Central Baptist Kannapolis, NC

Emmanuel — God With Us celebrates the heart of Christmas through Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:18–23 , where God’s promise of a Savior is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. This message points us to the wonder of the season — that God came to dwell with us, bringing hope, salvation, and eternal life.

This Sunday, Pastor Dean Hunter brings a powerful message on the name above every name . From Isaiah 9:6 and Philippians 2:9, we’re reminded why Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

In this encouraging message, Pastor Barry Murray takes us to Psalm 94 and reminds us that even when life feels overwhelming, God offers real and lasting comfort. Through His living Word, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the support of God’s people, and the hope of Christ’s return, we are never without help. If you’re battling anxious thoughts or carrying a heavy heart, this message will point you...

In this Youth Sunday message, Pastor Jonathan Lloyd walks through Philippians 3:7–11 and reminds us of the incredible worth of knowing Jesus above everything else. From the gain that comes through letting go, to the believer’s reward in Christ, this message highlights the new identity, new righteousness, new perspective, and new hope we receive through Him.

This week, guest speaker Blake Ragsdale , Executive VP of Communications for the NC Baptist Children’s Home, shares powerful stories of hope from the lives of children across North Carolina. Blake challenges us to consider what God is calling us to say “yes” to and encourages us to let our light shine brightly so others can see the hope of the Gospel.

This week’s sermon, “The Testimony of Baptism,” unpacks the biblical meaning of baptism as a powerful symbol of repentance, salvation, and new life in Christ. From John the Baptist’s message to Paul’s teaching in Romans 6, we see how baptism points to Jesus, confirms our faith, and serves as a public testimony of the Gospel.

James highlights the importance of not merely receiving (or hearing), the word of God, but responding (or doing) the word of God.

James is practical theology written to believers. If we are going to live out our faith effectively and victoriously, the Word of God MUST be a part of that process.

In our text today , James outlines the good and perfect gifts God gives to believers as a contrast to the temptations of vv.14-15. Just as man is solely responsible for our own sin and death/separation - God is solely responsible for the given to the believer that lead to life.

The reality is that every difficult circumstance we face as a believer can either strengthen us, or become a solicitation to evil. In our text, James teaches us “The Truth About Temptation.”

Last week, in verses James 1:9-11, we saw two examples of trials that affect all of us in one way or another. The trial of poverty (humble circumstances) and the trial of wealth/riches. Today, in v.12, James provides encouragement for believers who have experienced trials, are experience, or will experience trials.

James wants us to learn that the tests of faith we experience are ultimately for our spiritual maturity. Today’s text identifies two types of trials and every believer will face one or the other… the trial of Poverty as well as Wealth. And yes… Wealth can be a trial!

No question that… Christian conservatives are filled with emotions: Anger, fear, sorrow, grief, etc. And understandably so! As believers, we have a Biblical answer! It might not be a popular or pleasing answer to some; however, it is the answer!

In our text today, James 1:1-8, we are reminded that the Christian life is not a life without challenges, tests and trials. Everyday is not a Friday! And certainly this life is not “Our best life!” Our text provides help and even comfort for the believer who is facing trials.

How could someone fire a gun into a Catholic School knowing that there were innocent children inside? As believers, we have a Biblical answer! It might not be a popular or pleasing answer to some; however, it is the answer!

Past weeks learning about common men God used to do uncommon things. Jonah, Elijah, Peter & Paul. We have been reminded that “God is not looking for perfect people, He is looking to perfect people”. In each of these heroes of the faith, we witness God using them to accomplish great things in spite of their weaknesses and even failures/sin. So… knowing sin still exists, and knowing that believe...

We see a man who is zealous about his religion but as lost (spiritually) as a man can be! However, we also see a man (as evil as he was) who was a candidate for God’s grace, mercy, love and salvation! A man who transitioned from Persecuting the Church to Pastoring in the church. From a persecutor to a preacher!

Past weeks learning about common men God used to do uncommon things - Jonah & Elijah. We have been reminded that "God is not looking for perfect people, He is looking to perfect people”. Peter is another example of an imperfect man who experienced the highs and lows of being a disciple of Jesus.

In this powerful message from 1 Kings 19, we’re reminded that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things — not because we’re perfect, but because He is faithful. Whether you're feeling strong in faith or struggling to hold on, this episode will encourage you to trust in God’s provision, power, and purpose for your life.

Even though Elijah had weaknesses and struggles just like you and me, God used him and honored his faithfulness and obedience!

God uses people with problems/issues! If He can use Jonah, surely He can use you and me! Thank God He is the God of a second chance! When He offers another opportunity, be obedient! He is not willing that any should perish but that all come to repentance!

Despair for a believer is a place where God can get your full attention! A place of need! A place of total reliance on God! Hear what Jonah does when he finds himself there…

As citizens of America (or other countries), our primary focus is not on America! Church… it is easy to focus on the news, weather, wars, rumors of wars, politics, etc. Though we are active citizens of this great country, our eyes are to be fixed on the imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Our Pastors Prayer: Keep growing! Keep serving! Keep walking faithful to the word of God and the work of God! “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:58

Israel matters! God has established His covenant with them; and this covenant is an Everlasting covenant! Christians… we bless Israel! We love Israel! We thank God for Israel! Church… we love God’s nation of Israel; we support them; we pray for their peace! “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” Psalm 122:6