discipleship

December 6, 2025

Frogs, Gnats, and Flies

Exodus 8 (Hebrew 7:26–8:28)

Three more plagues. The LORD continues His work to bring Israel out of Egypt.

A pattern we will see repeated throughout the plagues: The LORD makes the request and warns of the consequences of refusal. Pharaoh refuses anyway. The LORD brings judgment through a plague. Pharaoh and his people suffer the consequences. He asks Moses to plead to the LORD for him. The LORD relents. And Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. (Request. Warning. Refusal. Judgment. Plea for mercy. Relief. Hardened heart.) Pharaoh’s continued response to the LORD’s mercy is hardheartedness. A continual turning away.

Again, I’m struck by the LORD’s mercy. Pharaoh certainly doesn’t deserve it. Neither do the Israelites. And frankly, neither do we. And yet, the LORD is merciful. The question is, how will we respond to His mercy? “The people believed, and when they heard that the LORD was concerned about them and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed low and worshiped.” Pharaoh hardened his heart. The people believed and were saved. Pharaoh didn’t and was not.

How will you respond to His mercy? The good news is—anyone can be saved. Not everyone will be, but anyone can be. 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 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.

November 10, 2025

And So It Begins

Exodus 7 (English) 7:1–25 (Hebrew)

The LORD has promised to rescue the sons of Israel from their captivity in Egypt, to go down and bring them up, and to deliver them to the land. And now the work begins.

The LORD makes an initial request and gives a sign before He begins His great judgments through the plagues He will unleash on Pharaoh, his people, the land, and the gods of Egypt. We can easily get caught up in the plagues and miss that, in the midst of judgment, there’s this vein of mercy that runs throughout.

The LORD gives Pharaoh the choice. Let the people go, or suffer the consequences. But because Pharaoh doesn’t know the LORD, he refuses. His heart is hardened. The LORD’s instrument for hardening Pharaoh’s heart? His mercy. Every time the LORD relents, Pharaoh hardens his heart. Sad because had he responded differently, he could have spared himself and his kingdom the total devastation that is soon to come. But because he didn’t know the LORD, he continues to run headlong down the broad road to destruction.

The LORD is merciful. He’s gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and faithfulness, relenting of evil, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Mighty to save. But He will judge the wicked.

The good news is—anyone can be saved. Not everyone will be, but anyone can be. 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, the Bible says we, like Adam and Noah, Abraham and Joseph, 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 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.

November 3, 2025

The Promise of Rescue

Exodus 6

Pharaoh’s resistance has set in motion his downfall. Not only will he let the sons of Israel go, but he will also drive them out of his land.

The LORD has not forgotten His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Not only will He rescue the sons of Israel and bring them into the land, but He will also be their God, and they will be His people. And unlike Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He has made Himself known to the people by His covenant name, the LORD.

But the people can only see their circumstances. They “lack spirit.” It’s hard to imagine that anything will ever get better. And yet, the LORD is on the move. He will rescue them. He will do what He said. He will keep His promise.

Ever feel like that? So caught up in the circumstance that you can’t see any way out? Maybe you need to be reminded that the LORD has not forgotten you. In fact, not only do we know Him as LORD, but we also know Him as Father. Not only are we His people, we are His children. That is, if you know the LORD.

Do you know the LORD? If not, you can 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, the Bible says we, like Adam and Noah, Abraham and Joseph, 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 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.

October 27, 2025

From Bad to Worse

Exodus 5

Moses meets Pharaoh with a request from the LORD, “Let My people go…” Pharaoh gives a hard pass. This first request is not only refused but also results in a worse situation for the Israelites as their labor is increased.

The LORD is gracious. He gives Pharaoh the opportunity to let the people go willingly. The easy way. No plagues. No death of the firstborn. No utter destruction of his army in the midst of the Red Sea. No wrath of God…at least for a time. But Pharaoh chooses door number 2. The hard way, complete with plagues, death of the firstborn, destruction of his army…the wrath of God poured out on him and his kingdom.

But notice, the LORD gives Pharaoh the choice, and Pharaoh is completely responsible for the choice he makes. And while it seems his choice brings a short-term benefit, it will ultimately result in his ruin. On the flip side, while the people will suffer in the short-term because of Pharaoh’s choice, the LORD will rescue them. Though they may have forgotten His concern for them, He has not forgotten them. And He’s not forgotten us.

Jesus said, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you… (John 15:18–22).” The seed of the serpent will always persecute the seed of the woman. The wicked will always show enmity toward the righteous. It’s been that way since the garden, and it will be that way until the King returns. So we shouldn’t be surprised when we see it in our day. No need to despair. Although it may feel like we are losing in the short term, the war has already been won.

Do you know the LORD? If not, you can 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, the Bible says we, like Adam and Noah, Abraham and Joseph, 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 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.

September 8, 2025

Overcoming the World

1 John 5:1-12

The one who loves God loves the children of God. And the one who loves the child of God demonstrates his or her love by keeping God’s commandments, which is only possible for a child of God.

But how do we keep the Father’s commandments? And how can John say that they are not burdensome? Only through Jesus. Because He has already kept them. So when we live through Him, when we live out our new identity as children of God, we walk in the light and have fellowship with Him. We purify ourselves just as He is pure. Will we do it perfectly? No. But we should do it faithfully. And when we fail…and we will fail…we confess it and He cleanses us. He washes our feet.

We are known by our love or lack thereof. Love is an identifying characteristic of the child of God. Like Father, like son/daughter. Love doesn’t make us a child of God. Only faith can do that. But love distinguishes us as children of God.

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus yet, you can do that today. You, too, can become a child of God. 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, died a sacrificial death, was raised to life on the third day, conquering death so that your sins can be forgiven, that you can have eternal life, and that you can become a child of God. Then you, too, can walk in the light and have fellowship with the Father and the Son.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our 1 John series, “Unshakeable.” 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.

August 25, 2025

God is Love

1 John 4:7-21

God is love. As children of God, then, love is a defining characteristic of who we now are. And love should permeate and motivate all that we do.

I said this earlier, but it bears repeating. Love, in the Bible, is not just a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s not just good vibes toward someone who’s important to you. It’s not heart emojis and puppy dog eyes. Love is an action word. It builds up and spurs on. It sacrifices and gives. It doesn’t look out for “me” but for the good of others. It can’t help but help. When it sees a need, it meets the need. Bringing the full weight of the resources that the LORD has blessed us with to serve others. It’s the natural consequence of our experience of God’s love for us.

Jesus said that the world would know that we are His disciples by our love. So, if you are having a hard time loving others, what’s getting in the way? Love doesn’t save us. Only faith in Jesus can do that. But love is an indication that we have been saved, that we are children of God. So, again, what’s getting in the way of your loving others? Are you listening to the wrong voices? Are you following the wrong path? If so, you won’t experience the life that Jesus saved you for. That’s why it’s so important to listen to the testimony of the Apostles. To spend time in God’s Word.

The other end of the spectrum is hate. The one who hates is not a child of God. Love and hate, like life and death, are mutually exclusive. You are a child of God, or you are a child of the devil. There is no middle ground. Faith in Jesus is what separates the two.

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus yet, you can do that today. You, too, can become a child of God. 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, died a sacrificial death, was raised to life on the third day, conquering death so that your sins can be forgiven, that you can have eternal life, and that you can become a child of God. Then you, too, can walk in the light and have fellowship with the Father and the Son.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our 1 John series, “Unshakeable.” 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.

August 20, 2025

The Testimony of the Spirit

1 John 4:1-6

The Spirit of God testifies that Jesus is the Christ. The Apostles received this message from the Spirit, so by listening to the Apostles and believing their testimony, we become children of God.

How do we receive the Apostles’ message today? Through the Word. The Bible. It’s the testimony of the Apostles written down.

Discerning Truth from deception is just as important today as it was in John’s day. There are a lot of voices out there. It matters who you listen to. How do you know what is true? How do you “test” the spirits? It’s simple. Does it align with the Word of God? If not, don’t listen. But how will you know? No shortcuts. You have to spend time in God’s Word. You have to receive the testimony of the Apostles (NT) and Prophets (OT). Otherwise, it’s easy to be led astray.

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus yet, you can do that today. You, too, can become a child of God. 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, died a sacrificial death, and was raised to life on the third day, conquering death so that your sins would be forgiven, that you would have eternal life, and that you would become a child of God. Then you, too, can walk in the light and have fellowship with the Father and the Son.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our 1 John series, “Unshakeable.” 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.

August 11, 2025

Believe in Jesus, Love One Another

1 John 3:13-24

As children of God, we will be hated by the world just as Jesus was. And with that hatred will come suffering and persecution. But let us not lose heart. Because of our faith in Jesus, we have passed out of death into life. And just like Jesus, we are called to love.

Love is an action word. Love motivates us to do something. When we see a need, to meet the need. To go beyond words to works. Bringing the full weight of the resources that the LORD has entrusted to us to bear in serving others. Helping them in practical ways.

By believing in Jesus, which shows our love for God, and loving one another, then, we keep the LORD’s commandments. And when we keep His commandments, we remain in Him. Remember, we are children of God. We have a new identity. We are not who we used to be. Our sins have been completely forgiven. We now have fellowship with the Father and the Son. The Spirit dwells within us. So, our believing and loving come out of our new identity. Will we do it perfectly? No. But definitely something we are striving for and growing in.

That assumes, of course, that you’ve trusted in Jesus. That’s the only way to be a child of God. It’s the only way to have your sins forgiven. It’s the only way that you can have fellowship with the Father.

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus yet, you can do that today. You, too, can become a child of God. 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, and He was raised to life on the third day, conquering death so that your sins can be forgiven, that you can have eternal life, and that you can become a child of God.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our 1 John series, “Unshakeable.” 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.

August 9, 2025

Children of God

1 John 3:1-12

John reminds his readers that they are children of God who will one day see Him face to face. And so he encourages them to live their lives in light of that truth.

John once again draws a line in the sand and presents two sides. The children of God and the children of the devil. The doers of righteousness and the doers of sin. There is no middle ground. You are on one side or the other. If you have trusted in Jesus, you are a child of God, a doer of righteousness. How does that work? Because your sins have been completely erased. You have been made pure just as He is pure.

John’s still encouraging his readers to listen to him. John and the Apostles are children of God, doers of righteousness who walk in the light and have fellowship with the Father and the Son. The antagonists are children of the devil, doers of sin who walk in the darkness. Who should you be listening to?

If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, then like the antagonists, you are a child of the devil, a doer of sin. That sounds incredibly harsh, and yet that’s the truth of where you are right now because your sin remains.

But the good news is…you can become a child of God 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 Himself walked in the light…He died a sacrificial death to pay the penalty for sin, and He was raised to life on the third day, conquering death so you could have eternal life and become a child of God. Then you, too, can walk in the light and have fellowship with the Father and the Son.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our 1 John series, “Unshakeable.” 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.

July 21, 2025

Walk in the Light

1 John 2:1-14

John challenges his readers to walk in the light together, which includes loving one another…a we-thing, not just a me-thing…and is only possible when we have fellowship with the Father through faith in Jesus.

Jesus has made atonement for the sins of all those who have believed. Our slate is wiped clean. We are forgiven. We have both peace and fellowship with the Father. We are not who we used to be, but are now children of God. That’s good news.

More good news? If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, He has made that same atonement available to you. All can be saved, although not all will be. Only those who have trusted in Jesus. You can do that 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 Himself walked in the light…He died a sacrificial death to pay the penalty for sin, and He was raised to life on the third day, conquering death so that your sins can be forgiven, that you can have eternal life, and that you can become a child of God. Then you, too, can walk in the light and have fellowship with the Father and the Son.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our 1 John series, “Unshakeable.” 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.