out our true identities. So when Christianity instructs us not to affirm our self but to deny our self, it initially seems to oppose the very goal of becoming the truest version of who we are. Upon closer examination of the Scriptures, however, we see that shifting our identity from being rooted within our self to being rooted outside of our self is exactly how we find the stable iden...
Apr 21, 2024
“Tolerance” and “inclusivity” are principles of high value in our modern society. Likewise, one of the most common critiques of Christianity these days is its perceived lack of tolerance and inclusivity. When we examine Jesus’ actions and words in Luke 13, however, we find that what he offers — and therefore what Christianity offers — goes far beyond tolerance. It is a radical love extended to all, as all have sinned and are in need of rescue. Listen to this sermon as we consider the inclusive h...
Apr 14, 2024
The very nature of faith according to Scripture is believing what cannot be seen. It’s understandable, then, that faith invites questions and even doubts. And in a world that values reason, logic, and thoughtful analysis, it’s natural that some question the rationality of Christianity. But Jesus doesn’t condemn this unbelief. On the contrary, he accommodates himself to meet us where we are and engage our doubts. Watch this sermon as we survey what faith is and consider why it is right and good f...
Apr 07, 2024
Throughout human history, much debate has centered around whether Christianity is true, but recent generations have also begun to call into question the goodness of Christianity. If, in fact, Christianity is true, does it offer anything of value to the world? Listen to this Easter Sunday sermon as we explore the challenge and counterclaims of the resurrection as well as the resulting colossal consequences that accompany its truth. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here . Visit us on our...
Mar 31, 2024
Without a proper understanding of who Jesus was, what he did, and why he matters, the cross of Christ — a unique benchmark of the Christian faith — can seem like nothing more than a gruesome and confusing event in the history of the Church. But when we look back at the words of the prophet Isaiah, as Jesus did at the time of his death, we see the breathtaking reality that Jesus and no other could perform the ultimate act of love: losing his life so that we may gain ours. Listen to this Good Frid...
Mar 29, 2024
Isaiah provides us with a beautiful vision of the grandest mountaintop feast, at which all God’s people partake in an eternally life-giving meal together. But our lives are so far from that mountaintop, and we cannot ascend that mountain of the Lord on our own. Watch this Maundy Thursday sermon as we remember how Jesus descended from the mountain to a place of humble earthly service, right before his ultimate descent into the grave that miraculously paved our path up the mountain to glory. _____...
Mar 28, 2024
The word “home” represents different things — both negative and positive — for different people depending on their heritage, upbringing, and life journey. But as we see in Isaiah 65, there is a universal future home promised in Scripture that is perfect in its nature — with no grief, no tears, and abundant blessing. When Jesus left his heavenly home, he came to earth with the ultimate goal of securing this future for us. Listen to this sermon as we discover how God invites each of us to persever...
Mar 24, 2024
Isaiah 35 gives us a beautiful picture of a wilderness that is transformed by God's presence and provision. It serves as a promise to God's people that it is in the wilderness of our lives — where we lack clarity and control — that we see God most clearly, and we find that he has come to rescue us. Isaiah's transformed wilderness vision points us forward to Jesus, who meets us in the wilderness of this world and there enables us to find God’s presence, protection, and path. Listen to this sermon...
Mar 17, 2024
The Old Testament principle of Jubilee was familiar to the Jews of Jesus’ day — a celebratory year of release during which all debts were forgiven and all servants set free. But when Jesus’ inaugurated his ministry, he came to proclaim a Jubilee that was far greater. In Isaiah 61, we see Jesus taking this concept of Jubilee and alluding to an ultimate release that he, as the anointed one, offers to all people — one where those who are both materially and spiritually poor, brokenhearted, captive,...
Mar 10, 2024
Mar 03, 2024
Isaiah 49 reveals the very heart of God, — perhaps unlike any other passage. For most if not all people, perhaps everyone — whether a Christian or a non-believer — our biggest problem is that we do not believe that God really loves us. That is what easily leads to a kind of spiritual despondency. But when we feel forgotten or forsaken, our hope and our confidence can be found in remembering who God is, what he's done, and what he's promised to do. Listen to our sermon to learn more about the rem...
Feb 25, 2024
The 18th century theologian Jonathan Edwards insightfully remarked in one of his sermons that there is an admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies in Jesus Christ. Jesus does indeed bring together in his person and work beautiful attributes that we simply wouldn't expect, but once we see them, they bring us to a place of wonder and worship. Listen to this sermon to see how this conjunction of diverse excellencies in the coming Messiah was anticipated by the prophet Isaiah. ________ Sign up ...
Feb 18, 2024
Feb 14, 2024
Many people assume that we can separate the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount from the teacher. In almost every other religion that is true. The teaching is primary and the teacher is secondary, so we can accept the teaching and discard the teacher. But when it comes to the Sermon on the Mount we encounter a difficulty. If we try to separate the teaching from the person who offered it, the Sermon on the Mount becomes ludicrous and nonsensical. That's why the crowds who first heard Jesus speak ...
Feb 11, 2024
Feb 04, 2024
No one wants to be "narrow-minded" if that means being intolerant, unsympathetic, and petty. But if we are not "narrow-minded" in the sense that Jesus requires, then we will miss the open and inclusive invitation that Jesus offers to us all to experience the presence and power of God. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here . Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagram , YouTube , and Facebook ....
Jan 28, 2024
Central Church hosted it first-ever Vision Night to remember our past, celebrate our present, and anticipate our future. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here . Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagram , YouTube , and Facebook ....
Jan 25, 2024
Jesus offers us some of the strongest reasons and greatest encouragements to pray that we will find anywhere. If we are facing a need, if we are not sure what we are looking for, if a door has been closed in our face — all we have to do is ask! Listen to the sermon as we consider some of the general as well as specific implications of Jesus' astonishing promises when it comes to prayer. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here . Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagra...
Jan 21, 2024
Jesus famously says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” At first, the teaching of how not to judge may seem straightforward and clear. But upon reflection, it is far more complex and far more difficult to practice than we might think. In this sermon, we consider the context of judgment, the complexity of judgment, and the key to judgment. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here . Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagram , YouTube , and Facebook ....
Jan 14, 2024
Jan 07, 2024
Dec 31, 2023
Dec 24, 2023
Charles Wesley was walking to church one Christmas morning when he was inspired by the sound of all the London church bells ringing. He subsequently wrote a poem which he intended to be read every year on Christmas Day, and it eventually became one of the world's most beloved carols. The power of Christmas carols lies in the fact that the whole gospel is contained within these songs; that is especially true of this one as this carol tells us about what Jesus has accomplished for us through his b...
Dec 17, 2023
