CEFC

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.