The Central Moment

One of the greatest promises that God can give us is that he will be with us. No matter the new seasons we may be entering or the new challenges we may be facing, the assurance that we are not alone is what secures us.

We are established in new life by the gospel’s truth and relevance. The word ‘gospel’ means ‘good news’ -- the good news of Jesus’ grace, of God’s love and of the Holy Spirit’s presence.

Loving God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is what keeps us under the grace of God and unified in peace with each other. This is how the church of Jesus Christ thrives, prevails, and advances.

Lord, let me be totally set apart to you -- spirit, soul and body. May the certainty of your soon return be the ultimate reference point of my life. And may the sanctifying power of your Spirit be real in me today.

What a prayer -- “Lord, work in me what is pleasing to you!” It’s a prayer that can shape and energize every day of our lives. We encounter it in one of the most theologically comprehensive benedictions of the New Testament.

What if you were to wrap up all that God wants for your life in one sentence? It’s done in an Old Testament benediction and confirmed in a New Testament benediction. It is also one of the most well loved benedictions of all time.

Friendships, opportunities to be together, God-ordained ministry moments -- all of these are worthy of prayer. And the God who hears and answers can keep our hearts filled and even overflowing with love.  ///  Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecting people to God, to each other, and to their purpose in life. We are a...

It’s easier to start well than to finish well. We all know this. But Paul prays with confidence that God is both willing and able to finish what he has started in our lives.   ///  Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecting people to God, to each other, and to their purpose in life. We are a whole-family church that val...

What does it mean to please God? At the end of a powerful prayer, the Apostle Paul lists four answers to that question. They serve as a guide for our Christian walk and discipleship.   ///  Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecting people to God, to each other, and to their purpose in life. We are a whole-family church...

It can be a life-changing experience to know that you are loved. The revelation of God’s love, in fact, is the open door to all of God’s fullness in our lives. He can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine!    ///  Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecting people to God, to each other, and to their purpose in life...

How would the Apostle Paul pray for you or your church if he was still alive and knew you? He would probably start the same place that he did praying for the Ephesian church -- for hope, blessings, and power.   ///  Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecting people to God, to each other, and to their purpose in life. We...

Because Jesus is preeminent, He is above all things and reigns over everything. Lord Jesus, be first in all we think and do!  ///  Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecting people to God, to each other, and to their purpose in life. We are a whole-family church that values being scripturally thoughtful and spiritually...

Because Jesus is divine, we recognize that He is fully God and Lord of all. We  invite you, Jesus, to be entirely divine in our own lives today.   ///  Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecting people to God, to each other, and to their purpose in life. We are a whole-family church that values being scripturally though...

Because Jesus took on human form, we're able to trust Him. He truly knows, understands, and sympathizes with our humanness.   ///  Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecting people to God, to each other, and to their purpose in life. We are a whole-family church that values being scripturally thoughtful and spiritu...

Because Jesus is beautiful, we reflect on how His beauty is seen in creation and in specific ways in our lives.    ///  Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecting people to God, to each other, and to their purpose in life. We are a whole-family church that values being scripturally thoughtful and spiritually engaging, w...

We use the word "awesome" a lot, but Jesus is the one who is truly awesome. With that in mind, let's pray together today that familiarity won't erode our appreciation of who Christ is, but will instead reawaken an astonished awe of his power in our lives. ///  Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecti...

On this last day of 2021, we thank God for past blessings and look ahead to future breakthroughs. Above all, may the One of whom our Heavenly Father said he was ‘well pleased’ live strongly within us!   ///   

What are you longing for in this new year? Is it success, status, money, recognition? Those things are spiritual junk food. Instead, may we have such a hunger for God that nothing becomes more important than the increase of Jesus’ life in us!  ///   Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecting people to God, to each other...

It’s amazing what God can do through flawed people, for the sake of His glory. Peter’s failures, thankfully, were not the final word on his life. Jesus is the restorer; Jesus is the miracle worker; Jesus is the difference-maker!    ///   Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecting people to God, to each other, and to the...

If you were trying to explain the gospel to people who were religious but not followers of Jesus, what would you say? This glimpse into early first century preaching gives us the answer.  ///  Dr. Jim Bradford is lead pastor of Central Assembly in Springfield, Missouri. Central is a church committed to connecting people to God, to each other, and to their purpose in life. We are a whole-family chu...