Salvation

April 6, 2026

Our Resurrected King

Matthew 28:1–20

Just as the women are instructed to go and tell the disciples, and the disciples are told to go out and tell all the world, so we also are to go and tell. To give our testimony, to tell our story, of what Jesus has done for us, what the resurrection means to us.

The resurrection proves that everything Jesus said and did is absolutely true. He is the Hero that God’s people hoped for, the Messianic King He claimed to be.

Both the women and the guards are witnesses to some amazing things that first Easter morning. But they arrive at two wildly different conclusions: 1) The women believe that Jesus is alive, which brings both fear and joy, a resurgence of their faith, a rekindling of their hope, eternal life, forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God; whereas 2) the guards, at the prompting of the religious leaders, say that Jesus is dead, which brings only fear and trembling, deception and despair, death…

If you have not yet trusted in Jesus, today would be a great day to do that. 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 for you. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, you can be saved—not because of anything that you have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

Matthew’s Gospel closes with Jesus’ words… “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to k all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28.18-20). Come and see, go and tell.

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This post is based on our Resurrection Sunday sermon. 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.

March 30, 2026

Who Is This?

Matthew 21:1–17

Jesus enters Jerusalem, and His final week of ministry is underway. Some gladly accept Him as their King, while others complain and reject Him as an Imposter.

None of the events of this final week will catch Jesus by surprise. Not one. He is in control of His destiny. He will lay down His life as a willing sacrifice. He’s not a victim. He’s not a bystander. He’s not “along for the ride.” He is the King. And He is in control. That hasn’t changed.

Everything that Jesus did was on purpose, including dying for our sins and being raised to life again so that we could have forgiveness of sins and eternal life with Him. That’s what we celebrate at Easter…our passing from death to life through the finished work of our Resurrected King. Let me encourage you to spend some intentional time this week reflecting on what that means for you.

And if you haven’t yet trusted in Jesus, you can do that 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 for you. He was raised to life on the third day, proving that He had conquered both sin and death, so that by believing in Him, you can be saved—not because of anything that you have done, but because of what Jesus did. The Innocent who died for the guilty so that the guilty could be declared innocent.

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This post is based on our Palm Sunday sermon. 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.

March 16, 2026

The Song of Deliverance and the Beginning of Testing

Exodus 15

The people sing of the LORD’s salvation. They praise and exalt and lift up His name. He is a Warrior who has fought for them and destroyed the Egyptians in the heart of the sea. All the peoples will hear and be filled with terror and dread until the sons of Israel have passed through the land. The first recorded song in the Bible.

And yet, somewhere around three days later, the people have gone from worshiping the LORD to complaining. This time because of a lack of water. Unfortunately a pattern that is going to become all too familiar.

The LORD is testing them. Will they trust in Him or themselves? Are they going to focus on their circumstances or the LORD who controls those circumstances? It seems they have a ways to go. But that’s what treading Torah Road is all about. Learning to trust the LORD more consistently in our circumstances. It’s a process that takes time and intentionality. And we’re going to blow it. But then we go again.

One of the things I love in this passage is the LORD’s patience. This is the second time the people have grumbled, and yet the LORD simply provides. There will come a time when He disciplines their continued grumbling and disobedience (their refusal to obey Him), but now they are learning what it means to trust the LORD, and He provides them with an amazing oasis with springs and palm trees.

The LORD is patient with us, too. Nothing that happens in our lives catches Him off guard. The LORD wants us to trust in Him in every circumstance. With the big things and the small things. He wants us to walk by faith while He guides and directs our steps. When we trust Him, we are in that place of worship. When we are trusting in ourselves, well, that’s where the grumbling comes in.

Of course, that assumes we have a relationship with the LORD. That starts with faith. 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.

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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.

March 2, 2026

Israel’s Rescue through the Waters

Exodus 14

Having brought the sons of Israel out of Egypt through a series of plagues (stage one), the LORD will rescue them from the Egyptians who are pursuing them by destroying the Egyptians in the midst of the sea after bringing His people safely through on dry land (stage two). The LORD will fight for His people while they remain silent.

And yet, the people, having seen all that the LORD did for them in Egypt, are soon willing to turn back at the first sign of trouble. How quickly they forget, but before we judge them too harshly, aren’t we kinda the same? We see the LORD do some pretty amazing things in our lives, but then something hard comes along, and we’re ready to run back to Egypt instead of trusting the LORD in this circumstance to deliver us. Why do we do that? Didn’t He promise to always be with us?

It’s a pattern that seems to repeat…over and over again. Like a broken record. How do we break the cycle? It’s a matter of perspective. The Israelites were looking at their problem. They weren’t looking to the LORD, even though the pillar of cloud/fire never left. And when we focus on the problem, when all we can see is our current circumstances, it is so easy to forget what the LORD has done and so hard to trust Him in the moment. Grumbling. Fear. Worry. Pretty good indicators that our focus is on the problem.

But when our eyes are fixed on the LORD despite our circumstances, then it’s hard to forget all that He’s done for us, and it’s easy to trust that He will see us through this situation too. We may not know how, but we can trust that He’s going to work it out for our good and His glory. And the result? Thanksgiving. Courage. Trust. Pretty good indicators that our focus is on the LORD. None of us does it perfectly, but we can get better at it. 

Of course, that assumes we have a relationship with the LORD. That starts with faith. 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.

February 23, 2026

Setting Aside the Firstborn

Exodus 13

Passover is such a defining moment in Israel’s history that it not only resets the calendar but is also celebrated at the Feast of Unleavened Bread and memorialized in the consecration of the firstborn. Lots of symbolism that points forward to and is fulfilled in Jesus. The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

It’s an event to be passed down and explained from father to son from generation to generation. The faith of the father that becomes the faith of the son. Sounds a lot like what we are supposed to be doing, right? Passing down the faith to the next generation. Transforming families to live and love like Jesus. Not necessarily easy, but extremely important. And something we can and should all do. It just takes time and intentionality.

Here’s the good news. It’s not something we do alone. It’s something we should do together. And it’s something we do in tandem with the Spirit. As He guides and directs, and as we make ourselves available to Him. That’s what I love about the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire. Day and night, the LORD’s presence was right there with the Israelites to guide them in the way they were to go. Lamp to my feet and a light to my path. As we follow the LORD’s leading, He will show us the way. And then we can lead others.

But it starts with faith. 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.

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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.

February 2, 2026

The Last Plague and Passover

Exodus 12

The LORD brings one last plague on the Egyptians. With this plague, Pharaoh will not only let the people go, but he will also drive them out of his land when all the firstborn in the land of Egypt are destroyed. All the firstborn except for those from the sons of Israel. They will be spared by the blood of the Lamb. The Passover lamb points to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

This event in Israel’s history is such a defining moment that the calendar is reset. And yet it will look forward to an even greater event when the LORD brings deliverance, not just from physical bondage, but from sin and death. It’s no coincidence that Jesus’s last meal and His death are tied to Passover.

Pharaoh had a choice to make. He could have let the people go willingly. The easy way. No plagues. No death of the firstborn. No wrath of God…at least for a time. But because Pharaoh doesn’t know the LORD, he chooses door number 2. The hard way, complete with plagues and the death of the firstborn…the wrath of God poured out on him and his kingdom. Sad because had he responded differently, he could have spared himself and his kingdom the total devastation that followed. But because he doesn’t know the LORD, he continues to run headlong down the broad road to destruction.

You also have a choice to make. 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 Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. 

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.

January 26, 2026

Locusts and Darkness

Exodus 10–11

Two more plagues, with the last one looming on the horizon. And still Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. Even as his kingdom lies in ruins, he still refuses to let the Israelites go.

The LORD will use Pharaoh’s obstinacy, his hardheartedness, his pride to demonstrate His power and to make His name known, so that not only the sons of Israel, but also all the world may know that the LORD, He and He alone, is God. There is none like Him. Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness and faithfulness, relenting of evil, forgiving of iniquity, transgression, and sin, mighty to save, but by no means leaving the guilty unpunished.

For those who have trusted in the LORD, who have responded to His mercy, that’s great news. Forgiveness of sins. Eternal life. The kingdom awaits. But for those who have not trusted in Him, who like Pharaoh have rejected His mercy because of hardheartedness, well, that’s a different story. Judgment. Wrath. Death. Forever separated from God and all that’s good. Not the option you want to take.

And you don’t have to. You don’t have to harden your heart. You can respond to God’s mercy with repentance. 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.

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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.

January 19, 2026

Livestock, Boils, and Hail

Exodus 9:1–35

Three more plagues. Each one is more severe than the one before. And though Pharaoh seeks relief from the consequences of his refusal to let Israel go, he does not repent of his actions.

Being sorry for the consequences of our bad behavior/choices is not the same as being sorry for our bad behavior/choices. Everyone’s sorry when punishment/judgment comes. That’s just no fun. But being sorry for the bad behavior/choices… that’s the kind of sorrow that leads to repentance. Regretting not that I got caught, but that my actions negatively impacted others. Regretting that my actions caused others to stumble or reflect my own disobedience toward the LORD. That’s what we call repentance. Super important for both believers and unbelievers.

For believers, repentance allows us to restore our fellowship with the LORD when we’ve blown it. And with each other. Not a heaven/hell thing, but a relationship thing.

For unbelievers, repentance leads to salvation. It’s the recognition that you are a sinner in need of a Savior. And then from there, it’s 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.

December 25, 2025

The Promise Kept

John 1:1–18

In these opening verses, John presents Jesus as more than a Man…He was with God, and He was God. But not only does John present Jesus as more than a Man…He is also a Man. The Word became flesh. He didn’t give up His God-ness to become a Man, but somehow clothed His divinity in humanity.

John wants us to know Jesus… fully God, because only God can forgive sins; fully Man because only a Man could die for sin. The perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name…if you have not yet trusted in Jesus, tonight would be a great time to do that.

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, so that you might become a child of God.

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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 15, 2025

The Promised Good News (Joy)

Luke 2:1–20

Mary had a little Lamb…what a simple story with life-changing implications! Mary’s little Lamb is none other than the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus is not only the promised King for whom the ancients long awaited and who came to save His people from their enemies, but He’s also the LORD who is worthy of all worship and praise and honor…and obedience.

The heavens erupt in praise at His coming, and the shepherds can’t help but rejoice. The people are amazed, and Mary ponders. So what will you do?

Do you know Jesus as Savior and LORD? If not, today I want to invite you to take that first step. Jesus came as Savior, the Hero and only One who can rescue us from sin and death by dying in our place, and who by His resurrection, offers us new life when we believe in Him. Good news of great joy! If you are going to experience the joy of Christmas, it has to start with the joy of knowing Jesus as Savior.

If you do know Jesus as Savior, are you serving Him as LORD? I hope so. If not, then who are you serving? Who or what is “lord” of your life? Who or what do you love more? Father John of Kronstadt (John Sergiev), a Russian Orthodox priest greatly beloved for his charity and wisdom, said this, “The enemy of our salvation especially strives to draw our heart and mind away from God when we are about to serve Him, and endeavours to adulterously attach our heart to something irrelevant.” Sound familiar? Whoever or whatever that irrelevant thing might be for you, you won’t experience the joy of Christmas, the joy of your salvation, until you make it right, until Jesus has your affections.
There is only One King of kings and Lord of lords…only One is worthy of our worship. Only He can bring true joy.

Spend some time this week, like Mary, pondering the good news that the King has come…He’s come to rescue us, He’s come to save us, He’s come to give us true peace and joy, He’s come to give us new life, and He will never leave us or forsake us. Then share that good news of great joy with someone else.

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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.