discipleship

December 16, 2024

O Come, All Ye Faithful (Love)

Matthew 2.1-12

A tale of two kings…a tale of two loves. Herod, an earthly king, living in Jerusalem, seeks to build a name and a kingdom for himself. Jesus, the true King, has already been given a Name and a kingdom.

Herod’s love is a very worldly love…love for his own kingdom, love of power, prestige, position, pleasure. A love that was very selfish and self-serving. A love that did not save him because it could not. Jesus was a real threat to Herod because he knew what was at stake. If Herod didn’t think Jesus might indeed be a king…the King…if he didn’t think Jesus, though now just a Child, could in fact dethrone him, rule over him, take allegiance from him, he would not have felt threatened. But Jesus is a real threat to anyone who thinks seriously about Him. If Jesus is King…you’re not. It means your dethronement. It means your submission. It means you can’t lead your life any longer, as Herod did, according to your worldly loves. If Jesus is who He says He is, you either love Him or you hate Him! Herod represents King Me…his response to the true King, to King Jesus is hatred and rejection.

The Magi’s love is other-worldly…it’s clear where their loyalties lie. The Magi give their allegiance to Someone far greater than any earthly king…their King’s arrival was announced by the heavens. A star pointed the way. The Magi’s love led them to go to incredible lengths to see Jesus, and seeing Him, they couldn’t help but worship Him, expressing their love for Him for what He would do and God’s love already demonstrated in sending Him. They brought costly gifts…another natural expression of their love. In Him, they found an Object worthy of great pursuit…chasing after Him with all they had…their love for Jesus is clear…Jesus, the long-awaited Jewish Messiah, the Warrior-King from the line of David, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Hero of the Story and the only One who could rescue them, the Savior of the nations. The Magi recognize Jesus as King, and their response to Him is worship and adoration.

Where are your affections this Christmas? Who or what do you love? Is it causing you to be selfish and self-serving? Is it causing you to want to protect your stuff? If so, you may be giving your affections to people or things that are destined to disappoint. Or are you loving Jesus, the only One who can save and deliver and rescue…not just in an eternal sense, but also here and now? Is He the Object of your affections…your devotion every day? Do you live that way…going to great lengths to be in His presence, to worship Him, to serve Him with the same passion and diligence that the Magi did? Are you living as one who has realized their hope in Jesus, who’s experienced God’s amazing love? Are we as God’s people making much of Jesus this Christmas, or are we caught up in the hustle and bustle of building our own little kingdoms?

If you don’t know Jesus as Savior today…if He is not the King you adore, make today the day. To do so starts with acknowledging that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and then believing that Jesus is the Savior that God promised would come. He lived a perfect life. He died a sacrificial death on your behalf. He was raised the third day showing that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him you could have forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

O Come All Ye Faithful…Christmas is a busy season, and we have a thousand things on our minds and a thousand things to do. But through it all, let us remember to come and adore Jesus who loves us and proved that love by coming into the world to bring us light for our darkness…and joy…and life eternal.

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This post is based on a sermon from our Advent series: Songs of the Season. 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 11, 2024

IMPACT Promise Week 6: The Generosity of God

2 Corinthians 9.10-15

“Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all generosity, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.”

Last weekend Wendy and I were visiting our son’s church, and the pastor said something that stuck with me about giving. We will call it four views of “my stuff”: 1) all that I have is mine 2) the more is mine 3) some of what I have is mine or 4) all that I have belongs to the LORD (generous/kingdom IMPACT mindset). Helpful way of thinking about this idea of generosity.

Everything we have comes from the LORD. Everything. He has entrusted us with His resources. He provides the seed…time, talent, experience, gifts, money/stuff…and He expects us to invest those resources until He returns. Parable of the Mina’s in Luke 19. Guess what He wants us to invest in? Our kingdoms? Building bigger barns…seeing who can die with the most toys…having a YOLO attitude? And who gets all that stuff when you die? Eventually it all goes to the graveyard or the junkyard. What a foolish way to live! Or are we to invest in His kingdom? Yeah…His kingdom. Easy to say, but hard to do. It requires us to let go, rather than hold on. To recognize that we are not the main character in our story. He is. Our job is simply to say “yes” to Him.

Here’s the thing…our money/stuff and how we use it…is a good indication of our spiritual health (all mine vs. all His or somewhere in between). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges His disciples not to worry…about food or clothing…the necessities of life…God will provide for us just as He does for the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. He says instead that we are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to us. For where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.

Now’s the time to make an IMPACT. Strive to become a generous giver, not a bigger barn builder. Then watch and see what the LORD does.

IMPACT Promise is a great place to start.

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This post is based on a sermon from our IMPACT Promise 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 14, 2024

IMPACT Promise Week 2: The Overflow of Grace

2 Corinthians 8.1-7

Because of the grace of God they had received, the churches of Macedonia give generously and with great joy despite the desperate circumstances they are facing. Because of God’s grace.

That kind of generosity doesn’t come naturally for most folks. For most of us, even giving something may be a stretch. So, how do we get to this “generosity” thing? It starts by recognizing God’s grace in our own lives. That of course should lead us to offer ourselves to the LORD. His grace should motivate us to be all in! To have an IMPACT. And then, from there, showing grace to others…even in crazy, generous ways…is just the overflow of the grace the LORD has shown towards us.

There are lots of examples of generosity right here at Central…lots of folks having an IMPACT. Some of that’s through sharing their story. Some of that’s through serving. Some through giving. All of it through loving. All with the desire to be all in. To have an IMPACT.

So what about you? What IMPACT are you having right now? What kind of IMPACT do you want to have?

What would Central look like if everyone was as generous as you are? If everyone gave and served and shared and loved exactly like you, what IMPACT would that have, not only on Central, but around the block and around the world?

A simple start…sign up to be a part of our IMPACT Promise.

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This post is based on a sermon from our IMPACT Promise 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 7, 2024

IMPACT Promise Week 1: Paul at Corinth

Acts 18.1-11

Paul’s trip to Corinth is a game changer. A church is planted in one of the most affluent and influential cities of the ancient world, setting the stage for major strategic IMPACT, and Paul himself is encouraged by the Lord to press on to greater IMPACT despite ministry fatigue.

Following Jesus is hard work at times. Opposition and obstacles are often in the way. But the Lord is with us, and He will see us through. He still has work for us to do…lots of folks who need to hear about Jesus. Now’s not the time to shrink back. Now’s the time to forge ahead…to crash the gates of hell…and proclaim our Resurrected King. Now’s the time to make an IMPACT.

Like Paul, it’s our job to share the gospel…to be a watchman on the wall. The gospel is good news for those who receive it, but a warning of impending judgment for those who reject it. Jesus is either our King, or He will be our Judge. No middle ground. You are either in or out, for or against, saved or lost.

And also like Paul, we all need encouragement. Who can you encourage this week? Maybe someone who is having a rough go of it. Maybe someone who’s been out of the game for awhile. Maybe someone who has walked away from the faith for any number of reasons. Maybe someone who needs to take a step of faith. Maybe it’s something else. Whatever the situation…encourage them in the Lord this week. Another great way to have an IMPACT.

BTW if you have not yet trusted in Jesus, please make today the day. It is 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.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our IMPACT Promise 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 16, 2024

Jonah’s Prayer

Jonah 2.1-11 (Hebrew)

Jonah’s own need for the LORD’s mercy is painfully obvious as he descends to the depths of the sea in the belly of the great fish. It’s only then that he once again cries out to the LORD, confident that the LORD will rescue him despite the seemingly overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

What was the source of Jonah’s confidence? He knew the LORD. He had spent time in His Word. And so in a time of great distress, the words of God flood his mind. And not only does he call out in prayer, but he also offers thanksgiving to the God he knows will deliver him. What about you? When you hit the wall, what are the words that come to your mind? Confidence in the LORD? Or something else? That kind of confidence can only come through time logged with the LORD…getting to know Him through His Word and spending time with Him in prayer.

The LORD is merciful. Amen for that. I’m thankful for His mercy toward me. And I pray that I’m as thankful for His mercy toward others. I can’t always say that’s the case, but I am praying for it. What about you? Seems Jesus said something about that…blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy, right?

Anyway, we are reminded again of God’s sovereignty over and love for His creation. He appoints a great wind and a great fish. He directs His prophet and even uses the prophet’s disobedience to accomplish the salvation of a great number of folks. He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness and relenting of calamity. He loves the lost. He loves us too. He loves us so much that even when we are running from Him, He pursues after us.

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This post is based on a sermon from our Jonah 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 2, 2024

Living Out the Truth

Titus 3.1-15

Those who know the Truth are to live out the Truth. In every circumstance. Why? Because of the gospel. Because we have been saved on purpose for a purpose. That we might be careful to engage in good deeds.

The gospel compels us. We were dead, but Jesus has given us life. And He’s given us life so that we might share the message of the gospel with others. The hope that we’ve found in Jesus. That’s why we’re here…to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. To live our lives in such a way that others see Jesus. To be the aroma of Christ in each and every situation. To point others to Him. We won’t always do it perfectly, but we should always strive to do it intentionally.

If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, please make today the day. The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It is 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.

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This post is based on a sermon from our Titus 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.

August 26, 2024

The Grace of God

Titus 2.11-15

We live between the two Advents, where the work of the cross has already been accomplished…sin has been atoned for, the penalty has been paid, and forgiveness of sins and eternal life provided for all those who would believe in Jesus. And now we await the return of our King, the appearing of the glory of our Great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, to finish the work of salvation, removing sin and death for all time and establishing His eternal kingdom.

We were saved on purpose with a purpose. We have been redeemed so that we might be purified and be zealous for good works. We were saved to do stuff. To let our light shine in such a way that others see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven. We were saved to have an impact on this world for the kingdom. We were saved to point others to Jesus.

The King is coming back, and when He does, we will all have to give an account of how we invested the life He has given us. What are you doing with yours? It’s not too late. If you’re still here, He still has work for you to do.

If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, please make today the day. The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It is 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, that you might be His own possession, redeemed, purified and zealous for good deeds.

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This post is based on a sermon from our Titus 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.

August 12, 2024

Family Responsibilities

Titus 2.1-10

Paul exhorts Titus to speak the things that are fitting to sound doctrine. To teach the things that align with the Word of God. While times may change and cultures shift, the Truth never does. That’s why it’s absolutely imperative for the health of a church to be rooted in the truths of Scripture.

Teaching the Truth is important. But living It out…equally important. Hearing and doing. Faith and practice. One without the other will not do and leads to the dishonoring of the Word of God. But when we live out the Truth, when we put Faith into practice, then we adorn the teaching of God our Savior in every respect.

Reminds me of what Jesus’ said in Matthew 7.24-27, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. “The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

So, let’s strive to be a people who not only speaks the Truth, but also a people who lives It out. And let’s do it together.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Titus 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.

August 5, 2024

Taking Care of Business

Titus 1.1-16

Paul writes to Titus, instructing him to set things in order and appoint elders…men who are well qualified to lead the flock as stewards of God.

The importance of sound doctrine…of the faithful preaching and teaching of the Word…must not be underestimated. A church stands…or falls…based on its fidelity to the Scriptures. That’s why it’s so important that we have elders who are committed to promoting and defending the Truth and the truths of the Bible. They bear a huge responsibility. Please pray for them.

And watch out for those who don’t have a high view of Scripture. Their conduct, character and conversation always give them away. Out of the heart…

If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, please make today the day. It is 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.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Titus 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.

July 15, 2024

Joshua and the Walls of Jericho

Joshua 6

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho…well not quite. The LORD fought the battle of Jericho. And the walls came tumbling down.

This is a story of the LORD’s promise and its fulfillment, of faith and obedience. From start to finish, the battle is the LORD’s. He had given Jericho into Joshua’s hand well before the battle began. You see, what the LORD says, the LORD does. He can be trusted.

But Joshua had a part to play. His was to respond in faith to what the LORD had said. Jesus said, “Those who hear My words and act on them may be compared to a wise man who built his house upon a rock…” Hearing alone won’t do. There must be a response in faith.  For us as believers, it’s important to remember that faith is demonstrated by action. To hear and not to do is not to hear. To believe and not to act is really not to believe. What is it that you need to obey the LORD in? What response do you need to make?

What if Joshua had decided not to listen to the LORD and instead went with conventional wisdom? He’s a military guy. What if he devised his own plans? Joshua already knew the answer to that…he knew the consequences of not doing things the LORD’s way, of not trusting Him but instead choosing to go his own way. When the Israelites failed to trust the LORD and enter the land after coming out of Egypt, the LORD said you’ve got forty years to think about it. None of those who were supposed to enter the Promised Land would be able to. Had Joshua decided to forego the LORD’s instructions and rush the city using whatever military acumen he may have possessed, the results would have been disastrous. The same is true for us when we choose to ignore the LORD’s instructions and do things our own way. And we wonder why things aren’t working out…we’ve forgotten that the battle is the LORD’s.

But what if the LORD’s instructions don’t make sense? Last first, love your enemies, etc. Probably didn’t make sense to Joshua either, but the battle is the LORD’s. Ours is to trust and obey. Proverbs 3.5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your path.”

Presumably all of the folks in Jericho believed the Israelites were a threat. That’s why they shut themselves in their fortress. They believed that the LORD was on Israel’s side. They had a choice to make in the moment…they could have responded in faith like Rahab. They could have humbled themselves, acknowledged their sin and turned to the LORD (much like the folks of Nineveh did at the preaching of Jonah) and welcomed the Israelites in. And like Rahab, they could have become a part of the community of believers. Instead they chose to turn away from Him. And instead of experiencing the LORD’s mercy, they experienced His wrath. Sin is serious, and the LORD takes sin seriously. So should we. Jesus is either your King, or He will be your Judge.

Let me leave you with this. There is room for all in the kingdom. Rahab may have seemed like one of the least likely folks to make it in. She hasn’t made the greatest of life choices. And yet, when she has an encounter with the LORD, everything changes. Her life takes a different trajectory. Her past isn’t erased…it is a part of the story of the LORD’s grace in her life. And she has the high honor of being listed in the genealogy of the King (Matthew 1.5)!

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This post is based on a sermon from Joshua 6. 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.