CPNC Podcast: Recent Episodes
Central Park Neighborhood Church
The Central Park Neighborhood Church podcast is the place to find our most recent sermon and updates on important church happenings.
Psalm 27:1–14 (NKJV)
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident. 4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. 5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. 6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the LORD. 7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 8 When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” 9 Do not hide Your face from me; Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not leave me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother forsake me, Then the LORD will take care of me. 11 Teach me Your way, O LORD, And lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. 12 Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries; For false witnesses have risen against me, And such as breathe out violence. 13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. 14 Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!
You were designed by God to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. When the seeming futility of life’s daily grind tries to overwhelm you, try remembering that the smallest good deeds done with great love can transform monotonous duties into meaningful delight. Your life not only impacts those closest to you, but also each person those people come into contact with. The ripple effect of your influence has far reaching eternal possibilities. To God be the glory!
Times of Transition
Joseph went house to house at the timing of God and there was a transition time that took place. For us in our lives and seasons, we have times of transition as well and need to become familiar with this process so that we can learn from God and flow with Him during times of transition.
Various ways that God brings transition into our life
Many times in transition, there are negative things that happen. God can use those negative experiences to bring about a positive change.
The lord used the unexpected accusation from Potiphar's wife to sever Joseph from his comfortable position in order to push him forward into his next season.
Almost always, God will use people in the negative process. Be forgiving and flexible. Learn to see God working through these experiences.
The positive outcome depends upon your attitude about the negative. Romans 8:28
Be mature in your attitudes regarding negativity.
Do not fight change. Be flexible. Be like the palm tree in the strong windstorm.
Other ways that God moves to bring transition
Sometimes God removes desire from your heart. He may remove the burden to carry on in the current season you are in.New door of opportunity that is seen which brings a new desire.Direct word from the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:1-4
Dean Elders continues teaching on the life of Joseph. In this message we learn how God used the things in Judah's life that we think God cannot use. He can do the same for us, if we are willing to entrust our lives into His hands. If God be for us, who can be against us?
Dean Elders continues to study the life of Joseph with particular attention given to his brother Judah in this lesson. Judah's decisions are examined along with the impact those decisions made on others. When we are facing major decisions, we ought to take time to consider how the decisions we make affect others. We should consider not only how our decisions affect others, but also the end result of those decisions.
“Faith does not deny the brutal realities of this life. Rather, it embraces the Greater Reality of Who God is along with His Unfailing Promises.” The greater the battle the greater the victory! God's people have always had to face the twin enemies of fear and dismay. We win the battle by focusing on the promise of God's Presence to be with us at all times. (Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:6-9; Joshua 23:14)
8 principles of decision making
The Peace Test: Is this decision causing my peace to become unsettled or worrisome? Col. 3:15; Phil. 4:6-8The Word of God Test: Is this decision that I am about to make going to violate anything in the Word of God? God's Word makes us well prepared. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Luke 6:38The Love Test: Does this decision violate God or people? What does God's love look like? 1 Cor. 13:4-8Wisdom & Common Sense Test: Does this decision show good common sense? Prov. 3:13-18: Prov. 4:7-8; Prov. 2:6-10.Focus Test: Does it cause me to lose focus on the purpose God has for my life? Does it keep me in line with the known will of God in His word? Or does it sidetrack you? Does it take life away from you and the fruitfulness God has for you? Focus keeps you firm in conviction and keeps you on track.Motive Test: What are my motives in making this decision? Does it involve selfishness? How will it affect others and myself? James 4:3Fruit Test: What will this decision produce? God wants us to be fruitful. Wonderful fruit ought to come from our decisions. Gal. 6:7-10The Voice of Experience Test: 1 Cor. 10:13; Prov. 1:1-7What does experience say about my decision? Others have been down similar roads. What can I learn from the experience of others? Include the voice of experience in your decision-making process. Learn from those who walk the walk.
Dean Elder's continues his series on seasons in the life of Joseph. This lesson spends time examining the decisions that were made during the time when Joseph's brothers threw him into the pit.
The topic of God's judgment is completely compatible with the topic of God's love. If there were no future judgment, there would be no hope of any final justice in this world. And while the coming judgment of God is a source of fear for the unbeliever, it provides comfort and reassurance for the true follower of Christ.
During these days of difficulty in which we are living, God has called us to live as His ambassadors representing His Kingdom. Abiding in Christ enables us to draw from His abundant resources of faith, hope and courage to fulfill His calling upon our life.
Dean Elders continues teaching on seasons in the life of Joseph. Different seasons involve the preparations of God for what He has for us in the future. Too many times people have misunderstood what God is doing in difficult seasons. He wants us to run after Him.
Dean Elders teaches how God can use negative experiences to move you along in life. If we respond correctly, God can make it work on our behalf.
When a person has Christ, they have everything! The way we respond to inconveniences, disappointments and loss can reveal the value we truly place on Christ. Paul the apostle was gladly willing to suffer the loss of all things in order to win Christ.
If Jesus came to bring peace, why is there so much conflict in this world? Are Christians going to experience increasing persecution? God's Word has much to say in order to prepare us for what lies ahead.
Has God forgotten His promises? What should we do when we feel forgotten? When we cannot see God’s hand at work in our life does it mean that we have done something wrong? God’s Word has much to say about these dark valley experiences.
Dean Elders teaches on the challenges facing pastors during this time of being shut down without the ability to meet together.
In Acts 2:1-4 on the day of Pentecost there were two symbols that were used in connection with the Holy Spirit. A mighty rushing wind which is the breath of God. God breathed in that upper room and all the believers were filled. When they were filled tongues of fire sat upon each of them. The fire of God comes to burn up the useless things in our lives through trials and testing. Count it all joy James declares this in James 1:1-3. Welcome his breath and his fire.
Dean Elders continues teaching on the symbols of the Holy Spirit, focusing primarily on the symbols of wind and fire. Our understanding of who Holy Spirit is, along with what He desires to do within our life will be increased as we study the significance of the symbols used to describe Him.
We need the Power of Pentecost to give us power to witness, to stand in the face of persecution, and to live a victorious Christian Life.
Dean Elders begins teaching on the various symbols of the Holy Spirit. Our understanding of who Holy Spirit is, along with what He desires to do within our life will be increased as we study the significance of the symbols used to describe Him.
The Joy of Lord is our strength - therefore resist grumbling … God is still on the throne…remember children of Israel (Phil. 4:4-5; 2:12-17) The people of God in Book of Acts were not known for their grumbling, but for their joyful hearts as they shared good news (Acts 5:40-42).
The Gospel is always good news.... to be shared
The Gospel thrives in overcoming impossibilities
The Bible is filled with stories of God’s people overcoming impossible situations … Whether it’s God delivering His people from Egypt Queen Esther/Mordecai evil Haman… Or Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendnego in fiery furnace (Psalm 2:1-4) Or Jesus feeding multitude Or Jesus commissioning 12 to preach the gospel…(w/o any resources; but the Power is Holy Spirit) Acts 17:6 turned world upside down!
God wants to do it again!!!! The Gospel thrives in overcoming adversity and impossible situations. Therefore resist focusing on what we don’t have or what cannot be done and focus rather on what our God is able to do!
Eyes of faith to find new opportunities and focus on the possibilities of what our God is able to do and then do what He has called us to do…
Prepare hearts for Pentecost Sunday… Prepare your hearts to receive His fullness…His empowerment…His guidance
You are the Temple of Holy Spirit…1 Cor. 6:19-20
Government never could shut church down… buildings were never meant to represent God’s church…Acts 7:48–50; you are the church! More concerned that doors of your hearts open to Him to receive what He has for you
Welcome Holy Spirit into your hearts, your family, your home... Close prayer. Ephesians 3:14-21
Tonight's message will cover a prayer of David for God's deliverance as found in Psalm 25.
"God did not give us a Spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control."2 Timothy 1:7Dean shares an encouraging message on how God's Holy Spirit enables us to live life above the fear, anxiety, and futility of this world.
For many people, these past few months have been challenging, difficult, and downright irritating. Thankfully, Jesus is preparing a wonderful kingdom that will remain forever! This message encourages our hearts to remain focused on what matters most, our Heavenly Home.
We need the grace of God to enable us to not only receive His blessings, but also to empower us to let go of things that hinder our walk with Him.
Letting go of our Insufficiencies (2 Cor. 3:4; 9:8; 12:9)Letting go of failures (Rom. 8:34; Psa. 103:12)Letting of that which we love (Matt. 16:24–26; Phil. 3:7)
The Holy Spirit brings with Him many positive benefits to the believer. Some of these benefits include that He is a free gift to those that receive him. He seals our life with a private mark of authenticity, gives a down payment on the things that are to come, while distributing gifts to everyone and speaking to your future even with prophetic insight.
Since the Apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesian Church to be filled with all the fullness of God, why do so few people seem to experience this blessing? Is it truly possible to walk in all of the fullness of God? This message lays out three guiding principles that will help us to experience the fullness of His presence within our life.
Dean Elders encourages us to grow in our relationship with the Holy Spirit as he covers at least for of the Holy Spirit's actions within our lives.
God's Holy Spirit brings very tangible blessings into our lives as we learn to commune with Him. Here is a small glimpse of His blessings:
- John 7:37-39 - Rivers of Living Water2. John 14:15-18 - Another Comforter/Helper (as real as Jesus was to His disciples)3. Romans 5:5 - A deep awareness of God's Abiding Love4. 1 Cor. 2:9-10 - Future revealed 1 Cor. 2:14 natural man cannot receive5. 2 Cor. 13:14 - Sweet Companionship & Friendship6. Ephesians 2:18 - Access to our Heavenly Father7. Ephesians 3:16 - Powerful Strength8. Ephesians 3:19-21 - Filled with all the Fullness of God
Dean Elders continues teaching on growing in our relationship with the Holy Spirit as he focuses on the Person of the Holy Spirit.
Is it possible to flourish in our relationship with God in times of difficulty and isolation? Absolutely! This message lays out five key areas of our life that greatly influence the strength of our walk with the Lord.
God gave us His best when we were at our worst. The cross of Jesus Christ and His resurrection from the dead provides for a complete redemption from sin along with a rich eternal inheritance reserved in heaven for His children!
What appeared to be Jesus’ greatest defeat, was actually working to bring about His greatest victory. Is it possible that some of our personal defeats could actually be used to bring about our greatest victories?
God works amazing changes inside our hearts as we turn our eyes upon Jesus. Indescribable joy and courageous faith awaits those who catch a glimpse of His eternal plans and the glory He has prepared for His people.
How can we seek God's Kingdom first, when there seems to be so much to worry about? Jesus has a wonderful remedy for anxiety and worry. This message addresses three powerful ways to invite the blessing of God's Kingdom into our life.
God in His love is trying to get the attention of our nation. What message is He sending? Discover striking parallels between where we are today and Israel's ancient history.
Is it possible the God will allow us to go through trials for our benefit? Here is a sermon that outlines four benefits of finding God's purpose in the midst of trials.