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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.

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 Christ, standing firm in God’s Word, and walking in the Spirit, resulting in a life that prospers. Join us at cefc.churc.The blessed person delights in God's law, meditates on it, and avoids the counsel of the wicked. This person finds true rest and fulfillment in Christ, the only one who has perfectly resisted sin. The choice before us is clear: to embrace a life rooted in Christ, like the tree by the streams, or to drift away like t

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 goodness and choose what He has forbidden. When we make that choice, we need a cure for the consequences of our sin. That cure is found in Christ, who was crucified on a tree for our sake. The Bible begins with a tree and a choice and ends with a tree of healing. So, the question is: what tree will you choose? Join us at cefc.church.

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 He did, we will rule alongside Him. The church that received the harshest assessment from Jesus was also promised the greatest reward. No one is too far gone from Jesus! Join us at cefc.church.

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.

“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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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 us. This sermon encourages us to worship and embrace Christ and find comfort in His powerful presence. Join us at cefc.church.

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.

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 punishment of sin*The severity of Israel's rebellion through pagan worship and sexual immorality*Phinehas' passionate zeal to stand for God's glory in the midst of blasphemy*How God rewarded and made a covenant of peace with PhinehasGod is not calling us to kill like Phinehas did. However, the New Testament tells us God does welcome and reward a zeal for Christ and for the ways of Christ. We'll discuss how to pursue this righteous zeal. Ultim

How do we fight a temptation to sin? Every person is susceptible to temptation, even those who have enjoyed a close relationship with God. This passage in Numbers 25 teaches us: 1. You are never so blessed you can’t be tempted. 2. The tactics of the enemy are tricky. 3. Fear the Lord: God takes sin seriously. 4. Love the Lord: God loves you jealously!

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 donkey to stop the prophet's madness. Join us at cefc.church.

Have you ever wanted something so badly you asked God for it again and again? What if you wanted something so badly you were willing to defy God's clear instructions? Numbers 22 introduces us to a very spiritual man who does something very foolish: he pursues his will instead of God’s will. Balaam stubbornly chases his own desires instead of following God’s instruction.  This passage warns us of the blinding dangers of chasing our own will and points us to the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. In this message you will learn:How Balaam's greed for wealth and prestige blinded him to God's willHow we often battle against what God wants for usHow to cultivate a heart that is surrendered to God's purposes in Christ Jesus

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.

How do we build godly and loving relationships? 1 Peter 4:8,9 says, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” In this message, we will discover how to love deeply and sincerely. We will learn how to love in a way that covers over the sins of others, and we will find the key to showing hospitality even when our guest is a challenge! Most importantly, this passage will show us Christ’s love for us and how we can share that love with others.  

This Easter we consider the greatest event in human history: the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. But what does this resurrection of Christ mean for our lives today? The apostle Paul applies the death and resurrection of Christ to his life in Galatians 2:20 and this passage gives us three questions to ask ourselves:1. Have you been crucified with Christ?2. Does Christ live in you?3. Do you live by faith?