Sunday Sermons

The Best is Yet to Come Week #5

My Next Step

 All of us have a next step to take in our walk with Jesus. However, each of our steps look different!

 A growing relationship with Jesus is intentional not accidental

 "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ Mark 12:30

 Desire plus discipline makes the difference

 It takes effort on our part to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus. 

A lot of people want to expect great things from God, but they don’t want to put the forth any effort in making those great things happen. 

Don't fall into the trap of praying instead of obeying!

2 COMMON REASONS PEOPLE SAY THEY CAN’T TAKE THEIR NEXT STEP:

 1. I’m great right where I am!

 If you and Jesus were standing next to each other, would anyone mistake you for twins?

10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:10-14

2. God will never ask me to do anything difficult.
 

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23
 

Everyone wants to be blessed, but will you take a difficult next step to get that blessing? 

9 Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come. 10 This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 For the generations to come every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner—those who are not your offspring. 13 Whether born in your household or bought with your money, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant. 14 Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.” Genesis 17:9-14

If you want to follow Jesus, sometimes He is going to ask you to take a very difficult next step!
 

Why would God trust us with what is next when we won’t do what he’s telling us to do now? 

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42

It’s not easy to take the next step sometimes, but it’s always right.
 

Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to the Lord.” 9 Moses said to Pharaoh, “I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you and your officials and your people that you and your houses may be rid of the frogs, except for those that remain in the Nile.” 10 “Tomorrow,” Pharaoh said. Moses replied, “It will be as you say, so that you may know there is no one like the Lord our God. Exodus 8:8-10

Why would you spend one more night with the frogs?
 

What is my next step _________________

The Best is Yet to Come - Week #3

Jesus, I Need You to Move

Mark 4:35-41

 It’s a tragedy if we move as a church but Jesus isn’t moving in our lives individually

 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” Mark 4:35

 Spiritual activity doesn't always relate to intimacy 

The apostles said to the Lord, “Show us how to increase our faith.” Luke 17:5

When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” Luke 9:54

When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Matthew 28:17 

You are not less than anything or anybody

 Jesus will always tell us our next step. However, He won't tell us two or three or four steps down the road, because if He did, we might not do it.  

So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Mark 4:36-37 

Jesus will allow us to go through the storm to teach us something, to make us stronger, or so we can see Him more clearly

 If you're following Jesus, the enemy is going to try to send a storm to shut you down

 Storm Cycle = Distraction > Discouragement > Doubt > Despair

 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” 39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” Mark 4:38-41

 The area that I need for Jesus to move the most in my life is ____________________________________

The Best is Yet to Come - Week 2 - January 18, 2026

Onboard People

Daniel 3:13-30

 To make it in life, we need the help of Jesus and other people.

When it comes to taking steps forward, spiritually, we is greater than me.

Are we going to blend in, or are we going to stand out?

Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? 15 I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will bbe thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?” Daniel 3:13-15

Who are your ONBOARD people?

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

When it comes to people in your life, it;’s not what they say or if they pray , it’s whether or not they stay.

Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. 20 Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. Daniel 3:19-20

Don’t give in to the breakdown , Hold on for the breakthrough.

So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. 22 And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in. 23 So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. Daniel 3:21-23

But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?” “Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied. 25 “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!” Daniel 3:24-25

Sometimes we don’t see His presence until we step into the fire.

What the enemy put on them, Jesus took off of them, with the thing that was meant to destroy them.

Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. 27 Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke! 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:26-30

1. Go to Church

But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. Psalm 73:2

Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Psalm 73:17

Central Church is a church where people, all people, experience the presence of Jesus every single week

You cannot come into the presence of Jesus and stay the same

2. Grow in Church

How do I grow in church?

A. Serve

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, Matthew 20:26

B. Give

3. Show the Church

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  19  Therefore, go
and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy
Spirit.  20  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with
you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

4. Know that the best is yet to come because immeasurably is coming

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is
at work within us, Ephesians 3:20

January 4, 2026
What Are You Chasing?
2 Timothy 2:22

 1. Delayed Obedience Becomes Disguised Disobedience 

“Flee the evil desires of youth…” -2 Timothy 2:22

•  What you don’t run from will eventually run you.

She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and RAN out of the house.. -Genesis 39:12

 Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven’t told me the secret of your great strength. -Judges 16:15 

• God never calls us to run from something without also calling us to run toward something better.

2. The Heart Moves in the Direction of Its Attention

 “…and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace…” -2 Timothy 2:22 

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. -Proverbs 4:23

•  You don’t wake up one day changed—you slowly become who you’ve been watching.

 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:21

•  Your heart follows what your eyes repeatedly fix on

 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. -Romans 12:2 

• Direction matters more than intention—because attention sets direction.

 3. Habits Form Character Before Character Feels Fixed

 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. -Galatians 6:8

•  Habits shape character long before character feels fixed.

4. Hunger Drives the Chase

 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. -Psalms 63:1 

• What you chase reveals what you crave.
• Misplaced hunger leads to misplaced pursuit.
• God doesn’t shame desire—He redeems it.

 5. God Uses Pursuit to Shape Destination 

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me -Philippians 3:12 

• Your pursuit shapes your destination and who you become along the way.
• The direction you pursue today is shaping the person you will be tomorrow.

Week #4

The Greatest Story Ever Told

Luke 2:8-20 

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. Luke 2:8

•  The Shepherds were messy

•  The Shepherds were lonely

•  The Shepherds were uncertain

•  The Shepherds would soon find peace

 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:9-20 

1. Peace is a process that begins with Jesus 

• We can’t have true peace apart from Jesus 

2. Grace is not something we achieve, it’s something we receive. 

Unstoppable Week #6
Who was at the Table?

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9

It is impossible to pursue Jesus and sin at the same time

Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness. 2 Here are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (also called Peter), then Andrew (Peter’s brother), James (son of Zebedee), John (James’s brother), 3 Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew (the tax collector), James (son of Alphaeus), Thaddaeus, 4 Simon (the zealot), Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him). Matthew 10:1-4

When we get our eye off the past and onto Jesus, we become unstoppable

One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. 25 They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” 26 Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” 28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. John 20:24-28

Bitterness always comes to the surface

As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. 53 But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. 54 When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 So they went on to another village. Luke 9:51-56

“Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem, where the Son of Man will be betrayed to the leading priests and the teachers of religious law. They will sentence him to die and hand him over to the Romans. 34 They will mock him, spit on him, flog him with a whip, and kill him, but after three days he will rise again.” 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over and spoke to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do us a favor.” 36 “What is your request?” he asked. 37 They replied, “When you sit on your glorious throne, we want to sit in places of honor next to you, one on your right and the other on your left.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of suffering I am about to drink? Are you able to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” 39 “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” Mark 10:33-39

Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Mark 15:27

On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,‘ God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.” 33 Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” 34 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 35 “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. Matthew 26:31-35

Because it was cold, the household servants and the guards had made a charcoal fire. They stood around it, warming themselves, and Peter stood with them, warming himself. John 18:18

When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. John 21:9

Unstoppable Week 5

Unstoppable Salvation

Mark 1:16-18

 Sin is when you and I decide to deny Jesus.  

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Mark 1:16-17

Jesus isn’t searching for perfect people

When God saves us, He saves us completely 

Our sins are paid for: past, present and future!

 At once they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:18 

Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter) Mark 3:13-16

 When you and I become a Christian, Jesus Christ changes us

 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. -2 Corinthians 5:17 

 You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” 30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” Mark 14:27-30

 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” 45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him. 47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48 “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 Then everyone deserted him and fled. 51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, 52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind. 53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. Mark 14:43-54

 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. 68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. 69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” 72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept. Mark 14:66-72

 1. I’m a greater sinner then I thought.

 We’re not saved because we’re good, we’re saved because Jesus Christ paid for our sin on the cross

 2. He’s a greater Savior than I thought. 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Romans 8:1

This is our Extra Q&A session with our pastors. This allowed us to answer every question that was submitted.

Please watch the other videos from our Q&A, as there were different questions at each service.

Check out Central Church Sunday mornings at 8:00, 9:30 or 11:00 - located 1/2 mile east of the Carroll country club.

This week, we wrapped up our Q&A session with our pastors.
Please watch the other videos from this Sunday, as there were different questions at each service.

Check out Central Church Sunday mornings at 8:00, 9:30 or 11:00 - located 1/2 mile east of the Carroll country club.