cross

April 1, 2024

Easter – A Living Hope

1 Peter 1

Jesus changes everything! Because of His death and resurrection we have a living hope…a hope that’s alive because Jesus is alive and a faith that continues to grow and mature as we follow Him. We need not live a life of fear, though the world around us is shaking, we can have confidence knowing that the temporary things may fade, but the kingdom remains.

So let us live as sojourners in this world. Let us live courageous and generous lives, preoccupied with the kingdom. And let us make an impact in the lives of those around us for Jesus…living like Him and living for Him no matter what comes our way.

Do you know Jesus as Savior today? If you have not yet trusted in Him, today can be the day of salvation for you. He has already done all the heavy lifting. You simply have to recognize your need to be saved…that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. And believe that Jesus came to do just that…He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death in your place and was raised the third day, conquering both sin and death. When you do that, the Bible says that your sins are forgiven, that you have eternal life, a living hope, an eternal inheritance, and that you are now a part of God’s family…a son or daughter of the King.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from Easter. 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.

September 25, 2017

The Death of the King

Luke 23.44-56

“How deep the Father’s love for us, How vast beyond all measure, That He should give His only Son, To make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away, As wounds which mar the Chosen One, Bring many sons to glory…Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer, But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom.” The cross shows the love of God in a way that nothing else in all of creation could. Jesus endured the worst physical torments our twisted minds could conceive…even those pale in comparison to the spiritual horrors He faces as He becomes sin. And yet He does it willingly for us, dying so that we might live… “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3.16)

So why wouldn’t we believe? Knowing all that Jesus endured on the cross for us…knowing that the debt has been paid in full…why wouldn’t we believe? Why wouldn’t we accept the free gift He offers? Why would we ever say, “No, thanks. I’m good. I want to bear my own sin and suffer God’s wrath for myself”? Why wouldn’t we…when God has demonstrated His deep and mysterious, overwhelming, all-consuming, never-ending and never-changing, beautiful, perfect and pure, crazy-amazing love for us in such a powerful way?

Until next time…stay salty.

This post is based on a sermon from our series in the book of Luke. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @ccclancaster

September 18, 2017

Crucified

Luke 23.26-43

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found. Was blind, but now I see. The cross shows the love of God in a way that nothing else in all of creation could. Jesus endures the worst physical torments our twisted minds could conceive… And yet He does it willingly for us, dying so that we might live. As The Jesus Storybook Bible says, “It wasn’t the nails that kept Jesus there. It was love.” What a Savior!

There are a number of different reactions to Jesus…the women weep. The rulers, the soldiers and one of the criminals mocks. The other criminal believes. How will you respond to Jesus? Is He a “would-be” King, or is He the King of kings? Is He your King? And if He is your King, would that be obvious to those who are closest to you? Are you proclaiming Him as King through your actions and your words like the criminal did with his buddy on the cross?

Until next time…stay salty.

This post is based on a sermon from our series in the book of Luke. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter: @ccclancaster