Have you ever watched a sporting event and you see the momentum shift? There is a feeling that comes over the crowd as the team that was behind is now turning things around. A sense of excitement or dread, depending on your point of view, takes over. As we continue our study of Queen Esther, The Weight of the Crown, we come to a momentum shift in the book. The world would look at this shift and call it coincidence. As Christians, we see God’s invisible hand of providence ..read more

As we continue our Esther series this Mother’s day, I’m so excited for you to hear Will Smith bring God’s word. He is a faithful brother who loves God, loves people, and loves God’s word. Our church family has benefitted by his ministry in a variety of ways and this Sunday we will benefit from his study and proclamation of God’s truth. So, whether this Sunday is a time of celebration or heartache I know you will be encouraged as we lift our eyes heavenward to the king of kings and lord of lords ..read more

Have you ever learned to play a sport or an instrument? As you play more and more you tend to get better and better. One of the characteristics of the Christian is growth. As our faith is activated we grow in relationship with God and the effect that has on our daily living. We’ll see and be challenged by that in the next scene from the life of Queen Esther ..read more

When we see movies play out on the big screen sometimes those stories can be romanticized. As we read the Scriptures, we can do much the same thing. We can imagine a fairy tale like setting, where the scenes and the characters are sanitized from the stain of sin. One character we often do that with is Esther. This week we’ll see that while Esther was not perfect and her life was far from idyllic God did not desert her. He doesn’t desert us either even with all our stains ..read more

We live in a world of uncertainty with danger seemingly lurking behind every shadow. Many are trapped in a confused maze punctuated with misery. Esther could relate. She seems almost out of place in the Bible. The book of Esther contains no mention of God, no reference to faith or worship, no prediction of the Messiah, no talk of heaven or hell – there is almost nothing religious about it. At least on the surface. But, when you dig a little deeper into this mesmerizing story you’ll find that past the dramatic beginning, suspenseful plot, villain, hero, damsel in distress, twists and turns in e ..read more

He is risen! The reality of the resurrection impacts every moment of every day. This weekend we get to celebrate that in a special way during our Good Friday gathering at 6:00 and our Resurrection Sunday gatherings. On Easter morning, we will see how Mark relays the good news of the resurrection. Here’s a hint: he doesn’t end his gospel in a way we would expect ..read more

As we approach our celebration of Resurrection Day, we’ve been studying through Mark’s gospel. Particularly, the passion week. This Sunday, we’ll look at the crucifixion. Mark leaves out detailing the horrific pain of the crucifixion, instead he highlights the obedience of Jesus. I hope you’ll join us this week as we join with the church around the globe proclaiming Jesus is the Son of God ..read more

We’ve all suffered to varying degrees. Most of us would just avoid suffering altogether if we could, but in this life it is unavoidable. Jesus, the suffering servant, calls his followers to take up their cross and follow him. His example prepares us for how to suffer Christianly. Amazingly, Christian suffering results in hope. So, as we examine the suffering of Jesus on Sunday I have this confidence that we will walk away hope filled ..read more

We’ve all had moments where we’ve failed. We’re not the only ones. Missionaries have felt the sting of failure. Jesus’ disciples, all twelve, knew failure. However, a relationship with Jesus changes our identity from failure to more than conqueror ..read more

As we continue missions month here at Central. I’m so excited that this week we will have the privilege of John Lennon bringing us God’s word. John and his wife Rhanda are missionaries to Ecuador and they were commissioned through the ministry of Central. He continues to be a faithful encourager and friend to me. I’m sure you will be encouraged as John opens up Mark’s gospel with us this Sunday ..read more