new year

January 5, 2026

Reflect and Resolve: Put Off the Old, Put On the New

Ephesians 4:17–32

The Ephesians are not to live as they did before Christ, but to live as members of the Body of Christ, pursuing greater knowledge of Him through the Scriptures and unity with one another. So are we.

We are not who we were. We were dead, but now we are alive. We were lost, but now we are found. Darkened in our understanding, but now our hearts have been enlightened with the true knowledge of Him. Far off, but brought near. Without hope and without God, but now a living hope and members of God’s household. Fellow citizens. Fellow heirs. Fellow members of the Body. Fellow sharers of the promise. With access to the Father and the unfathomable riches of Christ.

Knowing these things can and should impact the way we live our lives. That’s why spending time in God’s Word is so incredibly important. It helps us to understand who God is, who we are, and what He requires from us. So, we are no longer to live like we used to. We are to live like who we are in Christ.

That assumes, of course, that you have already trusted in Jesus. But if you haven’t yet, you can 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 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 and can now be a part of this thing called the Church.

For the rest, let me challenge you, if you haven’t already, to spend some time over the next week or so reflecting. Ask yourself the tough questions: What lessons have I learned this past year, both good and bad? Where is my relationship with the LORD? What about my family and friends? Favorite memories? Greatest accomplishments? Biggest disappointments? And where have I used the resources the LORD has entrusted to me to serve?

And then resolve…what do I want to do better? How can I grow in my relationships with the LORD and others? How can I be more intentional? How will I challenge myself this year? What will I do to finish strong? What is my part? Where can I use the resources the LORD has entrusted me to serve? Maybe start by making reading your Bible and committing to prayer a daily habit, joining a small group, finding a place to serve, sharing your story with someone at school, work, home, or in your neighborhood who doesn’t yet know Jesus, and living a generous life…

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our January series: Reflect and Resolve. 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.

December 29, 2025

Reflect and Resolve: Equipping the Saints

Ephesians 4:1–16

We all have a part to play in preserving unity. Not just some of us…all of us. But within this unity, there is diversity. We all have to work together for the mutual building up of the body, the Church. Equipping the saints for works of ministry, each of us doing our part.

So, whatever the talent, resource, gift, experience, passion, or personality the LORD has entrusted you with, we need you. We will only reach our full potential as a Body when each member does their part to build it up. If you are not currently serving, find a place to plug in and serve.

This passage always reminds me of when my son Jack and I decided to try taekwondo. On the first day we entered the dojo, aka the YMCA, it was clear that the goal was for us to become black belts. Even though there were a number of them present, the sensei didn’t consider his job done until we all crossed the finish line and mastered the art. The idea in this passage is very similar…it’s not about one of us making it to maturity. The job’s not done until we all attain to the unity of the faith… 

That’s, of course, if you have trusted in Jesus. But if you haven’t yet, you can do so 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 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.

For the rest, let me challenge you to spend some time over the next couple of days reflecting. Ask yourself the tough questions: What lessons have I learned this past year, both good and bad? Where is my relationship with the LORD? What about my family and friends? Favorite memories? Greatest accomplishments? Biggest disappointments? And where have you used the resources the LORD has entrusted to you to serve?

And then resolve…what do I want to do better? How can I grow in my relationships with the LORD and others? How can I be more intentional? How will I challenge myself this year? What will I do to finish strong? What is my part? Where can I use the resources the LORD has entrusted me to serve? Maybe start by making reading your Bible and committing to prayer a daily habit, joining a small group, finding a place to serve, sharing your story with someone at school, work, home, or in your neighborhood who doesn’t yet know Jesus, and living a generous life…

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our January series: Reflect and Resolve. 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.

January 8, 2018

When You… Week 1

Matthew 6.1-15

Time spent in prayer…something we have talked about before. Has it been woven into the fabric of your daily routine yet? Time spent with just you and your Father? If not, make the answer to the question, “When?” today.

Giving may be a new concept for you, but Jesus assumes that those who follow Him will be generous givers. When we give as an expression of love and out of a desire for God’s glory…to invest in His kingdom…we are storing up treasures in heaven. We are investing our resources in things that moth and rust cannot destroy and no thief can steal.

But we have to have a plan.We have to be intentional…it starts with recognizing that all that we have belongs to God anyway. We are just stewards of His resources. Then make giving a regular practice…give as an act of worship on the weekends. Give to folks who are in need around you. Give generously of both yourself and of your resources. But give.

Same is true for prayer. As much as we may want prayer to happen, unless we are intentional about setting aside time to pray it just doesn’t. So plan it into your schedule…maybe in the car on your commute to work. Maybe before your feet hit the floor in the morning or after your head hits the pillow at night. Maybe on your lunch break or over your first cup of coffee. You could even do it while your in line at the store or working out at the gym. Maybe all those times. But get in the habit of praying.

May you have an ever deepening experience of contentment, joy and confidence in your everyday life with God when you spend time with Him in 2018.

Until next time…stay salty.

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