The cross is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, yet its meaning has been misunderstood, misused, and rebranded throughout history. Scripture teaches us that the true story of the cross is central to Christianity: Jesus took our place, paid the price for our sin, reconciled us to God and one another, and triumphed over the enemy. Without the cross, there is no Christianity—because it is at the cross that guilt is removed, shame is lifted, hostility is broken, and victory is secured.  Read More

In this powerful exploration of the incarnation, we delve into the profound truth that God became flesh in Jesus Christ. The message centers on three key aspects: God's rescue, His desire for relationship, and His plan for renewal. We're reminded that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, making Him uniquely qualified to save us and represent us. The incarnation isn't just an abstract concept - it's the answer to our deepest longings. Through Jesus, we see that God doesn't ignore evil but confronts it on our behalf. This truth allows us to acknowledge our anger at injustice without being consumed by it. Moreover, we're invited into an intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe, who knows us fully and loves us completely. As we embrace this love, we're empowered to extend it to others, creating a community bound by Christ's love. The message culminates with the hope of renewal, assuring us that our story doesn't end in chaos, but in restoration. How might this understanding of God's incarnate love transform our daily lives and interactions?  Read More

In this powerful exploration of faith, we delve into the Apostles' Creed, focusing on its opening line: 'I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.' We're challenged to examine what we truly believe about God and how those beliefs shape every aspect of our lives. The sermon takes us through Acts 17, where Paul addresses the Athenians about the true nature of God. We're reminded that our God is both almighty and intimately near, knowing the very hairs on our heads. This message encourages us to confront our distorted views of God – whether we see Him as a distant CEO, a cosmic cop, or a vending machine – and embrace the truth of His character. The story of the father in Mark 9 who cries, 'I believe; help my unbelief!' resonates deeply, reminding us that God responds to even our imperfect faith. We're invited to take a step towards trusting God, no matter how small, knowing that faith isn't about perfection but about relationship with a God who is bigger and nearer than we can fathom.  Read More

The message emphasizes that our belief isn't blind, but grounded in historical evidence and personal transformation. As we contemplate the reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, we're called to recognize the profound impact this has on our lives today. The creed reminds us that we're part of a global, universal church - a community of believers spanning time and space. This perspective can reinvigorate our faith and inspire us to live out our beliefs with renewed purpose and conviction.  Read More

Are we running on life's treadmill, constantly busy but never truly progressing? This powerful message invites us to step off and find real rest in Jesus and His community. Drawing from Matthew 11:28-29, we're reminded that Jesus offers us soul-deep rest, not as a drain on our schedules, but as a gift to our weary souls. The imagery of carrying heavy rocks—responsibilities, finances, fears—resonates deeply. But we're not meant to bear these burdens alone. In Christian community, we find a place to share our loads, to be reminded of God's promises, and to experience healing. It's where we trade isolation for belonging, self-reliance for interdependence. As we consider joining a group or reaching out to others, let's remember: we are designed for community, adopted into God's family. By stepping in, showing up, and opening up, we might just find the rest and redemption our souls crave.  Read More

CP YTH Leader Meeting Materials Hi Small Group Leaders! Here are the materials below.  Your screenshot of your commitment to our Lifestyle Expectations Agreement is due before August 27th (found in the CP YTH Small Group Leader Guide on page 12).Find everything else you'll need for our Leader Meeting and the semester below. Thanks for serving with us this year!...  Read More

Jesus, the Creator of the universe, performs the task of a lowly servant, showing us that true greatness lies in serving others. This act wasn't just about cleanliness; it was a powerful demonstration of love, humility, and servant leadership. How often do we, like the disciples, silently hope someone else will step up to serve? Jesus calls us to a higher standard, urging us to follow His example. He promises a blessing - not of worldly success, but of experiencing the abundant life we were created for. As we navigate our relationships, workplaces, and communities, let's ask ourselves: How can we embody this servant-hearted greatness? In what ways can we wash the feet of those around us, metaphorically speaking? This teaching invites us to transform our perspective and actions, living out the radical love of Christ in tangible ways.  Read More

Are we truly living out the mission Jesus intended for His church? This message challenges us to embrace our role as active participants in advancing God's kingdom. We're reminded that the church isn't just a building or organization, but a gathering of believers united by the transformative message that Jesus is the hope of the world.   Read More

Erica, the Family Pastor at CenterPoint, wraps up our series on Jonah by exploring the prophet's anger when God shows compassion to Nineveh. She highlights Jonah's struggle with unforgiveness and contrasts his response to God's goodness with Moses' humble worship. Erica explains that God's grace can be challenging when it extends to those we dislike, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness in the Christian faith. She invites the congregation to reflect on areas of unforgiveness in their lives and encourages them to follow Jesus' example of forgiveness through humble worship.  Read More

CP YTH Leader Guides Hi Small Group Leaders! Here are your Sunday Morning Leader Guides below.Student Guides are made on a week-to-week basis, meaning you'll receive those by Thursday. Otherwise, all other lessons are available below until Thanksgiving.You'll see the guides split up into Units 1, 2, and 3 and organized based on date. ...  Read More

In this powerful exploration of Jonah chapter 3, we're reminded that God is the ultimate giver of second chances. The story of Jonah's reluctant mission to Nineveh teaches us that God's plans aren't thwarted by our failures or resistance. Instead, He recommissions us, using even our imperfect efforts to bring about transformation. We see this in how God used Jonah's brief, unenthusiastic message to spark a city-wide repentance in Nineveh. This narrative challenges us to recognize that it's not our eloquence or perfection that changes hearts, but God's power working through us. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to step out in faith, sharing our stories and extending invitations, trusting that God can use our simple acts of obedience to open hearts and change lives.  Read More

Pastor Mike explores Jonah’s lowest moment—literally and spiritually—in the belly of a fish. Far from being the end of Jonah’s story, this dark place becomes a turning point for grace. The message highlights how God often does His deepest work when we are at our most broken, and that His grace is not reserved for the perfect but offered freely to those who cry out, even in desperation. Jonah’s flawed prayer shows us that even imperfect, self-centered prayers matter to a God who listens and responds with compassion. Ultimately, the sermon points us to the radical truth that Jesus meets us in our mess, carries our burdens, and offers new life—not just a second chance.  Read More