Central Church Sermons

Finding hope after disaster requires action, not just a change in attitude. Genesis 9 shows us how Noah moved forward after the flood by returning to God's original calling to multiply, remembering God's covenant, and recognizing that sin still exists in human nature. We're called to perpetuate God's image through investing in the next generation, project His image through exercising self-discipline and dominion in our lives, and protect His image through supporting justice. No matter what failures we've experienced, God offers us renewal and a fresh start when we return to our calling.Visit https://www.centralchurch.com to get involved with Central Church.

In a world that mirrors the moral decay of Noah's time, we need an ark of refuge just as Noah did. Today, Jesus Christ serves as our ark, protecting us from judgment, gathering us as family, providing truth, and offering clarity in confusing times. The church reflects this ark imagery, giving us community when society seems to be falling apart. By entering this spiritual ark, we can endure societal corruption, enjoy God's grace, and experience a fresh start. Like Noah, our response should be worship and gratitude, inviting others to find the same refuge we've discovered in Christ.Visit https://www.centralchurch.com to get involved with Central Church.

In Genesis 4-5, we witness the stark contrast between Cain's corrupted lineage and Seth's faithful line. While Cain's descendants pursued self-glorification through cities, achievements, and violence, Seth's line began to call upon the name of the Lord. This fundamental difference highlights our purpose: to reflect God's image in a corrupt world. Enoch exemplifies this by walking with God so faithfully that God took him directly. As Christians today, we're called to reflect Jesus in every aspect of our lives—at work, home, and in our communities—turning many from iniquity through our example and bringing God's peace wherever we go.

Jesus as the Good Shepherd represents the ultimate example of true manliness, characterized by sacrificial love and strength. Far from being sentimental, shepherding was a demanding job requiring toughness, vigilance, and deep care. Jesus proves He is the Good Shepherd by willingly laying down His life for His sheep, knowing them intimately, and intentionally seeking those who are lost. This powerful love establishes a profound relationship between Jesus and His followers, creating one united flock under His leadership. Understanding Jesus as our Good Shepherd should inspire awe and gratitude while challenging us to model His sacrificial love in our own leadership roles.

In this sermon from Pastor Matt on Genesis 3, we see how Satan’s deception in the garden still mirrors the struggles we face today in our homes, marriages, and personal lives. From doubt to temptation, hiding to blame-shifting, the enemy seeks to divide and destroy—but God offers a greater covering through Jesus Christ. This sermon unpacks the reality of spiritual warfare, the dangers of leaving our homes unguarded, and the hope of the gospel that restores what was broken. 

In a culture filled with confusion about gender roles, understanding God's design for womanhood offers clarity and purpose. Biblical womanhood encompasses three key aspects: being a helper (a position of strength, not weakness), a partner (created for relationship and equality in value), and a life-giver (bringing vitality to every environment). Women possess the remarkable ability to elevate those around them through their support, wisdom, and life-giving presence. Rather than feeling restricted by God's design, women who embrace biblical womanhood often discover greater joy and fulfillment than those who reject it.

In a culture where masculinity is often misunderstood, understanding God's original design for men is crucial. With only 24% of American homes having a father figure present, many young men lack proper role models. Genesis 2 reveals God's blueprint for masculinity through three primary roles: men are called to be providers who work and lead, protectors who guard their families, and priests who offer spiritual guidance. Jesus Christ exemplifies perfect masculinity - providing for others' needs, protecting the vulnerable, and fulfilling the ultimate priestly role. By following His example, men can reclaim biblical masculinity and use their strength to serve others.

God's original design for humanity includes a call to multiply in every sphere of life - family, work, church, and personal growth. This purpose stems from being created in God's image, which gives all humans inherent dignity and worth. To fulfill this multiplication calling, we need to recover God's purpose, reproduce His multiplication power through relationships, His blessing, and health. Rather than embracing our culture's self-serving mentality, Pastor Matt Shackelford shows us how to identify areas where God wants us to multiply what He's entrusted to us.Visit https://www.centralchurch.com to get involved with Central Church.

This message invites us to reimagine what the church is truly meant to be—not just a service we attend, but a movement we embody. Rooted in Psalm 66, we’re reminded that our lives should be a public, joyful testimony to the greatness of God. Worship isn’t confined to a room; it’s meant to echo into our neighborhoods, schools, and cities.God has done awesome deeds—so how do we live like it?Visit https://www.centralchurch.com to get involved with Central Church.