Central Baptist Kannapolis, NC

In this Mother’s Day message from I Samuel 1, Pastor Dean looks at the life of Hannah and the powerful example of a faithful mom. Through seasons of pain, prayer, persistence, and praise, Hannah’s story reminds us that God hears, remembers, and works through the lives of those who faithfully trust Him. This message is an encouragement to pray boldly, trust God’s sovereignty, and remain faithful in every season.

On Pastor Appreciation Sunday, we were honored to welcome guest speaker Stan Welch as he shared a timely and encouraging message. This episode is a reminder of the impact of faithful leadership and a call to support, honor, and pray for those who shepherd the church.

What does it truly mean for Christ to be your life? In this message from Central Baptist Church, we explore Paul’s powerful challenge to believers in Colossians 3:1-4. Because we have been raised with Christ, our lives should reflect new pursuits, a new perspective, and a new purpose.This sermon highlights four realities of the believer’s life in Christ: pursuing heavenly things, setting our minds above, resting in our secure position with Christ, and living with the promise of His glorious return.If Jesus has changed your life, He should also shape the way you live it.

In this message from Colossians 2:11–15, we’re reminded that Jesus is more than enough. Paul confronts the danger of legalism and points believers back to the sufficiency of Christ. When we are “in Christ,” everything changes—the old life is gone, a new life has begun, our sins are fully forgiven, and victory is secured. This episode unpacks five powerful realities of salvation and calls us to rest in what Jesus has already accomplished.

In “Restored for a Reason” from John 21:15–19, we walk through Peter’s journey of rejection, repentance, and restoration. Though Peter denied Jesus in a moment of fear and weakness, his failure was not the end of his story. Through genuine repentance and the grace of Christ, Peter was restored and given a renewed purpose. This message is a powerful reminder that no failure is final with God—He restores us so He can still use us for His glory.

The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our faith. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul reminds us that without it, our faith would be empty—but because Christ has risen, we have true and lasting hope.Through Scripture and eyewitness testimony, we see the reality of the empty tomb and the power of the gospel.Because He lives, our hope goes beyond this life.

On this Palm Sunday message from Central Baptist Church, we explore “The Rejoicing and Rejection of King Jesus” from Luke 19:29–42. As Jesus enters Jerusalem during the Triumphal Entry, the crowd responds in very different ways—some rejoice and worship Him as King, while others reject or misunderstand who He truly is. This message challenges us to examine our own response to Jesus today and reminds us that He alone brings true peace.

In this message from Colossians 2, we’re reminded what it truly means to be strengthened in Christ. Paul calls believers to walk in Him, grow deeper roots in Him, and overflow with gratitude—while staying alert to false teaching and empty philosophies. In a world full of competing voices, this episode challenges us to stand firm, stay grounded in God’s Word, and live out our faith with confidence.

In this message from Colossians 2:1–10, we explore what it truly means to be “in Christ.” Writing from prison, the Apostle Paul warned the church about false teachings that challenged the truth about Jesus. His desire was that believers would be strengthened in their hearts, united in love, and firmly rooted in Christ.This sermon reminds us that all wisdom, knowledge, and completeness are found in Jesus alone, and calls believers to walk in Christ, grow in Christ, and abound in Christ with thankful hearts.

Continuing our study through Colossians, Pastor Dean finishes the message “Jesus: The Center of It All.” In this passage, Paul reminds the church that Christ is not just important—He is preeminent.Jesus is the Creator of all things, the One who holds everything together, the Head of the Church, and the only One who can reconcile sinful man to a holy God through the blood of His cross.From creation… to the church… to the gospel itself—Jesus truly is the center of it all.

What you believe about Jesus matters.In this message from Colossians, we see that Christ is not merely important — He is preeminent. He is the image of the invisible God, Creator of all things, Head of the Church, and the only One who reconciles sinners to God through the blood of His cross.From creation to the church to salvation — Jesus is the Center of it All.Is He first place in your life?

In this message from Epistle to the Colossians 1:1–14, “The Pastor’s Desire,” we explore Paul’s heartfelt expectations for a faithful church in the face of growing heresy. In a world filled with spiritual confusion, legalism, and false teaching, Paul calls believers to know God’s will, walk worthy, bear fruit, grow in their knowledge of Him, be strengthened by His power, and live with gratitude for salvation. A timely reminder that the church’s calling hasn’t changed — even when the challenges have.

In this continued message from Lessons for the Local Church, Pastor picks up examining the real problems facing today’s church—complacency, carelessness, compartmentalization, conformity, and carnality.Looking back to the early church in Acts 2, we’re reminded that God’s design hasn’t changed: a faithful, Spirit-filled body grounded in doctrine, fellowship, worship, and prayer. Though challenges are real, so are the possibilities—and Jesus promised His church will prevail.Are you just attending church, or truly part of what God is building?

This message from Acts 2 explores the birth of the New Testament church and God’s design for the local church. We examine its biblical purpose, confront common challenges facing churches today, and are reminded of the power and promise of the church as the body of Christ.

In this message we examine Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the tares—a powerful and sobering teaching about the present reality of the Kingdom of Heaven.Jesus reveals that while God sovereignly reigns over the world, His field currently contains both wheat and weeds—believers and unbelievers—growing side by side. Though they may look alike for a season, a day of harvest is coming when God will bring a final and righteous separation.This sermon explores:The meaning of the Kingdom of Heaven in the world todayThe Savior’s wheat and Satan’s weedsWhy believers are not called to uproot the weedsThe certainty of a coming harvest and eternal consequencesThe hope and future glory promised to the children of the KingdomReminder: there are only two kingdoms, two kinds of people, and two eternal destinies. Our calling is not to judge the field, but to faithfully sow the gospel and trust God with the harvest.

What is the Kingdom of God really like—and how does it grow?In this message preached at Central Baptist Church on Sunday, January 11, 2026, we walk through two powerful parables from Mark 4:26–32 where Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to seed sown into the ground and to a tiny mustard seed that grows into something far greater than anyone could imagine.This sermon explores:The Mystery of the Kingdom — how the gospel grows in ways we cannot fully explain, reminding us that salvation is God’s work, not ours.The Magnitude of the Kingdom — how something that begins small and seemingly insignificant becomes expansive, influential, and life-giving.Our responsibility as believers to faithfully sow the seed of the gospel and trust God with the results.The assurance that God’s Kingdom provides shelter, protection, and hope for all who come under its shadow.Whether you are a believer needing encouragement to keep sowing, or someone curious about the power and reach of God’s Kingdom, this message points us to the confidence, peace, and urgency found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Heart of the MatterMark 4:1–9In this message from Mark 4, Jesus’ Parable of the Sower shifts the focus from the seed to the soil—the condition of the human heart. While the Word of God is powerful, living, and unchanging, its fruitfulness depends on how it is received.This sermon explores four heart conditions Jesus identifies: the calloused, conditional, crowded, and cultivated heart. Speaking to both unbelievers and believers, the message challenges listeners to examine how God’s Word is shaping their lives and whether it is producing spiritual fruit.A call to self-examination and spiritual renewal, this message urges every listener to cultivate a heart that hears, receives, and responds to the Word of God.“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”

On the Sunday after Christmas, we turn our attention to what happened next. In Luke 2:25–35, we meet Simeon—a righteous and devout man who waited his entire life to see God’s promised salvation. Holding the infant Jesus in his arms, Simeon declares a profound truth: salvation is not a thing, but a person.In this message, we explore Simeon’s character, hope, praise, and prophecy, and we’re reminded that Jesus came not only as Israel’s comfort, but as a light to the Gentiles and the Savior of the world. Whether the past year brought joy or hardship, this passage points us to the sure hope, comfort, and assurance found in Christ alone.

Good News – A Savior Is Born From Luke 2:1–11, this message reminds us that Christmas is more than a familiar story—it is God’s answer to humanity’s greatest need. After centuries of silence and waiting, the angel’s announcement to the shepherds declared good tidings of great joy: a Savior had been born.This sermon explores why we need a Savior, tracing the problem of sin back to the Garden of Eden, and reveals the realities of who Jesus is—the Sinless, Selfless, Sacrificial, and Sufficient Savior. Born in humility yet fully God, Jesus came to rescue sinners and provide eternal redemption through His death on the cross.The message concludes with a clear call to respond: Have you been saved? Have you called on Christ the Lord? Discover the hope, joy, and life found in the good news that unto you is born a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

Emmanuel — God With Us celebrates the heart of Christmas through Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:18–23, where God’s promise of a Savior is fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. This message points us to the wonder of the season — that God came to dwell with us, bringing hope, salvation, and eternal life.

This Sunday, Pastor Dean Hunter brings a powerful message on the name above every name.From Isaiah 9:6 and Philippians 2:9, we’re reminded why Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

In this encouraging message, Pastor Barry Murray takes us to Psalm 94 and reminds us that even when life feels overwhelming, God offers real and lasting comfort. Through His living Word, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the support of God’s people, and the hope of Christ’s return, we are never without help.If you’re battling anxious thoughts or carrying a heavy heart, this message will point you to the God who holds you up, defends you, and delights your soul.

In this Youth Sunday message, Pastor Jonathan Lloyd walks through Philippians 3:7–11 and reminds us of the incredible worth of knowing Jesus above everything else. From the gain that comes through letting go, to the believer’s reward in Christ, this message highlights the new identity, new righteousness, new perspective, and new hope we receive through Him.

This week, guest speaker Blake Ragsdale, Executive VP of Communications for the NC Baptist Children’s Home, shares powerful stories of hope from the lives of children across North Carolina. Blake challenges us to consider what God is calling us to say “yes” to and encourages us to let our light shine brightly so others can see the hope of the Gospel.

This week’s sermon, “The Testimony of Baptism,” unpacks the biblical meaning of baptism as a powerful symbol of repentance, salvation, and new life in Christ. From John the Baptist’s message to Paul’s teaching in Romans 6, we see how baptism points to Jesus, confirms our faith, and serves as a public testimony of the Gospel.

James highlights the importance of not merely receiving (or hearing), the word of God, but responding (or doing) the word of God.

James is practical theology written to believers. If we are going to live out our faith effectively and victoriously, the Word of God MUST be a part of that process.

In our text today, James outlines the good and perfect gifts God gives to believers as a contrast to the temptations of vv.14-15. Just as man is solely responsible for our own sin and death/separation - God is solely responsible for the given to the believer that lead to life.

The reality is that every difficult circumstance we face as a believer can either strengthen us, or become a solicitation to evil. In our text, James teaches us “The Truth About Temptation.”

Last week, in verses James 1:9-11, we saw two examples of trials that affect all of us in one way or another. The trial of poverty (humble circumstances) and the trial of wealth/riches. Today, in v.12, James provides encouragement for believers who have experienced trials, are experience, or will experience trials.

James wants us to learn that the tests of faith we experience are ultimately for our spiritual maturity. Today’s text identifies two types of trials and every believer will face one or the other… the trial of Poverty as well as Wealth. And yes… Wealth can be a trial!

No question that… Christian conservatives are filled with emotions: Anger, fear, sorrow, grief, etc. And understandably so! As believers, we have a Biblical answer! It might not be a popular or pleasing answer to some; however, it is the answer!

In our text today, James 1:1-8, we are reminded that the Christian life is not a life without challenges, tests and trials. Everyday is not a Friday! And certainly this life is not “Our best life!” Our text provides help and even comfort for the believer who is facing trials.

How could someone fire a gun into a Catholic School knowing that there were innocent children inside? As believers, we have a Biblical answer! It might not be a popular or pleasing answer to some; however, it is the answer!

Past weeks learning about common men God used to do uncommon things. Jonah, Elijah, Peter & Paul. We have been reminded that “God is not looking for perfect people, He is looking to perfect people”. In each of these heroes of the faith, we witness God using them to accomplish great things in spite of their weaknesses and even failures/sin. So… knowing sin still exists, and knowing that believers still sin… what does the path to purity look like?

We see a man who is zealous about his religion but as lost (spiritually) as a man can be! However, we also see a man (as evil as he was) who was a candidate for God’s grace, mercy, love and salvation! A man who transitioned from Persecuting the Church to Pastoring in the church. From a persecutor to a preacher!

Past weeks learning about common men God used to do uncommon things - Jonah & Elijah. We have been reminded that "God is not looking for perfect people, He is looking to perfect people”. Peter is another example of an imperfect man who experienced the highs and lows of being a disciple of Jesus.

In this powerful message from 1 Kings 19, we’re reminded that God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things — not because we’re perfect, but because He is faithful.Whether you're feeling strong in faith or struggling to hold on, this episode will encourage you to trust in God’s provision, power, and purpose for your life.

Even though Elijah had weaknesses and struggles just like you and me, God used him and honored his faithfulness and obedience!

God uses people with problems/issues! If He can use Jonah, surely He can use you and me! Thank God He is the God of a second chance! When He offers another opportunity, be obedient! He is not willing that any should perish but that all come to repentance!

Despair for a believer is a place where God can get your full attention! A place of need! A place of total reliance on God! Hear what Jonah does when he finds himself there…

As citizens of America (or other countries), our primary focus is not on America! Church… it is easy to focus on the news, weather, wars, rumors of wars, politics, etc. Though we are active citizens of this great country, our eyes are to be fixed on the imminent return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Our Pastors Prayer: Keep growing! Keep serving! Keep walking faithful to the word of God and the work of God!“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” I Corinthians 15:58

Israel matters! God has established His covenant with them; and this covenant is an Everlasting covenant! Christians… we bless Israel! We love Israel! We thank God for Israel! Church… we love God’s nation of Israel; we support them; we pray for their peace!“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” Psalm 122:6

We all have a testimony as a Christian and a church member… Is your testimony Pleasing or Pitiful? A testimony of faithfulness to the word of God and to the Work of God? A testimony of love for the brethren? Or a testimony of pride, prating, and divisiveness?

Thank God for past generations of faithful believers who laid the foundation for many of our spiritual blessings today! But what about us? Are there signs of faith in your life? Do you have stories of faith?Listen to our latest sermon on Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify or cbckannapolis.com/listen.

Often times we view prosperity as advertised by prosperity teachers. Yes, God’s prosperity may include financial and material blessings but ultimately God prospers those who seek Him so that they may be a blessing to others by their service to Him!

1. A river lives a receiving life.2. A river lives a giving life. 3. An obstruction always makes the river deeper and wider.4. A river brings forth fruit.5. Nothing can stop a river.

Walking with Jesus ignites the passion we desire; we need!Walking with Jesus is the answer for doubt and discouragement!Walking with Jesus by abiding in His word opens our eyes to who He is! Confirms in our hearts that He is our Lord and Savior!Its time we begin walking with Jesus!

Jesus and the scriptures predicted that Jesus would raise from the dead… and He did! We have a promise of hope! The promise of resurrection! This life is not all there is! And yes… there are many proofs that Jesus rose from the dead; but none greater than millions of lives that have been radically changed by the power of the gospel!