Lenexa Central Church Sermons

1 Corinthians 13  The people of God are invited to join in and experience this faithful covenant and steadfast love. Even in our silent unbelief and our periods of waiting, God is still working to make all things right and good.

Psalm 25:1-10  Psalm 25 is a reminder that we worship a God we can trust and rely on. In this Advent season, as we wait, God has given us a promise that brings hope, even in lament when we are tempted to despair. As we live into our lament, we are called to be people who surrender to the God of hope in order to be transformed.

2 Kings 2:6   We are thankful for many things in this season, but being united to Christ as “One Family” is at the top of the list. Kansas City District Superintendent, Rev. Kyle Poole, reminds us of the unity of the Church through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. 

John 13:1-17 The love of God is on full display in Jesus being willing to wash the feet of his disciples. We may be overwhelmed by all the people in the world in need, but Jesus saved the world by serving those closest to him. It's a reminder to think global...act local! Kindness transforms the world one friendship at a time.

John 9:24-34 Everyone has a story to share, but no story is bigger than God's story. When we tell our story with authenticity and vulnerability, our life becomes an entry ramp for others to experience this good news for themselves.

Genesis 18:1-16 What if eating is about more than food? Jesus ministered to people around a table. Like Abraham and Sarah welcoming three strangers, ordinary meals become holy moments when we invite Jesus and those he loves around our tables.

Prov. 10:19; James 1:19, 1 Kings 19:9-15  Jesus listens to the one everyone else ignores. When we listen with care we embody the life of Jesus and create an open door for a conversation that has the potential to transform the speaker and the hearer. Are we being careful to listen to those everyone else has ignored? 

Luke 6:12-19  Jesus sets an example of prayer for his people. One cannot engage in the mission of God without being connected to the Life of God. Our effectiveness in ministry is dependent upon our connection to God in prayer. 

Genesis 12:1-3   Abraham was called by God and given a promise that through the blessing of his descendants, "all people will be blessed." He was blessed to be a blessing, and this captures who the church is called to be as well. The blessing of salvation isn't for our personal enjoyment. Rather, what God has done for us he wants to do through us!

We believe God has a mission to redeem the world and he calls his church to join him in this work. Our annual “Faith Promise” weekend celebrates this shared mission! Hear from the national director of the Church of the Nazarene in Cuba, Rev. Leonel Lopez, as he speaks of God's faithfulness and our role as God's people.

Jeremiah 17:5-8  A life of faithfulness isn't created overnight. It's nurtured over time like a tree by a stream with roots that go deep. Even in seasons of drought, a life with roots that run deep will always bear fruit.

Psalm 37:1-7  There is a “cycle of victorious living” that sustains us in every season of life. The psalmist's admonition to “trust, delight, commit, and rest” is a life-giving rhythm, no matter what life throws at us.

Proverbs 8:32-36 The world may appear to be haphazardly spinning out of control, especially in the face of big changes. However, God's wisdom was present at creation and is programmed into the "operating system" of life. Living a life of greed or in selfish pursuit of power doesn't result in eternal gain, even if it produces temporary success. Wisdom is embodied in Jesus and hi...

Proverbs 3:5-6 It's one thing to say you trust God, but do your actions reflect a life that is fully dependent upon God and his provision? Following Jesus is a matter of trust. Will we trust our way or God's way in life's biggest changes? Always trust the one who has been there before. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 The human experience is filled with sorrows and joys. Without faith, one can only hope that the high moments outnumber the low ones. Sometimes, however, life doesn't make sense and joy is difficult to find. Faith in God enables us to trust in a plan, even when we can't see the finish line. When times are changing, God is not. His presence and guidance remain steadfast...

Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus is famous for being "short," a detail that reflects humanity being stunted by greed and worldly pursuits. As it turns out, these are exactly the people Jesus wants to have dinner with and to whom the mission of the church should be aimed. Anytime the Church makes its table bigger we love people into a better story. 

John 4:4-26 Everything about Jesus’ encounter with the Woman at the well could be described as “wrong time and wrong place.” The hospitality of Jesus, however, takes everything that's wrong and makes it right. If your story is filled with wrong time/wrong place moments, it’s always the right time to have a life-giving conversation with Jesus.

Luke 7:36-50 Jesus will break bread with anyone and everyone, which earns him the title, "friend of sinners." This is on full display as a "sinful woman" offers her worship in the middle of dinner. The journey from sinner to saint is dependent on our willingness to join with Jesus and also be known as a "friend of sinners." 

Luke 24:28-35

John 2:1-11 In the first of his "miraculous signs," Jesus turns water into wine and announces that God has "saved the best for last." When we are out of resources and don't know where to turn, there is "new wine" available to us. God keeps the party going, and never stops giving his best for us. 

Luke 14:7-14

Hear from this week's guest speaker, Dr. Larry Bollinger, as he gives insight into God's call for the body of Christ to be a "kingdom of priests."

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Life has its shares of ups and downs. The Apostle Paul reminds us to not get too high on the good times as that could result in spiritual pride. God transforms our weaknesses into opportunities to give Him glory. Our successes and our perseverance in trials are all because "he is strong."

Ruth 4:13-22 Naomi’s joy underscores the heart of biblical faith: when God writes your final chapter, your story always ends well. Although Ruth and Boaz are the main characters in this story, we can hardly relate to characters so amazing. We are Naomi, and God invites us to see his beauty and goodness no matter what! 

Ruth 4:1-12 Boaz is willing to do what no one else will do. He is in love with Ruth, and love has a cost. It’s a cost that Boaz is willing to pay, because no price is too high. Like God's love for us, it’s a lavish display of costly grace. We are not worthy of this gift, but no price is too high for our God!