Central Valley Church Podcast

In Week 8 of The Fundamentals, we dive into what the Bible says about the Church and why it matters for every believer. This message explores the truth that the Church is not just a place we go, but the people of God called out by Jesus, united in Him, and sent to live on mission. We look at what the Church is, who belongs to it, the purpose of the Church, and how we are called to live as the body of Christ. This teaching is a reminder that we are meant to glorify God by loving Him, loving one another, and making Him known to the world around us. Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for years or you’re still learning what faith looks like, this message will encourage you to see the beauty of belonging to God’s family and living with purpose in His plan.

In this message from our Fundamentals series, we reflect on the power of Jesus’ resurrection and why baptism matters for every believer. Because Jesus rose from the dead, we can be made new, and baptism becomes the public declaration of that new life in Christ.  This sermon walks through what the resurrection means for us, how baptism symbolizes death to the old life and resurrection into the new, why baptism is an act of obedience, and how we are called to respond to Jesus today. Whether you are exploring faith, ready to take your next step, or remembering your own baptism story, this message is a powerful reminder that new life is found in Him.  Be encouraged today: because He lives, we can walk in newness of life.

In Week 4 of our Fundamentals series, Knowing the Way, we look at the powerful truth that salvation is found through Jesus Christ alone. This message walks through who Jesus is, what He has done, where He is now, and how we are saved by grace through faith—not by works, effort, or religion, but by trusting fully in Him. This sermon is a reminder that Jesus is not one of many ways. He is the way. Because of His sinless life, sacrificial death, resurrection, and victory over sin and death, we have the hope of forgiveness, fullness in Christ, and eternal life through Him alone. We pray this message encourages your heart, strengthens your faith, and helps you walk closely with Jesus this week. Stay connected with Central Valley Church: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud #CentralValleyChurch #Fundamentals #KnowingTheWay #JesusChrist #Salvation #GraceThroughFaith #ChristianPodcast #BibleTeaching #Faith #Gospel

What do we do when parts of our faith feel confusing? In this message from our Fundamentals series, we explore one of the most important and sometimes misunderstood truths of Christianity—the Trinity. While the word “Trinity” isn’t found in the Bible, Scripture clearly reveals that God exists as one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rather than something to avoid because it’s difficult to fully comprehend, the Trinity actually reveals something incredible about who God is. Our God is co-eternal, co-equal, and co-relational—a God who has always existed in perfect love. And out of that overflowing love, He created us and invites us into relationship with Him. In this message, we look at: • What the Trinity means and where we see it in Scripture • The difference between understanding God and fully comprehending Him • How the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit reveal the nature of God • Why God being Trinity shows that God is love • What it means for our lives to reflect that same overflowing love The God of the Bible is not distant or uninterested in our lives. He is a relational God who invites us into His love, His community, and His mission. Our prayer is that this message encourages you to go deeper in your understanding of God and inspires you to walk closer with Jesus this week.

We’ve reached the final week of our Define the Relationship series, and this message tackles one of the most honest and difficult questions many people quietly wrestle with: What if I married the wrong person? In this teaching, we step back from cultural ideas about soulmates and happiness-driven relationships and return to God’s original design for marriage. Looking at Genesis 2, Matthew 19, 1 Corinthians 7, and Ephesians 5, we explore what Scripture actually says about covenant, commitment, and the “one flesh” union God created. Marriage is not human constructed. It is God created. And what God joins together is meant to reflect something deeper than compatibility. It reflects Christ and His Church. This message covers: • What the Bible says about marriage and covenant • How to respond when marriage feels hard or disappointing • The difference between covenant love and consumer love • Real limits, wisdom, and safety in difficult situations • Practical steps to rebuild friendship, faith, and unity If you’ve ever felt doubt, discouragement, or wondered whether you made a mistake, this message reminds us that hard does not automatically mean wrong. In Christ, there is always hope, healing, and redemption. Whether you’re married, single, divorced, or widowed, this teaching will encourage you to anchor your relationships in the faithfulness of Jesus. Listen in and let God redefine what covenant love looks like.

In week 2 of our Define The Relationship series, we dive into understanding the purpose of our relationships—whether single, dating, married, or complicated. Pastor explores how Christ-centered living shapes every season of life and relationship, and why knowing the purpose of your current relationship status unlocks its full potential. Discover how singleness is a gift, dating prepares for marriage, and marriage fulfills God’s design. Learn practical guidance, red flags in dating, and how to honor God in every stage. 📖 Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 7 🙏 Key Takeaways: • Christ at the center of all relationships • Every relationship status has a purpose • Singleness is a season for devotion and growth • Dating should lead toward marriage, not just recreation • Marriage thrives when Christ is at the center Whether you’re single, dating, married, or navigating a complicated season, this message encourages you to pursue contentment, concentration, and character in Christ first. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and let God guide your relationships!

In this message from our Core Values series, we dive into two foundational pillars of who we are as Central Valley Church: Biblical Community and Family. What does it truly mean to belong to the Body of Christ? How is biblical community different from every other kind of community we experience in life? And why is it not optional—but essential—for every follower of Jesus? Using 1 Corinthians 12, we’re reminded that every believer has value, purpose, and a place in the body. You matter. Your gifts matter. And we need each other to walk out God’s will, find healing, carry burdens together, and grow in unity. The message also unpacks why family is one of God’s primary ways of passing faith from generation to generation. God is for your marriage. He is for your children. He is for your legacy. No matter how broken or messy your story may feel, God is still writing redemption into your family line. Whether you’re longing for deeper connection, feeling like you don’t belong, or fighting for your family—this message is for you. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and lean in. 📖 Scriptures include: 1 Corinthians 12, James 5:16, Galatians 6:2, 2 Timothy 1:5, Exodus 34, Genesis 22 If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded they’re not alone.

We’re kicking off our new series “The Core” by diving into the first two core values that shape who we are as a church: Biblical Teaching and Authentic Worship. In this message, we explore why the Word of God is essential to the life of every follower of Jesus and why it can be trusted as truth. We also unpack what authentic worship really means—not just singing songs, but living a life fully devoted to honoring God in every area. This teaching challenges us to ask honest questions: • Why does the Bible matter, and can it truly be trusted? • What does it mean to genuinely follow Jesus? • How do we know if our worship is authentic or just routine? • How should worship shape our daily lives, relationships, and character? This message is both foundational and practical, calling us to be people who are rooted in Scripture and transformed through sincere, wholehearted worship. It’s an invitation to grow deeper in truth, live with integrity, and allow God to shape us into the likeness of Christ. 🎧 Listen in and examine what truly sits at the core of your faith.

As we close out 2025, Pastor Josh shares a reflective and encouraging message for our Central Valley Church family. This end-of-year message looks back on God’s faithfulness throughout the past year—celebrating growth, salvations, baptisms, freedom, and the many ways God has moved in our church and in our lives. Pastor Josh highlights the key sermon series of 2025 and the three themes God has been shaping in us: growing deeper in our relationship with Jesus, trusting in God’s sovereignty, and being transformed into the image of Christ. As we reflect on where we’ve been, we’re invited to step into 2026 with confidence, hope, and renewed faith—knowing that God is not finished with us yet. We pray this message encourages you and prepares your heart for the year ahead. God bless you, and Happy New Year from Central Valley Church.

In this message, Missionary Shane Lehman shares what it truly means to live a life available to the Holy Spirit and to bring the gospel to places where darkness feels overwhelming. Drawing from real-life mission experiences in Oaxaca and beyond, this sermon reminds us that life with God was never meant to be boring—it is meant to be alive, adventurous, and fully surrendered. Shane challenges believers to examine their availability to the Holy Spirit each day, emphasizing that transformation happens when we stop asking God to bless our plans and instead ask Him what He wants to do. Through stories of salvation in villages, gas stations, taxis, and forgotten places, we see how Jesus brings life where death once ruled. This message centers on John 10:10 and John 14:6, declaring that Jesus alone is the way, the truth, and the life, and that true abundance is not found in comfort or prosperity but in encounters with God, obedience, and freedom from deception. You will also hear: • The call to go where others will not and love people who feel forgotten • Why idols still exist today, even when they look modern or spiritual • A fresh perspective on “Doubting Thomas” as Honest Thomas—a disciple willing to die for Jesus • How God destroys idols not to shame us, but to give us real life This sermon is a bold reminder that Jesus is enough, that the gospel is still powerful today, and that every believer is invited into a life of purpose, courage, and obedience. 📖 Scriptures referenced include: John 10:10, John 14:6, Romans 10:14–15, Matthew 24, and more. If this message stirred your heart, consider sharing it with someone who needs hope, truth, and life in Christ. #CentralValleyChurch #Missions #LifeInChrist #HolySpirit #JesusIsTheWay #FaithInAction

🎄 The Gift of Light | Pastor Alex | John 1:9–13 This Christmas season, we’re opening up a series on the gifts Jesus brings—and today’s gift is Light. In John 1:9–13, we’re reminded that Jesus came into the world He created… and yet many didn’t recognize Him. Still, to all who believe and receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God. In this message, Pastor Alex breaks down: ✨ What the Light is (life, truth, God revealed, hope & salvation) 🔎 What the Light does (reveals our true condition, brings real hope, and transforms us into light-bearers) 🔥 How we respond: receive the Light through repentance and faith—and then let that Light shine. No matter what darkness you’re facing, Jesus doesn’t just tell you “it’ll be okay”—He promises to walk with you through it.

In this message, “Called to Serve: Availability”, Pastor Josh unpacks what it means to live a life that’s not just intentional but also interruptible for the sake of others. Service isn’t just a task on a church checklist—it’s a spiritual practice that forms us into the likeness of Jesus. Walking through Jesus’ teaching on the greatest commandment and the parable of the Good Samaritan, we’re challenged to stop asking, “Who is my neighbor?” and start asking, “Who can I become a neighbor to?” You’ll hear powerful stories—from Jesus stopping for blind men on the roadside to a quiet hospital custodian who secretly cared for the homeless every winter night—that stir our hearts toward “from-the-gut” compassion. This message invites us to examine our spiritual practices, our schedules, and even our reactions under pressure, asking: Do my rhythms with God actually move me toward the hurting, the overlooked, and the strangers on the roadside? Listen in and be encouraged to live on mission in the ordinary: to pull over, to notice, to serve, and to let God use small, hidden acts of love to bring His kingdom close.