Centennial Church - Sermons: Recent Episodes
Centennial Church: Frisco, TX
Centering lives on Jesus Christ, through genuine community, authentic worship, biblical teaching, and holistic mission.
Work is a good thing. As we celebrate Labor Day, we are right to esteem work and workers. Even God works (and rests)! However, Jesus once said that our primary work is to trust Him. Often we would rather DO for God than TRUST God. Sometimes believing is hard. But without faith it is impossible to please God, and Jesus has shown himself trustworthy.
Jason Bowman - Have you ever felt stalled out in your faith? Have you ever felt like you just weren’t moving forward? Jesus finds himself surrounded by people who are stalled out, but he does not give up on them just as he does not give up on us. Rather, he provides just what they need to move forward.
Jason Bowman - Life does not always make sense. When we encounter our most difficult circumstances, what do we do? In Exodus 32, we see the Israelites faced with having no answers and feeling abandoned. How do they respond? As we study their reaction to this trial, Jason Bowman encourages us to fully and radially trust God - even when our lives make no sense.
Non-committal. Church shoppers. Church hoppers. Church droppers. How do modern approaches to church compare to the New Testament? In Acts 2, we see that believers “devoted themselves” to the church and her practices. In this message, Pastor Ross exhorts us to embrace the church as central and essential rather than peripheral and optional.
The first disciples would never have thought of “attending” church! Their faith in Jesus was much more than merely a weekly gathering - not less than that, but much more. They entered a new and alternative community, deeper and more transformative than any other association. In Acts 2, we get a sense of their radical devotion.
The church is not a human institution. It is God’s idea, His design. To love Jesus while minimizing or degrading the church is to insult His bride! In Acts 2, we see the beginnings of this new community and its unique functions or marks.
Colossians shows the preeminence of Jesus. In this short message, we consider two basic questions: 1) What is preeminence? and 2) What is everything?
Last words are often significant, but sometimes the final sign-offs and goodbyes of New Testament letters can seem like throwaways. But certainly not in Colossians! Paul's last 12 verses are rich with instruction, encouragement, and comfort - and timely words for our strange times.
Prayer and evangelism are the privilege of all believers, and practices that all Christians sometimes struggle to do effectively. In these verses, Paul describes how we can be faithful in prayer and effective in evangelism.
On this holiday weekend, Pastor Ross reminds of us four key passages that should anchor believers in this nation, in these trying days.
In a nation that prides itself on freedom, Paul’s instructions in the last paragraph of Colossians 3 seem quite challenging. However, to benefit the community and honor the preeminence of Christ, we should be willing to submit our will to His and to those in authority over us. Paul is clear that we do it all “for the Lord.”
In these verses Paul offers a pattern or blueprint for a different kind of kingdom. We are to cultivate, "put on”, certain virtues but to do so with particular motivations.
In chapter 3, Paul pivots from the truth of Jesus and the false teaching gaining influence around Colossae, to the implications and practicalities of how the preeminence of Jesus should pervade every area of our lives. To follow Jesus is not a part-time hobby or optional add-on, but a total-life, all-encompassing, holistic journey.
The world appears unhinged. What’s wrong? What’s the problem? Violence, corruption, racism, disease, and more… But what’s the cause? Why? The Bible has an answer. It’s an explanation that, though often resisted or scorned, when accepted makes sense of a beautiful world gone terribly wrong.
We compromise the word of God when we subtract from or add to it. The false teachers in Colossae were teaching error and insisting upon human rules and traditions, thereby destroying the purity of the Gospel message. In this passage, Paul continues his warnings against them and explains the rationale for his injunctions.
Paul has told the Colossians that preaching Jesus requires both warning and instruction (1:28). In this section he does both himself. Two warnings are given (2:4; 2:8), followed by longer teachings or explanations. Paul’s point again is to remind them, and us, of the supremacy of Jesus and thus the danger of adding other worldly, human traditions and/or teachings.
As Paul writes the believers in Colossae, he shares that he toils and struggles to help see that they grow mature in their faith in Jesus. Instead of grabbing for something else or something new, they should press in to the treasure and fullness found in Jesus alone.
Though the apostle Paul had never been to Colossae, he writes to them affectionately thankful for their faith in the Gospel of Jesus and concerned that they not veer from the purity of it - neither subtracting from it or adding to it. He opens his letter by sharing what he’s thankful for and how he’s praying for them.
We can be skeptical of death-bed conversions, but the Cross of Jesus demonstrates that they are possible. No one is saved by their record of good works, but only by the sheer mercy and grace of Jesus. Because of Jesus’ work on the Cross, no failure is ever final and no sin is ever greater than the scandalous grace of Jesus.
Jesus’ first words on the cross speak of his divinity and his mercy. They are directed to his Father, in mercy toward his murderers. It’s Jesus’ blood that makes his prayer effective. The wonder of the cross is that the Son of God would bleed for his enemies. The cross displays the horror of sin as well as God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness for sinners - even the worst of us.
Pastor Ross concludes our Who We Are (becoming) series by encouraging every member to identify and embrace a personal mission field and link up with our CC Global partners.
What is worship? Is it only what happens on Sundays? Should we be concerned only with what God thinks of our worship? In this message, Pastor Ross offers a three-fold framework for thinking about worship.
Luke’s account of the “great commission” in Acts calls disciples “witnesses” (shaping what we are responsible for and what we are not responsible for), tells us where to begin, and reveals the power we need to be effective. Our mission is immediate (beginning right where we are), expansive (going to the whole world), and impossible (apart from God’s power). Have you identified your mission field?
Jesus’ first command in the Great Commission is “Go…” To reach the unsaved and unchurched we have to go to them - we can’t expect that they will come to us. In this message, we see the priority, rhythm, and holistic nature of our calling as followers of Jesus.
The call to follow Jesus is a call to follow totally, completely, holistically. In this message, Pastor Ross expounds on four vital areas that contribute to a discipleship that is holistic.
Disciples of Jesus are called to obey and pass on “all that Jesus commanded” (Matthew 28:20). Our goal should be to grow as holistic disciples, meaning that no area of our lives is outside the Lordship of Jesus. Discipleship is all-encompassing, comprehensive, and total. We must grow in following Jesus in all areas of life - our mind as well as our emotions, our money as well as our sexuality, in worship as well as evangelism.
Our primary calling (Great Commission) is to make disciples, students of Jesus. And Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to love God and love others. Therefore, our aim is to make disciples, who will make more disciples, who love God and love others.
There’s no perfect Christmas celebration. We don’t have to pretend that all is okay. But there is a perfect Savior. He came as a baby to imperfect people - for imperfect people. By embracing Jesus, we can know peace and joy in the midst of sin, brokenness, and imperfection.
We are meant to be surprised by the way God has come to us in Jesus. He came first, not in power nor to the rich and acclaimed, but in humility and for the humble and weak who would accept Him. He entered our world not as a conquering King, but a suffering servant and Savior. This is good news and brings great joy to all who will receive Him.
The second week of Advent calls for us to reflect on peace, but in a hurried and anxious world this can be difficult to do. What does the Bible say about peace and how is Jesus the perfect manifestation of that peace? When we turn to Christ we see from birth to death to resurrection, He alone is able to give us true and everlasting peace.
Luke narrates the classic and most memorable account of Jesus’ birth. In this four-part Advent series, we look at the reason for His coming and how it brings us joy and hope.
Thanksgiving is not just a once a year celebration for Christians, but a year-round response to God’s grace. Communion, or the Eucharist as it’s referred to sometimes, is a meal of thanksgiving. It reminds us of God’s grace given to us personally and prompts our response of thanksgiving. It is also an appetizer and preview of the feast we will enjoy in the new kingdom of God.
Submission is often a dirty word today. But God’s word honors submission, even to authorities that are not so great. Though there are times not to submit, submission witnesses to our faith in the Ultimate Authority, silences those who slander God’s followers, gives us opportunity to follow Jesus’ example, and tries our faith in continuing to entrust ourselves to God who judges justly.
There’s a war being waged. And it’s a war for our soul. Christians are not only sojourners and exiles in this world; they are also soldiers. We fight our sinful nature, the trappings and values of the world, and the evil one himself. Our faithful engagement in the fight ensures not only our own health, but our honorable reputation among those who would like to speak against us. Where is the fight raging for you? What steps of obedience do you need to take?
What are the stories we tell ourselves about who we were, who we are, and who we want to be? Have you ever considered that Jesus is calling you into his story? A story that calls, ultimately, for resurrection into life in Him? In this sermon we focus on the master storyteller, Jesus, and his parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14) to hear about the greater story Jesus calls us into.
In a world scurrying to find and define identity, Peter gives us an identity that is not achieved but rather received. Believers have unique position and privilege because God has chosen us and is building us up as His temple. We are His most valuable possession.
In the midst of trials and in unfamiliar, foreign territory, believers in Jesus can have clear minds and confident hope. We are called to be distinct and different and therefore make a difference. But the motivation for holiness is paramount. Be hopeful. Be holy. Because you are God’s beloved.
Trials train and transform us. Through them, the luster of the world’s toys and comforts fade. We (re)discover the value of faith. God is not punishing us but perfecting us. And ultimately, we are rewarded for enduring faith.
Reflecting upon the tragic death of a young lady in the Frisco community, Pastor Ross directs our hearts to various passages in 1 Peter, 2 Corinthians, and Revelation for hope that is found only in the Good News of Jesus.
Everyone faces trials. Peter reminds believers that their trials have an expiration date, but a living hope never dies. This hope empowers Christians to rejoice, persevere, and even praise God as they go through trials of various kinds.
Everyone longs for home. And we have one, but for believers it's not here. Peter calls us "elect exiles". That means we're incredibly loved (chosen from heaven) but also recognizably different (aliens in this world). Our customs are strange. Our priorities are different. Yet our God is in control-even when we endure suffering or face social alienation.
Jeremiah’s book of Lamentations was written during the darkest days of ancient biblical history, the destruction of Jerusalem in 587BC. Yet there is a ray of hope found in chapter 3 that can guide all of us us through our most difficult hour, and offers certainty in the midst of an uncertain world.
Spiritual growth is more about training than trying. In this message, Pastor Ross recommends four helpful resources (tools) for believers and their families.
Every family has traditions. Some more, some less. But we all have them. The Christian Family has celebrated two traditions for 2000 years - baptism and communion. Both beautifully testify to the intersection of history, community, and mystery. And both signify and remind believers of vertical and horizontal realities. They take us beyond ourselves, linking us to God’s work and God’s people.
Not every message is equally important. In 1 Corinthians 15, the apostle Paul shares what is “of first importance”. It’s not advice, but news - news about what God has done for us in Jesus. It’s this news that we must receive, be constantly be reminded of, and also deliver to others. Are you trusting the good news of Jesus? Are you delivering the good news to anyone else?
The Scriptures are consistently reminding us to remember! And that’s Peter’s aim in his second letter. He reminds his readers of two things in chapter 1. One is a comfort, the other is a challenge.
Only in Christianity is the way of salvation a person. And only in Jesus do we find such amazing grace for doubters, deniers, the self-righteous and the unrighteous. From beginning to end, the Bible is a story of God’s grace (Revelation 22:21). Don’t just know about it; receive it and live in it!
Christian faith is not blind faith - void of reason or evidence. The apostles always call people to believe in something true. In his stubborn demand for proof, Thomas was graciously visited by the risen Christ and his response was worship. As we encounter the risen Jesus through the witness of Scripture, we too see His deity, love, and grace.
The greatest commandment is to love God, and to love Him completely. In John 12, we see an example of this in Mary as she extravagantly, radically, and publicly loves and adores Jesus. Cold, divided, and apathetic hearts grow warm as we massage God’s love into our hearts. The greatest person is worthy of the greatest love.
Newer does not equal truer, and many of us suffer from what C.S. Lewis called “chronological snobbery.” We think that our generation is the one that “gets it” and we too quickly dismiss tradition as outdated. God is eternal, appreciates all aspects of time, and has prescribed certain traditions to mark out His people and form us by the practice of them. Communion is one of those practices. Communion connects us to the past while picturing and anticipating our future. In this message, Pastor Ross traces a bit of its history, inviting us to observe it more meaningfully.
Waiting is hard. Especially in trials. In John 11, Jesus purposefully delays yet demonstrates His perfect power and love to a family very dear to Him. What difference would it make if we truly believed that Jesus knows what He’s doing and that He really does love us? In Jesus, we see the God who sees, cares, and rescues.
The Bible is filled with examples of God displaying His love, mercy and power, but for millenia religious and non-religious people have developed hard hearts and refused to see God at work. John 9 shows how blind we can be to God's presence and power - even when it is staring us in the face. Do you see?
Our culture is changing and the issues of our day are different than they were 30 years ago. Nevertheless, the ancient scripture is unchanging, true, and always helpful as we navigate life and its challenging complexities. Whether it’s transgenderism or homosexuality, Jesus’ approach with a woman caught in adultery (and her accusers no less) is helpful to guide us, and the way of Jesus offers a beautiful contrast to the common attitudes of both religious conservatives and secular liberals.
“God helps those who help themselves.” No!!! In this story, we see Jesus approach and heal a man who is totally helpless - physically disabled, socially isolated, and spiritually dead. Like the man, we too are helpless and in need of Living Water, though we too often seek wholeness from “magical waters” and cultural saviors. This story shows, through controversy, that Jesus was not just a good moral teacher but that He claimed equality with the Father. As such, we must not encounter Jesus as our personal assistant, helper or consultant, but as the very Son of God and Lord.
True faith is utter desperation and dependence upon Jesus. We come empty-handed, clinging to Jesus and His word. In this passage, we meet a man with power and position who is nevertheless totally helpless. In response, Jesus warns against seeking signs and rewards his honest faith.
It’s wonderful to receive the gospel “handed down” to us from other believers. But upon receiving the good news, it’s our privilege to grow in our faith personally, knowing the Savior intimately ourselves. That’s the progression we see demonstrated in John 4 with the people of Samaria. Is your faith in Jesus? Or is your faith in someone else’s faith?
In John 4, it seems as if God has a special devotion for the immoral and ashamed as we see Jesus pursue an outcast and promise that everyone who drinks of the Living Water He gives will never be thirsty again. Let the one who is thirsty come.
The most challenging folks that Jesus engaged were the religiously respected and comfortable. Good people tend to be proud of their goodness. The most famous verse in all of Scripture, John 3:16, comes in the context of a dutifully religious man learning that he didn’t need to add more to his resume, he needed to be completely remade.
When Jesus meets a skeptic he doesn’t write him off, he engages him. Nathanael couldn’t believe that the Messiah would come from a place like Nazareth. But when he went and saw Jesus himself, he realized that Jesus loved him and would meet his deepest needs.
With a quick look back at Hebrews 11, we are reminded that for two millennia since Jesus walked among us, lived and died and rose for us, faithful men and women have contended for and contextualized the Gospel from generation to generation, and before them 40+ generations in chapter 11 trusted in God’s promises, watched and waited for their Messiah. Building on our faith in Christ, Hebrews 12:1-3 challenges us with the realization that is our turn as a community of faith to run the race, and with clear encouragement on how to run our best race.
After He rose from the grave, Jesus appeared to some of his most broken and hurting friends. He showed them that his resurrection was for them. They could be whole; they could believe; they could be forgiven and used in his service, because he died and rose for them - and for us!
2000 years ago, Jesus began his final week by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey to the fanfare of adulation and worship. His entrance this way was prophetic, traditional, and a sign of incredible humility. Such humility and seeming weakness of Jesus is exactly what our hearts need - and can draw us to greater worship and deeper humility ourselves.
God speaks through Zechariah, a young prophet-priest, giving him eight visions imaging the plan of God to restore Jerusalem and sit as its Lord and protector, a call to come and return to the Lord, punishment for those who continue to worship other gods, and visions of the coming of the Savior and final consummation of the savior’s work.
God has a ferocious hatred of idolatry, specifically in His own people. Through Zephaniah, the Lord promises judgement on His people because of their idolatry (Zeph. 1.4); this is ultimately a judgement that extends to other peoples as well. The Lord is also ferocious in preserving and defending His people – his remnant – from insult and harm. (Zeph. 2.10) God plans to purify His people (3.9) and reshape them from rebels into worshipers.
Joel predicts the coming of the Holy Spirit on all God’s people which is later fulfilled in the book of Acts. This gift is for all people and we have scripture that tells not only what He is, but who He is. The Holy spirit walks with us, reminds us of the truth, tells us of the future, and so much more.
The book of Habakkuk is a remarkable work that displays the power of faith despite the surrounding circumstances. This prophet models a relationship with God that can endure conflict, confusion, and ultimately lead to a deeper, more trusting relationship.
Jonah became angry when God relented of his wrath, having mercy upon Nineveh (Jonah 4:1) specifically because he knew God would be a merciful and gracious God. Jesus, in Matthew 12:40-41, responds to the Pharisees, likening himself to Jonah in his bearing (and in his being!) the word of God, and his death and resurrection. Yet Jesus says, “something greater than Jonah is here.” (Matt. 12:41). Jesus not only speaks the word of God, he is the Word of God, bearing sin, bringing both judgement and mercy.
Obadiah forces us to examine how we respond to the needs of others. Are our lives marked by prideful self-interest, or self-sacrificial love and action? The Edomites are judged severely for failing to assist their brother and neighbor in his suffering; Jesus warns us that the same standard will apply to all people. How then do we become people who do not stand aloof from suffering, but joyfully choose self-sacrifice for the good of others? Only by remembering that a resurrected savior has walked that road before us. As we grow in Jesus, we will become like Him. And when we don't know what steps to take, we just need to ask.
The clearest anticipation of Christ in Amos is found at the end of the book. He has all authority to judge (1:1-9:10), but He will also restore His people (9:11-15). While the hearers of this in Amos’ time were thinking of a return to the glories of the Israelites kingdom, Amos is looking forward to the redeemer and restorer of all creation.
In chapter 2, verse 9 Haggai speaks about a temple that will be even greater and grander than the one Solomon built. In John 2, Jesus talks also talks about the temple, only instead of talking about a building, he is talking about himself. It is in Jesus that we have our perfect temple because he is the perfect presence of God dwelling amongst his people.
God’s prophecy spoken through Nahum underscores God’s intolerant hatred of sin, His intention to shame and destroy the wicked, and the fact that He is simultaneously good, slow to anger, a refuge for those who love Him. The rhetorical question is asked, “Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken into pieces by him.” (Nahum 1.6)
Hosea prophesied during the latter half of the eighth century B.C. (c. 753–722 B.C.). This period was an extremely difficult time in Israel’s history, just before the northern kingdom went into exile. Hosea’s primary audience was Ephraim (another name for the northern kingdom, Israel), which is mentioned 35 times in the book. Hosea wanted to see Israel turn back to God.
Explore God's message of judgment and hope through the Old Testament prophet Micah and how that message applies to New Testament followers of Jesus.
Micah 6:8 - He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
The book of Malachi points us to some difficult truths about the nature of our hearts and how difficult it is to love God fully. Thankfully, we have Jesus and because of him and his work on the cross, we have a new heart to love God with all that we have. Malachi speaks to a people that are apathetic and in need of A new heart, Jesus speaks to all of us and offers us a new heart.
Advent is not only a time to look back. It’s also a time to look forward. The same Jesus that came and “dwelt among us” is coming again - as King and Lord of all! In this message we consider the wonderful comfort of The Promise of Jesus’ Return.
Among the first to worship Jesus were Magi from the East. This scene in the Advent whispers an incredible mercy: God reveals His Son and extends salvation to the nations. Men and women from every people, tribe and tongue will taste the honey-like sweetness of Jesus’ name upon their lips, confessing Him as Lord and worshiping Him as King. Because of God’s great love for the world, He sent His Son.
Today, the ability to share exciting news with others is quick and easy. With one tweet, post, #hashtag, or group text, we can communicate with the masses. Of course, Mary & Joseph didn’t have such abilities. But God announced the good news through heavenly angels and unlikely shepherds. We too are called to herald this message of Jesus’ coming. In this message, we'll share the joy of our calling to Tell of His Coming.
450 years of silence had passed since the words of the prophets. And then, on an unassuming and normal night, God came - just as He said He would. The eternal God stepped into time, wrapped in the frailty of humanity. This newborn’s cry pierced the midnight sky like a trumpet heralding sin’s demise and the defeat of death forever for all who would believe. In a broken and hostile world, Peace entered in.
The story of Christmas began in a garden long before it started in a stable. From the first rebellion of humanity, God promised a rescue, a Savior to put the world back right. Because of God’s promise, we have hope. In this message we reflect upon The Promise of a Savior (Genesis 3:15).
Has the church of Jesus Christ lost its awe over the miracle of Christmas? Have you? Come behold the power, majesty and love of the God who became flesh and dwelt among His people.
Thanksgiving is not just an American holiday, but a Christian virtue. And yet the story of Luke 17:11-19 teaches us that gratefulness is a minority mindset. Of all people, Christians can be the most thankful because of the grace found in Jesus Christ.
We are commissioned to go among the nations. Who's mission is it? What is God doing around the world? What is our role? CC is an active part of God's work globally; did you know the impact we are already making?
The Bible provides a framework for thinking about political powers. If we heed its teaching we can be spared of cynicism and overconfidence. There’s comfort in today’s chaos through the Good News of the one true Lord.
In this message, we wrap up the sermon series by talking with our children and groups director, Jay Wieland, about our primary ministry for deepening community within CC, Community Groups. What’s the purpose? Why jump in? What about kids? All these questions and more are answered!
To be human is to need relationships. And relationships are deepened ultimately, not by electronic or digital presence, but by embodied physical face to face time. The apostle John illustrates this for us even in his first century letters. To dwell together in community well, we have to prioritize face time.
The call to fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ can sometimes be uncomfortably intrusive! That’s what we see in James 5. Nevertheless, this kind of life together is not meant to be the ideal, but rather the everyday norm.
The Bible says we were dead in our trespasses and sins, but God has made us alive together with Christ, and is building us together with all of God's people into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2 helps us understand what that means and how it looks as God turns two distinct people groups into one body.
Conflict is something most of us would prefer to avoid, but it’s inevitable in this life. However, there are ways to deal with conflict in a healthy way and it can even be an occasion for significant personal growth if we’ll approach it humbly.