judgment

July 18, 2022

The Great White Throne

Revelation 20.7-15

At the end of the thousand years, Satan is released to once more deceive the nations and gather them for one last battle, which isn’t much of a battle. Fire comes down from heaven to consume the enemies who have surrounded the camp of the saints, and the devil is thrown into the lake of fire. The great white throne is set up, and the sheep are separated from the goats.

I seem to say this a lot with this book. There are only two sides to this conflict. You are either for Jesus or against Him. You are either a sheep or a goat. But know this…Jesus wins. And you will either kneel before Jesus as King or cower before Him as Judge. So you have a choice to make…life or death, blessing or curse. The choice is yours. So why not choose life?

As believers, I hope that this motivates you to share your story…to tell others about Jesus. As I’ve said before, most of the folks you come in contact with on a daily basis don’t know Jesus. If they were to stand before the throne today, they would stand condemned to the lake of fire. I pray that that breaks your heart and creates in you a sense of urgency and intentionality about the way you are pursuing your relationship with them.

Knowing that we too will be judged/evaluated based on our deeds, let us live a life worthy of the calling. Not out of fear, but out of love. Love for the One who has so loved us, so that we too may hear, “Well done good and faithful slave.”

If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait. I don’t want you in the lake of fire. Jesus doesn’t want you in the lake of fire. He will bring judgment, but He would rather you choose mercy. I want you…He wants you…in the kingdom. It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life and might reign with Him forever.

pro rege

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

July 11, 2022

For a Thousand Years…

Revelation 20.1-6

Following the return of the King and the defeat of His enemies in battle, namely the beast and the false prophet and their armies, an angel with a great chain binds the dragon, throws him into the abyss and then shuts and locks it over him, so that he will not deceive the nations any longer for a thousand years. Meanwhile, the overcomers are resurrected and serve as priests of God and of Christ, reigning with Him for a thousand years.

While the details of how all of that works out are sometimes hotly debated, the end result is still the same. Jesus wins. And you will either kneel before Jesus as King or cower before Him as Judge. You are either for Him or against Him…life or death, blessing or curse. The choice is yours. So why not choose life?

It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life and might reign with Him forever.

pro rege

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

June 13, 2022

Lament for Babylon

Revelation 18.9-24

Babylon has fallen, and the kings of the earth, the merchants and the seafaring peoples will all mourn over her…not for what it means for her, but for what it means for them. And while those who participate in her wickedness mourn, the righteous will rejoice.

One day every wrong will be righted. Truth will prevail. Good will crush evil. Sin will be atoned for. But until that day we live in a time of waiting. Patient endurance. We don’t like it. And like the martyrs under the altar, we too cry out, “How long?” But God’s patience is mercy. It allows time for repentance. For those far from Him to come to Him…through Jesus. And during this time of waiting, He calls us to be investing…investing our mina. Sharing our story. The hope that we have found in Jesus. Telling them about Him. That’s why we’re still here…waiting. Longing for Him to come back. So don’t give up. And don’t give in. He’ll be here soon enough. 

If you are one of those who have not yet trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait. The world as we know it is quickly coming to an end. Soon all the vain things that you have been pursuing will be no more. But the things that remain…the eternal things, the unshakable things…they can be yours. It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life and that you might reign with Him forever.

pro rege

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

June 6, 2022

Babylon is Fallen

Revelation 18.1-8

The unthinkable has happened…Babylon is fallen. Though her kingdom seemed to be impregnable and her self-proclaimed reign absolute, her judgment is swift and her doom sure. So come out of her lest you share in her downfall.

It’s disturbing to think that believers would have to be warned to flee Babylon…a city described as the Mother of Harlots and of the Abominations of the Earth”, and yet it’s not altogether surprising. Let’s be honest with ourselves…too many of us compromise far too often in far too many areas of our lives. And while we’re being honest…some of those who are the closest to us might be the most surprised to find out that we are Christians based on the way we conduct ourselves at work or school or in social settings, etc.

But it shouldn’t be that way…and it doesn’t have to be. We can’t save ourselves, and we can’t change ourselves…only the Spirit can do that. But He will only do that as we allow Him to. There is a divine partnership involved. We talked about it when we were going through Romans. Saying “yes” to Jesus, and “no” to all the other junk. That looks like…time in God’s Word everyday, praying throughout the day, spending time with other believers as often as possible, sharing my story with those who haven’t yet trusted in Jesus and living a generous life. Beginning to live my life in light of the truth that I am no longer who I used to be. I really have passed from death to life. And now I have the opportunity to live like it. Motivated, not by fear of stepping out of line, but out of love for the One who first loved me.

So don’t give up. Don’t give in. Jesus wins…and that means that you do to.

If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait. You too need to get out of Babylon before it’s too late. It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins, eternal life and a place in His kingdom.

pro rege

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

May 30, 2022

The Doom of Babylon

Revelation 17.7-18

The time is short. The end is coming quickly. The fall of Babylon is on the horizon, as well as the destruction of the beast. Though it may seem like the bad guys are always winning, the truth will soon be apparent…their demise is sure.

It’s not a time for us to be fearful…it’s a time for us to be faithful. We have been chosen and called. Our names are written in the book…if we have trusted in Jesus. But that’s not true for a majority of folks you see every day. Most have no clue that the end is near…that there is anything more to this life than what’s right in front of them. And then it’s over. They are without hope and destined for hell. But you have the words of eternal life. You can tell them about Jesus. God can use you to change their trajectory, to rewrite their destiny. But it means you can’t give up or give in. And you’ve got to be willing to share your story with them.

If you are one of those who have not yet trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait. Your name too could be written in the book of life. It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, conquering both sin and death…so that you might not only have forgiveness of sins, but that you too might conquer death and have eternal life. That you could be one of the called and chosen and faithful whose name is written in the book of life.

pro rege

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

May 23, 2022

Babylon the Great

Revelation 17.1-6

Babylon is being remembered before God. Soon she will drink from the cup of the wine of His fierce wrath. And all those aligned with her will share her same fate.

The Bible is one Story. And in these closing chapters of Revelation, we see that though much has happened, much remains the same. The seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent and the enmity between the two…the persecution of God’s people by those who reject Him…is still being played out in these last few scenes.

This description of Babylon is more like our world everyday. That shouldn’t surprise us. But it also shouldn’t scare or worry us. Our job doesn’t change no matter how much the world shakes around us. We are still to live lives worthy of the calling. Lives that point others to Jesus. And to share our story…to tell them about Him and the difference He’s made in our lives.

And though it looks like the bad guys are winning, appearances can be, and often are, deceiving. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Jesus wins.

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait…time is running out. It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, showing that He not only satisfied God’s wrath, but that He also conquered both sin and death. We don’t have to fear what’s to come, but we can face it with courage and anticipation looking for our King to return.

pro rege

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

May 16, 2022

Armageddon

Revelation 16.12-21

The last two bowls are poured out and with them, wrath/judgment is done. But not before the great battle and the catastrophic shaking of both heaven and earth. And yet men will still refuse to repent.

But that’s not true for everyone. Remember the great multitude that we talked about in Revelation 7 and the angel with the eternal gospel in Revelation 14. Even during this time of judgment, a great multitude which no one can count from all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues will come to faith, worshiping Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb. Even in the midst of the pouring out of His wrath, we see God’s mercy.

And so we have a job to do. First, don’t give up or give in. We’ve talked about that before. Jesus’ warning to believers is sobering…don’t be caught sleeping. Don’t live as if He’s not coming back. Live as if He’s coming back today. John’s already talked about the two different harvests…how we live our lives matters. We will one day be evaluated. Better to be the slave who gained the five or ten minas than the one who hid theirs.

Second, share your story. Tell someone about Jesus. Tell them about the difference He’s made in your life. Impact list…friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, classmates, teammates, gym buddies, etc.

Finally, if you haven’t trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait. The folks under judgment here have chosen to reject God, but still blame Him for the consequences of their decision. Don’t do that. Please don’t do that. You don’t have to face His wrath…you can instead experience His mercy. By trusting in Jesus who satisfied God’s wrath on the cross.

It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, showing that He not only satisfied God’s wrath, but that He also conquered both sin and death. We don’t have to fear what’s to come, but we can face it with courage and anticipation looking for our King to return. 

pro rege

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

April 4, 2022

The Bowls

Revelation 16.1-11

The first five bowls have been poured out, and the worshipers of the beast and his kingdom are reeling because of it, yet they refuse to repent and turn to God. The end is fast approaching, and their fate is soon to be sealed.

Many these days go about their lives unaware or indifferent about the choices they are making that have eternal consequences. Like Pharaoh, many see God’s patience…His mercy…as an indication that if their actions have no immediate consequences, then they must not have any consequences. But they are wrong. Dead wrong. God will deal with sin. It may not be today. Or tomorrow. Or the next. But eventually the day will come. And in the day of God’s wrath, who is able to stand?

The answer is simple…those who follow the Lamb. Those of us who have trusted in Jesus. We need not fear the coming judgment for we are on the winning side. Jesus is our Resurrected King who has conquered death and satisfied God’s wrath on sin.

We live in uncertain times. The world is shaking all around us. These judgments have not yet come, and yet we see our world fractured and coming apart at the seams. Almost daily we are reminded of how fleeting life is. But the fact that you’re still here means that you still have work to do. If you’ve trusted in Jesus, your job is to keep sharing your story with those around you who don’t know Him. Your job is kingdom impact. It’s to point others to Jesus.

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus, please don’t wait. The folks under judgment here have chosen to reject God, but still blame Him for the consequences of their decision. Don’t do that. Please don’t do that. You don’t have to face His wrath…you can instead experience His mercy. By trusting in Jesus who satisfied God’s wrath on the cross.

It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life and that you might reign with Him forever.

pro rege

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

March 28, 2022

Another Sign in Heaven

Revelation 15

The last of the signs in heaven are seven angels with seven plagues that will bring to completion God’s wrath. The righteous will be vindicated…the wicked punished. It’s not too late to escape God’s wrath. But time is running out.

It reminds me of the parable of the bigger barn builder from Luke 12.16-21. Jesus tells a story to illustrate…a rich man has a successful year. In our story he’s a farmer. By all accounts, God has blessed him…provided the right amount of rainfall and sunshine, the right temperature and nutrients for the soil, things which the farmer has little if any control over. It’s his best year ever…doesn’t have enough barn capacity to store it all. Presents a problem that most of us think we would like to have…he has too much. What to do with an unexpected abundance of crops? So he gives it some thought and the internal dialogue starts…time to tear down the old barns and build bigger ones. Up to this point, the farmer appears to act prudently. Proverbs talks a lot about saving and investing.

But then the internal dialogue continues…“Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” So what’s wrong with that? Sounds like the perfect retirement plan, right? Don’t we work hard now so we can relax and enjoy life later? 

Then God steps in and says, “You fool!” Sad irony…the man thought he had many years to enjoy his stuff, but God requires his soul “this night”. The futility of the man’s efforts become clear. Like the Preacher from Ecclesiastes, “vanity of vanities…”

We too can be fooled into thinking that we have time. Time to do all the things. And get around to Jesus later. But so did this guy. And time ran out. Don’t let that be you. Make today the day.

It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life and that you might reign with Him forever.

pro rege

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

March 21, 2022

The Harvest

Revelation 14.14-20

Harvest aka judgment is coming. When the earth is ripe and when the grapes are ripe, the sickle will be put in and judgment will come. Every day we get one step closer. Every day the earth/grape vine is a little riper.

The good news is…if you’ve trusted in Jesus then the kingdom awaits. Jesus Himself will welcome us in with the “well done good and faithful slave”.

The bad new is…if you haven’t trusted in Jesus then God’s wrath awaits. But there is still time. You can escape it. All can be saved. You can be saved.

It’s as simple as admitting that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. Believing that Jesus came to save you from your sin. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death on your behalf, and was raised the third day, so that you might have forgiveness of sins and eternal life…entrusted with our own mina to invest in the lives of others…and that you might reign with Him forever.

pro rege

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