Christian Center Church Podcast

After Moses entered the wilderness, he spent 40 years in preparation for his encounter with God. Once that encounter happened, however, his life was never the same. From that moment on, Moses was on a trajectory to lead one of the greatest rescue missions in history. What did this encounter with God mean for him, and how did it compare with the kings from his past? Join Dr. Mark Lantz for Part 4 o...

The next stage of Moses’ life is one of preparation. After his murder of an Egyptian and his flight into the wilderness, Moses was stuck for 40 years. In those 40 years, he lived a pretty unremarkable life of shepherding. But it was those 40 years that would prepare him for the moment that would alter the course of his life. Join Dr. Mark Lantz for part 3 of Born to Be Wild.

As we continue our study of the life of Moses, we move from his childhood to his adulthood. Moses spent the first 40 years of his life in the lap of luxury in the palace of Pharaoh. But one day, he was awakened to the suffering of God’s people happening under his nose. His actions from that point would change the course of his life forever, and ultimately bring him face to face with the God of Isr...

Scripture is filled with fascinating characters, each one with their own highs and lows, fantastic successes and utter failures. Every one is a roller coaster of motives and emotions. But of all Scriptural figures, few are as dynamic, dramatic, and influential as Moses, the liberator of Israel. The life of Moses carries with it lessons for every stage of life, and is one we would do well to study...

We all want to know God deeper. Any of us would say that. But when it comes to the actual act of cultivating a deeper relationship with God, very few of us actually take the necessary steps to discover our God in a new and deeper way. It’s possible, but are we ready to do what needs to be done to make it happen? Join Pastor Lee Barlow as he looks at some ways you can Go Deep…Go Deeper.

The story of Scripture begins with a paradise, which is thrown into chaos by sin. In man’s uprising against God, they were stripped of their innocence and became acutely aware that they had fallen from His grace. In response, God gave them a covering of animal skin. Later in Scripture, we see God give mankind a different covering; not one of skin, but of spirit. Join Pastor Spencer Davis as he exa...

The Holy Spirit is often misunderstood or even ignored entirely in many Christian circles. The Holy Spirit is hard to define, and His work in our lives can be so subtle that it’s difficult to even notice. However, Scripture is clear about the Spirit’s role as a member of the Trinity and our Comforter and help in our life, and His work can be downright dramatic and life-changing, if we let it. Join...

We’re excited to welcome back Nick and Emily Zehner! Nick and Emily Zehner were both called at a young age to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They founded Zehner Ministries after God had put a burden on their hearts for the harvest of souls. Primarily in America but also across the globe. They are graduates of River University in Tampa, Florida. Together, they train others and have personally l...

Last week, we took a look at the story of Jonah, and the bizarre circumstances that took him from direct disobedience from God’s Will to exactly where God wanted him. But the story doesn’t end after Jonah is spat back up on shore; he still had to go to Nineveh and preach to the people he despised. So what happened after God set Jonah back on track? Join Dr. Mark Lantz as he wraps up the story of J...

The story of Jonah is one of the most unique in Scripture. Jonah was a man who ran from the call of God, and got turned around in one of the most extraordinary ways possible. While none of us may have the experience of Jonah in the fish, like him, we have a tendency to get sidetracked from the path God has set us on. What do we do when we get off the path, and what can Jonah’s story tell us about...

James references many stories from Scripture in his short epistle. And tellingly, he never wastes a reference. Every single historical instance he cites is used to make a poignant and important point about Christian life. So when he references the story of Elijah, we should sit up and pay attention! What is James drawing from this story of a remarkable man of God, and what does it mean for us toda...

After a brief break, we're returning to the book of James in our series entitled Real Talk! The world around us is chaotic, and it doesn't seem to be getting any less so. What hope do Christians have in a world that looks like it's flying apart? Join Dr. Mark Lantz as he looks at the prophetic words of James and other apostles about our still-coming hope in Part 5 of Real Talk!

Happy Independence Day! We are so blessed to live in the United States of America, and we are so glad you’ve joined us for a special celebration of our freedom in this country. As we reflect on U.S. history, with its controversies and triumphs, we must remember that America is, and always has been, an experiment. That experiment has taken many forms over the years, but one we do not think about of...

We are back in the book of James as we continue our sermon series entitled Real Talk! This week, we’re talking about a very real and not very fun issue: conflict. We all have it, we all know what it’s like, and none of us enjoy it. But the fact is: conflict exists. So how do we navigate it? James gives us some practical steps for conflict in the Christian life, so join Dr. Mark Lantz for Part 4 of...

As we continue our study of the book of James, we come to what is arguably the most famous portion of the book: chapter 3. This chapter is famous for one main reason: its subject of taming the tongue. Our tongues are famously dangerous and volatile, able to inflame any situation at the slightest provocation. Though it is small, it can render relationships ruined and entire households broken if it...

Last week, we began a discussion on the book of James. James offers us some very practical and hard-hitting guidance for Christian living. One of the most well-known aspects of James’ writing is chapter 2: on favoritism. Favoritism is a pet sin for a lot of us, and it’s one that is deviously easy to fall into. Join Dr. Mark Lantz as he looks at the words of James regarding favoritism in Part 2 of...

The book of James is a tough one. James doesn’t mince words as he lays out the realities of life and the proper way to navigate it as a follower of Christ. At the same time, James is a refreshing outline of the basics of the Christian life, even as it can be difficult to put into practice. James opens his epistle by discussing the reality of trials in life. Join Dr. Mark Lantz as he begins an in-d...

Many of us spend our lives on the outside of where we want to be. It's as if we're looking through a window, and we can see what we were meant to be on the other side of the glass. But, for one reason or another, we can't seem to pass the barrier separating us from that life. Peter and Paul encountered just such a man in Acts chapter 3, who had spent his entire life begging outside the temple. Joi...

Note: There was an issue with Pastor’s microphone nearing the end of the sermon. We apologize for the drop in sound quality. Happy Mother’s Day! We’re honored you’ve chosen to celebrate this special day with us! Scripture gives us many accounts of honorable and powerful women to look to, but few stories can match the story of Ruth. Ruth left everything she had to follow her family, and through her...

In life, we will experience trouble and hardship. Jesus promised His disciples as much during His ministry on Earth. However, we are not left to face this hardship on our own. In the book of Revelation, Jesus gives encouragement to several churches to face the troubles ahead of them. In this book, He promises to be with them and give them the strength to stay faithful. As we prepare for a new seas...

As we move past Easter, Christian Center is looking towards our future. We’re looking at ways we can prepare to better serve our community and invite them into the Kingdom of God! Before us is an open door into various aspects of ministry, and we’re excited to share a bit of our plan for growth with our church family. In order to grow effectively, we all need to be on the same page. We count ourse...

Finally, we have arrived at Easter Sunday! After a long season of waiting and hoping, we have come to the day to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ! As we remember this greatest day in history, we look again at the love of God in its most present and powerful form: as it triumphs over sin and death itself. The Resurrection is the ultimate example of God’s love at work, and it is a joy to c...

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He declared His Kingship to a waiting Israel. But He was not the kind of king they were anticipating. In their religious mindset, they had already formed their conclusion about Who Jesus was and what He came to do. And when He did not fit that conclusion, they turned on Him. Such is the fate of every mind held bound by rote religion. That religious mi...

Mental health isn't often talked about in the church. We tend to gloss over it for the simple reason that it makes us uncomfortable. We don't want to put in the emotional or physical energy to deal with the real mental crises our brothers and sisters go through on a daily basis. But mental health is a real issue, and what's more, Scripture talks about it, so who are we to deny its importance? We’v...

We're going to get hurt. That's a part of life. But our response to being hurt is often more important than our being hurt in the first place. If we allow a hurt to dig deep and plant bitterness in our hearts, it will cause far more damage than it otherwise would. But if, through the power of God, we learn to forgive, we can be freed from this plague of hurt. Hurt is going to happen. But we don’t...