exodus

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.

October 20, 2025

A Reluctant Hero

Exodus 4:1-31

Eighty years old, and Moses is back in the game. Forty years in Egypt and another forty in Midian. His life of promise seemingly stymied. From riches to rags, from prince to shepherd, no wonder Moses was a bit reluctant. “LORD, send whomever You will…just not me!”

But the LORD isn’t going to let Moses off that easily. Every objection that Moses throws up, the LORD shoots down. You see, Moses may not think that he’s the right man for the job, but the LORD knows he is. He set him apart for just this purpose. Moses has his part to play, but remember, it is God who will rescue His people.

We can feel a bit reluctant, too, right? Now we don’t have the job that Moses had, but the LORD calls us to be His ministers in all the places that we find ourselves—school, work, neighborhood, with friends, family, co-workers, classmates, teammates, neighbors—all opportunities to be the aroma of Christ. We, too, can feel scared, skeptical, or ill-equipped for the task at hand. But if the LORD has us there, don’t you think He will provide the resources we need? And if you don’t feel equipped, what are you doing to get there? Our job is not to question the LORD, but to trust and obey. Our job is “yes.” “Here I am, send me!”

But do you know the LORD? That’s the first step. 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 13, 2025

The Burning Bush

Exodus 3

For forty years, Moses has been living in the land of Midian, presumably enjoying a quiet life. His life in Egypt is a fading memory. Living in relative seclusion. Ah, the golden years.

But God isn’t finished yet. Not with Moses and not with His people.

An encounter with the LORD in a burning bush, and Moses is called back into action. He’s given a mission. A message for the people: “I have surely seen, I have heard, I know, I will go down, and I will bring you up.” And a message for Pharaoh: “Let My people go!” Although Moses will have a part to play, make no mistake about it—it is God who will rescue His people.

God still sees the affliction of His people, He hears our outcry, and He knows our suffering. He’s already at work. On the flip side, He has a job for us to do. He does the rescuing, but we have a part to play. Our’s is to say yes. If we are still here, then we’re not done. He has work for us to do. To reach the lost, to storm the gates of hell, to advance His kingdom…

Do you know this God? 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. The Hero that God’s people had been anxiously awaiting for thousands of years. 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 6, 2025

The Birth of Moses and His Escape from Egypt

Exodus 2

The scene is being set for the Exodus. Moses, the man that God has chosen to deliver his people, is himself delivered from the wicked schemes of Pharaoh by Pharaoh’s own daughter. He’s raised as a prince of Egypt, but fails to deliver his fellow Hebrews through his own efforts, and so is on the run, fearing for his life. He lands in Midian, marries a local gal, and has a son. He’s all but faded from the picture.

But God isn’t finished yet.

The king of Egypt dies, and God hears the groaning of His people. He hears, and He remembers the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He sees, and He knows. And soon He will act. His faithfulness endures forever.

That’s good news. God still hears the groaning of His people. He remembers His promises. He will never leave us or forsake us. No matter how great the storm, no matter how dark the night, no matter how fierce the battle, even when things seem hopeless and we feel helpless, He’s there and He’s at work and He will bring us safely through! He sees, and He knows. And even when we don’t see it, He’s always acting on behalf of His people. It was true then. It’s true today.

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 29, 2025

Israel Multiplies and a New King Arises

Exodus 1

Exodus begins with lots of promise. The sons of Israel are becoming a great and mighty nation. God’s promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that they would be fruitful and multiply is happening. Good news for the Hebrews, but not so much for the Egyptians.

A new king arises over Egypt who sees Israel as a threat and seeks first to enslave and then to systematically destroy them as a nation. The enmity between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman is on full display, the wicked persecuting the righteous. It shouldn’t surprise us. It goes back to the garden and will continue until the Hero/King returns to set all things right. But until that time, there will be enmity between good and bad, right and wrong, the righteous and the wicked.

We see God at work in the book of Exodus. Working to redeem His people. Fulfilling the promises that He has made to them. Even when they can’t see Him…He’s there. That’s good news for the Israelites, and it’s good news for us as well. He will never leave us or forsake us. No matter how great the storm, no matter how dark the night,  no matter how fierce the battle, even when things seem hopeless and we feel helpless, He’s there and He’s at work and He will bring us safely through!

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 22, 2025

A Genesis Overview

The God of Genesis is a God who loves deeply, who creates and restores, who rescues and guides, who redeems evil. He is the Bringer of hope. He is the God who blesses—blessing is mentioned more in Genesis than anywhere else in the Bible. He is gracious and merciful. But He is also just, and He will punish those who reject Him.

Genesis begins with a man in a garden enjoying perfect fellowship with God—it ends with a man in a coffin awaiting his return to the land—a haunting picture of the terrible consequences of sin introduced when we revolted against our Maker. Death has invaded our world and made captives of us all. Yet hope remains alive because of the faith of the man in the coffin. God would one day send a Hero to rescue us and provide a way back to the garden and perfect fellowship with Him. 

The good news—the Hero that God promised has come.

Jesus, God’s only Son, came and lived a perfect life — a life totally in tune and dependent on His Father. He died a sacrificial death. He was raised 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. He is the Genesis 3:15 Head-crushing Seed of the woman—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.

August 7, 2017

Passover and Communion

Luke 22.1-23

With Judas’ betrayal looming, Jesus celebrates Passover with the disciples and institutes the Lord’s Supper/Communion.

Jesus is the new Passover Lamb. He is the fulfillment of all that the Passover anticipated…the innocent dying for the guilty, forgiveness of sins, the new covenant…a new heart and the Spirit dwelling in all those who believe. If you think the Passover is a Jewish thing….you are right. If you think it’s not a Christian thing…not so much. Jesus is our Passover Lamb, too. He rescues us from sin and death. Because of His sacrifice we have true forgiveness of sins and eternal life. His Spirit dwells in us. We too celebrate Passover…we just call it Communion, and we celebrate it when we gather together.

Every time we take the bread and the cup, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us…His death and resurrection, His shed blood that covers our sins, and the gift of the Spirit. It’s a time for us to look forward to the day when we will eat with our King at the great banquet in the kingdom…a reminder that He is coming back soon. As such, communion is something we celebrate as followers of Jesus. It’s one of the hallmarks of the church.

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

March 5, 2014

March 5 – OT Reading

Lent 2014

Today is the first day of Lent. Lent is a sober reflection upon our condition, which leads us to faith and fresh trust in and leaning on the finished work of Christ. It is a time of preparation for Easter.

Easter is the season that brings us hope. It opens up opportunities to share and live out our faith. Through the next 40 days of our daily reading, take the time to reflect on the following:

1. What’s God’s Story in the passage and what are the implications for my life?

2. Praying for your 8-15 (those in your life who need Jesus)

3. Opportunities to invite your 8-15 to church or our big Easter culmination “Journey to the Cross” on Good Friday

________________________________________

Exodus 39

The Priestly Garments

39 Moreover, from the blue and purple and scarlet material, they made finely woven garments for ministering in the holy place as well as the holy garments which were for Aaron, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

2 He made the ephod of gold, and of blue and purple and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen. 3 Then they hammered out gold sheets and cut them into threads to be woven in with the blue and the purple and the scarlet material, and the fine linen, the work of a skillful workman. 4 They made attaching shoulder pieces for the ephod; it was attached at its two upper ends. 5 The skillfully woven band which was on it was like its workmanship, of the same material: of gold and of blue and purple and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

6 They made the onyx stones, set in gold filigree settings; they were engraved like the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the sons of Israel. 7 And he placed them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

8 He made the breastpiece, the work of a skillful workman, like the workmanship of the ephod: of gold and of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen. 9 It was square; they made the breastpiece folded double, a span long and a span wide when folded double. 10 And they mounted four rows of stones on it. The first row was a row of ruby, topaz, and emerald; 11 and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire and a diamond;12 and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 13 and the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a jasper. They were set in gold filigree settings when they were mounted. 14 The stones were corresponding to the names of the sons of Israel; they were twelve, corresponding to their names, engraved with the engravings of a signet, each with its name for the twelve tribes. 15 They made on the breastpiece chains like cords, of twisted cordage work in pure gold. 16 They made two gold filigree settings and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece. 17 Then they put the two gold cords in the two rings at the ends of the breastpiece. 18 They put the other two ends of the two cords on the two filigree settings, and put them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod at the front of it. 19 They made two gold rings and placed them on the two ends of the breastpiece, on its inner edge which was next to the ephod. 20 Furthermore, they made two gold rings and placed them on the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on the front of it, close to the place where it joined, above the woven band of the ephod. 21 They bound the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, so that it would be on the woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece would not come loose from the ephod, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

22 Then he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue; 23 and the opening of the robe was at the top in the center, as the opening of a coat of mail, with a binding all around its opening, so that it would not be torn. 24 They made pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet material and twisted linen on the hem of the robe. 25 They also made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all around on the hem of the robe, 26 alternating a bell and a pomegranate all around on the hem of the robe for the service, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

27 They made the tunics of finely woven linen for Aaron and his sons, 28 and the turban of fine linen, and the decorated caps of fine linen, and the linen breeches of fine twisted linen,29 and the sash of fine twisted linen, and blue and purple and scarlet material, the work of the weaver, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

30 They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and inscribed it like the engravings of a signet, “Holy to the Lord.” 31 They fastened a blue cord to it, to fasten it on the turban above, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.

32 Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was completed; and the sons of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses; so they did. 33 They brought the tabernacle to Moses, the tent and all its furnishings: its clasps, its boards, its bars, and its pillars and its sockets; 34 and the covering of rams’ skins  dyed red, and the covering of porpoise skins, and the screening veil; 35 the ark of the testimony and its poles and the mercy seat; 36 the table, all its utensils, and the bread of the Presence; 37 the pure gold lampstand, with its arrangement of lamps and all its utensils, and the oil for the light; 38 and the gold altar, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, and the veil for the doorway of the tent; 39 the bronze altar and its bronze grating, its poles and all its utensils, the laver and its stand; 40 the hangings for the court, its pillars and its sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court, its cords and its pegs and all the equipment for the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of meeting; 41 the woven garments for ministering in the holy place and the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister as priests. 42 So the sons of Israel did all the work according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses. 43 And Moses examined all the work and behold, they had done it; just as the Lord had commanded, this they had done. So Moses blessed them.

Exodus 40

The Tabernacle Erected

40 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. 3 You shall place the ark of the testimony there, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. 4 You shall bring in the table and arrange what belongs on it; and you shall bring in the lampstand and mount its lamps. 5 Moreover, you shall set the gold altar of incense before the ark of the testimony, and set up the veil for the doorway to the tabernacle. 6 You shall set the altar of burnt offering in front of the doorway of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. 7 You shall set the laver between the tent of meeting and the altar and put water in it. 8 You shall set up the court all around and hang up the veil for the gateway of the court. 9 Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and shall consecrate it and all its furnishings; and it shall be holy. 10 You shall anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar, and the altar shall be most holy. 11 You shall anoint the laver and its stand, and consecrate it. 12 Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the doorway of the tent of meeting and wash them with water. 13 You shall put the holy garments on Aaron and anoint him and consecrate him, that he may minister as a priest to Me. 14 You shall bring his sons and put tunics on them; 15 and you shall anoint them even as you have anointed their father, that they may minister as priests to Me; and their anointing will qualify them for a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.” 16 Thus Moses did; according to all that the Lord had commanded him, so he did.

17 Now in the first month of the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected. 18 Moses erected the tabernacle and laid its sockets, and set up its boards, and inserted its bars and erected its pillars. 19 He spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent on top of it, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 20 Then he took the testimony and put it into the ark, and attached the poles to the ark, and put the mercy seat on top of the ark. 21 He brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up a veil for the screen, and screened off the ark of the testimony, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 22 Then he put the table in the tent of meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil. 23 He set the arrangement of bread in order on it before the Lord, just as theLord had commanded Moses. 24 Then he placed the lampstand in the tent of meeting, opposite the table, on the south side of the tabernacle. 25 He lighted the lamps before theLord, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 26 Then he placed the gold altar in the tent of meeting in front of the veil; 27 and he burned fragrant incense on it, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 28 Then he set up the veil for the doorway of the tabernacle. 29 He set the altar of burnt offering before the doorway of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meal offering, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 30 He placed the laver between the tent of meeting and the altar and put water in it for washing. 31 From it Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet.32 When they entered the tent of meeting, and when they approached the altar, they washed, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. 33 He erected the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and hung up the veil for the gateway of the court. Thus Moses finished the work.

The Glory of the Lord

34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.35 Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 36 Throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; 37 but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up. 38 For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel.

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB © The Lockman Foundation (www.lockman.org)