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Revelation 8 gives a picture of God's wrath in the end times. Suffice to say, it's not a pretty picture. Scripture tells us that the consequence of sin is more sin, and we see that in our times today. In this episode of Moment of Truth, Pastor Matt Shackelford reads Revelation 8 and discusses the importance of sharing the gospel with others while we still have time.

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In this episode, Pastor Matt shares the things he is thankful for! It has been an amazing year at Central Church and on Moment of Truth. We are truly grateful for what God is doing in Collierville, TN.

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Are we ever truly happy? Our state of happiness can be there one day and gone the next. But joy transcends our current circumstances. Joy sticks around when times are bad. Pastor Matt looks at 1 Peter 1 as we see what it means to rejoice in an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.

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The old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me," may be one of the biggest lies statements ever made. The tongue is a powerful tool that lays waste and devastation. But it can also build others up. Pastor Matt looks at the book of James in the Bible to see what it says about our tongue and how to use it for the glory of God.

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In Hebrews 9, we see that God takes no pleasure in sacrifices and offerings. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, we have been forgiven of our sins. Pastor Matt Shackelford looks through the book of Hebrews to see what the Bible says about the one and only sacrifice we need to be forgiven.

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As Christians, we have an urgent call to share the gospel with others. But often, we tend to drift away from Christ as we become complacent with our salvation. Don't put off the urgent call to Christ! Today is the day to share Christ with others! Turn to Hebrews 2 as Pastor Matt shares 3 reasons our salvation is too important to ignore.

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Why does God make us wait?

Whether you're waiting for healing, direction, a relationship, or God to answer your prayers, waiting can feel frustrating and even confusing. But throughout Scripture, we see that God never wastes a waiting season.

In this message from Acts 7, Pastor Matt Shackelford continues the Dwell series by examining the life of Moses. Before God used Moses to deliver Israel, He first prepared him through years of waiting in the wilderness. The same God who worked in Moses' waiting room is still at work in ours.

You'll discover:
Why God often works while we wait
What Moses' life teaches us about trusting God's timing
How waiting prepares us for God's purposes
Why God's presence matters more than immediate answers
How Jesus meets us in seasons of uncertainty
What it means to trust God when life feels delayed

Your waiting season isn't a detour. It may be the very place where God is preparing you for what's next.

Scripture: Acts 7:17–43

Series: Dwell

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What do you do when life feels like you've been thrown into a pit?

Whether it's betrayal, loss, disappointment, or suffering, every believer eventually walks through seasons they never would have chosen. The good news is that God doesn't wait for you to climb out before He comes near.

In this message from Acts 7, Pastor Matt Shackelford continues the Dwell series by looking at the life of Joseph. Through betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and imprisonment, Joseph experienced God's faithful presence every step of the journey.

You'll discover:

Why every Christian experiences "pit" moments
How Joseph's story points us to Jesus
Why God's presence matters more than your circumstances
How suffering can become part of God's greater purpose
What God is producing in you through difficult seasons
Why your deepest pit is never beyond God's reach

No matter what pit you find yourself in today, God has not abandoned you. His presence reaches farther than your pain.

Scripture: Acts 7:9-16

Series: Dwell

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00:00 When Life Throws You Into a Pit
05:50 God's Presence Reaches Into the Pit
14:58 God's Presence Is Better Than Comfort
24:42 God Is Working Even When You Can't See It
31:58 What Will You Do in the Pit?
41:35 The Lesson We Learn From the Pit
44:10 Your Pit Is Not the End of Your Story

Have you ever felt like God was far away?

Whether you're walking through suffering, uncertainty, or simply feel spiritually dry, it's easy to wonder where God is. But throughout Scripture, we see the opposite of what we often assume: God is the One who moves toward us.

In this message from Acts 7, Pastor Matt Shackelford begins the Dwell series by exploring Stephen's sermon and the story of Abraham. Long before Abraham sought God, God sought Abraham. The same God who called Abraham still pursues people today through Jesus Christ.

You'll discover:
Why God's presence isn't limited by a place
How Abraham's story points to God's pursuit of His people
Why God always makes the first move
What it means to live by faith instead of sight
How Stephen's message points us to Jesus
Why you can trust God even when His plan isn't fully visible
How Jesus makes it possible for us to dwell in God's presence forever

No matter how far away you may feel, God's presence goes farther.

Scripture: Acts 7:1-8

Series: Dwell

Visit https://www.centralchurch.com to get involved with Central Church.

00:00 Why We Feel Distant from God
05:01 Stephen's Defense & God's Presence
07:20 The Big Idea: God's Presence Goes the Distance
08:17 Abraham: Called to Follow God
19:03 God Always Makes the First Move
31:20 Living by Faith, Not by Sight
46:04 Jesus Came So God Could Be With You

What happens when following Jesus puts a target on your back?

In this sermon from Pastor Matt Shackelford, we continue our Growing Pains series through Acts and examine the life of Stephen, one of the most courageous believers in the New Testament. As pressure, opposition, and persecution close in around him, Stephen responds with remarkable faith, wisdom, and peace.

Whether you're facing challenges at work, in your family, or in your faith, Stephen's example shows us how to remain Christlike when life gets difficult. Discover what it means to be filled with the Spirit, faithful under pressure, and fearless in the face of opposition.

📖 Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

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00:00 Who Are You Trying to Be Like?
08:15 Point 1: Filled With God's Power
26:30 Point 2: Faithful Under Persecution
41:30 Point 3: Fearless With Peace
46:45 Applications for Today
48:00 The Story of St. Patrick
49:00 Communion & Closing Prayer

Visit https://www.centralchurch.com to get involved with Central Church.

What happens when a church starts growing faster than its systems can handle?

In this sermon from Acts 6, Pastor Matt Shackelford explores one of the first major challenges faced by the early church. As more people came to faith, new problems emerged. Complaints surfaced, needs were overlooked, and the apostles had to decide how to respond without losing sight of their mission.

Discover how healthy churches handle conflict, why growth always creates pressure, and what Acts 6 teaches about leadership, calling, and serving others. Whether you're involved in church leadership, serving in ministry, or simply trying to navigate conflict in your own life, this message offers practical biblical wisdom for growing through challenges instead of being defeated by them.

Why do so many people see Christians as angry, divisive, and judgmental?

In this sermon from Philippians 2, Pastor Matt challenges believers to rethink what spiritual maturity actually looks like. Looking at the lives of the Protestant Reformer, both their courage and their flaws, we’re reminded that truth without love can damage our witness.

This message explores:

Why Christians struggle with unity
The danger of pride and contentiousness
What it means to have the mind of Christ
How humility becomes a compelling witness to the world

Jesus didn’t grasp for power. He gave Himself away. And mature believers are called to do the same.