Old Testament

December 8, 2025

The Promised Prince (Peace)

Isaiah 9:2–7 (Hebrew 9:1–6)

Isaiah pictures a time of good news for a group of people who desperately needed it. They were under the enemy’s oppression. They were defeated. They were without hope. They knew no peace. But the LORD hadn’t forgotten them. Light was coming. God Himself would rend the veil of time and space and step into the world He had created in the Person of Jesus. He would rescue them. He would save them from sin and death by sacrificing Himself in their place. He would die that they might live. He would reconcile them with their heavenly Father. He would establish a kingdom where they could live and reign with Him forever. Where they would know true and lasting peace.

And so Jesus has come…

I like the way Paul talks about it in Romans 5…“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation” (Romans 5:1–11)

If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, make today the day. It starts with recognizing that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and 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 on 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.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Advent series: The Promise of Christmas. 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 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.

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.