Center Grace Church

06/21/2026

Prayer is not about getting God on our side; it is about joining God's side.
James teaches that prayer is not merely an emergency response for difficult moments but the ongoing rhythm of the Christian life. Whether suffering, rejoicing, or struggling with sickness, believers are called to bring every circumstance before God and to involve one another in prayer. Prayer is not about creating special moments to earn God's favor or manipulating outcomes through personal righteousness; instead, it is about reorienting our hearts to God's purposes and walking alongside fellow believers. The power of prayer does not come from us but from God's character and sovereign will. Ultimately, Jesus Christ is both the object of our prayers and our perfect intercessor, who continually prays for His people and teaches them how to pray.

Prayer is not about getting God on our side; it is about joining Go...

06/16/2026

Spiritual life = A game of tag? Thankfully not. Although we might sometimes think of it this way, God's not "tagging" us and leaving us to fend for ourselves.

06/14/2026

Look upward, not inward or outward, to discover who you are.
As Peter concludes the series on spiritual gifts and the priesthood of all believers, he reminds us that spiritual gifts are not merely abilities for ministry but flow from a deeper reality: Jesus Christ is both our original source and our constant supply. Through Christ, believers receive a new identity as God's chosen people, royal priesthood, and treasured possession—not because they earn it, but because it is graciously given. From that identity flows a life of purposeful activity, serving both inside and outside the church as priests and sojourners who represent God to the world and bring the needs of the world before God. Yet neither our identity nor our service rests on our own strength. Christ, the living Cornerstone, is the foundation upon which our lives are built and the source of all spiritual vitality. As we continually come to Him in repentance and faith, He supplies everything we need to live faithfully for His glory.

Look upward, not inward or outward, to discover who you are.Sermon...

06/03/2026

VBS is on June 24-27! Have you registered yet? 🌿

Who: For children entering grades K-5
Where: Center Grace Church
When: Wednesday, June 24 - Saturday, June 27
Time: 9 am - 11:30 am
Registration closes June 10!

Register now: https://cgc.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3427142

05/31/2026

If you're wondering how spiritual gifts work, stop looking at yourself and start looking to Jesus.
Paul teaches that every Christian has been given spiritual gifts by Christ, not because of personal ability, but because of Christ's grace and power working through His people. The church is not meant to be a collection of isolated individuals but a body in which every member contributes to the growth, unity, and maturity of the whole. Spiritual gifts are not primarily about self-fulfillment or recognition; they are practical ways God empowers believers to serve one another and advance His kingdom. The power behind our gifts comes from Christ, the pattern for our gifts is found in Christ's own ministry, and the purpose of our gifts is the glory of Christ through the building up of His church. Whether we struggle with insecurity or self-sufficiency, the answer is the same: stop looking at yourself and start looking to Jesus, who equips His people and uses even broken lives as part of His beautiful workmanship.

If you're wondering how spiritual gifts work, stop looking at yourself and start looking to Jesus.Sermon starts at 30:30.Text: Ephesians 4:7-16Preacher: Dere...

05/24/2026

Earthly kings ascend by crushing others. Jesus ascended by being crushed for others. This sermon from Ephesians 4:1–10 centers on a foundational truth about spiritual gifts: they are rooted first in relationship with Christ, not merely responsibility for Christ. Pastor Derek challenged the modern tendency to build identity around productivity and warned that Christians can unconsciously approach God the same way—thinking their worth comes from usefulness. Paul’s repeated use of “calling” in Ephesians points not merely to a task, but to a Caller: Jesus Himself. Before believers are called to do anything, they are called to belong to Christ. Spiritual gifts are therefore not divine job descriptions, but expressions of grace flowing from a loving relationship with the King. The sermon then moved to Christ’s kingship in verses 7–10, showing how Jesus descended in humility, ascended in victory, and generously distributes gifts to His people like a conquering king sharing spoils after battle. Unlike earthly kings who ascend by crushing others, Jesus ascended by being crushed for others. Therefore, spiritual gifts are graciously received, not earned, and are meant to advance Christ’s kingdom in every sphere of life. Ultimately, the church is called to embody “the fullness of Him who fills all in all” by using those gifts in joyful communion with Christ.

Earthly kings ascend by crushing others. Jesus ascended by being crushed for others.Sermon starts at 46:08. See summary below.Text: Ephesians 4:1-10Preacher...

05/21/2026

See the full sermon at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5V0KWG7InM&t=1640s

05/21/2026

Registration for Rainforest Falls is open!
It’s going to be four days of activities, meaningful connection, and discovering the nature of God together.

🗓️ June 24 – June 27
🕘 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Center Grace Church
🎒 For children entering grades K–5
🍎 Snacks provided!

Make sure to get your kids registered before the June 10 deadline!
👉 Register via the link in our bio!

05/17/2026

Biblical unity is not sameness—it is harmony.
Text: Ephesians 4: 1-16
Preacher: Derek Baker
This sermon on Epistle to the Ephesians 4:1–16 launches the “All for One, One for All” series by showing that the church is not a collection of isolated individuals, but the living body of Christ called to unity, diversity, and maturity. Pastor Derek emphasized that Christian unity is not something we create, but something God gives through the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and we are called to steward it with humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. At the same time, every believer has been uniquely gifted by Christ—not for personal status or self-fulfillment, but for serving and building up the body. The sermon challenges both consumerism (“just attending”) and clericalism (“letting the professionals do ministry”), reclaiming the biblical truth of the priesthood of all believers. Spiritual growth happens corporately as believers engage, serve, and mature together under Christ the Head. Ultimately, the message points back to the gospel: Jesus gave all for us, and now His church is called to live all for one—His glory—and one for all—the good of His body.

Biblical unity is not sameness—it is harmony.Sermon starts at 27:20. See summary below.Center Grace Sunday WorshipText: Ephesians 4: 1-16Preacher: Derek Bake...