Central Baptist Church, Portsmouth, Virginia

Continuing the four chairs of discipleship.

We’ve spent two exciting weeks discussing our mission to Share Jesus and Impact People. This week we will start to discuss a pathway for how impact people best. We’ll have some fun illustrating that this week. Come and see how we can maximize our impact for his kingdom.

Who have been the biggest influencers in your life? For good or for bad we have the opportunity to impact people. God has called us to impact people for Jesus by making disciples. This Sunday we’ll explore what is a disciple, how to make a disciple, and so much more.

Have you ever noticed the power of unity? There is a strength that comes from a group of people working together as one. We’ve been saved into one body – the Church. The next 4 weeks we’ll examine the vision for Central and how this local expression of the body of Christ can strive together in unity for the faith of the Gospel. If you call Central home this series is not to be missed.

This week we will reach the end of Paul's second missionary journey. He's taken the gospel to middle-eastern cities like Lystra and Derbe, before being compelled to press on toward Europe. He's planted churches in European cities like Philippi and Thessalonica. His last major stop will be Corinth, a diverse place that had a lot going on. Sounds a little like today, doesn't it? I'm sure Paul's example will encourage you.

Do you ever get intimidated when it comes to sharing your faith? Are you ever discouraged by what's happening in our culture? This Sunday you will walk away encourage and armed with some helpful tips to share Jesus with people who are lost. We'll follow Paul to Athens, we'll see his optimism, and we'll listen to the conversations he has.

John Mark had failed on the first missionary journey. Now it was time for the 2nd trip. His inclusion created quite the debate. John Mark himself may have doubted if would be of use. If you've ever failed and needed someone to encourage you, then you can relate. Join us Sunday as we see God work through ordinary people. People like you and me.

The early church was changing and not everyone was happy about that. The church had to call a board meeting to determine what should be expected of this growing church. Paul and Barnabas stepped up to lead this changing church. The council said of them that they “risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.” What would people say about you? Are you giving your life away for the sake of Jesus or are you living for less?

The city of Antioch was a culturally important city at the crossroads of the ancient world. It was from there that Barnabas and Paul would take their first missionary journey to take the gospel to "the ends of the earth." Similar to then, our church family is full of gifted men and women God desires to use to impact the world.

The blueprints for a healthy church were already in place. Now, as we reach the middle chapters of the book of Acts, we see that the church forged ahead with her mission. God's people will boldly launch new churches in far off locations. Through the pen of Luke and the adventures of Paul we'll visit free-spirited Thessalonica, intellectual Athens, and the melting pot of Corinth. We'll see that the power of Gospel and the winsomeness of Christ's love will conquer threats that are still alive and well today. So, whether you need to be reassured of God's presence or challenged to live out your faith, this series in the book of Acts will do just that. A transformational church is Made to Move.

Join us this Christmas Eve for a special Christmas Candlelight Service. Your whole family will celebrate together the birth of Jesus. Lights will dimmed, candles will be lit, your favorite Christmas hymns will fill the air as we are reminded about this good news which is for all people. So, come make Christmas at Central part of your family tradition this Holiday Season.

Join us this Christmas Eve for a special Christmas Candlelight Service. Your whole family will celebrate together the birth of Jesus. Lights will dimmed, candles will be lit, your favorite Christmas hymns will fill the air as we are reminded about this good news which is for all people. So, come make Christmas at Central part of your family tradition this Holiday Season.

After 400 years God finally broke His silence. This time it was not with an angel, a prophet, or a priest - it was with His own Son. Celebrate with us this Christmas season and you will leave excited to go tell the good news everywhere.

Check out our Facebook page for the full live video of Jingle Jam!

We hear every year at this time about the busyness of the season. We try to remind ourselves to slow down and not miss anything - to make sure that the reason for the season is celebrated. We aren't the only ones who have needed such a reminder. Join us as we see how the distant take the time to make a journey to worship, but those close, well, they're busy with other plans. Recapture a little of the wonder of the season!

Have you ever sent out a birth announcement? God did. Most people tend to invite close friends and family. God sent the birth announcement of his son to some of the most unlikely of characters. Join us this Christmas Season as we are reminded all are welcome to behold the Christ Child. Good news has come; the Savior has been given for all people. Now, go tell it... everywhere.

As you sat around the Thanksgiving table this week, I hope it was filled with laughter and love. I hope the phrase that we've all heard countless times rung true, we have so much to be thankful for. Come join us with family and friends as we discover just how true that phrase is. We will look at a thanksgiving song that leads us to reflect on the very nature and character of God. It is a powerful call to remember God's graciousness towards his people. God never forsakes or forgets us. You will be sure to leave with a thankful heart.

There are seasons of life. One season we all encounter is a season for restoration. If you have lost the joy in your relationship, if you carry the weight of a silent sin, or if you need help counseling someone else navigating some of life's stormy seas, then join us at Central this week. We will be celebrating our restoration by studying Psalm 51. Many in the early church referred to it as "The Psalm of Psalms." Let this song lift your soul this season.

The Psalms have a way of encouraging people through every season of life. As we continue our theme for the year of being a transformational church, we will focus on three important Psalms. These songs teach a transformed people how to relate to God in the ups and downs of life. We've all been through seasons where we need wisdom, restoration, and hope - the greatest poetry ever written is sure to challenge and encourage you this season. So come, bring a friend, and enjoy these songs that will stir your soul.