Central Community Church | Sermon Audio

Scripture: John 17:24-26, Hebrews 1:3 Last week we discovered that, before creation, God existed in perfect, relational, loving communion - One God in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them from the overflow of that relationship and the deep love that the Father has for the Son. This has a profound impact on the way we view and tre...

Scripture: John 17:24-26 The question of how and why God created the world seems like a very esoteric question to answer, yet it is one that everyone needs to wrestle with. How we understand the beginning of the world gives us an understanding of who God is and our purpose on earth. (Note: the first few minutes of the message is missing)

Scripture: John 1:1-2, John 17:24 As we embark on our 4-week series on The Trinity, we discover that before creation God existed in perfect, relational, loving communion ? One God in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit ? and explore the massive ramifications that has on our view of God and relationship with Him.

The path that Jesus has for His followers (disciples) is exciting, yet narrow and filled with challenges. To stay on this path (the "Christian walk") demands support and accountability - because we cannot do it alone. It was never intended that we walk it alone. We need the help of others in "the household of faith" - the church.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-5:21, James 5:16-5:16 What does it mean to be a Christian and live as a child of God? Today we'll learn that our new life in Christ is not lived in isolation but in the family of God. As we grow in the understanding of our new family relations we are called to walk as beloved children of God who are responsible for one another.

Scripture: Colossians 3:11-3:17, Galatians 6:10-6:10, Ephesians 2:19-2:19, 1 Timothy 3:15-3:15 The church is not a religious service-provider but is instead the beloved multi-ethnic family of God that is called to embrace and model a new humanity that is marked by love, peace, truth and thanksgiving.

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-3:17 Family is the most common analogy that the Bible uses to speak about the church. But just like our physical families the church can sometimes be a confusing and difficult place and so what is needed is a clear understanding of what the church should look like. The church is to be a gathering of believers defined by love for one another and thankfulness to God.

Scripture: Matthew 2:19-23 Following God's leading can be uncomfortable at times, and at other times downright nerve-wracking! Matthew 2:19-23 and its context assures us that God cares for us deeply and desires to guide us carefully in His ways. Following God's way won't always be easy, but as we faithfully follow, He will work out his great plans in and through us.

Scripture: Matthew 2:19-23 Most of us have wondered what our lives would look like if we had taken different decisions than the ones we took in the past. If I had taken that job offer in Calgary, or what if I had studied that other career, maybe I should've got a dog instead of that proud arrogant cat no one can pat... things like that that propel our imagination into parallel outcomes, unreached...

With all the anxiety, depression, and fear that's plaguing our world, it's natural to assume that if there's a God He doesn't care. But, in fact, He loves us so much that He came to deal decisively with everything that plagues our lives and world. Christmas reminds us that God is not absent, He dwells among us; He is not distant, He came near.

Scripture: John 1:1-14 John's gospel (and the rest of the Bible!) repeatedly tells us that Jesus is "the light of the world" who brings life. This Christmas, as people all around the world hold "celebrations of light", we have the greatest reason to celebrate: The life that Jesus came to bring.

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18 The whole Bible is either preparing us for the coming of Jesus or explaining to us what Jesus did. Even the greatest moments of God's salvation throughout history were meant to point to a greater salvation that would be accomplished in Jesus. At Christmas we celebrate the fulfillment of God's promises!

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18 The Christmas story is so familiar that we can recite it from memory. One part of the story that Matthew records includes what appears to be obscure references to Old Testament prophets. Matthew's account helps us to recognize that while Christmas is a time of peace and joy, it also marks the start of a cosmic battle wherein Jesus wages war against Satan for our souls an...

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 The wise men coming to Jesus is an often misunderstood story, at least in the details. Yet the main point remains clear, they come to worship and rejoice over Jesus as a King and Christmas is the invitation for us to do the same.

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 C.S. Lewis famously wrote that Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord, but what he cannot be is simply a good man. In the same way, our response to the claim of the Lordship of Jesus will either be indifference (like the people of Jerusalem), hostility (like Herod), or worship (like the wise men). If Jesus is the Son of God who came to us at Christmas in order to save...

Scripture: Luke 2:21-33 In a world inundated with chaos it is hard to find the peace the season of Christmas points to. We read of biblical peace and long to have that in our lives, but often mistaken this peace for a removal of the current difficulties. Luke 2 points us towards a deeper more stable peace that remains despite our circumstances.

Scripture: Luke 2:21-35 After surveying Simeon's encounter with Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the temple, we learn why Jesus's birth under the law is crucial to our identity as adopted children of God. Second, we uncover applications for our growth in discipleship and church worship that derive from Simeon's character and his deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. Finally, we explain key concepts of Simeon...

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 Sometimes what we think is insignificant actually has great significance. Our first Advent passage of 2021 shows us that what we often take for granted, or give little consideration to, has the ability to change our lives and is worthy to be proclaimed, pondered and treasured.

Sometimes we have a tendency to overlook the "insignificant" things in this world. Yet when Jesus Christ was born, God used what people may have considered insignificant to point to that which is most significant. In this classic Christmas text, the shepherds teach us some powerful truths as to how we should respond to the birth of Jesus, the Savior.

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 You would expect the birth of a King to be surrounded by fanfare, pomp and circumstance, and a whole lot of luxury and wealth. Instead, we find the King of kings born in a backwater town, placed in an animal feeding trough, and the first to hear the news about this incredible King were socially ostracized shepherds. What do these classic elements of the nativity story actual...

Scripture: Acts 16:11-40 Acts 16 may well be the most vivid text in the whole Bible portraying that Jesus saves the most diverse people through the power of the gospel and makes them family.

Scripture: Acts 16:11-40 Through Paul and Silas's ministry to the people of Philippi, we can see that every Gospel encounter invites its hearer to respond. No matter the circumstance, these encounters can be useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Scripture: Acts 16:11-40 Most of us want to be the hero of the story and we naturally look for heroes to imitate. However, when it comes to the Bible, we aren't the hero and even as we watch Paul planting a brand new church, Paul isn't the hero. God is the hero of the story and we are called to trust his timing, wait for his rescue and seek his glory!

Where we end up in life is often determined by who we chose to listen to. With so many opinions, how do we discern the correct course or path in life. Often, personal sacrifice is required to fulfill our purpose and teach us lessons along the way. Paul began his second missionary journey with recruiting a young disciple named Timothy. Together, with Silas they set out to proclaim great hope; the s...

Scripture: Acts 16:1-10 As the early church continued to grow, and the gospel continued to spread, several things were required in order to stay on the mission that God had for His people - the mission of preaching the gospel. These requirements have not changed. Our text today highlights what they are.