Central Church NYC

Standalone Sermon: The Living God

The sovereignty of God can be incredibly comforting, but in the face of suffering, it can also be perplexing. What do we do when we know God is in our circumstances, but we don’t like them? The Old Testament prophet Elijah, in his own moments of need, encountered the sovereign, living God. In turn, God used him to bring grace, truth, and life to others — foreshadowing an even greater prophet to come, who would offer deliverance and life to all. Listen to this sermon as we consider the power ...

Good For You?: Is Christianity Immoral?

Colloquially, religion is often synonymous with morality. When people reference major world religions, regardless of how much they know about the ins and outs of the faith, there is an awareness that each aims for morality in its own way. But the foundation of the Christian faith is one person — Jesus — bearing wrongs he did not commit. It’s God justifying the ungodly. Isn’t that wrong? Isn’t that immoral? Listen to this sermon as we consider the morality of the gospel. ________ Sign up fo...

Good For You?: Is Christianity Depressing?

Between a heavy doctrinal emphasis on sin, the promise of pain and suffering, and a foundational belief in the savior being crucified, in many ways Christianity doesn’t seem to embody what we perceive as joy or happiness. But Scripture reveals to us that happiness — true happiness — is actually found in the opposite place than we might expect, and the seemingly negative aspects of Christianity point us in a very positive direction. Listen to this sermon as we consider whether or not Christia...

Standalone Sermon: So I Send You

How does God work in his world? It’s a question worth asking, and at first mention, a question that appears difficult to answer. But upon closer examination of a short but dense passage in John 20, we can see with beautiful clarity that Jesus creates anew through his Spirit, and more particularly, through his people. Listen to this sermon from the Right Reverend N.T. Wright as we consider the role we play in God’s dwelling in the midst of his world. ________ Sign up for Central’s newslette...

Standalone Sermon: Christ, Our Righteousness

Pastoral resident Abhishikth Babu gave a sermon on Philippians 3:3-10 titled "Christ, Our Righteousness."

Good For You?: Is Christianity Oppressive?

It’s a painful reality that Christians have, in some instances, been on the wrong side of history when it comes to issues of injustice and oppression. Is that a right representation of Christianity? Is that a reflection of what the Christian faith is all about? The New Testament book of Philemon suggests otherwise. Listen to this sermon as we consider a lesser recognized contrasting reality: That the most powerful critique of oppression actually has a Christian source. ________ Sign up for...

Good For You?: Is Christianity Restrictive?

Christianity is often regarded as being just a bunch of restrictive rules, limiting the freedom of its followers by forcing them to adhere to a long list of specific dos and don’ts. But was Jesus’ intent to suppress us and restrict us from freely being ourselves? As it turns out, both ancient and modern conceptions of freedom lead us down a path that is ironically enslaving. But the most glorious irony is in what the so-called “restrictive” nature of Christianity does for us. Listen to this ...

Good For You?: Is Christianity Regressive?

Christianity is a faith with ancient origins. But is it outdated? More specifically, are the principles, morals, and ways of Christianity enemies of progress? This is a question that has been asked throughout much of Christianity’s existence. Answering this question requires an examination of the notion of “progress,” the presumed trajectory of society. But what if “progress” is really rooted in something much deeper — something directly correlated to the Christian faith itself? Listen to th...

Good For You?: Is Christianity Sexist?

Across the centuries there have been people who have used the Bible to propagate chauvinistic, sexist, denigrating views. But this ideological conclusion can only be drawn when Scripture is mishandled, misinterpreted, or misapplied. Jesus’ life and teachings not only uphold the value and dignity of women, they also promote a beautiful synergy between men and women as God’s image bearers that strongly counters Christianity’s misogynistic reputation. Listen to this sermon as we consider the bi...

Good For You?: Is Christianity Repressive?

Understanding who we are is integral to living a meaningful life. As human beings we strive to discover and live out our true identities. So when Christianity instructs us not to affirm our self but to deny our self, it initially seems to oppose the very goal of becoming the truest version of who we are. Upon closer examination of the Scriptures, however, we see that shifting our identity from being rooted within our self to being rooted outside of our self is exactly how we find the stable ...

Good For You?: Is Christianity Intolerant?

“Tolerance” and “inclusivity” are principles of high value in our modern society. Likewise, one of the most common critiques of Christianity these days is its perceived lack of tolerance and inclusivity. When we examine Jesus’ actions and words in Luke 13, however, we find that what he offers — and therefore what Christianity offers — goes far beyond tolerance. It is a radical love extended to all, as all have sinned and are in need of rescue. Listen to this sermon as we consider the inclusi...

Good For You?: Is Christianity Irrational?

The very nature of faith according to Scripture is believing what cannot be seen. It’s understandable, then, that faith invites questions and even doubts. And in a world that values reason, logic, and thoughtful analysis, it’s natural that some question the rationality of Christianity. But Jesus doesn’t condemn this unbelief. On the contrary, he accommodates himself to meet us where we are and engage our doubts. Watch this sermon as we survey what faith is and consider why it is right and go...

Good For You?: Is Christianity Escapist?

Throughout human history, much debate has centered around whether Christianity is true, but recent generations have also begun to call into question the goodness of Christianity. If, in fact, Christianity is true, does it offer anything of value to the world? Listen to this Easter Sunday sermon as we explore the challenge and counterclaims of the resurrection as well as the resulting colossal consequences that accompany its truth. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. Visit us ...

Jesus Through Isaiah’s Eyes: Crushed (Good Friday)

Without a proper understanding of who Jesus was, what he did, and why he matters, the cross of Christ — a unique benchmark of the Christian faith — can seem like nothing more than a gruesome and confusing event in the history of the Church. But when we look back at the words of the prophet Isaiah, as Jesus did at the time of his death, we see the breathtaking reality that Jesus and no other could perform the ultimate act of love: losing his life so that we may gain ours. Listen to this Good ...

Jesus Through Isaiah’s Eyes: The Way of the Lord (Maundy Thursday)

Isaiah provides us with a beautiful vision of the grandest mountaintop feast, at which all God’s people partake in an eternally life-giving meal together. But our lives are so far from that mountaintop, and we cannot ascend that mountain of the Lord on our own. Watch this Maundy Thursday sermon as we remember how Jesus descended from the mountain to a place of humble earthly service, right before his ultimate descent into the grave that miraculously paved our path up the mountain to glory. ...

Jesus Through Isaiah’s Eyes: Home

The word “home” represents different things — both negative and positive — for different people depending on their heritage, upbringing, and life journey. But as we see in Isaiah 65, there is a universal future home promised in Scripture that is perfect in its nature — with no grief, no tears, and abundant blessing. When Jesus left his heavenly home, he came to earth with the ultimate goal of securing this future for us. Listen to this sermon as we discover how God invites each of us to pers...

Jesus Through Isaiah’s Eyes: Provision

Isaiah 35 gives us a beautiful picture of a wilderness that is transformed by God's presence and provision. It serves as a promise to God's people that it is in the wilderness of our lives — where we lack clarity and control — that we see God most clearly, and we find that he has come to rescue us. Isaiah's transformed wilderness vision points us forward to Jesus, who meets us in the wilderness of this world and there enables us to find God’s presence, protection, and path. Listen to this se...

Jesus Through Isaiah’s Eyes: Celebration!

The Old Testament principle of Jubilee was familiar to the Jews of Jesus’ day — a celebratory year of release during which all debts were forgiven and all servants set free. But when Jesus’ inaugurated his ministry, he came to proclaim a Jubilee that was far greater. In Isaiah 61, we see Jesus taking this concept of Jubilee and alluding to an ultimate release that he, as the anointed one, offers to all people — one where those who are both materially and spiritually poor, brokenhearted, capt...

Jesus Through Isaiah’s Eyes: Beautiful News

Jesus Through Isaiah’s Eyes: Engraved

Isaiah 49 reveals the very heart of God, — perhaps unlike any other passage. For most if not all people, perhaps everyone — whether a Christian or a non-believer — our biggest problem is that we do not believe that God really loves us. That is what easily leads to a kind of spiritual despondency. But when we feel forgotten or forsaken, our hope and our confidence can be found in remembering who God is, what he's done, and what he's promised to do. Listen to our sermon to learn more about the...

Jesus Through Isaiah’s Eyes: The Servant King

The 18th century theologian Jonathan Edwards insightfully remarked in one of his sermons that there is an admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies in Jesus Christ. Jesus does indeed bring together in his person and work beautiful attributes that we simply wouldn't expect, but once we see them, they bring us to a place of wonder and worship. Listen to this sermon to see how this conjunction of diverse excellencies in the coming Messiah was anticipated by the prophet Isaiah.  ________ S...

Jesus Through Isaiah’s Eyes: The Lord Of The Fast

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: Astonished

Many people assume that we can separate the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount from the teacher. In almost every other religion that is true. The teaching is primary and the teacher is secondary, so we can accept the teaching and discard the teacher. But when it comes to the Sermon on the Mount we encounter a difficulty. If we try to separate the teaching from the person who offered it, the Sermon on the Mount becomes ludicrous and nonsensical. That's why the crowds who first heard Jesus sp...

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: Foundations

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: Narrow-Minded

No one wants to be "narrow-minded" if that means being intolerant, unsympathetic, and petty. But if we are not "narrow-minded" in the sense that Jesus requires, then we will miss the open and inclusive invitation that Jesus offers to us all to experience the presence and power of God.  ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

Vision Night: Vision Night 2024

Central Church hosted it first-ever Vision Night to remember our past, celebrate our present, and anticipate our future. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: All You Have to Do Is Ask

Jesus offers us some of the strongest reasons and greatest encouragements to pray that we will find anywhere. If we are facing a need, if we are not sure what we are looking for, if a door has been closed in our face — all we have to do is ask! Listen to the sermon as we consider some of the general as well as specific implications of Jesus' astonishing promises when it comes to prayer. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on I...

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: How Not to Judge

Jesus famously says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” At first, the teaching of how not to judge may seem straightforward and clear. But upon reflection, it is far more complex and far more difficult to practice than we might think. In this sermon, we consider the context of judgment, the complexity of judgment, and the key to judgment. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

The Gospel in the Carols: We Three Kings

The Gospel in the Carols: Once in Royal David’s City

The Gospel in the Carols: O Holy Night

The Gospel in the Carols: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Charles Wesley was walking to church one Christmas morning when he was inspired by the sound of all the London church bells ringing. He subsequently wrote a poem which he intended to be read every year on Christmas Day, and it eventually became one of the world's most beloved carols. The power of Christmas carols lies in the fact that the whole gospel is contained within these songs; that is especially true of this one as this carol tells us about what Jesus has accomplished for us through h...

The Gospel in the Carols: What Child Is This?

During this Advent season, we will explore the gospel message contained in some of our favorite hymns. This week we turn to “What Child Is This?” This carol was written by William Chatterton Dix who established himself as a successful businessman managing an insurance office in Glasgow, Scotland. But during his late ‘20s he was struck with a near-fatal illness which threw him into a severe depression. While recovering from his illness, he had a spiritual awakening which changed him forever. ...

The Gospel in the Carols: Joy to the World!

This Advent, we are engaging in a series focused on the gospel in some of our favorite Christmas carols. We begin this sermon series by looking closely at “Joy to the World,” which is based on Psalm 98. The song describes the second coming of Jesus as the risen and reigning king, to restore and renew all things. As we examine this song, we will look at the cause for joy: the Lord has come, the scope of joy: as far as the curse is found, and the call to joy: repeat the sounding joy. ________...

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: The Anxiety Opportunity

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: Treasure

Jesus famously said, "Wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be also." We all have something we treasure, and our heart moves to be wherever we place it. In other words, our identity is bound up with our treasure. We become whatever we most love. The problem, from Jesus' point of view, is not that we treasure something. The problem is that we often treasure the wrong thing. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Inst...

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: Prayer 101

Right in the middle of the greatest sermon ever told, Jesus offers the greatest prayer ever uttered. The Lord's Prayer may be the most recited prayer in the entire history of human civilization. Though it is familiar, we may fail to appreciate its significance and power. As Jesus lays out God's new way of being human in the Sermon on the Mount, he leads his followers through the school of prayer. If you have ever struggled to know how prayer works, or if prayer works, then this message is fo...

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: Bad Religion, Then and Now

One of the most common reasons why people reject Christianity is because of the hypocrisy of Christians. But if we have a problem with the way in which religion is often practiced, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus is even more troubled by counterfeit forms of spirituality than we are. As we continue our exploration of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals the marks of false spirituality so that we might practice the real thing. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. V...

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: The Jesus Way

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: Speaking Truth in a Post-Truth World

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: Love, Lust, and the Christian Life

Many modern people consider the Bible's views on sex and sexuality as not only outdated, but oppressive. And yet it seems that just as many people are disappointed and confused by their relationships. To our own surprise, we may find that the ancient wisdom of Jesus provides the kind of critique and guidance we are really yearning for. As we continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount, we discover what Jesus has to say about love, lust, and the Christian life. ________ Sign up for Centr...

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: Blessed are the Peacemakers

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals the anger that lies in all of our hearts. But as he exposes the danger of our anger, he also reveals the heart of God, which promises to repair our hearts. It's only as we behold the heart of God that we can trust in his kingdom, and thus reorient our hearts away from the fear that leads us to anger, and towards hope and courage that leads to reconciliation.  ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. Visit us on our website to learn more. ...

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: Is This Humanly Possible?

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: Don't Play It Safe!

Jesus concludes his Beatitudes with a word of blessing for those who may suffer mistreatment because of their close identification with Jesus, yet he calls us to be “the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world,” so that we can be distinctive, transformative, and penetrating for the good of the world around us.  ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: The Blessed Life

From ancient times right up to the present, some of the greatest thinkers in the world have dedicated their mental powers to the pursuit of happiness. This is the big question, and it’s what we all want. How can we experience true, lasting happiness? When it comes to human flourishing, all these thinkers, from the most sincere to the deeply cynical, have simply offered variations on a theme. No one ever said anything like Jesus in his famous Sermon on the Mount. ________ Sign up for Centra...

The Greatest Sermon Ever Told: What Kind of a Sermon Is This?

If the Sermon on the Mount is the key to understanding human flourishing, then the beatitudes are the key to understanding the Sermon on the Mount Therefore, rightly reading the beginning of Jesus' sermon is imperative to rightly reading the rest of it. In this first sermon of the series, we explore what it means to be blessed, who the blessed are, and how we are blessed. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagram, YouTu...

Everything Matters

Central was pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Jay Harvey, who gave a sermon on 1 Peter 1:1-9 entitled "Everything Matters.” Jay is the Executive Director of Reformed Theological Seminary, New York City. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

The Greatest Stories Ever Told: How Not To Lose Heart

In the Parable of the Persistent Widow, Jesus tells the story of a widow and an unjust judge, two unlikely characters in order to teach us both how to pray and how to have hope. Through the use of contrast, we see how much more God is willing and able to respond to our pleas.  ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

My Lord, the Lord

Central was pleased to welcome Rev. Dr. Scott Redd to give a sermon on Psalm 110 entitled "My Lord, the Lord." Scott is the president and Stephen B. Elmer Professor of Old Testament at the Washington, D.C., campus of Reformed Theological Seminary. ________ Sign up for Central’s newsletters here. Visit us on our website to learn more. Follow us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

The Greatest Stories Ever Told: RSVP