Prophecy

August 24, 2026

The Book of the Twelve – Zechariah

Zechariah 1–14

Zechariah is a contemporary of Haggai. Both were writing to the Jews returning from the Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. While both encourage them to complete the building of the temple, Zechariah primarily focuses on their spiritual return to the LORD.

So, Zechariah sees a series of visions and pronounces a number of oracles rebuking the people for their disobedience, calling them to repentance, promising their restoration and the judgment of the nations, and prophesying the coming, rejection, and return of the Messiah to reign. But key to their restoration will be more than a physical return to the land. And more than just building the temple. They need to return to the LORD. Maybe you do too.

Just a reminder of the big plans the LORD had for Israel. They were His seghola. His treasured possession. They were to be a kingdom of priests for the nations. The LORD had so much good He wanted to do for the nation. If they would only listen to His voice, keep His covenant, and follow His commands. They would experience all the blessings of the covenant. He would bring them into the land. He would be an Enemy to their enemies and an Adversary to their adversaries. He would fight for them. And they would live securely in peace. They would be a spectacle to the world for all the good that the LORD did for them. He would be their God, and they would be His people.

But if not…well, that’s a different story. Then they would experience the curses of the covenant. The LORD would drive them out of the land. He would become their Enemy. They would be a different kind of spectacle to the world…a horror and a curse…for all the evil that the LORD would do to them. And so it happened.

And even though they failed, the LORD still has big plans for Israel. Because He made the promise, and He is always faithful, even when His people are not. That’s who He is. Gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and faithfulness, relenting of evil, forgiving of iniquity, transgression, and sin, mighty to save, but who will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.

The LORD has plans for us, too. Even if we’ve blown it. Even if we’ve strayed and experienced the LORD’s discipline. He still invites us to return to Him. To come back. Like the prodigal. And when we do, we find that He’s been anxiously awaiting us all along. If that’s you today, don’t wait. Come home.

If you don’t know the LORD, you can come to know Him today. It starts with 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 Book of the Twelve series. Download the podcast from the Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, or Threads at @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

August 10, 2026

The Book of the Twelve – Zephaniah & Haggai

Zephaniah 1–3, Haggai 1–2

Both Zephaniah and Haggai write their prophecies to the folks in Judah.

Zephaniah’s prophecy is written to confront Judah’s covenant unfaithfulness, and to warn both Judah and Jerusalem of the coming “Day of the LORD” when the LORD will bring His wrath upon the nations for their idolatry and treatment of Israel and upon Judah for her covenant unfaithfulness in an effort to encourage them toward godly living and to give hope to the faithful remnant in the midst of judgment that the LORD will restore the fortunes of His people.

Haggai, writing years later, is on the other side of the judgment that came on Judah and Jerusalem when the Babylonians ransacked Jerusalem, broke down its walls, burned the temple to the ground, and took most of the people away into exile. Now the folks are starting to return, and construction on the new temple has begun. However, even though the foundation of the temple has been laid, the people stopped work on the temple to build their own houses and settle in. So, Haggai writes to confront the people’s neglect in completing the work of rebuilding the house of the LORD, reminding them that when they give priority to the LORD and His house, they are blessed rather than cursed, and His presence will be with them to grant them success in the work because the LORD will fulfill His covenant with them and establish the kingdom in an effort to encourage them to be faithful and complete the work on the house of the LORD.

And like most of the prophets we’ve seen so far, there is both warning and promise. In Zephaniah, there’s warning of the judgment to come because of sin; in Haggai, there’s a reminder that disobedience brings consequences. It’s clear that the LORD takes the sin of His people seriously.

Yet there’s also the promise of restoration for the LORD’s people. He will judge, but He will also restore because He is faithful to His covenant promises even when His people are not. I love the promise He makes to the returning exiles, “I am with you.” And that’s true for us today as well. If you know the LORD.

If you don’t know the LORD, you can come to know Him 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, 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 Book of the Twelve series. Download the podcast from the Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, or Threads at @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

August 3, 2026

The Book of the Twelve – Nahum & Habakkuk

Nahum 1–3, Habakkuk 1–3

Both Nahum and Habakkuk write their prophecies to the folks in Judah; Nahum’s prophecy is against Nineveh and her soon and sure fall because her wickedness and cruelty against Judah and the nations, in order to comfort the folks in Judah, reminding them of the LORD’s covenant faithfulness and that His righteous and just kingdom will stand while the kingdoms of the world fall, encouraging them to covenant faithfulness and to take refuge in Him.

Habakkuk’s prophecy, on the other hand, confronts Judah’s pride, using his conversation with the LORD and struggle to understand the LORD’s justice to show them that it is by faith that the prophet, and thus the nation, must live, submitting to the righteous ways of the LORD despite outward appearances, so that they will live by faith in the LORD and not by sight.

And like most of the prophets we’ve seen so far, there is both warning and promise. Warning of the judgment to come because of sin, whether that sin pertains to Nineveh or Judah or Babylon; it’s clear that the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. Sin carries a steep price. For Nineveh and Babylon that meant total destruction. For Judah, exile. The wages of sin are death.

Yet there’s also the promise of restoration for the LORD’s people. He will judge, but He will also restore because He is faithful to His covenant promises even when His people are not.

Two things that are important for us: 1) the kingdoms of this world will fall. Only the LORD’s righteous and just kingdom will stand, and so we need to take refuge in Him. 2) It’s by faith that the righteous should live, meaning whatever our circumstances, we trust the LORD to be working things out for our good and His glory no matter what things look like on the outside. Not always easy to do, but the LORD is faithful. And He will never leave us or forsake us.

If you don’t know the LORD, you can come to know Him 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, 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 Book of the Twelve series. Download the podcast from the Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, or Threads at @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

July 27, 2026

The Book of the Twelve – Micah

Micah 1–7

Micah writes a series of three poetic/prophetic oracles of indictment against Israel and Judah to expose their rebellion, idolatry, and tolerance of injustice, warning them of impending judgment while also expressing confidence in their restoration, grounded in the LORD’s character and promise to Abraham. A King will come to shepherd His people, defeat the nations, and establish the kingdom.

And yet Israel and Judah refuse to repent. Instead, idolatry, violence, greed, and injustice prevail. They hate the good and love the evil. In fact, they are schemers of iniquity and workers of evil, and so the LORD will bring evil on them.

But the LORD will save a remnant of the people. Those who do justice, love lovingkindness, and walk humbly with their God. All evidence of their faith. And Israel will one day fulfill her role as the priest to the nations. Folks will come to Jerusalem to learn about the LORD, and His people will take His word out among the nations. He will raise up a Ruler for His people, to shepherd them and lead them to victory over those who oppose them. Not because Israel deserves it. But because of who He is and His covenant with Abraham.

The salvation that the LORD has promised has already gone out to the nations. Because the King has come and laid down His life for the sins of the people and was raised to life again, so that all who believe in Him…not just the folks from Israel, but those from all the nations…can be saved, not because of anything that they 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 Book of the Twelve series. Download the podcast from the Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X, or Threads at @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.

July 6, 2026

The Book of the Twelve – Amos Part 1

Amos 1–6

Amos writes his prophecy to the northern kingdom of Israel to pronounce judgment against Israel for the multitude of her transgressions against the LORD, using the language of the courtroom to warn them of future judgment in the coming day of the LORD, so that they will repent and seek the LORD, that they might live.

Amos begins with the pronouncement of judgment on the surrounding nations, primarily for their treatment of Israel. And while Israel is no doubt in total agreement that the nations should be judged, she is none too happy when her own guilt is exposed. Even though she should have recognized the LORD’s discipline, she refused to repent and return to the LORD. And so, the final curse of the covenant remains. Exile.

And yet the LORD continues to invite Israel to seek Him and live. Hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate! Perhaps the Lord GOD of hosts may be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

The LORD invites us to do the same today…seek Him and live. Hate evil, love good, and do what’s right. Turn away from sin and turn toward Him that we may experience the life He’s called us to and saved us for.

If you don’t know the LORD, you can come to know Him 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, 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 Book of the Twelve 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 9, 2021

The Angel and the Little Scroll

Revelation 10.1-11

And so we run into another pause in the action while a big angel gives John a little scroll, and he is instructed to prophesy again the unfolding events of the tribulation.

The Bible is one Story. From Genesis to Revelation. The Story of God’s plan to save a people, and through that people to provide a way of salvation for all peoples. If you have trusted in Jesus, you are a part of that Story. You have been saved, reconciled, adopted, gifted and empowered to live a life worthy of your calling. To share your story with others. To point them to Jesus so that they too might be saved. To inherit a kingdom.

If you have not trusted in Jesus, you too are a part of the Story. But your future is not so bright. It’s the bitterness that John felt in his stomach. The judgment that awaits. I don’t want that for you. God doesn’t want that for you. That’s why He’s provided a way that you might saved through His Son, Jesus. 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 with Him.

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, Google Play or the Amazon App Store.

August 9, 2021

The Four Horsemen

Revelation 6.1-8

The Lamb breaks the first four seals of the great scroll, unleashing the four horsemen of the apocalypse. A terrifying reminder that God takes sin seriously. The final reconciliation between heaven and earth has begun.

For those who belong to the Lamb, there’s nothing to fear. Their hope is being realized. Their King is coming. And He will set all things right.

For those who are enemies of the Lamb, there’s every reason to fear. Their is no hope. Their Judge is coming. And He will set all things right. But…there’s still time repent. There’s still time to switch sides. But don’t wait.

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

May 17, 2021

Message to the Churches: Ephesus

Revelation 2.1-7

The church in Ephesus is good at Truth. They have a zeal for what is Right. And in the beginning that zeal was driven by their love for God and showed itself in a love for each other. But over time, their love has grown cold. They’re still clinging to the Truth, but truth without love can be very cruel. Definitely not what God desires.

That’s bad for a church, but it’s also bad for us individually. Maybe you know someone who always has the right answers…can quote the Bible chapter and verse…but somehow it doesn’t seem to impact their behavior. Grace has gotten lost somewhere in the mix. Harsh words and bitterness begin to set in. It can make for a very lonely life, especially when others avoid you. So what should you do? Remember, repent and do. Love is an action word. Start doing loving things. Don’t lessen up on the truth…just add a lot more love.

Some folks have the opposite problem. Super nice to people. High on the love scale, but not so concerned about Truth. That’s not a good combination either. If that’s you, then you don’t need to lessen up on the love…just add a lot more truth. That only comes with time spent in the Word.

The good news is that each day is another opportunity. To let our lights shine. For both truth and love.

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

May 10, 2021

The Things Which You Have Seen

Revelation 1.9-20

John identifies himself as a fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance in Jesus. Like countless other Jesus followers, he knew what it meant to suffer for his faith. Even though we are citizens of the eternal kingdom, we find ourselves behind enemy lines. Tribulation shouldn’t surprise us. Calls for perseverance while we wait for our King to return.

And our King will return…not as a sacrificial Lamb, but as a roaring Lion. The battle lines are drawn. You are either for Jesus or against Him. He will either be your King, or He will be your Judge. Your choice. There is no middle ground. No fence-riders here. Which will it be? If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, make today the day.

If you have trusted in Jesus, now’s the time for perseverance. Now’s the time for patient endurance. It’s the fourth quarter. We don’t know how much time is left, but until the final whistle blows or trumpet sounds we are to fight on. Even when it feels like we are losing…don’t give up. Even when it seems like the enemy is closing in on every side…don’t give in. Our King is coming…Jesus wins.

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

May 3, 2021

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Revelation 1.1-8

We live in uncertain times. But no less uncertain than the times John lived in. And honestly no less uncertain than folks have lived in for thousands of years. The world is an uncertain place…or so it seems. But God is at work now just as He’s always been.

Revelation is the story of the reconciliation of heaven and earth. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. It’s the capstone to God’s Story of redemption. And Jesus is the Hero of the Story.

By now, most of you know that I am a football fan. Revelation is the fourth quarter. Not sure how much time is left on the clock, but the countdown has begun. It started the day Jesus ascended into heaven. Our job is to finish strong. We’ll talk more about what this means in coming weeks, but our mantra throughout the book will be, “Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Jesus wins.”

Let me challenge you with something throughout this series…read through the passage we will be covering (devotional in the app for Saturday), show up and listen as we walk through the book, and then respond…do it. Whatever it is that God impresses you with…do it.

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