Christianity

July 13, 2026

The Book of the Twelve – Amos Part 2 & Obadiah

Amos 7–9, Obadiah

Amos writes his prophecy to the northern kingdom of Israel to pronounce judgment against Israel for the multitude of her transgressions against the LORD, using courtroom language to warn them of future judgment in the coming day of the LORD, so that they will repent, seek the LORD, that they might live.

But Israel refuses to repent. She tells the prophets not to prophesy and refuses to take heed to the word of the LORD. And so judgment will come. But so will restoration. Because the LORD is faithful to His covenant promises even when His people are not.

Obadiah, on the other hand, writes to the southern kingdom of Judah, encouraging and reminding them through his prophecy concerning Edom that the LORD will judge the nations for their treatment of His people and will restore Israel to the land (Deuteronomy 30). 

A common theme throughout the prophets is judgment for sin, and yet the promise of restoration to come. Because He is the LORD, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and faithfulness; relenting of evil, who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin, but who does not leave the guilty unpunished.

If you don’t know the LORD, you can come to know Him today. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, we can be saved—not because of anything that we have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

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

July 6, 2026

The Book of the Twelve – Amos Part 1

Amos 1–6

Amos writes his prophecy to the northern kingdom of Israel to pronounce judgment against Israel for the multitude of her transgressions against the LORD, using the language of the courtroom to warn them of future judgment in the coming day of the LORD, so that they will repent and seek the LORD, that they might live.

Amos begins with the pronouncement of judgment on the surrounding nations, primarily for their treatment of Israel. And while Israel is no doubt in total agreement that the nations should be judged, she is none too happy when her own guilt is exposed. Even though she should have recognized the LORD’s discipline, she refused to repent and return to the LORD. And so, the final curse of the covenant remains. Exile.

And yet the LORD continues to invite Israel to seek Him and live. Hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate! Perhaps the Lord GOD of hosts may be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

The LORD invites us to do the same today…seek Him and live. Hate evil, love good, and do what’s right. Turn away from sin and turn toward Him that we may experience the life He’s called us to and saved us for.

If you don’t know the LORD, you can come to know Him today. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, we can be saved—not because of anything that we have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

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

June 22, 2026

The Book of the Twelve – Joel

Joel 1–3 (Hebrew 1–4)

Joel writes his prophecy to the southern kingdom of Judah, in order to expose Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness, using the illustration of the locust plague, to warn Israel against future judgment in the coming day of the LORD, so that they will repent, turn to the LORD, and be restored. 

The LORD had big plans for Israel. They were His seghola. His treasured possession. They were to be a kingdom of priests for the nations. The LORD had so much good He wanted to do for them. If they would only listen to His voice, keep His covenant, and follow His commands. They would experience all the blessings of the covenant He had made with them. He would bring them into the land. He would be an Enemy to their enemies and an Adversary to their adversaries. He would fight for them. And they would live securely in the land in peace. They would be a spectacle to the world for all the good that the LORD did for them. He would be their God, and they would be His people.

Unfortunately, they did not listen to His voice. They did not keep His covenant. They did not follow His commands. And so, the LORD, being true to His word, has brought the curses of the covenant on them in the form of the plague of locusts. But there’s still time to repent before things get worse. Before the LORD drives them out of the land. Before He becomes their Enemy. Before the day of the LORD comes, and they become a different kind of spectacle…a horror and a curse…to the world for all the evil that the LORD does to them. If only they would turn back to the LORD.

Maybe that’s where you are today. You’ve strayed far from the LORD. Maybe intentionally. Maybe it’s been a slow drift. But here you are. I think most of us have been there at some point. So, what do you do? It reminds me of the prodigal son. Stuck in the muck. Longing to eat what the pigs are eating. That’s pretty low. But then he came to his senses and remembered his Father’s house, and he turned to come back. And he discovered the most beautifully unexpected thing. The Father had been waiting for him all along and met him with open arms, celebrating His son who had been lost and now was found. That’s just like the LORD, “compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and faithfulness, relenting of evil, who knows whether He might turn and relent and leave a blessing instead?”

If you don’t know the LORD, you can come to know Him today. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, you can be saved—not because of anything that you have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

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

June 15, 2026

The Book of the Twelve – Hosea Part 2

Hosea 4:1–14:9

Hosea writes his prophecy to the northern kingdom of Israel, pronouncing judgment against her for her covenant unfaithfulness, committing spiritual adultery through her idolatry, which she refuses to repent of, yet because of the LORD’s love for her and His covenant faithfulness, He will redeem and restore her.

One thing is extremely clear. Israel has been unfaithful to the LORD. Chief among her sins is her idolatry. They’ve broken the first and greatest commandment. You shall have no other gods before Me. Israel was to be the LORD’s seghola. His treasured possession. They were to be His people, and He was to be their God. He had so much that He wanted to do for them. He wanted to bless them. To give them life, if they would only obey Him. If they would keep His covenant. If they would trust Him. And yet they failed. Miserably.

We said this last week, but it bears repeating. In fact, we will be reminded of this throughout this series.

Though Israel is unfaithful, the LORD is always faithful to His covenant promises to both Abraham and David. So, although He will bring judgment on Israel for their rebellion against Him, He will also restore them. Because He is the LORD. “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and faithfulness; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

This should serve as both a warning and a comfort to us. The LORD takes sin seriously. And so should we. Sin always carries consequences. Yet the LORD’s lovingkindnesses never cease. He will discipline His children, but He does so as a loving Father who is conforming us to the image of His Son. A painful process, but one that’s for our good. Of course, that’s if you know the LORD. If you don’t, your sin carries very different consequences.

The good news is you can come to know the LORD today. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, we can be saved—not because of anything that we have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

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

June 8, 2026

The Book of the Twelve – Hosea Part 1

Hosea 1:1–3:4

Hosea writes his prophecy to the northern kingdom of Israel/Ephraim, pronouncing judgment against her for her covenant unfaithfulness but also promising her restoration based on the LORD’s faithfulness, with the desire to see Israel repent of her idolatry and turn to the LORD.

Hosea’s marriage is a shocking illustration of Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness. Like a wayward wife, Israel has broken her covenant with the LORD, committing spiritual adultery with her idolatry. Not only does she not know the LORD, but she also refuses to know Him.

Yet the LORD is faithful to His covenant promises, both to Abraham and to David. So, although He will bring judgment on them for their rebellion against Him, He will also restore them. Because He is the LORD. “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and faithfulness; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

This should serve as both a warning and a comfort to us. The LORD takes sin seriously. And so should we. Sin always carries consequences. Yet the LORD’s lovingkindnesses never cease. He will discipline His children, but He does so as a loving Father who is conforming us to the image of His Son. A painful process, but one that’s for our good. Of course, that’s if you know the LORD. If you don’t, your sin carries very different consequences. Eternal consequences.

The good news is you can come to know the LORD today. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, we can be saved—not because of anything that we have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

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

April 27, 2026

The Giving of the Law and the People’s Response

Exodus 21–24

The ten words having been given, Moses now receives a series of instructions detailing what it means to live out the ten words, including observing the sabbath and the three annual feasts.

Then the LORD promises to send His angel to bring the sons of Israel into the land. If the people will fear the LORD and obey Him, the LORD will fight for them, and they will succeed. If not, they are on their own, and they won’t. It’s really that simple. So, Moses writes down all that the LORD has said, and the people’s response is a resounding “yes”! All that the LORD has said, we will do. 

We said this last time: the LORD has great plans for Israel. If only they would fear and obey Him. If only they would listen to His voice and keep His covenant. If only… And yet the LORD is faithful and will accomplish His purposes despite their unfaithfulness. In fact, the Law highlights the need for the LORD’s mercy. The need for a Savior. It can’t make anyone righteous. It can only reveal our lack of it. And our need for Someone to bridge the gap. Someone to save us because we cannot save ourselves.

So, Jesus will come. He will fulfill the Law because He is truly righteous. And because He is truly righteous, He is the only One who didn’t deserve the punishment of death. Yet He will willingly die for our sins, the perfect sacrifice, so that the penalty for our sin can be taken care of and we can then share His righteousness. That’s true for all those who have believed.

You can do that today. It starts with recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, you can be saved—not because of anything that you have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

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

April 20, 2026

Where is Your Treasure?

Luke 12:13–34

Where is your treasure? What captures your heart? What consumes your time? What gets you up in the morning or keeps you up at night? Is it on earth or in heaven?

If greed says, “I can never get enough”, worry says, “I’m afraid I may not have enough.” Both reveal a wrong view of God. Greed is short-sighted and turns our stuff into idols. Always wanting more, we think our stuff will give us life. When we do that, we forget or ignore that life is so much more than the things we have or the achievements we’ve accomplished. Life, true life, can only be found in our relationship with Jesus…the way, the truth, and the Life.

Worry is similar but different. It’s constantly asking, “But what if…” It’s a failure to trust God to provide. Instead of seeing Him as a loving Father who gives good gifts to His kids, He is a distant God who is unconcerned about the day-to-day of life on the earth He created. The weeds that choke out the Word in the parable of the soils are worries, riches, and pleasures of this life…worry and greed. Both keep the Word from being productive in a believer’s life.

But there is an alternative… if we want to live and love like Jesus, we need to trust God rather than our stuff. We have to believe that God is a loving Father who cares for us and what’s happening in our lives. We have to trust that He can and will provide as we pursue Him and look out for others’ needs. Then we can be generous rather than greedy, helping rather than hoarding. If we want to worry less, then give more. Remember, generosity is not about the amount, but the heart attitude when we give or serve. It’s seeing those things as acts of worship.

Don’t be a fool. One day, your life will be required of you. If your life reflects greediness and selfishness, if it’s the sum total of the stuff you’ve accumulated, if you’re trusting in your stuff, then you will be sadly disappointed. But if your life is rich toward God, if you’ve invested in His kingdom and loved people, if you’ve trusted in Jesus and allowed Him to transform you from the inside out, then yours is the kingdom.

pro rege

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

April 13, 2026

Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments

Exodus 19–20

Three months after the LORD brings the sons of Israel out of Egypt, they arrive at the foot of Mount Sinai, where they will have a terrifying encounter with the LORD and begin receiving the Law, starting with the ten words.

The LORD has great plans for Israel. His treasured possession. A kingdom of priests and a holy nation. If only they would listen to His voice and keep His covenant. If only… And yet the LORD is faithful and will accomplish His purposes despite their unfaithfulness. In fact, the Law is given, not to make them righteous, but to highlight their need for the LORD’s mercy. Their need for a Savior.

The Law can’t make anyone righteous. It never could. It can only reveal our lack of true righteousness. Our need for Someone to bridge the gap. Our need for Someone to save us because we cannot save ourselves.

So, Jesus will come. He will fulfill the Law because He is truly righteous. And because He is truly righteous, because He is innocent, He is the only One who didn’t deserve the punishment of death. Yet He will willingly die for our sins, the perfect sacrifice, so that the penalty for our sin can be taken care of and we can then share His righteousness. That’s, of course, if you have trusted in Jesus.

You can do that today. It starts with recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, you can be saved—not because of anything that you have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

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

April 6, 2026

Our Resurrected King

Matthew 28:1–20

Just as the women are instructed to go and tell the disciples, and the disciples are told to go out and tell all the world, so we also are to go and tell. To give our testimony, to tell our story, of what Jesus has done for us, what the resurrection means to us.

The resurrection proves that everything Jesus said and did is absolutely true. He is the Hero that God’s people hoped for, the Messianic King He claimed to be.

Both the women and the guards are witnesses to some amazing things that first Easter morning. But they arrive at two wildly different conclusions: 1) The women believe that Jesus is alive, which brings both fear and joy, a resurgence of their faith, a rekindling of their hope, eternal life, forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God; whereas 2) the guards, at the prompting of the religious leaders, say that Jesus is dead, which brings only fear and trembling, deception and despair, death…

If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, today would be a great day to do that. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death for you. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, you can be saved—not because of anything that you have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

Matthew’s Gospel closes with Jesus’ words… “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to k all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28.18-20). Come and see, go and tell.

pro rege

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

March 30, 2026

Who Is This?

Matthew 21:1–17

Jesus enters Jerusalem, and His final week of ministry is underway. Some gladly accept Him as their King, while others complain and reject Him as an Imposter.

None of the events of this final week will catch Jesus by surprise. Not one. He is in control of His destiny. He will lay down His life as a willing sacrifice. He’s not a victim. He’s not a bystander. He’s not “along for the ride.” He is the King. And He is in control. That hasn’t changed.

Everything that Jesus did was on purpose, including dying for our sins and being raised to life again so that we could have forgiveness of sins and eternal life with Him. That’s what we celebrate at Easter…our passing from death to life through the finished work of our Resurrected King. Let me encourage you to spend some intentional time this week reflecting on what that means for you.

And if you haven’t yet trusted in Jesus, you can do that today. It’s as simple as recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and believing that Jesus is the Savior whom God promised. He lived a perfect life and died a sacrificial death for you. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, you can be saved—not because of anything that you have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

pro rege

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