Why does God make us wait?

Whether you're waiting for healing, direction, a relationship, or God to answer your prayers, waiting can feel frustrating and even confusing. But throughout Scripture, we see that God never wastes a waiting season.

In this message from Acts 7, Pastor Matt Shackelford continues the Dwell series by examining the life of Moses. Before God used Moses to deliver Israel, He first prepared him through years of waiting in the wilderness. The same God who worked in Moses' waiting room is still at work in ours.

You'll discover:

•  Why God often works while we wait 
•  What Moses' life teaches us about trusting God's timing 
•  How waiting prepares us for God's purposes 
•  Why God's presence matters more than immediate answers 
•  How Jesus meets us in seasons of uncertainty 
•  What it means to trust God when life feels delayed 

Your waiting season isn't a detour. It may be the very place where God is preparing you for what's next.

Scripture: Acts 7:17–43

Series: Dwell

 If this message encouraged you, subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Central Church. 

Why does God make us wait?

Whether you're waiting for healing, direction, a relationship, or God to answer your prayers, waiting can feel frustrating and even confusing. But throughout Scripture, we see that God never wastes a waiting season.

In this message from Acts 7, Pastor Matt Shackelford continues the Dwell series by examining the life of Moses. Before God used Moses to deliver Israel, He first prepared him through years of waiting in the wilderness. The same God who worked in Moses' waiting room is still at work in ours.

You'll discover:

•  Why God often works while we wait 
•  What Moses' life teaches us about trusting God's timing 
•  How waiting prepares us for God's purposes 
•  Why God's presence matters more than immediate answers 
•  How Jesus meets us in seasons of uncertainty 
•  What it means to trust God when life feels delayed 

Your waiting season isn't a detour. It may be the very place where God is preparing you for what's next.

Scripture: Acts 7:17–43

Series: Dwell

If this message encouraged you, subscribe for more biblical teaching each week from Central Church.

What do you do when life feels like you've been thrown into a pit?

Whether it's betrayal, loss, disappointment, or suffering, every believer eventually walks through seasons they never would have chosen. The good news is that God doesn't wait for you to climb out before He comes near.

In this message from Acts 7, Pastor Matt Shackelford continues the Dwell series by looking at the life of Joseph. Through betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and imprisonment, Joseph experienced God's faithful presence every step of the journey.

You'll discover:

•  Why every Christian experiences "pit" moments 
•  How Joseph's story points us to Jesus 
•  Why God's presence matters more than your circumstances 
•  How suffering can become part of God's greater purpose 
•  What God is producing in you through difficult seasons 
•  Why your deepest pit is never beyond God's reach 

No matter what pit you find yourself in today, God has not abandoned you. His presence reaches farther than your pain.

Scripture: Acts 7:9-16

Series: Dwell

If this message encouraged you, subscribe for more verse-by-verse Bible teaching from Central Church. 

Have you ever felt like God was far away?

Whether you're walking through suffering, uncertainty, or simply feel spiritually dry, it's easy to wonder where God is. But throughout Scripture, we see the opposite of what we often assume: God is the One who moves toward us.

In this message from Acts 7, Pastor Matt Shackelford begins the Dwell series by exploring Stephen's sermon and the story of Abraham. Long before Abraham sought God, God sought Abraham. The same God who called Abraham still pursues people today through Jesus Christ.

You'll discover:

•  Why God's presence isn't limited by a place 
•  How Abraham's story points to God's pursuit of His people 
•  Why God always makes the first move 
•  What it means to live by faith instead of sight 
•  How Stephen's message points us to Jesus 
•  Why you can trust God even when His plan isn't fully visible 
•  How Jesus makes it possible for us to dwell in God's presence forever 

No matter how far away you may feel, God's presence goes farther.

Scripture: Acts 7:1-8

Series: Dwell

If this message encouraged you, subscribe for more biblical teaching each week from Central Church.

What is God doing in Israel today?

Pastor Steven Khoury shares firsthand stories from Jerusalem and Bethlehem, offering a powerful look at how God is working through the local church in the midst of conflict, persecution, and uncertainty.

Through personal testimony, biblical truth, and real-life ministry experiences, you'll be reminded that God is still accomplishing His purposes and that every believer has a role to play in His mission.

You'll discover:

•  Why your life has purpose regardless of your age 
•  What ministry looks like in Jerusalem and Bethlehem today 
•  Stories of faith in the midst of persecution 
•  How God is opening doors for the Gospel in Israel 
•  Why Christians should pray for the church in the Holy Land 
•  How you can partner in advancing the Kingdom 

God isn't finished with His people and He isn't finished with you.

Guest Speaker: Pastor Steven Khoury

Have you ever wondered what should actually change after someone becomes a Christian?

In this powerful overview of Romans 12, guest pastor Tim Gibson explains that the Christian life isn't driven by guilt or religious performance. It's driven by the overwhelming mercy of God.

Because we've received mercy, everything changes. Our worship changes. Our minds change. Our relationships change. Our love for others changes. The mercy of God transforms every part of life.

You'll discover:

•  Why Romans 12 is the blueprint for the Christian life 
•  The difference between God's mercy and God's grace 
•  What it means to become a living sacrifice 
•  How God transforms the way you think 
•  Why spiritual gifts exist to serve others 
•  How mercy changes the way we love, forgive, and respond to difficult people 
•  Why Christians overcome evil with good 

If you've experienced God's mercy, your life should never be the same.

Scripture: Romans 12

What do you do when the people who are supposed to represent Jesus are the ones who hurt you?

Church hurt is real. Whether it's betrayal, gossip, abuse of authority, or disappointment, many people have walked away from church because of painful experiences. But does the failure of Christians mean Christ has failed?

In this message from Colossians 3, Pastor Greg Sukert explores the difference between legitimate church hurt and rejecting biblical truth, while pointing us to the only perfect Head of the Church: Jesus Christ.

Rather than importing the ways of the world into the church, Scripture calls believers to put on Christ, put sin to death, and become people marked by humility, forgiveness, and love.

You'll discover:

•  Why church hurt happens 
•  The difference between biblical conviction and genuine church abuse 
•  Why Jesus is never the one who fails us 
•  How Christians are called to respond when they hurt one another 
•  What it means to put off the old self and put on Christ 
•  Why forgiveness and repentance are essential for a healthy church 

No church is perfect because no church is made up of perfect people. But there is a perfect Savior, and His love is what makes healing possible.

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-17

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Why does every success, every accomplishment, and every pleasure eventually leave us wanting more?

In this sermon from John 6, Pastor Justin points us to Jesus' incredible declaration: "I am the Bread of Life." While the world promises satisfaction through success, relationships, possessions, or experiences, Jesus reveals that true fulfillment is found only in Him.

Whether you're searching for purpose, struggling through disappointment, or simply feeling like something is missing, this message will remind you that only Christ can truly satisfy the deepest hunger of your soul.

You'll Discover:

•  Why nothing in this world can fully satisfy you 
•  What Jesus meant when He said, "I am the Bread of Life" 
•  The difference between knowing about Jesus and believing in Him 
•  Why salvation brings lasting security and eternal hope 
•  How to find true satisfaction in Christ every day 

The satisfaction you've been searching for isn't found in what this world offers. It's found in a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Scripture: John 6:35-40

What if the key to understanding God's love is realizing you've been adopted into His family?

In this powerful Father's Day message, Pastor Greg Sukert walks through Ephesians 1 and reveals the breathtaking reality of spiritual adoption. No matter your past, your family background, or your current circumstances, God offers redemption, inheritance, and security through Jesus Christ.

Drawing from his own personal journey through infertility and adoption, Pastor Greg shows how the doctrine of adoption transforms the way we view suffering, identity, and our relationship with God.

You'll Discover:

•  Why adoption is at the heart of the Gospel 
•  What Ephesians 1 teaches about God's love for His children 
•  How God redeems us from spiritual orphanhood 
•  The inheritance every believer receives in Christ 
•  Why your identity is secure in God's family 
•  How the Father's love sustains us through life's hardest seasons 

No matter what you're facing today, you are not undesired by God. Through Christ, you can become a son or daughter of the Most High God.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-14

Are you exhausted, anxious, or carrying burdens you were never meant to carry?

In Psalm 23, David reveals the source of true peace. Written after a lifetime of battles, betrayal, hardship, and loss, this familiar passage is more than comforting poetry. It's a battle-tested guide for finding rest, security, and confidence in God's care.

In this message, Pastor Matt Shackelford explores how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, provides for His people, walks with them through life's darkest valleys, and leads them safely home.

You'll Discover:

•  Why anxiety often grows when we try to shepherd ourselves 
•  What it means that "The Lord is my Shepherd" 
•  How God restores people who have fallen and can't get back up 
•  Why the valley is often where we learn to trust God most 
•  The difference between the absence of danger and the presence of the Shepherd 
•  How God's goodness and mercy follow believers throughout their lives 
•  Why Psalm 23 is ultimately a picture of the gospel 

No matter what valley you're facing, you do not walk through it alone. The Shepherd is with you. 

Scripture: Psalm 23