Central Vineyard Church Sermon Podcast

We live more connected than ever, yet many of us feel unseen, unknown, and alone. In this opening talk of our Shared Life series, we explore why loneliness has become so normal — and how the gospel offers something deeper than thin connection. Drawing from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, this sermon invites us to rediscover koinōnia: a shared life that starts with a shared allegiance to Jesus, because the Gospel is a message about belonging already given.

As you consider your 2026, we invite you to consider how you will walk out living in God. Dan looks at church history, and how Perpetua and Felicitas embodied this in a radical way when they stepped into a Roman arena with joy, unity, and unwavering faith, leaving a lasting impact on those who witnessed their sacrifice. Today, we face our own arenas, and the question remains: how will we walk the way of Jesus?

In this final message of the Introduction series, Dan reflects on Mary’s story in Luke 1:26–38 and the extraordinary forming of love within her ordinary life. Exploring the Spirit “overshadowing” Mary, this message traces God’s dwelling presence from Creation, to the Ark of the Covenant, to Mary — and now to the Church — reminding us that love is not manufactured but formed by God in willing, available hearts.

Join us for this third Introduction reflection, where we look at Elizabeth’s story as a picture of how God develops deeper joy in us. Luke shows that her five months of hiddenness weren’t wasted — they were the darkroom where God transformed years of disappointment into a joy ready to be shared when Mary arrived. This story invites us to embrace the slow, unseen work of God in our own lives, trusting that what He develops in the dark will one day be displayed in the light.

Join us as we continue our Advent reflection series Introduction. In this second reflection, Dan looks at Simeon and the “peace of recognition”—the kind of peace that comes not from circumstances resolving, but from seeing Christ in the middle of our lostness.


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