August 14, 2023

The Goal of Life: Part 2

Philippians 3.12-21

Paul encourages his readers to follow his example in pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Living a life of intentionality. The trek down Torah Road is not a stroll but a foot race. The goal isn’t to casually cross the finish line but to crash through it.

Maybe you’re not there yet. So where do you begin? Like any kind of training, you just have to start. Get up that first day. If you are training for a marathon, you might try running to the end of block. Training for Torah Road? Make it a goal to read a chapter a day in the Bible and pray for a few minutes. And work your way up from there. Spend time with other believers…join a small group or jump into a ministry. Find a place to serve. Start to give. Tell one of your friends about the difference Jesus has made in your life. And repeat. Soon you will find yourself running farther and faster. Then following after Jesus becomes not just a thing, but the thing for you…a way of life. But it takes that initial step. The good news is…it is God who is at work in you to will and to work for His good pleasure. Your job is to say “yes”.

Watch out for the voices that are going to lead you astray. Whose example are you following? We live in a culture that is all about following and being followed. Make sure that those you are following are the kind of examples you should be following. Are they setting their minds on earthly things or heavenly things? And the same for those who follow you…are you leading them to be more like Jesus by your conduct and manner of life? Are you a stepping stone or a stumbling block?

And one more thing. Jesus is coming back. The hope of every believer is the resurrection of the dead…that when our King returns we will be transformed to reflect His glory. At that time all things will be subjected to Him. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. Everyone. And you will either kneel down before your King or fall down before your Judge. So welcome Him as your King today.

It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus is the Savior that God promised. He lived a perfect life. He died a sacrificial death on your behalf and was raised the third day conquering both sin and death, so that by faith in Jesus you can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. You too will have the righteousness that comes from God.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

August 7, 2023

The Goal of Life: Part 1

James 3.1-11

My righteousness or His? Confidence in the flesh only produces self-righteousness. Faith in Jesus? That’s where the righteousness of God comes from.

What Paul once considered gain…that “what does it profit a man to gain the whole world” thing…he now considers loss, a liability for the sake of Christ. Paul knows that his self-righteousness is no true righteousness. True righteousness can only come from Jesus through faith. And nothing even comes close to what Paul calls “the surpassing value of knowing” Jesus. Everything that Paul had given up (his righteousness) and everything that Paul had suffered for the sake of Christ…it was worth it all to gain Jesus. The treasure in the field. The pearl of great price.

What are the things for you? What does your BC (before Christ) resume look like? What are the things that made you feel like you were ok with God? Maybe even a good person. What are the things that would weigh in your favor if God graded on a curve? Are you still holding on to any of those things? Maybe something that gives you a sense of self-worth? Those things can sometimes be hard to let go of. Because they have been a source of pride. It’s what “I’ve” done. Putting confidence in the flesh. But those things will never make us righteous before God…they only get in the way. Jesus is way better. For Paul, giving up the “good” was well worth it. I wonder if we can say the same thing…

If you are still putting confidence in the flesh…if you have not yet trusted in Jesus…please make today the day. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus is the Savior that God promised. He lived a perfect life. He died a sacrificial death on your behalf and was raised the third day conquering both sin and death, so that by faith in Jesus you can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. You too will have the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

July 31, 2023

Walking Torah Road

Philippians 2.12-30

Unity requires that we as individuals, work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Out and not for. We are saved (justified) by grace through faith. Period. We are also to work out our salvation (sanctification). We are to walk in obedience. To let our lights shine. To follow Torah Road. The good news is…God gives us both the will and the ability to do so. It is a divine partnership, but He does all the heavy lifting.

Unity also requires that we as a church, work out our salvation with fear and trembling. A crooked and perverse generation is watching…the world is watching…to see what difference Jesus makes, not only in our individual lives, but also in our corporate life. Our “unity” quotient will have a direct impact on our “effectiveness-in-sharing-the-gospel” quotient. That means “we” not “me”. Not just one of us crossing the finish line, but all of us. Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ…

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

July 24, 2023

Who’s the Greatest?

Philippians 2.1-11

Paul challenges the Philippians to pursue “we” not “me” by putting away selfishness and empty conceit and with humility of mind looking out for one another.

Unity doesn’t just happen. It’s something that we have to pursue. Just like our own “knowing God more”, our walk down Torah Road. It takes intentionality. It takes practice. We will fail at it, but it’s not just about trying. We have to train for it. A great way to do that is to join a small group or a class or one of our ministries. Meet some other folks. Begin to live life together. That’s the one another’s in a microcosm. But don’t stop there. Look for ways to get involved in the larger body. Remember it’s all y’all, not just a select few.

The goal is not just one or two of us standing firm or crossing the line. But all of us. Reminds me of my experience taking tae kwon do with my son. Goal wasn’t just a few black belts. Our Sensei wanted everyone who entered the Dojo (local Y) to cross the line. And often the more advanced group helped to teach the less experienced. Black to brown/blue. Brown to blue/green. Blue to green/yellow/white. Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man attaining to Christ’s full stature. That’s what discipleship is all about. “We” not “me”. Not a solo activity, but a team sport.

Jesus is the King…our Resurrected King. He died so that we might live. He came to rescue sinners. Jesus is coming back one day. And when He does, He will either be your King or your Judge. He would rather be your King. So if you haven’t yet trusted in Jesus, please make today the day. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus is the Savior that God promised. He lived a perfect life. He died a sacrificial death on your behalf and was raised the third day conquering both sin and death, so that by faith in Jesus you can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life. You too can be “in Christ.”

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

July 9, 2023

The Priorities of the Gospel and Unity

Philippians 1.12-30

Two priorities for Paul are clear: proclaiming the gospel and unity of the body. The first might be done out of mixed motives, but the second requires oneness of spirit and mind…an attitude of togetherness.

As individuals, sharing the gospel…telling our story, investing our mina…should be a motivating, a driving factor in our lives. We weren’t saved to go to heaven…we were saved to serve and to share. To be a part of seeing the kingdom expanded through the spread of the gospel. Here in the valley and around the world. Part of that sharing…living a life worthy of the gospel we’re proclaiming. Folks shouldn’t be surprised to find out you’re a believer…it should be obvious in the way that you conduct yourself. You are a citizen of heaven, so live like it. Here you are just a pilgrim passing through.

As a church, sharing the gospel is also super important. It should drive the things that we do, the ministries that we offer, and the way we invest the resources that we’ve been entrusted with. But equally as important is our unity. That will impact our effectiveness in sharing the gospel. Our oneness of spirit and mind. Our standing firm together. Our striving together for the faith of the gospel. Our love for one another.

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This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

July 3, 2023

Greetings and Opening Prayer

Philippians 1.1-11

Philippians is a letter written by Paul to a group of folks who have partnered with him in grace…sharing the gospel themselves and financially supporting him as he shared the gospel with others. That partnership had forged a unique bond between Paul and the Philippian church.

As we will see throughout this book, the gospel is of paramount importance. Should be no surprise. Sharing the hope that we have found in Jesus is the greatest thing… We ourselves were saved on purpose with a purpose. To invest our mina. To expand the kingdom. To tell others about Him. Until our King returns. That’s something we are to do individually and something that we are to do corporately as we financially partner with the church to further the proclamation of the gospel both here in the valley and around the world.

If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, the first step in participating in the gospel starts with trusting in Jesus. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus is the Savior that God promised would come. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf and was raised the third day, conquering both sin and death, so that by believing in Him you could have both forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

June 26, 2023

Paul in Philippi

Acts 16.11-40

Paul and his companions step off the boat from Troas onto the shores of Macedonia, part of modern day Europe, a new frontier to carry out the same mission that Jesus gave to His Apostles way back in Acts 1…to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. In Philippi, the first of many captives to come are captured by the gospel…they are rescued from the kingdom of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of the beloved Son.

A wealthy business woman (Lydia), a demon-possessed slave girl, and a jailer…a reminder that the gospel is for everyone. No one is too far gone to be saved, no one so lost that they can’t be found, no one so dead that they can’t be made alive. I don’t know about you, but that’s good news for me.

Have you come to the place where you’re ready to ask the question, “What must I do to be saved?” It’s the most important question of your life. The answer is simple…believe in Jesus, and you will be saved. And not only will He save you, but He wants to use you to reach your household…family, friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbors, etc.

If you have trusted in Jesus for eternal life, are you trusting Him in the day-to-day of life? Are you able to pray and sing praises even in the worst of circumstances, knowing that you are not alone and that God is working through those circumstances to accomplish things that may only become clear when you look back at them down the road? Make no mistake about it. An unbelieving world is watching to see if we really believe what we say we believe. The storms of life…trying times and unfair treatment…have a way of revealing that. I’m reminded of Joseph’s words to his brothers… “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result…” (Genesis 50.20). That’s a perspective that only comes through time spent with the Lord, cultivating your relationship with Him in prayer and in His Word and with His people.

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This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

June 19, 2023

A Ferocious Faith

1 Samuel 17

God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. The story of David and Goliath is the story of a ferocious faith that conquers not only fear, but also an enemy of such gigantic proportions that he seems impossible to defeat.

Two men…Saul and David…have the same problem. A giant of a man, an overpowered killing machine, a fierce warrior named Goliath. Saul, seeing only the man, looking only at his circumstances, viewing the situation from ground level, considering only what he can see…is dismayed and greatly afraid. He relied on his armor and his abilities, his natural strength and charisma to face his problems. But when the problem was bigger and stronger and fiercer and scarier than him, he was paralyzed with fear. It’s easy to be like Saul. Just focus on your circumstances, see life from a pedestrian point of view, live life in your own strength and eventually your Goliath will come and stop you in your tracks.

David reminds us what it means to be a “man after God’s own heart”…a man who is brave and bold…a man of faith and conviction…a man willing to step onto the battlefield and face down his enemies, who knows that the battle belongs to the LORD, and who is trusting in Him to fight for him and with him. A man who does not look at things from ground level…whatever the circumstances…but who sees the world from God’s perspective. A man of ferocious faith.

So Dad’s, what does it look like to have a ferocious kind of faith like David? Let me give you a few thoughts. First, it involves spending time in the Word, time in prayer, time with other men…remembering who God is. David was able to be such a man because he knew the LORD. Not just as a passing acquaintance. But he had been to battle with Him before. David had spent time with Him and tested Him. Unlike Saul, David hasn’t forgotten who God is.

Second, it’s shepherding your family well, providing for them, protecting and serving them. Leading them and guiding them. Nurturing them. Fighting for them. You see a ferocious faith isn’t just for you…but according to Deuteronomy 6, it’s for you to pass on to your sons. To do that, you have to teach it to them and model it for them. But you can you can only do that if you have a ferocious faith yourself. You can’t lead them where you’re not going…Torah Road (no detours).

Finally, it’s acknowledging that sometimes life is hard, but remembering that God is greater. And Dad’s, for those of you who are here today, let me just tell you that I’m proud of you. For many men it’s not easy going to church. But by being here today you’re showing your family what it looks like to follow Jesus in the day to day. Sometimes in our walk with God we just need to show up. We live in a culture that has so devalued the role of husbands and fathers, the world…this community…this church…your family…needs you to step up and be the man of God that the LORD has created, gifted, called and saved you to be.

I want to ask one last question. Do you know the LORD? Years later One of David’s descendants, Jesus, will face down an even greater enemy, Satan, and having secured victory through His own death on a cross and His resurrection from the dead, Jesus gives the spoils of His triumph to those of us who believe…forgiveness of sins, eternal life, a kingdom. Do you know the LORD?

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This post is based on our Father’s Day sermon. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

June 5, 2023

Serving

Romans 12.1-8

We all have ways that we are conforming to the world around us. Hard not to do when you walk this planet. But as we spend more time in God’s Word and allow God’s Word to spend more time in us, the Spirit uses the Word to renew our minds and transform us to live and love like Jesus. We begin to see the world more and more through His eyes. We begin to want what He wants. We see that His will for us is perfect. And then offering the whole of ourselves to Him…serving Him…just makes sense. It’s the only reasonable thing to do.

Because of what God’s done for us, we want to serve Him…and we do that by serving others.

God’s gifted you for a reason…are you using your spiritual gift to build up the body? Of course that assumes that you know what your spiritual gift is. One way to discover what your spiritual gift is…is to serve. If you hear about an opportunity that sounds good to you, then just try it. If it’s an area of giftedness, you’ll know. It will “feel” right, and we won’t be able to talk you out of it. If not, you’ll know that too, and you can try something else. Remember the Christian life is not a one-and-done but a lifestyle…training not just trying.

If you want to experience the fullness of joy and abundance of life that Jesus talks about, you’ve got to get serving. So find ways to serve. As you exercise your spiritual gifts, don’t be surprised to see God use them in tandem with others, bringing you closer together and closer to Him.

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This post is based on a sermon from our For Future Reference series. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

May 15, 2023

Some Mother’s Day Encouragement

1 Samuel 1

Hannah was a woman of prayer, a woman of faith, a faithful woman, and a grateful woman of worship. Oh, and of course Hannah was a mom.

Prayer, faith, faithfulness, gratefulness, and worship…all things that are not just good for moms. They’re good for all of us.

Moms…you have the incredible responsibility of caring for your kids, and one of the most significant of  your responsibilities when it comes to raising them is the time you spend pursuing after the LORD yourself. You can’t lead them where you’re not going. So your training them up in the fear and admonition of the LORD is simply the overflow of the life you are living before them. That’s where prayer and Bible stories and taking them to church and your own lived-out faith come into play. Teaching them to worship the LORD just like you.

And Moms…as much as you want to, you cannot protect your kids from everything forever…especially as they get older. They will make mistakes, just like you did. So, take advantage of every one of those teachable moments while they are young. Teach your kids to be in the world, but not of the world. You won’t always do it perfectly, and your kids won’t always respond the way that you would have hoped, but moms, when you have done all that you know to do, continue to pray for your kids and be in the Word. You won’t always see the fruit of your labor…it may not seem like it’s “taking”, but remember…when they are in distress, when they are alone, when their worlds are crumbling…they will remember what their momma taught them. So be encouraged.

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This post is based on our Mother’s Day sermon. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Twitter: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.