October 9, 2025

Dear Central Church,

Last night we had our second Bible study on Revelation with Dr. Dean Flemming. It was a thorough and insightful look at this book. Dr. Flemming is a scholar with credentials a mile long. Our time together, however, was not just an academic exercise. It was graced by the presence of the Holy Spirit. We ended our time singing, “Is He Worthy,” and that classroom was transformed into a cathedral. The Holy Spirit settled down on those gathered, and we felt that it was true: the Lamb does win. It was a truth that had taken the most important journey of our relationship with God: from our head to our heart. 

We need these moments. Experience may be the most compelling of apologetics. We can build air-tight arguments around our values and defend the plausibility of our faith. However, there is no substitute for when one’s “heart is strangely warmed.” 

I needed that moment. Part of our vision as a church is that people would “experience God.” There are times when I look at the world and it appears the Lamb’s victory is in jeopardy. Forces of evil that seek to destroy and divide seemingly rule the day, but Revelation reminds us that the one seated on the throne has a plan. His purposes will not fail. 

I invite you to enjoy this season of ministry at Central Church. The Spirit is moving, and I pray that we would have “ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church.” This Sunday, we’ll look at the words of the risen Christ to the church at Ephesus. It’s a call to “remember your first love.” If you’ve ever felt the fervor of your love for God is not what it once was, be sure to join us this Sunday as we hear the call to “return to the love we had at first.” 

Faith Promise Update - Last Update
Here’s where we are on Faith Promise commitments: this year, our goal is $192,400 and we have received $166,820 in total commitments. I’m praying that over the next week, we can close that gap and commit to fully fund this vision for local and global missions. 

If you haven’t made a commitment, please consider doing so! These resources will send missionaries, fund mission trips, provide disaster relief, support our food pantry, introduce interns to cross-cultural ministry, and so much more.

You can make a commitment by clicking here or we will have commitment cards available on Sunday morning. I believe God will use our generosity to impact lives around the world and right here in our community.

Until He’s Finished,
Pastor Mark