Lenexa Central Church Sermons

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11The first believers of Jesus expected his return in their lifetime. Paul corrects their expectations and strengthens their hope in eternal life. Believers do not grieve as those with no hope. There is hope in grief, even as there is grief in hope. When all we want to do is "look down," followers of Jesus can "look up" and find hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 The Lord calls believers to a particular way of life, one that Paul describes as "sanctified." This call isn't optional, it's "the will of God" and it allows us to "power up" to be more like Jesus. Powering up to holiness isn't only for the select few, it's for everyone. 

1 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 8:40-56 After a prolonged absence, Paul received a glowing report from Timothy that the Thessalonian church is faithful, vibrant, and thriving even in the face of persecution. Like the woman who "reaches up" to touch Jesus in faith, they are ready to "reach up" and receive “what is lacking” in their faith. God used the adversity of persecution to forge an unshakable faith, reminding us that the difficult seasons of life are opportunities for growth. The growth, however, doesn't come until we reach up to Him. God will do his part, but we have to do ours.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10In a world of pagan worship and idols of every kind, the believers in Thessalonica are commended for their "work of faith, labor in love, and endurance from hope." Even when persecuted, they stood up and the genuine nature of their faith was revealed. Are we willing to "stand up" when following Jesus isn't socially acceptable or personally convenient? Standing up for one's faith is not about what you say, but what you do. When next level followers of Jesus stand up, their faith, love, and hope are evident to all. 

Special Guest, Camilo Gonzalez We are especially excited to welcome Camilo and Sara Gonzalez as our special guests this Sunday. Camilo serves as the Nazarene Missions Teams Coordinator for the USA/Canada Region and helps churches engage more deeply with outreach initiatives across the region. He and Sara have served in missions since 2017, including four years in the Africa Region in Cabo Verde and Equatorial Guinea. But perhaps most importantly, Camilo and Sara are part of our Central family. Central is their church home, and we are blessed to have them worshiping and serving alongside us.

Exodus 15Life can be filled with anxiety and fear, but the God who is able to part the seas is able to make a way through whatever is in front of us. The Exodus story demonstrates that no power can disrupt God's good plans for us. He wants to move us from worry to worship, trusting in who He is and what He is able to do. Pick up a tambourine, sync your life to the rhythms of grace, and sing to the top of your lungs, "The horse and the rider he has hurled into the sea."

Exodus 14:21-31 As slaves, they fear the strength of the Egyptians, but in passing through the Red Sea the Israelites are reborn as God's children. The story concludes with the people putting their trust in the Lord, as a child trusts their parents. We don't have to be slaves to our past, but in Christ, we are reborn as God's sons and daughters. 

Exodus 3  We are excited to welcome Pastor Sam Barber and his wife, Jill, back to Central! Sam served our church for 8 years before God opened the door for him to be the Global Director of Nazarene Discipleship International. He is a dynamic and passionate communicator of God's Word. 

Exodus 7:1-13 Pharaoh has a hard heart, calcified by his own resistance to God. He's determined to live his way, despite God demonstrating that His way is better! The journey of grace is an invitation to move from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh, one that is open and responsive to God. Just as the plagues demonstrate God’s power over the false gods of Egypt, God is sovereign over the idols that waste our time and treasure. The more we respond to God's way, the more we grow into the people He's called us to be! 

Exodus 5:1-6:10 The promise of deliverance is met with great resistance from Pharaoh, increasing the daily quota of bricks (Ex. 5). We live in a constant pressure to produce, but this is not where the true value of our life is found. The Lord promises his provision in the midst of the pressure to produce. His infinite strength is multiplied to ours, giving us everything we need. Sabbath teaches us to rest in this promise.