How should followers of Jesus measure success?

Teaching from 1 Thessalonians 2, Pastor Alex explains why Kingdom success is not measured by comfort, recognition, or impressive results. It is measured by faithfulness to God and by helping others stand firm in Jesus.

Through Paul’s relationship with the Thessalonian believers, we discover that discipleship requires spiritual family, hardship can refine our faith, and people are the true reward.

The world asks, “What did you build?” Jesus asks, “Who did you bring?”

As you listen, consider two questions: What is your measure of success, and how has hardship affected your faith?

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

Series: The King Is Coming

In Week 1 of The King Is Coming, we begin our journey through 1 and 2 Thessalonians and explore how Christians should live while waiting for Jesus to return.

Through 1 Thessalonians 1, we are reminded that we were never meant to follow Jesus alone. We are called to remain connected to the local church and live with faith that works, love that labors, and hope that endures.

The gospel has the power to transform us from the inside out, and our lives should reflect that transformation everywhere we go. Listen and be encouraged to live each day with anticipation, purpose, and readiness because the King is coming.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1

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In the final week of The Truth About Hell, we look at what the New Testament teaches about hell, judgment, and how followers of Jesus should respond.

God has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation and called us to be ambassadors for Christ. Our lives should point others toward the hope, freedom, and new life found in Jesus.

Hell is real, but Heaven is better. Let’s wake up, live boldly, and share the good news!

📖 Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:10–21

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The Ready Bride | Kristian Miller | Summer Nights

In this powerful Summer Nights message, Pastor Kristian teaches from Matthew 25 and the parable of the ten virgins, challenging the Church to become a spiritually mature and ready Bride.

Jesus is preparing His people for His return—not through empty religious activity, but through genuine transformation, holiness, healing, and surrender to the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are called to keep our lamps burning, carry the oil of the Holy Spirit, and allow the light and character of Christ to shine through every area of our lives.

This message encourages us to honestly examine our spiritual journey, release past hurts and unforgiveness, and allow Jesus to make us whole, mature, and ready for His arrival.

Key Scriptures:Matthew 25:1–13Isaiah 61:1Ephesians 4:13–15Revelation 19:7–81 Thessalonians 5:23Romans 8:14

Lord, make us ready.

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In Week 3 of The Truth About Hell, we take a deeper look at Jesus’ own teachings about hell, judgment, repentance, and eternal life.

Through Matthew 7:13–23, Jesus warns us about the wide road that leads to destruction, the narrow road that leads to life, false disciples, and those who call Him “Lord” without truly knowing Him.

This message reminds us that spiritual activity, religious appearances, and the fruit produced in other people’s lives are not substitutes for a genuine relationship with Christ. We must examine the fruit being produced in our own lives and ask whether we are truly abiding in Jesus.

Jesus spoke honestly about hell because of His love and compassion for humanity. His message remains clear: repent, follow Him, and place your complete trust in Him as Lord and Savior.

Ask yourself: Am I bearing fruit? Do I know Jesus personally, or do I only know about Him?

Main Scripture: Matthew 7:13–23

In Week 2 of The Truth About Hell, we ask the question: Has hell changed—or have we?

This message examines what the Old Testament, Jesus, and the New Testament teach about hell, eternal judgment, and separation from God. We also explore the biblical meanings of Sheol, Hades, Gehenna, and the Lake of Fire, while addressing questions about purgatory and God’s justice.

Hell is not simply a place of physical suffering—it is eternal separation from God’s goodness, love, peace, joy, and favorable presence. Yet the gospel offers hope: through surrendering our lives to Jesus, we can be forgiven, made righteous, and restored to a relationship with God.

Our mission is not to frighten people into the Kingdom but to lovingly share the truth of Jesus with compassion and urgency.

Let love overcome your fear. Let eternity be your motivation.

In this Summer Nights message, Pastor Josh shares how biblical community is about more than surrounding ourselves with people who look, think, or act like us—it is about becoming people who carry one another toward Jesus.

Through the Tower of Babel, Pentecost, and Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 14, we learn that unity without surrender to God can lead us in the wrong direction. True spiritual unity is centered on Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and committed to building up the body of Christ.

God desires to fill us with His Spirit—not so we can build a name for ourselves, but so we can encourage others, speak life, walk in obedience, and help one another remain prepared for Christ’s return.

Listen and be encouraged to pursue biblical community, spiritual maturity, and a life that reflects the power and love of Jesus.

In Week 1 of our new series, “The Truth About Hell,” Pastor Josh shares a message titled “What Happens After We Die?”

This sermon looks at what Scripture teaches about heaven, hell, judgment, salvation, and the urgency of responding to Jesus in this life. While hell is a difficult topic to talk about, Jesus spoke clearly about eternity, and His words help us understand both the justice and mercy of God.

Through passages like John 3, John 14, Luke 16, Matthew 25, Revelation 20, and 2 Peter 3, we are reminded that God desires people to repent and come to Him. A biblical understanding of hell should lead us to appreciate God’s grace, live with compassion, and share the gospel with boldness.

Listen and be encouraged to trust Jesus, follow Him, and live with eternity in mind.

#CentralValleyChurch #TheTruthAboutHell #ChristianPodcast #Sermon #JesusSaves

In this Summer Nights message, Pastor Damien brings a powerful word titled “Prepared for the Promises” from Joshua 3.

Before Israel stepped into the Promised Land, God first prepared their hearts. This message reminds us that God’s promises are not just about what we receive, but about who we become in the process.

Pastor Damien encourages us to trust God in the waiting, follow His presence, embrace sanctification, and allow the Lord to prepare us for what He has promised.

If you are in a season of transition, waiting, or believing God for what is next, this message will encourage you to keep trusting the Promise Keeper.

Thank you for listening! Stay connected with Central Valley Church and continue walking closer with Jesus this week.

In the final week of When Worship Grows Cold, Pastor Josh walks through Malachi 3:13–4:6 and encourages those who feel tired, discouraged, or like their faithfulness has gone unnoticed.

God reminds His people that serving Him is never in vain. He sees every sacrifice, remembers the faithful, brings healing to the weary, restores what is broken, and promises that Christ is coming again.

If you have ever wondered, “Is it worth it to keep following Jesus?” this message is a reminder: He is worth it all.

Scripture: Malachi 3:13–4:6

Series: When Worship Grows Cold

Speaker: Pastor Josh Blair