CEFC: Recent Episodes
CEFC
Listen to weekly sermon podcasts from CEFC. We are a church that strives to live all of life for Christ based on the Holy Word of the Bible.
The apostle Paul had joy even in prison. If Paul can have joy in prison, then we can have joy even when life is not going the way we expected. What are our reasons for joy? Listen and discover three reasons for joy in Christ. Join us at cefc.church.
joy #reasonsforjoy #prayer #partnership #promise #Philippians
The frequent pairing of "grace and peace" in Paul’s letters in the New Testament highlights their importance in the Christian experience. "Grace" initiates and sustains our relationship with God, and "peace" is the result. This first message of our new sermon series in Philippians highlights some of the ways grace and peace impact the Christian’s daily life and make all the difference in the world to the believer. Join us at cefc.church.
Have you ever faced a situation so overwhelming that you didn't know what to do? If you've ever prayed, "God, I don't know what to do, but my eyes are on You," then this is the next step: It is time to praise!
We can praise even when we are still in the midst of our problem because our Lord is bigger than our problems.
Join us in 2 Chronicles 20 as we discover the power of praise and learn when to praise, why to praise, and how to praise even before the answer comes.
PowerOfPraise #PraiseGod #Worship #Faith #TrustGod #BibleTeaching #ChristianSermon #ExpositoryPreaching #2Chronicles20 #Jehoshaphat
If you are facing a battle that fills you with fear, then it is time to pray! 2 Chronicles 20 shows us a powerful prayer. Our Father in heaven hears our prayers and saves his people. As king Jehoshaphat prays, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You" (2 Chronicles 20:12) we too can pray to our heavenly Father. Join us at cefc.church.
Everyone gets off track from time to time. How do you respond when you receive correction? Do you get defensive, angry or withdrawn? In 2 Chronicles 19, King Jehoshaphat takes correction in the best way possible. His response to correction is an example and inspiration to help us respond to the loving correction Christians receive from our heavenly Father. For more ways to grow in Christ, join us at cefc.church.
correction #spiritualgrowth #Jehoshaphat #discipline #Jesus
The electricity was out in the area from strong summer storms, including the Carlisle Campus of CEFC, but the power of God through His word never changes! Thanks for joining us at cefc.church.
We are so glad that you are choosing to worship with us today! We hope that you feel encouraged and inspired to know more about Jesus. At CEFC, our vision is to live “All of Life For Christ.” That means that we are committed to living every aspect of our lives for Christ. Whether we are at home or work, with our neighbors, or in our community, we want our lives and our church to be centered on Jesus. Whether you are joining us for the first time, watch online every week, or regularly attend one of our three campuses, we want to help you to get involved at CEFC. More importantly, we want to help you to be growing in Christ, to be apart of a community that is dedicated to building one another up, and to serving. Feel free to visit our website and take your next step today! https://cefc.church/?nucleuslauncher=open
Join us as we listen in to a conversation Jesus had with his first followers that explains who he is and why we should trust him with our lives and obedience. Join us at cefc.church.
In this message, we’ll explore the strange story of dry bones coming to life in Ezekiel 37 and how we can take hold of this same promise of resurrection life through Jesus. Join us at we see the character of God revealed as dry bones come to life! Join us at cefc.church
In this message, we'll discover how to seek Jesus, how Jesus seeks sinners first, and why every one of us is either moving toward grumbling or toward generosity. Most importantly, we'll see that Jesus meets us where we are, but he never leaves us where we are. God can call you by name and transform you by grace! Join us at cefc.church.
Generous #changedbygrace #Zacchaeus #Jesus #transformation
Are you chasing happiness… only to feel empty?
Solomon had it all — wealth, pleasure, success — and called it meaningless. The truth is, living to please yourself always ends in disappointment. In this message, we explore why living to please God is actually where we find lasting joy, contentment, and purpose. Join us at cefc.church.
Faith #Christian #Sermon #Joy #Purpose #LiveForGod #Contentment #Ecclesiastes #ChristianLiving #MeaningfulLife
We are so glad that you are choosing to worship with us today! We hope that you feel encouraged and inspired to know more about Jesus. At CEFC, our vision is to live “All of Life For Christ.” That means that we are committed to living every aspect of our lives for Christ. Whether we are at home or work, with our neighbors, or in our community, we want our lives and our church to be centered on Jesus. Whether you are joining us for the first time, watch online every week, or regularly attend one of our three campuses, we want to help you to get involved at CEFC. More importantly, we want to help you to be growing in Christ, to be apart of a community that is dedicated to building one another up, and to serving. Feel free to visit our website and take your next step today! https://cefc.church/?nucleuslauncher=open
Jonah 4:1-5
Why are you angry? Essentially, that is the question that God asks the prophet Jonah when Jonah was angry that God did not punish his enemies. Anger can be a warning light that something is wrong in our heart. This sermon explores the cause of our anger and finds healing in the grace and forgiveness of Christ. Join us at cefc.church.
Jonah #BibleStudy #ChristianSermon #Grace #Forgiveness #Mercy #Anger #Jonah4 #Jesus #Cross #Christianity #Faith #Gospel #Repentance #GodsGrace
When we slide down into a dark place, God is waiting to hear our prayer.
We often expect God to deliver us quickly, comfortably, and on our terms. But in Jonah 2, God meets a runaway prophet at rock bottom: in the depths, in the dark, in what feels like the grave. And there in the dark, Jonah discovers the steadfast love of God.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, distant, or at the end of yourself—this prayer is for you!
Salvation belongs to the Lord.
Jonah #BibleSermon #Prayer #Grace #RockBottom #Faith #Christianity #FishStory #Jesus #Hope #CEFC
Have you ever been so consumed by the wrong thing that you tried to hide from the right thing? That’s Jonah. He hated the Ninevites so much that he chose to try to run and hide from God’s presence and direction. It was a selfish move. It was a foolish move. Going in the opposite direction from God, Jonah is caught in the middle of a storm. It became clear that someone had to be sacrificed to save the sailors caught on the boat with Jonah. Jonah recognized that he was that person. Through this story, we see that salvation comes through sacrifice. Join us at cefc.church to learn more.
What happens if you run from the will of God? Jonah ran from God, so God chased after Jonah with a storm that threatened to sink his ship. The storm was God's grace that forced Jonah to change his mind and heart toward both God and people. The God who loves us will chase us with the storm of His grace!
Jonah #Storms #JesusSaves #RunningfromGod #Grace
We are so glad that you are choosing to worship with us today! We hope that you feel encouraged and inspired to know more about Jesus. At CEFC, our vision is to live “All of Life For Christ.” That means that we are committed to living every aspect of our lives for Christ. Whether we are at home or work, with our neighbors, or in our community, we want our lives and our church to be centered on Jesus. Whether you are joining us for the first time, watch online every week, or regularly attend one of our three campuses, we want to help you to get involved at CEFC. More importantly, we want to help you to be growing in Christ, to be apart of a community that is dedicated to building one another up, and to serving. Feel free to visit our website and take your next step today! https://cefc.church/?nucleuslauncher=open
Jesus was always teaching his disciples how to live by faith through instruction and application. In Matthew 14:22-33, we read about another event that took place with Jesus and his disciples “on the water”. Here we see Jesus walking on water, then inviting Peter to walk with him! It’s another amazing experience Jesus gives the disciples to teach them practical and impactful lessons on how to live life by faith, trust, and obedience. The story is recorded for us to learn these same lessons and apply them today. Join us at cefc.church.
In Mark 4, the disciples find themselves in the middle of a life-threatening storm while Jesus is asleep in the boat. In their fear, they ask a question many of us have asked in hard moments: “Do you not care that we are perishing?” In this passage, Jesus responds with questions of his own: “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” This study explores what our storms reveal about our faith, who Jesus truly is, and how trusting in God’s goodness can bring peace even in a storm. Join us at cefc.church.
Discover how one real encounter with Jesus’ holiness instantly exposes our sin and then turns shame into acceptance and purpose. Peter's experience with Jesus changed his life so completely that he left everything behind to follow Jesus and become a "fisher of men". Join us at cefc.church.
Luke5 #FishersOfMen #ObeyGod #EncounterJesus #ChristianSermon #BibleStudy #FaithOverFear #MiracleOfJesus #LeaveEverything #FollowJesus #Faith #JesusChangesEverything #ChristianTransformation #GospelTruth
When it feels like everything is going wrong and evil is winning, Exodus 2:1–10 reminds us that God’s plan is better.
Pharaoh gives an evil command for baby boys to be thrown into the Nile river. But the very water meant to kill becomes the means of deliverance. Moses is drawn out of the water and raised in Pharaoh’s own palace. What was planned for evil, God turns for good.
When we feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or submerged, we can turn to Christ who draws us out from death to life. So don’t despair. Be drawn out!
GodsPlanIsBetter #Exodus2 #DrawnOut #FaithInTrials #FromDeathToLife #Romans828 #HopeInChrist
"Rich Man Poor Man" is a series of three messages from Luke 16:19-31.
Join us as we look at three important lessons from this passage when Jesus tells the account of a rich man who lived a luxurious life but then spent eternity in the torment of Hades compared to Lazarus, who was a poor man and suffered through life but spent eternity in heaven. Jesus uses this powerful passage to:
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warn us about the deceitfulness of wealth (A Rich Man),
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inspire us to show mercy to others (Have Mercy On Me), and
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compel us to act before it is too late (A Great Chasm)!
Join us at cefc.church.
"Rich Man Poor Man" is a series of three messages from Luke 16:19-31.
Join us as we look at three important lessons from this passage when Jesus tells the account of a rich man who lived a luxurious life but then spent eternity in the torment of Hades compared to Lazarus, who was a poor man and suffered through life but spent eternity in heaven. Jesus uses this powerful passage to:
-
warn us about the deceitfulness of wealth (A Rich Man),
-
inspire us to show mercy to others (Have Mercy On Me), and
-
compel us to act before it is too late (A Great Chasm)!
Join us at cefc.church.
"Rich Man Poor Man" is a series of three messages from Luke 16:19-31.
Join us as we look at three important lessons from this passage when Jesus tells the account of a rich man who lived a luxurious life but then spent eternity in the torment of Hades compared to Lazarus, who was a poor man and suffered through life but spent eternity in heaven. Jesus uses this powerful passage to:
-
warn us about the deceitfulness of wealth (A Rich Man),
-
inspire us to show mercy to others (Have Mercy On Me), and
-
compel us to act before it is too late (A Great Chasm)!
Join us at cefc.church.
In a world filled with anxiety, chaos, and frightening powers, Daniel 7 lifts our eyes from the beasts of earth to the throne of heaven. Daniel sees a vision of kingdoms rising in violence and arrogance, leaving him shaken and alarmed. But just when fear seems overwhelming, Daniel sees a vision of a God clothed in white and seated on a throne with wheels of fire! This vision of God reminds us that while evil may appear powerful for a time, it is never ultimate. God’s judgment is pure, uncorrupted, and already in motion. In the New Testament, this same imagery is seen in Jesus Christ, who wears the white holiness of God and promises to clothe His people in his righteous robe. Join us at cefc.church
In this passage, we have a surprising encounter between Jesus, a woman caught in sin, and the Pharisees. In Jesus's interaction with the people, we see His compassion for us and also how seriously He takes sin. The story ends with Jesus saying: "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." Join us at cefc.church as we strive to live more like Christ.
Proverbs 25:13 shows us that a faithful messenger is like a cold drink on a hot day—refreshing and life-giving to the one who sent them. God sends us, and when we faithfully live and share the gospel without changing it, it brings life to others and genuinely pleases His heart. Join us at cefc.church.
Jesus went to the synagogue in his hometown and opened the scroll to the prophet Isaiah and made the bold claim that he fulfilled the wonderful prophecies of Isaiah 61. Jesus proclaims good news to the poor, liberty to the captives, sight to the blind, and he set the oppressed free. Jesus proclaims the year of the Lord’s favor. Discover what these great promises mean for your life today! Join us at cefc.church.
Jesus #Isaiah61 #Luke4 #Gospel #GoodNews #FreedomInChrist #BiblicalTeaching #SundaySermon
Would you describe yourself as a religious person? Do “actions”, such as going to church regularly, define you as religious? Maybe you also pray, read your Bible, and give regularly. Some may fast occasionally or serve often. Does that make you a religious person? Many people in this world are extremely religious as defined by their faithful practice of “religious” actions as their prescribed path to God and to salvation. They are working hard at religion because they believe it is how someone pleases God and hopefully earns his blessing. But does it? What does God think of religious actions? Isaiah 58 answers these questions. Join us at cefc.church as we hear what God wants from us.
Are you empty, unsatisfied or looking for more? Isaiah 55 is God’s gracious invitation to everyone who is hungry for something satisfying. In this message, we explore the beautiful promise of “free food for the soul”.
Why do we spend so much of our lives chasing things that cannot satisfy? Learn how to come to Christ who gives living water, true bread, and joy that lasts. We’ll look closely at the call to COME, EAT, and SEEK.
If your heart is thirsty, if your soul feels empty, or if you’ve been running after what is unfulfilling, this message will remind you that God stands ready to give you what you cannot earn: life, joy, and peace in Him. We hope you'll join us at cefc.church.
Isaiah55 #JesusSatisfies #LivingWater #BreadOfLife #FreeGrace #SeekTheLord #ComeAndDrink
Isaiah 53 gives us one of the clearest pictures of Jesus as the suffering Savior. Jesus carried our griefs, bore our sorrows, and took the punishment that brought us peace.
Jesus is the only one who suffered perfectly, silently, and willingly. He is the innocent one who died so the guilty could go free. Because of His sacrifice, we can draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, knowing He understands our pain and has overcome it. Our response is active gratitude: loving Him, obeying Him, and telling others about the One who gave everything to save us.
How will you respond to the One who rescued you? Join us at cefc.church.
Isaiah53 #RejectedRescuer #SufferingServant #JesusSaves #Gospel #SubstitutionaryAtonement #WithHisWoundsWeAreHealed #BibleTeaching
What if God could say something that would make you sing with joy? If you are feeling weary and worn down, then listen to the great promise God gives through the prophet Isaiah. God has a hidden weapon, a warm light and a new covenant that will put a song of joy in your mouth! Don't miss out, join us at cefc.church.
Isaiah49 #SongtoSing #HopeInChrist #LightToTheNations #Restoration #BibleTeaching #ChristianSermon
Tired of waiting? Feeling unseen? The message from Isaiah 40 promises that those who wait on the Lord will soar on wings like eagles!
Isaiah40 #WaitOnTheLord #RenewedStrength #GodsSovereignty #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #WingsLikeEagles
The life of Hezekiah shows us how to find grace with God through humility and faith, while also warning us of the dangers of pride! Join us at cefc.church.
Isaiah #Hezekiah #HumilityandPride #Sermon #PrideAndFaith #SpiritualLeadership #IsaiahSermon
Don't we need a leader who will be wise and powerful and just and peaceful who will make right all that is wrong in the world? History has been searching in vain for such a leader. But the prophet Isaiah promised that a king is coming who will do what no leader has done before. The Christ will be the leader we have longed for and the leader we desperately need. Discover more about this king at cefc.church.
Isaiah11 #PeaceOfChrist #JesusOurHope #TrueLeadership #HopeForTheWorld #ChristisKing #Leadership
My Way or God’s Way
Isaiah 7
When threats and fear are bearing down on us, the natural response is to devise our own plan. But the supernatural response is to turn to Christ and "Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint" (Isaiah 7:4). God's plans are better than our plans! So trust in the Immanuel, the God who is with us!
Isaiah7 #Immanuel #GodsPlans #GodWithUs #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #MyWayOrGodsWay
Cleansed and Sent
Isaiah 6:8-13
Isaiah saw a vision of God in heaven that terrified him until God purified him. Then Isaiah wanted to go wherever God might send him. When we experience the grace of God, then our response should be to go and give God's word to others.
But God’s Word is alive and active—it softens some hearts and hardens others. That’s why we must pray for His grace, asking God to open our eyes and hearts, and to give us courage to speak and act for His glory.
Even in a world that resists, hope remains. Out of judgment, God preserves a holy seed—Jesus, the promised Messiah—who brings life, healing, and restoration. Go for God. Speak for God. Live for God. Join us at cefc.church
Isaiah6 #GoForGod #HereIAmSendMe #GodsWord #GraceAndCleansing #MissionCalling #Christ
Isaiah 6 records the prophet’s personal account of how God called and commissioned him for ministry. This moment was meant to prepare and equip Isaiah, teaching him to place his trust fully in God—His sovereignty, grace, and power—no matter what challenges lay ahead. In the same way, if we are to remain faithful under pressure, we too need a vision of God that reveals Him as both sovereign and holy. In a world that can crumble in an instant, our only certainty can be found in an unfailing God who makes provision for our sin, gives us strength for each day, and hope for the future. Discover more with us at cefc.church.
When God's Children Rebel
Isaiah 1
God’s children turned their backs on Him — so God gave them a choice to wallow in the consequence of their disobedience or turn back to justice and righteousness. 💔 Isaiah 1 is about a Father inviting His children back into relationship and health. Through Jesus, scarlet sins can become white as snow! 🌟
Isaiah1 #BibleStudy #JesusSaves #GospelTruth #Forgiveness
How do we live All of Life for Christ? How do we respond to the challenges, conflicts and relationships in this life? Philippians 2 shows us how to live with the mind of Christ: building others up in humility, growing in our faith with Christ, and serving as lights in a dark world. The darker the world gets, the brighter Christ’s people should shine! Join us at cefc.church.
Philippians2 #Sermon #ChristianLiving #Humility #WorkOutYourSalvation #ShineYourLight #BibleTeaching #GospelCentered #ServeLikeChrist
All of Life for Christ -- 1 Corinthians 6:19–20
Did you know your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? Your body belongs to God! In this study, we dive into 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 and explore what it truly means to glorify God in every area of your life.
💡 Key Takeaways:
Understanding your body as God’s temple
Living for Christ in thought, word, and action
Experiencing freedom and purpose through His redemption
Join us as we discover how to live all of life for Christ! cefc.church
BibleStudy #1Corinthians #AllOfLifeForChrist #GlorifyGod #ChristianLiving #HolySpirit
Better Together | Romans 12:3–8 | 9-7-25
We were made for community, not isolation. In this message, we learn how pride and hiding can destroy the belonging we long for, and how God’s grace calls us into the body of Christ. Each of us has gifts to use and a place to belong.
BetterTogether #Romans12 #BodyOfChrist #GraceAndBelonging
In Psalm 133, we find a beautiful explanation of the God given goodness of dwelling in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Psalmist David, uses the images of a priestly ordination ceremony and the dew on the mountains to help us understand what unity in relationships can do in our lives and the life of the church. As we study this Psalm we’ll see ways to realize that blessing in our everyday as we seek to dwell in unity with those around us.
Serve with What You Have | Exodus 4:1–17 |
Moses had a palace, privilege, and potential—but he also had failure, fear, and excuses. God called him to serve, but Moses refused until God gave him three signs.
In Exodus 4, God proves that He can use anything and anyone.
Your serving can become a sign that point people to Christ.
Exodus4 #ServeWithWhatYouHave #ServingIsASign #Moses #BibleTeaching #ChristianSermon #FaithOverFear #GodCanUseYou #ServeGod
God works with imperfect people and grows them as they serve. Zechariah was an old priest who served God faithfully, even while he struggled with unanswered prayers.
While Zechariah was serving, God showed up and grew Zechariah's faith through hardship.
God is calling you to serve him now, even in your imperfection. God will grow you as you serve him because he loves you.
Serving is for growing. Join us at cefc.church.
ServingIsForGrowing #Luke1 #PriesthoodOfBelievers #FaithInHardship #SpiritualGrowth #BibleTeaching
What do you boast in?
Your success? Your status? Your religious performance?
In Galatians 6, the Apostle Paul draws a hard line between two kinds of boasting: boasting in the flesh—what we do, how we appear, how others see us—and boasting in the cross of Jesus Christ.
In this message, we unpack Paul’s passionate conclusion to the Galatians and discover why the cross alone is worth boasting about. We’ll explore the difference between a life motivated by appearances and one transformed by grace. One leads to temporary peace and shallow approval—the other leads to new creation, true peace, and eternal mercy.
If you’ve ever felt the pressure to perform, to please others, or to find identity in what you can achieve, this passage—and this message—will point you to Christ. Join us at cefc.chuch.
JesusIsEnough #Galatians6 #BoastInTheCross #GraceNotPerformance #NewCreation #CrossOverCircumcision #PeaceAndMercy #ChristAlone
“Let Us Not Grow Weary.”
Have you ever felt exhausted by doing the right thing? Serving. Giving. Helping. Restoring. Bearing the burdens of others. Maybe you’ve even found yourself on the sidelines—not because you stopped caring—but because you’re tired!
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:1-11
Find encouragement in the gentleness of Christ, the strength of His Spirit, and the joy of doing good together.
📌 #LetUsNotGrowWeary #Galatians6 #DoGood #FaithInAction #ChristianCommunity #RestoringWithGrace #BearBurdens #ServeWithJoy #SpiritEmpowered #ChurchLife #BibleTeaching #SermonShorts #DontGiveUp #LoveInAction #JesusOurExample
Freedom can mean many different things to different people. In this message we learn about freedom in Christ and how it can impact our daily lives. In Galatians 5:1-15, Paul teaches us:
*What we are free from
*What we are free to
*What danger is in us or anyone adding to the Gospel of Christ
If you feel like you don’t measure up, or sin has a hold on you, this message gives us perspective on how Christ’s love can change us versus us trying to change ourselves. Join us at cefc.church.
What would you like to see changed about yourself?
What would others like to see changed about you?
What would God like to see changed about you?
In the first part of Paul’s letter to the Galatian Christians, he addresses false teaching that threatened to lead them away from Christ. In the second part of the letter, he addresses bad behavior that needs to change in the Galatians, and possibly in us today.
The Galatians were not being very Christlike towards one another. Paul reminds these Christians that believing in Jesus sets us free to become the people God wants us to be. We have new potential through believing in Jesus – we have the Holy Spirit helping us. We can and must change! Paul explains how we can change and live by the Spirit. Join us at cefc.church.
Who do you long to see changed? A child, a friend, a spouse, a co-worker? What kind of change are you praying for? In Galatians 4:8–31, the apostle Paul demonstrates what it looks like to deeply desire spiritual transformation in others—not just behavior modification, but Christ formed in them.
In this message, we explore how Paul begs for change—not with manipulation or control, but with:
Love – He expresses deep affection for the Galatians, even calling them his “little children.”
Truth – He courageously tells them hard truths, even at the risk of them considering Paul and enemy.
Action – He calls them to cast out the voices leading them away from the freedom of the gospel.
✨ Who are you begging God to change? This message will guide you in creating the best environment for change in others.
Galatians #ChangeInOthers #SpiritualGrowth #GospelTruth # #ChristFormedInYou #ChurchLife #BiblicalTeaching #ChangeLives
Who are you? Many of us answer that question by mentioning what we do or what we’ve accomplished. Others might respond by what others have done to them.
In Galatians 4:1-7, Paul lifts our eyes to a different kind of answer one not built on our achievements or our failures, but on something much more profound. God has adopted us into His family, sent His Holy Spirit into our hearts, and made us heirs through Jesus! Join us at cefc.church.
In this message, we explore the relationship between God's promise to Abraham, the Law given to Moses, and the fulfillment found in Christ. Are Christians still bound by the rules and laws of the Old Testament? What purpose did the Law serve, and how does it point us to Jesus?
You’ll discover:
✅ Why the Law never replaced the Promise
✅ How the Law reveals our need for grace
✅ What it means to "put on Christ" and live as sons and daughters of God
✅ Why your spiritual heritage goes back to Abraham—and how that shapes your identity today.
Join us at cefc.church.
RulesAndLawsOfTheBible #GodsPromise #GraceNotLaw #Galatians3 #BiblicalCovenants #OldTestamentLaw #PutOnChrist #IdentityInChrist #ChristianUnity
📌 Sermon Title: God’s Promise or Your Performance?
📖 Text: Galatians 3:1–14
Which road are you on — the road of law or the road of faith?
In this message, we look at a spiritual fork in the road. Either we can pursue the blessings of God through faith or through law, through belief or through works, through the Spirit or through the flesh.
The only way to receive the blessings of God is through the promises of God.
⚠️ The law reveals our failure — and brings a curse we cannot escape.
✝️ But Christ took the curse on Himself, so we could receive the blessing of Abraham: the Spirit through faith.
Whether Old or New Testament, God’s way has always been the same: “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Galatians #FaithOverWorks #GospelTruth #JustificationByFaith #GraceAlone #SpiritLed #BibleStudy #JesusSaves #TheRighteousShallLiveByFaith
📌 Who Is Your Father?
📖 John 8:31–47
In this revealing and deeply personal passage, Jesus engages in a brilliant confrontation with people who claimed to believe in Him. But belief, He shows, is not the same as discipleship—and not everyone who claims God as their Father belongs to His family.
In this message we explore:
The difference between a slave and a son—and what that means spiritually;
The shocking identity Jesus assigns to those who reject Him; and
What it means to be truly free and fully loved in the family of God.
This message is an invitation to leave behind the father of lies and embrace the Father of truth, freedom, and eternal belonging. You didn’t choose your earthly father—but you can choose your Heavenly Father. Join us at cefc.church.
FathersDay #John8 #SpiritualFreedom #WhoIsYourFather #GospelTruth #JesusSetsUsFree #CEFC #AllOfLifeForChrist #FamilyOfGod #Discipleship #TruthAndFreedom
📌 Sermon Title: Hypocrisy in the Church
📖 Text: Galatians 2:11–21
“Hypocrites are the worst”—and perhaps the worst hypocrites are hypocrites in the church. In Galatians 2:11–21, we confront one of the most shocking examples of hypocrisy in the early church: the Apostle Peter. Though Peter believed the gospel of grace, his actions told a different story—excluding Gentile believers out of fear of people’s opinions.
We explore:
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Why hypocrisy is so damaging to the church and the gospel
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How fear caused Peter's behaviors to be out of sync with his beliefs
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How hypocrisy spreads like a sickness and so much be confronted
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Paul's bold, face-to-face confrontation and why it mattered
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How we can combat hypocrisy in others and in ourselves
Ultimately, the cure for hypocrisy isn’t shame—it’s grace. Through the gospel, we’re called to align our behavior with our belief, not to earn approval, but because we’ve been crucified with Christ and now live by faith in Him.
🔍 Key Verse:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me...” (Galatians 2:20)
Watch Out for Spies!
In Galatians 2:1–10, false brothers—spies pretending to be believers— try to turn Christian freedom into spiritual slavery. What’s at stake? The very heart of the Gospel.
Paul refuses to yield. Not even for a moment. Why? Because salvation is through grace alone—not rules, not rituals, not religious performance.
In this sermon, we explore: false brothers who secretly try to steal your freedom in Christ; private conversation that preserve unity and prove there’s one gospel; the right hand of fellowship that Christians extend to each other; and remembering the poor as a fruit of true faith, not a work to earn salvation.
Paul shows us how to stand firm on essentials, show grace on non-essentials, and extend the hand of fellowship to all who believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ! Join us at cefc.church.
Discover the life-changing truth that the Gospel isn't a human invention but comes directly from God through divine revelation. In this powerful sermon on Galatians 1:11-24, we explore how Paul's dramatic transformation from violent persecutor to passionate preacher proves the supernatural power of God's Gospel.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
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Why the Gospel's divine origin makes it perfect, personal, and powerful
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How Paul's testimony destroys the myth that Christianity is man-made
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How God chooses broken people to communicate the Gospel
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Why we can't treat Scripture like a buffet of optional beliefs
Join us at cefc.church.
Galatians #GospelTruth #NotMansGospel #PaulTheApostle #ChristianSermon #GraceThroughFaith #CEFC #BibleTeaching #JesusChrist #TransformationStory #PowerOfTheGospel #SermonVideo #RevelationOfJesus #BiblicalAuthority
Forty and Fearless | Celebrating 40 Years of God’s Faithfulness at CEFC
Join us as we celebrate 40 incredible years of God's goodness and faithfulness! This milestone isn't just a look back—it's also a time to look forward. Inspired by Caleb’s courage in Numbers 14, we’re not asking for comfort—we’re asking for a challenge. Like Caleb, in Joshua 14, we’re saying, “Give us the mountain!”
As we reflect on God’s unwavering faithfulness, we put our focus on God rather than giants and we say with Jesus the best is yet to come.
📖 Learn more about CEFC and our mission: cefc.church
CEFC40Years #FaithfulGod #FortyAndFearless #ChristianSermon #GodsFaithfulness #CalebFaith #ChurchAnniversary #ChristianInspiration #BibleTeaching #ChristianLiving
Traitors like Benedict Arnold have a bad reputation for good reason. And yet, many Christians are in danger of deserting Jesus because they are led astray by troublemakers who distort the gospel of grace. Don’t be a traitor! Watch out for troublemakers who would lead you away from Jesus. This message exalts God’s amazing grace and warns us against distorted, counterfeit gospels so that we can live to please Jesus rather than people. Find more at https://www.cefc.church/
cefc #Galatians #onegospel #Jesus #benedictarnold
Paul wastes no time reminding believers in the churches of Galatia exactly what the Gospel really is and what it does for those who believe it. False teachers were leading people away from the Gospel so he is quick to address Gospel concepts right out the gate, setting the tone for this heated letter. A key point Paul reminds all believers about is what the Gospel saves us from – “the present evil age”. But what does this mean for us today as we continue to live in this present evil age? How does Paul expect this to impact our day to day lives? Join us at cefc.church.
Forgotten in a prison but remembered by God—Joseph’s story is a powerful reminder that delays are not denials. When it seemed like nothing was happening, God was preparing everything. Come discover how God’s providence turns trials and tribulations into mercies in disguise! Join us at cefc.church.
Mary the Messenger | Easter Message from John 20:11–18
On Easter morning, Jesus had a message to send—and he chose Mary Magdalene as his first messenger. Not a religious leader. Not a public figure. A woman with a past. A woman transformed by Jesus.
In this message, we explore: 📩 The urgency of God's message—like a warning on a highway, or life-saving news
👀 How Mary was a firsthand witness to the person and power of Jesus
📢 How Jesus still calls unexpected people to carry his message today
💬 The simple, joyful call: “Go and say” what you’ve seen and heard
You may feel unqualified, but if you’ve experienced Jesus, you are his messenger. Tell the story of what he’s done. From Mary to you, the message of adoption, hope, and resurrection must be shared.
Don’t let the message fail to send.
MaryTheMessenger #EasterMessage #Resurrection #Gospel #John20 #JesusSaves #Eyewitness #GoAndTell #AdoptionThroughChrist #ChristianSermon #HeIsRisen #PowerOfJesus #ShareTheGoodNews #ChristianEncouragement
On this Good Friday, we consider the death of Christ and what that death means for our life today. Join us cefc.church.
How does Jesus respond to our disappointment and sorrow?
If you were weeping, what would Jesus say?
In John 20:11–18, we find Mary Magdalene weeping outside the empty tomb. It’s there, in her grief, that the risen Jesus meets her and asks two deeply personal questions:
“Why are you weeping?”
“Whom are you seeking?”
These are not just questions for Mary—they're questions for us. Jesus knows our pain, yet He gently invites us to reflect on the source of our sorrow and the focus of our hope. Are we searching for the risen, powerful Christ, or for something—or someone—less able to help?
As Mary weeps and searches, Jesus calls her by name.
Listen to this message as we listen for the voice of Christ calling our name. Please join us cefc.church.
Easter #John20 #MaryMagdalene #JesusKnowsYourName #WhyAreYouWeeping #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #HopeInChrist #CEFC #GospelMessage #HeKnowsMyName
In John 20:1-10, we read of a dark moment when confusion turned to faith, and an empty grave declared the greatest victory in history. In a world searching for hope, the resurrection of Jesus proves that death is not the end and that Jesus is the light in the darkness. What does the empty tomb mean for us today? Discover how this moment reshaped history and our lives forever! Join us at cefc.church.
Mary the Anointer approached the tomb, expecting to anoint the body of Jesus—but what she found changed everything. Mark 15:42–16:4 reveals a deep preoccupation with Christ’s lifeless body. Why? What does this tell us about the meaning of His death?
This message explores the central event of Christ’s sacrifice through three powerful perspectives of atonement:
1️⃣ Jesus’ death as Ransom – Paying the price for our freedom.
2️⃣ Jesus’ death as Substitute – Taking our place in judgment.
3️⃣ Jesus’ death as Victor – Triumphing over sin, death, and Satan.
Each view deepens our understanding of Christ’s work on the cross and ignites our devotion to Him.
JesusIsRisen #Atonement #JesusPaidItAll #VictoryInJesus #GospelTruth #ChristianSermon #Mark16 #ChristOurRansom #JesusOurSubstitute #ChristusVictor
Mary the Witness
Stand Out, Stand By, Stand On
Mary Magdalene wasn’t just a follower of Jesus—she was a witness who stood out for her singular devotion to Him. In a world where identity is often tied to people, status, or achievements, Mary found her identity in Christ. She stood by Jesus at the cross when others fled, showing a faith that was bold, unwavering, and deeply committed.
This sermon explores what it means to stand out for Christ—not out of arrogance or strangeness, but for unwavering faith. It challenges us to stand by Jesus in the hardest moments, just as Mary did at the crucifixion. And it calls us to stand on the firm foundation of Christ’s words and resurrection power.
Let’s live with a faith that stands out, stands by, and stands on the truth of Christ!
MaryTheWitness #FaithThatStands #JesusFirst #StandOutForChrist #FollowJesus #BoldFaith #MaryMagdalene #ChristianLiving #BiblicalTeaching #Sermon
Join us for this message about Mary Magdalene, a true servant of Jesus. As seen in Matthew 27:55-56, Mark 16:1-2, Mary is one of the women who gave to minister to Jesus’ needs. After Jesus’ death, Mary was one who rose early to anoint His body with costly spices and showed sacrificial love even when hope seemed lost. Mary gave her whole self – time, talent and resources – motivated by Jesus’ healing and grace. This message illustrates Mary’s selfless giving, revealing that true service flows from love, not obligation. Discover how Mary’s example challenges us today: Are you ready to serve Jesus with your time, talents, and treasure? Let’s explore practical ways to live for Christ in community, just as Mary did.
MaryMagdalene #Jesus #Service #Faith #ChristianLiving #ServeOthers #Ministry #Discipleship #Sermon #BibleStudy #Gospel #CEFC
Discover the transformative power of Jesus through the inspiring story of Mary Magdalene in this sermon on Luke 8:1-3. Once oppressed by seven demons, Mary was healed by Jesus’ compassion and authority, becoming a "tower of faith" and a model disciple. Learn how she followed Jesus wholeheartedly, giving her all—time, resources, and life—despite the cost.
Ask yourself—have you experienced the healing power of Jesus? What is your response to the grace that transforms and sets you free? Join us in reflecting on these profound questions and let Mary’s example inspire you to live a life fully surrendered to Christ. Join us at CEFC.church.
Jesus #MaryMagdalene #ToweringFaith #Healing #Grace #KingdomOfGod #Discipleship #Community #Transformation #FollowingJesus #MeetJesus
Do you need healing—emotional, physical, spiritual, or psychological? 💔 James 5:16-18 shows us the power of confession and prayer in bringing restoration. But what if you're afraid to confess? What if praying feels awkward or uncomfortable?
True healing happens in community. When we confess our sins to one another and pray for one another, we step into the light, break sin’s power, and experience God's grace. Prayer is powerful—even Elijah, a man just like us, experienced a powerful answer to prayer.
Find friends who confess and pray for one another so that you will be healed! Join us at cefc.church
James516 #PrayerWorks #Confession #Healing #Faith #ChristianCommunity #PowerOfPrayer #JesusSaves
This message tackles two questions:
Do I love others enough to give correction?
Do I love Jesus enough to receive correction?
A good friend tells the truth even when the truth hurts. Proverbs 27:5-6 describes this type of truth telling as a faithful wound. When a friend wounds us with the truth, that wound can lead us to grow more like Christ.
On the other hand, empty praise can be the mark of an enemy. Learn what it looks like to be a friend who speaks the truth out of love (Ephesians 4:15). Then learn what it looks like to humble receive correction because we love Jesus and want to live more like him!
BiblicalFriendship #SpeakTheTruthInLove #FaithfulWounds #Proverbs2756 #ChristianGrowth #SpiritualMaturity #JesusCentered #Ephesians415 #OpenRebuke #ChristianTeaching #WisdomFromProverbs #Discipleship #TruthAndLove #GospelTruth #FollowJesus
We are not meant to walk alone! God designed friendships in Christ to be a source of mutual encouragement, strength, and spiritual growth. Paul longed to visit the believers in Rome—not just to encourage them, but to be encouraged by their faith as well (Romans 1:11-12). This message covers the following:
✨ How to cultivate friendships that build up in faith
🙏 The power of prayer and intentional encouragement
📖 How sharing scripture, testimonies, and spiritual gifts strengthens relationships
💬 How to receive spiritual encouragement from others.
Who in your life encourages you? How can you be an encourager to someone this week? Watch, be inspired, and take action!
ChristianFriendship #Encouragement #FaithInCommunity #SpiritualGrowth #IronSharpensIron #Romans1
Friendships can become God’s force to shape and sharpen our spiritual lives.
This message unpacks Proverbs 27:17 and Galatians 6:1-2, revealing how to approach others with gentle correction when they're caught in one of life's traps. Learn the delicate balance between necessary friction and damaging force in relationships, and see how Jesus modeled this perfectly with His disciples.
Join us as we explore how our friendships, when rooted in truth and love, can become powerful tools for personal and spiritual growth. Embrace the challenge to give and receive the contact that helps us become sharper, more Christlike versions of ourselves. Visit our website at cefc.church.
Friendship That Sacrifices (1 Samuel 18:1-4; Philippians 2:5-8) | CEFC 2-2-25
In a world of quick likes, endless scrolling, and shallow connections, true friendship is becoming increasingly rare. But real friendship—the kind that changes lives—is costly. It requires sacrifice, vulnerability, and deep commitment.
📖 In 1 Samuel 18, Jonathan gives up his royal robe and armor for David—a powerful act of selfless love. But this story points to something even greater…
✨ Jesus, the true Son of the King, gave up far more than a robe—He gave up heaven’s glory to make us His friends (Philippians 2:5-8).
💡 What does this mean for you?
How can you be a Jonathan to someone in your life?
What does it look like to love with a sacrificial friendship?
And most importantly—how does Jesus’ ultimate friendship transform the way we love others?
🔗 Stick around to discover how true friendship is marked by sacrifice—first in Christ, then in how we love others.
Are you the type of friend who encourages and strengthens others even when it puts you in a potentially difficult situation? In 1 Samuel 23:15-18, Jonathan, son of King Saul, secretly meets with David, Saul's successor, to encourage him spiritually and affirm his future kingship. Although David was being relentlessly threatened by King Saul, Jonathan put himself at risk as he sought to remind David of the promises of God. Having counted the cost, Jonathan remained a good friend to David and faithful to the Lord despite potential consequences from his own father, King Saul.
Are you struggling with Friendship? Are you lonely and desiring a friend? Are the friendships you already have difficult and sometimes painful or unfulfilling? As we begin our new series “Friendship by Divine Design,” we are going to explore how Christ has modeled friendship for us and through a foundational friendship with Him, we’ll be able to share his love with others. Jesus is more than just a YouTube how to video or a self help book. Let’s unpack how:
Jesus tells us how to build friendships
He shows us how to build friendships
Then he sends us out to love our friends well
If you’re feeling in need of a friend, watch and listen in to how Jesus offers friendship to you so you can offer it to others.
How will you finish your life? Will it be full of meaning, purpose, and faith—or will it slip away like sand in an hourglass?
Starting well is important, but finishing well is critical. How can we finish well? How can we finish faithfully? Acts 28 describes final years of the apostle Paul’s ministry when his life is being “poured out like a drink offering”. It is striking and encouraging to see Paul finishing his life faithfully. What are the keys to finishing faithfully?
- Hope in Christ; 2. Welcome All; 3. Proclaim the Kingdom of God and Teach Jesus.
FinishingFaithfully #FinishingWell #ChristAlone #HopeinChrist #WelcomeAll #TeachJesus
This passage and this message inspire us follow Paul’s example and finish life with a flourish of gladness, rejoicing, welcoming, and teaching!
Don’t settle for a life wasted—pour out your life for what truly matters.
Watch now and discover how to live and finish well. Join us at cefc.church.
Life often feels like a series of storms, but what happens when the storm is followed by the strike of a snake? In Acts 28, Paul survives a shipwreck only to face a venomous viper on the island of Malta. His response shows us how to trust God when it seems like the struggles and hardships in life keep coming.
Through this message, discover five powerful lessons:
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Trust in Christ's ability to save—He’s delivered before, and He will deliver again
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Place your hope in eternity, where ultimate victory is assured.
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Be sad but not defeated—express pain while clinging to Christ.
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Shake off the attacks of the enemy with faith and resilience.
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Let your faithfulness in suffering be a witness to others.
Paul’s unwavering trust in God leads to healing and a powerful witness to the people of Malta. Let this story inspire you to face life’s storms and snakes with faith, hope, and boldness in Christ! Join us at cefc.church.
Christmas celebrations don’t always live up to our expectations and the season seems to come and go so quickly. But here’s the good news, if we look behind all our yearly festivities to the reason we celebrate Christmas we find a message that never disappoints and a person that always exceeds the expectations of those who believe in him. John tells us why in the prologue to his Gospel about Jesus - John 1:1-18. Let’s explore it together.
Christmas may be that time of year when peace is the hardest gift to find. And yet, peace is the gift each of us want and need. Why is peace so elusive? Where can we find peace? Jesus is the Prince of Peace (as foretold in Isaiah 9:6) who offers us the gift of peace in himself. This Christmas we are finding peace in Jesus. Join us at cefc.church.
Christmas #Peace #FindingPeace #Jesus #GiftofPeace3 #PrinceofPeace #sermon
When the storms of life come blowing in to our lives, we may feel that God has either abandoned us or is torturing us. But what if God is using the storm to bring us to a place of where we willing choose to throw out of our lives those things that have been weighing us down spiritually? What if the storm is God’s prompting to cast out of our lives the loves and anxieties that have been keeping us from following Christ? Acts 27 gives us a great metaphor for understanding the storms of life and teaches us to respond to storms in a way that leads to abundant life.
Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? Is Jesus worth it? In Acts 26, Paul shares his testimony with King Herod Agrippa and challenges him to believe in the risen Christ. Agrippa listen’s to Paul’s testimony and calculates the cost of following Jesus and chooses. Two questions that we will encounter in this sermon are (1) What is the cost of following Jesus? (2) Do we gain more than we lose? Join us at cefc.church.
CountingTheCost #Change #LifeChange #ApostlePaul #SpiritualGrowth #Hope
What do I do when I don’t know what to do? In Acts 25, the Apostle Paul endures over two years in prison, facing uncertainty about his future. What should he do? This sermon explores two critical questions every Christian should ask when navigating life’s difficult and imprisoning moments:
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What do you want me to know?
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What do you want me to do?
Scripture: Acts 25
Find more at https://www.cefc.church/
FindingGodsWill #Guidance #ApostlePaul #SpiritualGrowth #HopeInChrist #PrayerfulLiving
Thanking God is more than just a good thing to do, it’s also good for us. It helps us grow a healthy faith relationship with God that enables us to overcome struggles in all areas of life: anxiety, idolatry, depression, suffering, and lethargy, to name just a few. Thankfulness is like a vitamin to the Christian life. God uses it to support the development of a faith and character that overcomes the challenges we face in a broken world. Little wonder Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. Let’s explore why and how we can do that in “all circumstances”. Join us at cefc.church.
Christianlife#Thankfulness#Gratitude #Faith#Overcomer
Felix was a clever man who moved up the social ladder from slave to freeman to governor of Judea. When the apostle Paul was brought before him, Felix’s mind and heart was engaged by Paul’s message of faith in Jesus, righteousness, self-control, and judgment. But Felix delayed any decision on Christ and faith until he ran out of time to make a decision.
Have you been putting off making a decision that you know in your heart needs to be made? Don’t delay! If you wait too long, you may find that you lose the opportunity to make the most important decisions in your life.
For more information visit cefc.church.
church #sermon #cefc #delay #procrastination #Jesus #decision #apostlepaul #bookofacts
The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christianity, provoking responses that range from worship to anger. If the resurrection is true then the person and claims of Christ are true, while rejecting the resurrection means denying Christ’s divinity entirely. More than just a point of division, the resurrection empowers believers, offering profound courage and hope.
The importance of the resurrection extends beyond theological debate—it impacts our daily lives. In moments when doubt creeps in, when loneliness overwhelms, or when shadow of self-doubt shakes your confidence, the resurrection assures you that Jesus stands by you and gives you strength.
ResurrectionMatters #HopeInChrist #FacingDiscouragement #sermon #StandByMe #Courage
When was the last time you shared your story of meeting Jesus? If you were to tell your story now, who would you tell—friend, family, or even an enemy? And what would you say? In this message, "Paul’s Powerful Testimony", we’ll walk through Acts 22 and see how Paul courageously shared his conversion story before a hostile audience. How did Paul tell his story? 1. He built a bridge. 2. He described his life before Christ. 3. He explained how he met Jesus. 4. He showed how the love of Jesus changed his life. Learn more at cefc.church
#PaulConversion #FaithJourney #TransformedByChrist #BuildingBridges #Evangelism #BiblicalPreaching #ActsSermon #Testimony #SaulToPaul #SharingYourStory
When You Are Treated Unfairly
Acts 21:17-40
Ever been falsely accused or misunderstood? The Apostle Paul faced exactly that in Jerusalem. Despite his good intentions and careful planning, he encountered intense opposition and unfair treatment. This powerful study of Acts 21:17-40 reveals timeless wisdom for responding to injustice with both grace and wisdom.
Learn how to:
Navigate unfair situations with Christ-like character
Balance being "gentle as doves" while "wise as serpents"
Turn moments of opposition into opportunities for witness
Find peace when facing unfair treatment
Perfect for anyone struggling with:
Workplace discrimination
False accusations
Family conflicts
Social rejection
Religious persecution
Learn more at cefc.church
#BibleStudy #Christianity #Faith #Persecution #BiblicalWisdom #ActsOfTheApostles
application #sermon #church #cefc
When is it right to ignore a warning? If you saw a sign that warned of shark-infested waters, would you dive in anyway? People who loved God and loved Paul warned him not to go to Jerusalem. In fact, they warned Paul that if he went to Jerusalem he would be bound and imprisoned. Paul went anyway. How did Paul know to go even though good people warned him not to go? Do you know how to hear from God? When you know God’s will, are you determined to do God’s will? In this passage we will be inspired to discover God’s will and do it, even when everyone warns against it. We will find power in Christ to do the will of God — for our good and His glory! Join us at cefc.church.
#Jesus #FindingGodsWill #Discernment #Spirit #Bible #Sermon
Jesus #FindingGodsWill #Discernment #Spirit #Bible #Sermon
Saying farewell is never easy, but Paul masterfully says goodbye to his friends, the Ephesian elders after 3 years of faithful ministry among them. Paul reminds the elders how he lived and led beside them for three years, and as he departs for Jerusalem, he calls them to lead as he did. The charge that Paul leaves them with is to serve the Lord, share the gospel of grace, pay attention to their lives, and the lives of those in the church, and lastly, he calls them to give more than they receive. Leadership is self-sacrifice, but it is nothing more than what we have first received from Jesus Christ. Join us at cefc.church.
Imagine a church service in a home late on a Sunday night. People have shared a good meal together, the room is warm and stuffy, and the apostle Paul is preaching late into the night. As Paul speaks on and on, a young man named Eutychus falls asleep in a window and plummets three stories to his death. But Paul went down and took the man in his arms and his life came back to him. This extraordinary miracle sets the stage for us to explore 1. Passion, 2. Love, and 3. Power. Discover what gave Paul the passion to speak about Christ through the night. Encounter the love that led Paul to embrace the dead. Finally, experience the power of Christ that raises the dead! Join us cefc.church
In this sermon titled "Battle of the Gods," we dive into the chaos that erupted in Acts 19:23-20:6 and examine it from two distinct angles: Why did the people riot, and why did God allow it? As the silversmiths of Ephesus felt their wealth and identity slipping away, their gods were threatened and they began to riot. What gods/idols do people fear losing today? On the flip side, why would God allow Christians to be put into the deadly danger of a riot? What can we learn about relying on Christ in the face of danger and chaos? Join us to discover how we should respond when the gods of this world are shaken, and how prayer is our best response for blessing. cefc.church
Where do you turn for power? Some people turn to books and podcasts that teach some helpful practices to improve life. But when those helpful tips and practices encounter the power of evil spirits, the results are disastrous. Thankfully, Christ is the person and the power that overcomes all other powers. But, as Acts 19:8-22 reveals, Christ cannot be picked up and put down like a self-help book. Christ requires full surrender and bold obedience. When we clearly understand the power of Christ, we abandon old practices for a new life. Join us at cefc.church.
The apostle Paul asked a question that immediately diagnosed the spiritual condition of 12 men. This question is of vital importance to each of us today. The question is this: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” Paul assumed that his listeners could answer that question accurately and confidently. Can you answer that question confidently? Do you know if you have received the Holy Spirit? How could you be sure one way or the other? This passage and this message will help us understand baptism, salvation, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Join us at cefc.church.
Are you gifted and growing? If you want a compelling picture of what it looks like to be gifted and growing spiritually, look at the life of Apollos in Acts 18:24-28. From Apollos we learn that you don’t need to know everything to do something. Instead, we can grow as we go! God will send people to instruct us and encourage us along the way. We must simply be ready to use the gifts God has given us and be open to the instruction God sends along the way. If you are gifted and growing, then God is likely to use you greatly. God used Apollos to greatly help others. God can do the same with you. Join us at cefc.church.
The apostle Paul gives us an inspiring picture of what it looks like to talk about Jesus everywhere we go. Paul spoke about Jesus at work, at the synagogue, in homes and wherever he had the opportunity. He reasoned and persuaded and taught. Some rejected and reviled Paul, but many believed and were baptized. Paul was afraid that people would attack him and harm him, but God reassured Paul saying, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you.” Discover how God gives us the same encouragement and challenge today. Join us at cefc.church.
Who wants to live forever? The Bible tells us that we were designed to live and dwell with God forever. The Tree of Life was a gift of God given to God’s people so they might enjoy an everlasting relationship with him in perfect harmony. But what happened to the Tree of Life that was placed in the Garden of Eden? Why don’t we have access to it now? Will we regain access to it? Reading Genesis 2-3 and Revelation 22 will reveal God's plan. There is light up ahead but sometimes it can be hard to see living in a dark world. In Christ, creation will be regained and paradise lost will be found. Join us at cefc.church.
People often wonder if God is impatient and violent toward people. In response to this question, Jesus told a story about a fig tree that did not bear fruit. Rather than cut down the unfruitful tree, time and care were given to the tree so that it might become fruitful. God takes that same response toward us. He gives us time and encouragement to be spiritually fruitful. However, Jesus gives a clear warning that God’s time and patience have an expiration date. How are we responding to God’s encouragement to be fruitful? Are we showing others the patience and encouragement that God has given us? This passage calls us to godly fruitfulness. Join us at cefc.church.
In Matthew 7, as part of Jesus' teachings, he warns that false teachers pose a serious threat to a healthy Christian life. He uses the example of trees as a way to recognize such teachers. By using trees, he contrasts healthy, good fruit-bearing trees with diseased, bad fruit-bearing trees. We will bear good fruit as we build our lives on the teachings of Christ, who always provides God's truth and wisdom. By doing so, we will be able to discern false teachers and avoid being misled. Join us at cefc.church.
In Psalm 1, we encounter two paths: one leading to life and spiritual prosperity, the other to death and emptiness. The psalm contrasts chaff, which is blown away by the wind, with a tree planted by streams of water, flourishing and bearing fruit. This imagery presents us with a choice: will we be like the chaff, lifeless and fleeting, or like the tree, deeply rooted and fruitful?
The progression of sin is depicted as walking, standing, and sitting with the wicked—leading to a fruitless life that ultimately perishes. In contrast, righteousness is a reverse progression: sitting in Christ, standing firm in God’s Word, and walking in the Spirit, resulting in a life that prospers. Join us at cefc.churc.
The blessed person delights in God's law, meditates on it, and avoids the counsel of the wicked. This person finds true rest and fulfillment in Christ, the only one who has perfectly resisted sin. The choice before us is clear: to embrace a life rooted in Christ, like the tree by the streams, or to drift away like the dust in the wind.
The book of Genesis begins with two people standing in the midst of a garden before two trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. These trees represent a choice: to trust God or to turn away. This choice is just as relevant to us today. We face the same decision: to trust God's word or not. It's a simple choice with profound consequences—life or death, both physical and spiritual, hanging in the balance.
Like the first people in the garden, we often find ourselves tempted to doubt God's goodness and choose what He has forbidden. When we make that choice, we need a cure for the consequences of our sin. That cure is found in Christ, who was crucified on a tree for our sake. The Bible begins with a tree and a choice and ends with a tree of healing. So, the question is: what tree will you choose? Join us at cefc.church.
Revelation 3:14-22 is an incredible conclusion to the letters Jesus sent to the 7 churches. In this passage, we see that a self-reliant life is a breeding ground for a lukewarm faith. A lukewarm relationship with Jesus is something utterly revolting to Him to the degree that Christ says He would rather we be completely cold in our relationship toward Him! Jesus, in His faithful and steadfast love for us, gives clear instructions on how to rekindle a zealous relationship with Him. He concludes the letter with a reminder of His character and a promise that if we conquer as He did, we will rule alongside Him. The church that received the harshest assessment from Jesus was also promised the greatest reward. No one is too far gone from Jesus! Join us at cefc.church.
Revelation 3:7-13 reminds us of that Jesus is holy, true and that He holds the keys to everything! In this passage, we are reminded that when we encounter trouble of persecution, we can trust Him, and we need to be faithful. Even when we feel powerless, we must keep His word and continue to proclaim Jesus. He reminds us that our faithfulness pleases God and will be rewarded. Join us at cefc.church.
Revelation 2:18 – 29 gives us two key points: 1. Do not tolerate seductive teaching and 2. Hold fast to what you have. The church in Thyatira has made a huge mistake in tolerating a teaching that permits sexual immorality and paganism. And yet, Jesus still loves these people and calls them to repentance. Then Jesus says “hold fast” to what is true so that we may receive the power and authority that comes with a relationship with Christ. This is a clear message of warning and encouragement to the people of Christ today. Join us at cefc.church.
Revelation 2:12-17 contains a message from Jesus Christ for Christians finding it tough to follow him. He assures his people that he sees it when our commitment to His Lordship is tested, and we come under pressure to compromise. He encourages us to stay faithful under pressure and reminds us that we will be eternally glad that we did. Although it may not always feel like it in the short-term, the benefits of following Jesus always infinitely outweigh the costs, even if the cost is our life in this world. Join us at cefc.church.
Revelation 2:1-7 is Christ’s letter to the church in Ephesus. This letter covers the good and the bad. The good is that the church is patiently enduring and keeping their doctrine pure. The bad is that the church has abandoned its first love for Christ. Christ’s prescription to cure a cold heart is clear: 1. Remember, 2. Repent, 3. Return. In this message, we will explore and experience God’s steps to renewal. Join us at cefc.church.
We all face moments of discouragement, whether it's societal issues, economic frustrations, personal disappointments, or disillusionment with the church. In these times, we need the renewed vision of Jesus as we find in Revelation 1:9-20.
In this message, we explore how the apostle John, exiled and persecuted, found comfort and strength through a powerful revelation of Christ. Despite his tribulations, John saw Jesus in His brilliance, a vision that transformed his perspective. In this profound imagery of Jesus in Revelation, we are reminded that He holds the keys to life and death and is always present among us. This sermon encourages us to worship and embrace Christ and find comfort in His powerful presence. Join us at cefc.church.
The book of Revelation is a beautiful book of prophecy, symbols, and truth about who Jesus is, and what’s to come. It paints for us a picture of the unseen realities that will be made visible in the days to come as we anticipate the return of Jesus. Revelation 1:1-8 unveils Jesus as the divine author, creator, redeemer, and restorer of life, and he calls us to read, hear, and keep what is written in his letter to us. Join us at cefc.church.
Numbers 25 presents us with a troubling passage: A priest kills two people with a spear and is commended by God! How do we reconcile a good and loving God with this Old Testament picture of God who rewards killing? And what do we learn from Phinehas the priest who carries out this execution?
In this sermon, we'll explore the difficult themes in Numbers 25 around God's judgment, human sinfulness, sexual immorality, idolatry, and the zeal of Phinehas. While the account may seem jarring at first, we'll dive deeper to understand:
*God's holiness and righteousness that requires punishment of sin
*The severity of Israel's rebellion through pagan worship and sexual immorality
*Phinehas' passionate zeal to stand for God's glory in the midst of blasphemy
*How God rewarded and made a covenant of peace with Phinehas
God is not calling us to kill like Phinehas did. However, the New Testament tells us God does welcome and reward a zeal for Christ and for the ways of Christ. We'll discuss how to pursue this righteous zeal. Ultimately, we'll see how Jesus is the perfect picture of godly zeal. Jesus is a better priest than Phinehas, who made a better atonement, and accomplished a better peace! Join us at cefc.church.
How do we fight a temptation to sin? Every person is susceptible to temptation, even those who have enjoyed a close relationship with God. This passage in Numbers 25 teaches us:
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You are never so blessed you can’t be tempted.
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The tactics of the enemy are tricky.
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Fear the Lord: God takes sin seriously.
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Love the Lord: God loves you jealously!
Imagine if you were headed in a direction you thought was right but you kept encountering unexpected interruptions and obstacles. Would you get mad or curious? Would you turn to God or would you lash out in frustration? Our response to interruptions reveals our heart and makes it obvious whether we are intent on our own plans or whether we are open to God’s direction. In Numbers 22:22-35 Balaam, the prophet, is so fixated on his own desires that he remains oblivious to God’s direction, and it nearly costs him his life! Finally, God supernaturally speaks through a donkey to stop the prophet's madness. Join us at cefc.church.
Have you ever wanted something so badly you asked God for it again and again? What if you wanted something so badly you were willing to defy God's clear instructions? Numbers 22 introduces us to a very spiritual man who does something very foolish: he pursues his will instead of God’s will. Balaam stubbornly chases his own desires instead of following God’s instruction.
This passage warns us of the blinding dangers of chasing our own will and points us to the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. In this message you will learn:
How Balaam's greed for wealth and prestige blinded him to God's will
How we often battle against what God wants for us
How to cultivate a heart that is surrendered to God's purposes in Christ Jesus
Serving God and others is part of a healthy Christian life. Peter writes to Christians about their God-given gift and he encourages us to use our gifts in service to others. God grows the church through the service of people who love him and want to demonstrate that love by using the gifts they are blessed with to bless others. We are blessed to be a blessing. Join us at cefc.church.
How do we build godly and loving relationships? 1 Peter 4:8,9 says, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” In this message, we will discover how to love deeply and sincerely. We will learn how to love in a way that covers over the sins of others, and we will find the key to showing hospitality even when our guest is a challenge! Most importantly, this passage will show us Christ’s love for us and how we can share that love with others.
This Easter we consider the greatest event in human history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. But what does this resurrection of Christ mean for our lives today? The apostle Paul applies the death and resurrection of Christ to his life in Galatians 2:20 and this passage gives us three questions to ask ourselves:
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Have you been crucified with Christ?
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Does Christ live in you?
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Do you live by faith?
In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus reveals his compassion and empathy for a man who was deaf and was unable to communicate with others. Jesus displays both his humanity and divinity by privately healing this man, not treating him as a spectacle for the crowd. The gentleness and power that Jesus shows us in this passage, reminds us that we worship a personal and powerful creator. Our proper response to this miracle is to worship God and show compassion to those struggling around us. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did for me,” (Matthew 25:40). Join us at cefc.church.
In this passage, Jesus sent Peter fishing to avoid offending temple tax collectors. Jesus often offended religious people, but at other times he was careful to cause no offense. How do we know when it is okay to offend and when we should sacrifice our rights and privileges to avoid offending someone? Jesus paid a temple tax that he was not required to pay because he did not want to create an unnecessary barrier to the Gospel. We are called to follow Jesus' example of laying down our rights to make it easier for people to accept Jesus. Join us at cefc.church.
Ten lepers asked for mercy and ten lepers received mercy; however, only one returned to give thanks to Jesus. Why is gratitude so rare? What would it look like to have an attitude of gratitude and a practice of gratitude? Luke 17:11-19 provides a lesson in gratitude. Learn why God requires us to give thanks and learn how gratitude brings us blessings. Join us as cefc.church.
How do you get a miracle? What type of prayer does God answer? The Bible records at least one prayer that Jesus always answers: “Have mercy on me.” Or as this passage says, “Have mercy on us”. Notice how the ten lepers prayed in Luke 17:11-19: The lepers prayed humbly; they prayed expectantly; and they were ready to obey. When we pray like the lepers prayed and ask God for mercy, God always gives mercy because God is merciful! Join us at cefc.church.
Once again Jesus shows his compassion by miraculously feeding the crowd, but how many times do the disciples need to see something before they get it? How many times do we need to hear something before we understand who Jesus is and why we can trust him completely?
Matthew 9:18-26 records two healing touches. The first is Jesus touching a 12-year-old girl and raising her from the dead. The second is a woman who touches the fringe of Jesus' garment and is healed of bleeding that has plagued her for 12 years. Jesus responds by rewarding the faith of any person who comes to him. Be encouraged to come to Jesus today!
Matthew 9 teaches us about faith, friends and Jesus. Friends with faith brought a man to Jesus for forgiveness and healing. These friends teach us that faith is not a feeling; faith is belief in action. We also learn that Jesus has the power to forgive because Jesus is God. Do you have friends who have faith? Are you finding forgiveness and healing in Christ? Join us at cefc.church
Mark 5:1-20 shows us that evil spirits are real and they are intent on destruction. Beware of the evil’s destructive power, but trust in the delivering power of Christ. Jesus can rescue us from demonic power so that we can tell others how much the Lord has done for us, and how he has had mercy on us.
When Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law and ministered to the crowds, addressing both physical and spiritual sickness, He was fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Isaiah: "He took our illnesses and bore our diseases." These miraculous healings serve as a testament to Jesus' ability to shoulder every burden we bring to Him. Jesus can do more than sympathize with our troubles; Jesus has the power to take our sins and burdens to the cross and abolish them. Matthew 8:14-17 presents Jesus as our ultimate healer.
In this passage, Matthew 8:5-13, Jesus meets a Roman centurion with great compassion, deep humility, and remarkable faith. The centurion believed that Jesus could heal someone from a distance, with just a word from his mouth, and that is exactly what Jesus did.
The Lord is gentle and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29), calling us to deeply rest in him (Matthew 11:28). But how do we do that when we experience trials and tribulations? The Lord teaches us how in Psalm 77. He teaches us how to move from tears of sorrow to tears of joy. Join us at cefc.church
The Christmas story illustrates God’s strong love for the lowly. God chose an unknown teenage girl to give birth to the Savior of the world (Luke 1:26-38). And God chose poor shepherds to be the first to come and see the newborn king (Luke 2:8-20). Since God has chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith, we should come to God with a humble heart and receive by faith the good news of Jesus Christ! Join us at cefc.church.
Jesus says he is gentle and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29). When Jesus came to earth he came in the gentle and lowly form of a baby, born to poor parents, and placed in a lowly manger. Because Jesus came in such an approachable form, we can come to him and find rest for our souls. Christmas is the celebration of Christ coming gentle and lowly to bring rest to all who would receive him. Join us at cefc.church.
Christians claim that the coming of Jesus is Good News. But is that just wishful thinking on our part or is it faith based on evidence? Is the Christmas story just a fairy tale to make us feel better or is Jesus really the Son of God who came to save us from our sins and give us a better life? Visit us at cefc.church
God is not far from each one of us! God wants us to 1. Seek, 2. Reach, 3. And Find him. Like a father playing hide and seek with his daughter, God wants us seek Him and find Him. This passage urges us to Reason with our minds, Repent with our hearts, and Respond to the good news of Jesus! Visit us at cefc.church.
Acts 17:1-21 compares the way two different communities (the Thessalonians and the Bereans) responded to the message about Jesus. The response of the second community teaches us to receive the message of Christ with eagerness, while also checking to make sure that the message we hear matches with the message we read in the Bible. What is our attitude and our response toward the message of Jesus? Pray that God gives us the grace to have the same noble response as the Bereans! Visit us at cefc.church.
The word “gratitude” is mentioned in the Bible 157 times. The word “thanksgiving” appears about 72 times. Giving thanks and showing gratitude is core to the Christian life. Visit us at cefc.church
Sometimes commerce hates Christianity! Christ is a threat to every rival power, whether the power of money or the power of demons. In Acts 16 a young woman is set free from demonic oppression but many men choose to remain in bondage to financial gain. The Bible teaches that we cannot serve God and money. We must choose to either accept or reject the power and truth of Christ. What will we choose? Visit us at cefc.church.
What does conversion to Christ look like? In Acts 16:11-15 a business woman named Lydia gives us a compelling portrait of conversion. 1. Lydia’s heart was open to the God’s word, 2. Lydia got baptized, and 3. Lydia connected with other Christians. In short, the evidence of conversion to Christ is Bible, Baptism, Believers! Join us as cefc.church
How do we discern God’s will for our lives and ministries? In Acts 16:1-10, Paul and company determined that it was God’s will to accommodate others. Then the Holy Spirit blocked Paul’s plans twice. Finally,
Acts 16:1-10 describes a vision God gave Paul to show him where he must go next. How does God lead and guide us today? Visit us at cefc.church.
Paul and Barnabas were great partners in ministry and then they split. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them on their next journey, but Paul did not want him to join them because John Mark had abandoned them on their last trip. The disagreement was sharp and Paul and Barnabas went separate ways. Acts 15:36-41 teaches us how to respond to personality conflicts in a godly manner. Visit us at cefc.church.
Acts 15:22-35 gives us helpful teaching about how Christian leaders and Christians should make thoughtful decisions. We shouldn't make hard decisions alone. We should seek Christ and the community of Christ to help us by praying, seeking wise counsel, and reading the Bible with every matter of life and theology. Visit us as cefc.church.
Acts 15:1-21 gives us helpful teaching about what Christians should argue about, what they should not argue about, and how arguments should be resolved. Christians can turn to the Bible as the ultimate authority in every matter of life and theology. We apply the Bible with the love and compassion of Christ. Visit us at cefc.church.
Why does the Bible say that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God”? Acts 14 shows God rescuing one man from tribulation, but allowing another man to experience great tribulation. Jesus tells Christians to expect tribulation (John 16:33). This message will explore the subject of tribulation and encourage us to keep going!
Acts 14:1-7 prepares us for the ups and downs of the Christian life, for successes and setbacks. Christians may experience the mountaintop of God’s signs and wonders one moment, and then a murderous attempt on our lives the next moment. How do we respond to such wild swings of highs and lows? The example of Paul and Barnabas teaches us to keep going, not to give up, and to continue in the grace of God. Visit us at cefc.church.
Acts 13:44-52 tackles two complicated questions: First, why should we speak the good news about Jesus if people are predestined? Second, why does good news get great opposition? And yet, God does call us to speak boldly and lovingly about Jesus, and even in the midst of intense persecution, we can be filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit!
Acts 13:1-45 describes how the Holy Spirit took hold of two ordinary men (Paul and Barnabas) and sent them across the known world to share this word of encouragement: Forgiveness and freedom are found in the promised good news of the resurrected Christ. Everyone who believes in Christ is freed from every hurt, habit and entanglement.
Most of us have some things that we would love to change about ourselves, but does God want to change us? If so, how does He do that? Change isn’t easy for us. Some changes seem downright impossible! In Ephesians 4:17-32 Paul not only tells Christians why change is necessary, he also explains how it happens. Visit us at cefc.church.
Does the Bible tell one big story? It does and Jesus Christ is centerstage in each act of His story. In Colossians 1:15-23, Paul teaches the Colossian church about the supremacy and centrality of Jesus Christ in creation, its fall, redemption, and creation’s complete restoration. The story of the Bible is our story, and because of the person and work of Jesus Christ, our story has deep meaning, value, and purpose. This message gives four points to consider from the passage: 1. Creation, 2. The Fall, 3. Redemption, and 4. Restoration. Visit us at cefc.church
When will Jesus return? Many people have attempted to predict the day of Christ’s return. In Matthew 24:36-51, however, Jesus explains that no one knows the day and hour of the second coming except the Father in heaven. If we do not know when Jesus will return, what then should we do? This sermon gives four points to consider from the passage: 1. No one knows when Christ will return, 2. Be ready!, 3. Those who are ready will be blessed, and 4. Those who are not ready will be sorry.