CeFC - Podcast Details

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CEFC Serving Is For Growing God works with imperfect people and grows them as they serve. Zechariah was an old priest who served God faithfully, even while he struggled with unanswered prayers.While Zechariah was serving, God showed up and grew Zechariah's faith through hardship.God is calling you to serve him now, even in your imperfection. God will grow you as you serve him because he loves you. Serving is for growing. Join us at cefc.church.#ServingIsForGrowing #Luke1 #PriesthoodOfBelievers #FaithInHardship #SpiritualGrowth #BibleTeaching

2025-08-1733 min

CEFC Something To Boast About What do you boast in?Your success? Your status? Your religious performance?In Galatians 6, the Apostle Paul draws a hard line between two kinds of boasting: boasting in the flesh—what we do, how we appear, how others see us—and boasting in the cross of Jesus Christ.In this message, we unpack Paul’s passionate conclusion to the Galatians and discover why the cross alone is worth boasting about. We’ll explore the difference between a life motivated by appearances and one transformed by grace. One leads to temporary peace and sha...

2025-08-1033 min

CEFC Christ Set Us Free Freedom can mean many different things to different people. In this message we learn about freedom in Christ and how it can impact our daily lives. In Galatians 5:1-15, Paul teaches us:*What we are free from*What we are free to*What danger is in us or anyone adding to the Gospel of ChristIf you feel like you don’t measure up, or sin has a hold on you, this message gives us perspective on how Christ’s love can change us versus us trying to change ourselves. Join us at cef...

2025-07-2726 min

CEFC Living By The Spirit What would you like to see changed about yourself?What would others like to see changed about you?What would God like to see changed about you?In the first part of Paul’s letter to the Galatian Christians, he addresses false teaching that threatened to lead them away from Christ. In the second part of the letter, he addresses bad behavior that needs to change in the Galatians, and possibly in us today.The Galatians were not being very Christlike towards one another. Paul reminds these Christians that believing in Jes...

2025-07-2029 min

CEFC Adopted as Sons Who are you? Many of us answer that question by mentioning what we do or what we’ve accomplished. Others might respond by what others have done to them. In Galatians 4:1-7, Paul lifts our eyes to a different kind of answer one not built on our achievements or our failures, but on something much more profound. God has adopted us into His family, sent His Holy Spirit into our hearts, and made us heirs through Jesus! Join us at cefc.church.

2025-07-0626 min

CEFC The Law Was Our Guardian In this message, we explore the relationship between God's promise to Abraham, the Law given to Moses, and the fulfillment found in Christ. Are Christians still bound by the rules and laws of the Old Testament? What purpose did the Law serve, and how does it point us to Jesus?You’ll discover:✅ Why the Law never replaced the Promise✅ How the Law reveals our need for grace✅ What it means to "put on Christ" and live as sons and daughters of God✅ Why your spiritual heritage goes back to Abraham—a...

2025-06-2932 min

CEFC Who Is Your Dad? (Father's Day) 📌 Who Is Your Father?📖 John 8:31–47In this revealing and deeply personal passage, Jesus engages in a brilliant confrontation with people who claimed to believe in Him. But belief, He shows, is not the same as discipleship—and not everyone who claims God as their Father belongs to His family.In this message we explore:The difference between a slave and a son—and what that means spiritually;The shocking identity Jesus assigns to those who reject Him; andWhat it means to be truly free and fully loved in the f...

2025-06-1533 min

CEFC Watch Out For Spies Watch Out for Spies!In Galatians 2:1–10, false brothers—spies pretending to be believers— try to turn Christian freedom into spiritual slavery. What’s at stake? The very heart of the Gospel.Paul refuses to yield. Not even for a moment. Why? Because salvation is through grace alone—not rules, not rituals, not religious performance.In this sermon, we explore: false brothers who secretly try to steal your freedom in Christ; private conversation that preserve unity and prove there’s one gospel; the right hand of fellowship that Christians extend to each other; and remembering the poor...

2025-06-0133 min

CEFC Not Man's Gospel Discover the life-changing truth that the Gospel isn't a human invention but comes directly from God through divine revelation. In this powerful sermon on Galatians 1:11-24, we explore how Paul's dramatic transformation from violent persecutor to passionate preacher proves the supernatural power of God's Gospel.🔑 Key Takeaways:* Why the Gospel's divine origin makes it perfect, personal, and powerful* How Paul's testimony destroys the myth that Christianity is man-made* How God chooses broken people to communicate the Gospel* Why we can't treat Scripture like a buffet of optional beliefsJ...

2025-05-2532 min

CEFC Forty And Fearless Forty and Fearless | Celebrating 40 Years of God’s Faithfulness at CEFCJoin us as we celebrate 40 incredible years of God's goodness and faithfulness! This milestone isn't just a look back—it's also a time to look forward. Inspired by Caleb’s courage in Numbers 14, we’re not asking for comfort—we’re asking for a challenge. Like Caleb, in Joshua 14, we’re saying, “Give us the mountain!”As we reflect on God’s unwavering faithfulness, we put our focus on God rather than giants and we say with Jesus the best is yet to come.📖 Learn m...

2025-05-1826 min

CEFC Only One Gospel Traitors like Benedict Arnold have a bad reputation for good reason. And yet, many Christians are in danger of deserting Jesus because they are led astray by troublemakers who distort the gospel of grace. Don’t be a traitor! Watch out for troublemakers who would lead you away from Jesus. This message exalts God’s amazing grace and warns us against distorted, counterfeit gospels so that we can live to please Jesus rather than people. Find more at https://www.cefc.church/ #cefc #Galatians #onegospel #Jesus #benedictarnold

2025-05-1131 min

CEFC This Present Evil Age Paul wastes no time reminding believers in the churches of Galatia exactly what the Gospel really is and what it does for those who believe it. False teachers were leading people away from the Gospel so he is quick to address Gospel concepts right out the gate, setting the tone for this heated letter. A key point Paul reminds all believers about is what the Gospel saves us from – “the present evil age”. But what does this mean for us today as we continue to live in this present evil age? How does Paul expect this to impact our day to...

2025-05-0430 min

CEFC From Pit To Palace Forgotten in a prison but remembered by God—Joseph’s story is a powerful reminder that delays are not denials. When it seemed like nothing was happening, God was preparing everything. Come discover how God’s providence turns trials and tribulations into mercies in disguise! Join us at cefc.church.

2025-04-2731 min

CEFC Good Friday On this Good Friday, we consider the death of Christ and what that death means for our life today. Join us cefc.church.

2025-04-1828 min

CEFC Mary Is Weeping How does Jesus respond to our disappointment and sorrow?If you were weeping, what would Jesus say?In John 20:11–18, we find Mary Magdalene weeping outside the empty tomb. It’s there, in her grief, that the risen Jesus meets her and asks two deeply personal questions:“Why are you weeping?”“Whom are you seeking?”These are not just questions for Mary—they're questions for us. Jesus knows our pain, yet He gently invites us to reflect on the source of our sorrow and the focus of our hope. Are we searching f...

2025-04-1327 min

CEFC Mary In The Dark In John 20:1-10, we read of a dark moment when confusion turned to faith, and an empty grave declared the greatest victory in history. In a world searching for hope, the resurrection of Jesus proves that death is not the end and that Jesus is the light in the darkness. What does the empty tomb mean for us today? Discover how this moment reshaped history and our lives forever! Join us at cefc.church.

2025-04-0632 min

CEFC Mary The Servant Join us for this message about Mary Magdalene, a true servant of Jesus. As seen in Matthew 27:55-56, Mark 16:1-2, Mary is one of the women who gave to minister to Jesus’ needs. After Jesus’ death, Mary was one who rose early to anoint His body with costly spices and showed sacrificial love even when hope seemed lost. Mary gave her whole self – time, talent and resources – motivated by Jesus’ healing and grace. This message illustrates Mary’s selfless giving, revealing that true service flows from love, not obligation. Discover how Mary’s example challenges us today: Are you ready to serve...

2025-03-1632 min

CEFC Mary Meets Jesus Discover the transformative power of Jesus through the inspiring story of Mary Magdalene in this sermon on Luke 8:1-3. Once oppressed by seven demons, Mary was healed by Jesus’ compassion and authority, becoming a "tower of faith" and a model disciple. Learn how she followed Jesus wholeheartedly, giving her all—time, resources, and life—despite the cost. Ask yourself—have you experienced the healing power of Jesus? What is your response to the grace that transforms and sets you free? Join us in reflecting on these profound questions and let Mary’s example inspire you to live a li...

2025-03-0931 min

CEFC Friendship That Heals Do you need healing—emotional, physical, spiritual, or psychological? 💔 James 5:16-18 shows us the power of confession and prayer in bringing restoration. But what if you're afraid to confess? What if praying feels awkward or uncomfortable?True healing happens in community. When we confess our sins to one another and pray for one another, we step into the light, break sin’s power, and experience God's grace. Prayer is powerful—even Elijah, a man just like us, experienced a powerful answer to prayer. Find friends who confess and pray for one another so that you will be healed! Joi...

2025-03-0230 min

CEFC Friendship That Sharpens Friendships can become God’s force to shape and sharpen our spiritual lives. This message unpacks Proverbs 27:17 and Galatians 6:1-2, revealing how to approach others with gentle correction when they're caught in one of life's traps. Learn the delicate balance between necessary friction and damaging force in relationships, and see how Jesus modeled this perfectly with His disciples. Join us as we explore how our friendships, when rooted in truth and love, can become powerful tools for personal and spiritual growth. Embrace the challenge to give and receive the contact that helps us become sharper, more...

2025-02-0929 min

CEFC Friendship That Sacrifices Friendship That Sacrifices (1 Samuel 18:1-4; Philippians 2:5-8) | CEFC 2-2-25In a world of quick likes, endless scrolling, and shallow connections, true friendship is becoming increasingly rare. But real friendship—the kind that changes lives—is costly. It requires sacrifice, vulnerability, and deep commitment.📖 In 1 Samuel 18, Jonathan gives up his royal robe and armor for David—a powerful act of selfless love. But this story points to something even greater…✨ Jesus, the true Son of the King, gave up far more than a robe—He gave up heaven’s glory to make us His friends (Philippi...

2025-02-0236 min

CEFC Finishing Faithfully How will you finish your life? Will it be full of meaning, purpose, and faith—or will it slip away like sand in an hourglass?Starting well is important, but finishing well is critical. How can we finish well? How can we finish faithfully? Acts 28 describes final years of the apostle Paul’s ministry when his life is being “poured out like a drink offering”. It is striking and encouraging to see Paul finishing his life faithfully. What are the keys to finishing faithfully?1. Hope in Christ; 2. Welcome All; 3. Proclaim the Kingdom of God and Teach Je...

2025-01-1238 min

CEFC A Snake And A Savior Life often feels like a series of storms, but what happens when the storm is followed by the strike of a snake? In Acts 28, Paul survives a shipwreck only to face a venomous viper on the island of Malta. His response shows us how to trust God when it seems like the struggles and hardships in life keep coming.Through this message, discover five powerful lessons:1. Trust in Christ's ability to save—He’s delivered before, and He will deliver again2. Place your hope in eternity, where ultimate victory is assured.3. Be s...

2025-01-0532 min

CEFC Finding Peace - Christmas Eve 2024 Christmas may be that time of year when peace is the hardest gift to find. And yet, peace is the gift each of us want and need. Why is peace so elusive? Where can we find peace? Jesus is the Prince of Peace (as foretold in Isaiah 9:6) who offers us the gift of peace in himself. This Christmas we are finding peace in Jesus. Join us at cefc.church.#Christmas #Peace #FindingPeace #Jesus #GiftofPeace3 #PrinceofPeace #sermon

2024-12-2413 min

CEFC Almost A Christian Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? Is Jesus worth it? In Acts 26, Paul shares his testimony with King Herod Agrippa and challenges him to believe in the risen Christ. Agrippa listen’s to Paul’s testimony and calculates the cost of following Jesus and chooses. Two questions that we will encounter in this sermon are (1) What is the cost of following Jesus? (2) Do we gain more than we lose? Join us at cefc.church. #CountingTheCost #Change #LifeChange #ApostlePaul #SpiritualGrowth #Hope

2024-12-1536 min

CEFC What Do I Do? What do I do when I don’t know what to do? In Acts 25, the Apostle Paul endures over two years in prison, facing uncertainty about his future. What should he do? This sermon explores two critical questions every Christian should ask when navigating life’s difficult and imprisoning moments:1. What do you want me to know?2. What do you want me to do?Scripture: Acts 25Find more at https://www.cefc.church/#FindingGodsWill #Guidance #ApostlePaul #SpiritualGrowth #HopeInChrist #PrayerfulLiving

2024-12-0835 min

CEFC Giving Thanks Thanking God is more than just a good thing to do, it’s also good for us. It helps us grow a healthy faith relationship with God that enables us to overcome struggles in all areas of life: anxiety, idolatry, depression, suffering, and lethargy, to name just a few. Thankfulness is like a vitamin to the Christian life. God uses it to support the development of a faith and character that overcomes the challenges we face in a broken world. Little wonder Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God...

2024-12-0127 min

CEFC Conversation But Not Conversion Felix was a clever man who moved up the social ladder from slave to freeman to governor of Judea. When the apostle Paul was brought before him, Felix’s mind and heart was engaged by Paul’s message of faith in Jesus, righteousness, self-control, and judgment. But Felix delayed any decision on Christ and faith until he ran out of time to make a decision. Have you been putting off making a decision that you know in your heart needs to be made? Don’t delay! If you wait too long, you may find that you lose the opp...

2024-11-2436 min

CEFC Paul's Powerful Testimony When was the last time you shared your story of meeting Jesus? If you were to tell your story now, who would you tell—friend, family, or even an enemy? And what would you say? In this message, "Paul’s Powerful Testimony", we’ll walk through Acts 22 and see how Paul courageously shared his conversion story before a hostile audience. How did Paul tell his story? 1. He built a bridge. 2. He described his life before Christ. 3. He explained how he met Jesus. 4. He showed how the love of Jesus changed his life. Learn more at cefc.church

2024-11-1030 min

CEFC When You Are Treated Unfairly When You Are Treated UnfairlyActs 21:17-40 Ever been falsely accused or misunderstood? The Apostle Paul faced exactly that in Jerusalem. Despite his good intentions and careful planning, he encountered intense opposition and unfair treatment. This powerful study of Acts 21:17-40 reveals timeless wisdom for responding to injustice with both grace and wisdom.Learn how to:Navigate unfair situations with Christ-like characterBalance being "gentle as doves" while "wise as serpents"Turn moments of opposition into opportunities for witnessFind peace when facing u...

2024-11-0333 min

CEFC When To Ignore Warnings When is it right to ignore a warning? If you saw a sign that warned of shark-infested waters, would you dive in anyway? People who loved God and loved Paul warned him not to go to Jerusalem. In fact, they warned Paul that if he went to Jerusalem he would be bound and imprisoned. Paul went anyway. How did Paul know to go even though good people warned him not to go? Do you know how to hear from God? When you know God’s will, are you determined to do God’s will? In this passage we will be i...

2024-10-2731 min

CEFC A Lesson In Christian Leadership Saying farewell is never easy, but Paul masterfully says goodbye to his friends, the Ephesian elders after 3 years of faithful ministry among them. Paul reminds the elders how he lived and led beside them for three years, and as he departs for Jerusalem, he calls them to lead as he did. The charge that Paul leaves them with is to serve the Lord, share the gospel of grace, pay attention to their lives, and the lives of those in the church, and lastly, he calls them to give more than they receive. Leadership is self-sacrifice, but it is nothing...

2024-10-2031 min

CEFC A Sermon That Killed A Man Imagine a church service in a home late on a Sunday night. People have shared a good meal together, the room is warm and stuffy, and the apostle Paul is preaching late into the night. As Paul speaks on and on, a young man named Eutychus falls asleep in a window and plummets three stories to his death. But Paul went down and took the man in his arms and his life came back to him. This extraordinary miracle sets the stage for us to explore 1. Passion, 2. Love, and 3. Power. Discover what gave Paul the passion to speak about...

2024-10-1331 min

CEFC Battle Of The Gods 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...

2024-10-0634 min

CEFC Do Evil Spirits Know You? 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.

2024-09-2935 min

CEFC Did You Get The Holy Spirit? 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.

2024-09-2232 min

CEFC Gifted And Growing 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 li...

2024-09-1527 min

CEFC Talking About Jesus Everywhere 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...

2024-09-0835 min

CEFC The Tree Of Life 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 livi...

2024-09-0130 min

CEFC The Tree That Needs Help 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 pati...

2024-08-2532 min

CEFC The Tree Recognized By Its Fruit 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.

2024-08-1832 min

CEFC The Tree Planted By Streams Of Water 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 Ch...

2024-08-1130 min

CEFC The Tree Of The Knowledge Of Good And Evil 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 go...

2024-08-0432 min

CEFC Leaving A Lukewarm Life Revelation 3:14-22 is an incredible conclusion to the letters Jesus sent to the 7 churches. In this passage, we see that a self-reliant life is a breeding ground for a lukewarm faith. A lukewarm relationship with Jesus is something utterly revolting to Him to the degree that Christ says He would rather we be completely cold in our relationship toward Him! Jesus, in His faithful and steadfast love for us, gives clear instructions on how to rekindle a zealous relationship with Him. He concludes the letter with a reminder of His character and a promise that if we conquer as...

2024-07-2836 min

CEFC The Door To Renewal Revelation 3:7-13 reminds us of that Jesus is holy, true and that He holds the keys to everything! In this passage, we are reminded that when we encounter trouble of persecution, we can trust Him, and we need to be faithful. Even when we feel powerless, we must keep His word and continue to proclaim Jesus. He reminds us that our faithfulness pleases God and will be rewarded. Join us at cefc.church.

2024-07-2133 min

CEFC Wake Up Before You Die “Wake Up Before You Die!” That is the message of Revelation 3:1-6 where Christ tells the church of Sardis that: * Their reputation does not match reality;* They must wake up spiritually; and * They must strengthen what remains and is about to die.Then Christ gives great encouragement to us, and to the church, by explaining the great benefits of walking with Christ. Those who walk with Christ will be clothed in the white purity of the righteousness of Christ and enjoy the presence of Christ forever! Join us at cefc.church.

2024-07-1434 min

CEFC Don't Tolerate That Woman Jezebel Revelation 2:18 – 29 gives us two key points: 1. Do not tolerate seductive teaching and 2. Hold fast to what you have. The church in Thyatira has made a huge mistake in tolerating a teaching that permits sexual immorality and paganism. And yet, Jesus still loves these people and calls them to repentance. Then Jesus says “hold fast” to what is true so that we may receive the power and authority that comes with a relationship with Christ. This is a clear message of warning and encouragement to the people of Christ today. Join us at cefc.church.

2024-07-0732 min

CEFC Conquering Compromise Revelation 2:12-17 contains a message from Jesus Christ for Christians finding it tough to follow him. He assures his people that he sees it when our commitment to His Lordship is tested, and we come under pressure to compromise. He encourages us to stay faithful under pressure and reminds us that we will be eternally glad that we did. Although it may not always feel like it in the short-term, the benefits of following Jesus always infinitely outweigh the costs, even if the cost is our life in this world. Join us at cefc.church.

2024-06-3032 min

CEFC Conquering Suffering Revelation 2:8-11 contains a message from Jesus Christ to people who are suffering. Jesus acknowledges the suffering, poverty, and persecution the church faces but reassures them that they are spiritually rich. Jesus gives us two instructions: 1. Do Not Fear and 2. Be Faithful. Then Jesus gives us two reasons to have hope in the midst of suffering: 1. Jesus promises the crown of life to those who are faithful and 2. Jesus reassures them that those who overcome will not be hurt by the second death. Join us at cefc.church.

2024-06-2334 min

CEFC Rekindling Your Love For Christ Revelation 2:1-7 is Christ’s letter to the church in Ephesus. This letter covers the good and the bad. The good is that the church is patiently enduring and keeping their doctrine pure. The bad is that the church has abandoned its first love for Christ. Christ’s prescription to cure a cold heart is clear: 1. Remember, 2. Repent, 3. Return. In this message, we will explore and experience God’s steps to renewal. Join us at cefc.church.

2024-06-1631 min

CEFC Fear Not: Finding Comfort In The Presence of Christ We all face moments of discouragement, whether it's societal issues, economic frustrations, personal disappointments, or disillusionment with the church. In these times, we need the renewed vision of Jesus as we find in Revelation 1:9-20.In this message, we explore how the apostle John, exiled and persecuted, found comfort and strength through a powerful revelation of Christ. Despite his tribulations, John saw Jesus in His brilliance, a vision that transformed his perspective. In this profound imagery of Jesus in Revelation, we are reminded that He holds the keys to life and death and is always present among...

2024-06-0929 min

CEFC The Revelation Of Jesus Christ The book of Revelation is a beautiful book of prophecy, symbols, and truth about who Jesus is, and what’s to come. It paints for us a picture of the unseen realities that will be made visible in the days to come as we anticipate the return of Jesus. Revelation 1:1-8 unveils Jesus as the divine author, creator, redeemer, and restorer of life, and he calls us to read, hear, and keep what is written in his letter to us. Join us at cefc.church.

2024-06-0228 min

CEFC Zealous Like Phinehas Numbers 25 presents us with a troubling passage: A priest kills two people with a spear and is commended by God! How do we reconcile a good and loving God with this Old Testament picture of God who rewards killing? And what do we learn from Phinehas the priest who carries out this execution?In this sermon, we'll explore the difficult themes in Numbers 25 around God's judgment, human sinfulness, sexual immorality, idolatry, and the zeal of Phinehas. While the account may seem jarring at first, we'll dive deeper to understand:*God's holiness and righteousness that requires...

2024-05-2635 min

CEFC When God Is For You In this passage, we see God's sovereignty over everyone, everything, everywhere. King Balak of Moab wants his hired prophet, Balaam, to curse the people of Israel. Instead of cursing them, Balaam questions how he can curse those whom God has not cursed and sees the Israelites as a unique and blessed people, set apart from other nations. When Balak questions why Balaam blessed his enemies instead of cursing them, Balaam responds that he can only speak the words that God puts in his mouth. In Romans 8:31, we read that if God is for us who can be against us...

2024-05-1232 min

CEFC You're Still Going The Wrong Direction! (part 2) Imagine if you were headed in a direction you thought was right but you kept encountering unexpected interruptions and obstacles. Would you get mad or curious? Would you turn to God or would you lash out in frustration? Our response to interruptions reveals our heart and makes it obvious whether we are intent on our own plans or whether we are open to God’s direction. In Numbers 22:22-35 Balaam, the prophet, is so fixated on his own desires that he remains oblivious to God’s direction, and it nearly costs him his life! Finally, God supernaturally speaks through a do...

2024-05-0535 min

CEFC Serving Serving God and others is part of a healthy Christian life. Peter writes to Christians about their God-given gift and he encourages us to use our gifts in service to others. God grows the church through the service of people who love him and want to demonstrate that love by using the gifts they are blessed with to bless others. We are blessed to be a blessing. Join us at cefc.church.

2024-04-2138 min

CEFC Opened In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus reveals his compassion and empathy for a man who was deaf and was unable to communicate with others. Jesus displays both his humanity and divinity by privately healing this man, not treating him as a spectacle for the crowd. The gentleness and power that Jesus shows us in this passage, reminds us that we worship a personal and powerful creator. Our proper response to this miracle is to worship God and show compassion to those struggling around us. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of...

2024-03-2437 min

CEFC No Offense In this passage, Jesus sent Peter fishing to avoid offending temple tax collectors. Jesus often offended religious people, but at other times he was careful to cause no offense. How do we know when it is okay to offend and when we should sacrifice our rights and privileges to avoid offending someone? Jesus paid a temple tax that he was not required to pay because he did not want to create an unnecessary barrier to the Gospel. We are called to follow Jesus' example of laying down our rights to make it easier for people to accept Jesus. Join us...

2024-03-1729 min

CEFC Learning Gratitude Ten lepers asked for mercy and ten lepers received mercy; however, only one returned to give thanks to Jesus. Why is gratitude so rare? What would it look like to have an attitude of gratitude and a practice of gratitude? Luke 17:11-19 provides a lesson in gratitude. Learn why God requires us to give thanks and learn how gratitude brings us blessings. Join us as cefc.church.

2024-03-1034 min

CEFC How To Get A Miracle How do you get a miracle? What type of prayer does God answer? The Bible records at least one prayer that Jesus always answers: “Have mercy on me.” Or as this passage says, “Have mercy on us”. Notice how the ten lepers prayed in Luke 17:11-19: The lepers prayed humbly; they prayed expectantly; and they were ready to obey. When we pray like the lepers prayed and ask God for mercy, God always gives mercy because God is merciful! Join us at cefc.church.

2024-03-0329 min

CEFC Miracle For A Friend Matthew 9 teaches us about faith, friends and Jesus. Friends with faith brought a man to Jesus for forgiveness and healing. These friends teach us that faith is not a feeling; faith is belief in action. We also learn that Jesus has the power to forgive because Jesus is God. Do you have friends who have faith? Are you finding forgiveness and healing in Christ? Join us at cefc.church

2024-02-1135 min

CEFC A Beautiful Lament The Lord is gentle and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29), calling us to deeply rest in him (Matthew 11:28). But how do we do that when we experience trials and tribulations? The Lord teaches us how in Psalm 77. He teaches us how to move from tears of sorrow to tears of joy. Join us at cefc.church

2023-12-3132 min

CEFC A Lord For The Lowly The Christmas story illustrates God’s strong love for the lowly. God chose an unknown teenage girl to give birth to the Savior of the world (Luke 1:26-38). And God chose poor shepherds to be the first to come and see the newborn king (Luke 2:8-20). Since God has chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith, we should come to God with a humble heart and receive by faith the good news of Jesus Christ! Join us at cefc.church.

2023-12-2416 min

CEFC A Gentle And Lowly Christmas Jesus says he is gentle and lowly in heart (Matthew 11:29). When Jesus came to earth he came in the gentle and lowly form of a baby, born to poor parents, and placed in a lowly manger. Because Jesus came in such an approachable form, we can come to him and find rest for our souls. Christmas is the celebration of Christ coming gentle and lowly to bring rest to all who would receive him. Join us at cefc.church.

2023-12-2425 min

CEFC Are You Ready For Good News? Christians claim that the coming of Jesus is Good News. But is that just wishful thinking on our part or is it faith based on evidence? Is the Christmas story just a fairy tale to make us feel better or is Jesus really the Son of God who came to save us from our sins and give us a better life? Visit us at cefc.church

2023-12-1730 min

CEFC God Is Not Far From Us God is not far from each one of us! God wants us to 1. Seek, 2. Reach, 3. And Find him. Like a father playing hide and seek with his daughter, God wants us seek Him and find Him. This passage urges us to Reason with our minds, Repent with our hearts, and Respond to the good news of Jesus! Visit us at cefc.church.

2023-12-1034 min

CEFC The Best Response Acts 17:1-21 compares the way two different communities (the Thessalonians and the Bereans) responded to the message about Jesus. The response of the second community teaches us to receive the message of Christ with eagerness, while also checking to make sure that the message we hear matches with the message we read in the Bible. What is our attitude and our response toward the message of Jesus? Pray that God gives us the grace to have the same noble response as the Bereans! Visit us at cefc.church.

2023-12-0335 min

CEFC Attitude of Gratitude The word “gratitude” is mentioned in the Bible 157 times. The word “thanksgiving” appears about 72 times. Giving thanks and showing gratitude is core to the Christian life. Visit us at cefc.church

2023-11-2632 min

CEFC When Commerce Hates Christianity Sometimes commerce hates Christianity! Christ is a threat to every rival power, whether the power of money or the power of demons. In Acts 16 a young woman is set free from demonic oppression but many men choose to remain in bondage to financial gain. The Bible teaches that we cannot serve God and money. We must choose to either accept or reject the power and truth of Christ. What will we choose? Visit us at cefc.church.

2023-11-1231 min

CEFC Evidence Of Conversion What does conversion to Christ look like? In Acts 16:11-15 a business woman named Lydia gives us a compelling portrait of conversion. 1. Lydia’s heart was open to the God’s word, 2. Lydia got baptized, and 3. Lydia connected with other Christians. In short, the evidence of conversion to Christ is Bible, Baptism, Believers! Join us as cefc.church

2023-11-0535 min

CEFC Blocked By The Spirit How do we discern God’s will for our lives and ministries? In Acts 16:1-10, Paul and company determined that it was God’s will to accommodate others. Then the Holy Spirit blocked Paul’s plans twice. Finally, Acts 16:1-10 describes a vision God gave Paul to show him where he must go next. How does God lead and guide us today? Visit us at cefc.church.

2023-10-2935 min

CEFC When Personalities Conflict Paul and Barnabas were great partners in ministry and then they split. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them on their next journey, but Paul did not want him to join them because John Mark had abandoned them on their last trip. The disagreement was sharp and Paul and Barnabas went separate ways. Acts 15:36-41 teaches us how to respond to personality conflicts in a godly manner. Visit us at cefc.church.

2023-10-2230 min

CEFC How Christians Make Decisions Acts 15:22-35 gives us helpful teaching about how Christian leaders and Christians should make thoughtful decisions. We shouldn't make hard decisions alone. We should seek Christ and the community of Christ to help us by praying, seeking wise counsel, and reading the Bible with every matter of life and theology. Visit us as cefc.church.

2023-10-1534 min

CEFC How Christians Should Argue Acts 15:1-21 gives us helpful teaching about what Christians should argue about, what they should not argue about, and how arguments should be resolved. Christians can turn to the Bible as the ultimate authority in every matter of life and theology. We apply the Bible with the love and compassion of Christ. Visit us at cefc.church.

2023-10-0834 min

CEFC Signs, Wonders, & Attempted Murder Acts 14:1-7 prepares us for the ups and downs of the Christian life, for successes and setbacks. Christians may experience the mountaintop of God’s signs and wonders one moment, and then a murderous attempt on our lives the next moment. How do we respond to such wild swings of highs and lows? The example of Paul and Barnabas teaches us to keep going, not to give up, and to continue in the grace of God. Visit us at cefc.church.

2023-09-2428 min

CEFC How People Change! Most of us have some things that we would love to change about ourselves, but does God want to change us? If so, how does He do that? Change isn’t easy for us. Some changes seem downright impossible! In Ephesians 4:17-32 Paul not only tells Christians why change is necessary, he also explains how it happens. Visit us at cefc.church.

2023-09-0332 min

CEFC The Big Story Of The Bible Does the Bible tell one big story? It does and Jesus Christ is centerstage in each act of His story. In Colossians 1:15-23, Paul teaches the Colossian church about the supremacy and centrality of Jesus Christ in creation, its fall, redemption, and creation’s complete restoration. The story of the Bible is our story, and because of the person and work of Jesus Christ, our story has deep meaning, value, and purpose. This message gives four points to consider from the passage: 1. Creation, 2. The Fall, 3. Redemption, and 4. Restoration. Visit us at cefc.church

2023-08-2734 min

CEFC Can We Live Like Jesus? At CEFC we have 10 Statements of Faith, this message focuses on living like Christ.We believe that God's justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people...

2023-08-0630 min

CEFC What Is The Point Of The Church? At CEFC we have 10 Statements of Faith, this message focuses on the Church.We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by...

2023-07-3033 min

CEFC What Does The Holy Spirit Do? At CEFC we have 10 Statements of Faith, this message focuses on the Holy Spirit.We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service. Visit us at cefc.church.

2023-07-2333 min

CEFC Why Did Jesus Die? At CEFC we have 10 Statements of Faith, this message focuses on the death and resurrection of Christ for our salvation.We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation. Visit us at cefc.church.

2023-07-1634 min

CEFC Who Is Jesus? At CEFC we have 10 Statements of Faith, this message focuses on Jesus Christ.We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus—Israel's promised Messiah—was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate. Visit us at cefc.church.

2023-07-0927 min

CEFC What Is Wrong With People? At CEFC we have 10 Statements of Faith, this message focuses on the human condition.We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed. Visit us at cefc.church.

2023-07-0228 min

CEFC Can I Believe The Bible? At CEFC, we have 10 Belief Statements. This is what we believe about the Bible.We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it...

2023-06-2532 min

CEFC What Is God Like? At CEFC we have 10 Statements of Faith, this message focuses on God and what we believe about God.We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory. Visit us at cefc.church

2023-06-1833 min