Torah Road

September 11, 2023

Through The Son

Hebrews 1.1-4

It’s been said before that here Paul presents Jesus as Prophet, Priest and King. And He is that. But also so much more. Jesus is greater than the OT revelation because He fulfills all that the OT anticipated. We will see this more next week, but He’s also greater than the angels both as the Son of God and the promised Messianic King, the Son of David. He is Creator and Sustainer, Savior and Redeemer. Jesus is greater.

That’s good news for folks that are suffering. Sometimes we too can be tempted to throw in the towel when things get hard. Maybe we thought the Christian life was the easy life. But if Jesus suffered and all the saints who have followed after God from the beginning have suffered, why would we assume that we are immune to suffering…especially suffering for our faith?

But knowing that Jesus is greater should encourage us. He’s greater than our circumstances and whatever the trial we may be walking through today. He doesn’t often save us from the trial, but He will save us through the trial if we will trust in Him. Perfecting and purifying our faith. Making us more like Jesus. Until we get to see Him again.

Jesus is greater. And if you haven’t experienced that yet…if you haven’t trusted in Jesus yet, please make today the day. 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. You too will have the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus.

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This post is based on a sermon from our Hebrews 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.

September 4, 2023

God’s Provision

Philippians 4.10-23

Paul finishes the book of Philippians sharing the secret of contentment…trusting God in whatever the circumstance to provide what is needed. I think you could even shorten that to…trusting God. In every circumstance.

Joy. Peace. Contentment. All much-sought-after commodities in today’s world. And yet all things that are elusive to so many folks…even folks like us who have trusted in Jesus. Instead, anxiety, fear and greediness seem to rule the day. So how do we get to the good stuff? Paul says it’s something he learned. That would sure seem to indicate a process. Something we can grow in.

Two important ingredients to start off with are prayer and right thinking (which of course comes as a result of our time spent in the Word). Then when a trial comes, when stuff happens…it’s asking God for wisdom in the trial. Seeking Him in the suffering. But also praising and thanking Him in the good times. In any and every circumstance, recognizing our total dependence on Him. That’s not easy because we’re not conditioned for it. We are pretty self-sufficient as a species. But that’s where our time in the Word…thinking excellently…saturating our mind with the good stuff…comes in. Reminding ourselves on purpose when God provides, “Hey, this comes from God!” When a need arises, making prayer our first (and hopefully only) response instead of worry. Keep a journal of what God’s done so you can remind yourself over and over and over again.

And as our trust level rises, we will see our joy, peace and contentment rise as well. The God of peace will guard our minds…in Christ Jesus.

The gospel and unity. Investing our minas together. Running down Torah Road together. Crashing the gates of hell together. Let’s do this together.

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This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians 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.

August 28, 2023

Think Excellently

Philippians 4.1-9

The cure for anxiety…for worry…that trials and suffering often cause is prayer. It’s crying out to God and asking for help. We don’t pray because God doesn’t know, but we pray to show our dependence on Him. God knows our needs, He cares about them, and He provides for them. Just like the birds of the air and the flowers of the field.

And when we rest secure knowing that God will take care of us, then we realize the peace of God. We already have peace with God because of Jesus, but when trust in the midst of the trial we can experience His peace in the midst of the trial. Sounds kind of crazy, but it’s the same thing with joy. And this peace guards our minds. Again super important idea. Because our minds can go all over the place when we are in a tough situation, but when we turn to prayer and trust the Lord through it, our minds can settle.

Along with prayer, Paul says we are “to think excellently”, focusing on the things that reflect the true, the honorable, the right, the pure, the beautiful, the stuff of good repute, the excellent, the praiseworthy. Just imagine if those were the kinds of things that you consumed yourself with throughout the day. What difference do you think that would make? All the difference. And when we do those things, following the example of Paul and others who are doing the same, then not only do we experience the peace of God, but the God of peace is with us.

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This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians 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.

August 14, 2023

The Goal of Life: Part 2

Philippians 3.12-21

Paul encourages his readers to follow his example in pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Living a life of intentionality. The trek down Torah Road is not a stroll but a foot race. The goal isn’t to casually cross the finish line but to crash through it.

Maybe you’re not there yet. So where do you begin? Like any kind of training, you just have to start. Get up that first day. If you are training for a marathon, you might try running to the end of block. Training for Torah Road? Make it a goal to read a chapter a day in the Bible and pray for a few minutes. And work your way up from there. Spend time with other believers…join a small group or jump into a ministry. Find a place to serve. Start to give. Tell one of your friends about the difference Jesus has made in your life. And repeat. Soon you will find yourself running farther and faster. Then following after Jesus becomes not just a thing, but the thing for you…a way of life. But it takes that initial step. The good news is…it is God who is at work in you to will and to work for His good pleasure. Your job is to say “yes”.

Watch out for the voices that are going to lead you astray. Whose example are you following? We live in a culture that is all about following and being followed. Make sure that those you are following are the kind of examples you should be following. Are they setting their minds on earthly things or heavenly things? And the same for those who follow you…are you leading them to be more like Jesus by your conduct and manner of life? Are you a stepping stone or a stumbling block?

And one more thing. Jesus is coming back. The hope of every believer is the resurrection of the dead…that when our King returns we will be transformed to reflect His glory. At that time all things will be subjected to Him. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. Everyone. And you will either kneel down before your King or fall down before your Judge. So welcome Him as your King 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. You too will have the righteousness that comes from God.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians 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.

August 7, 2023

The Goal of Life: Part 1

James 3.1-11

My righteousness or His? Confidence in the flesh only produces self-righteousness. Faith in Jesus? That’s where the righteousness of God comes from.

What Paul once considered gain…that “what does it profit a man to gain the whole world” thing…he now considers loss, a liability for the sake of Christ. Paul knows that his self-righteousness is no true righteousness. True righteousness can only come from Jesus through faith. And nothing even comes close to what Paul calls “the surpassing value of knowing” Jesus. Everything that Paul had given up (his righteousness) and everything that Paul had suffered for the sake of Christ…it was worth it all to gain Jesus. The treasure in the field. The pearl of great price.

What are the things for you? What does your BC (before Christ) resume look like? What are the things that made you feel like you were ok with God? Maybe even a good person. What are the things that would weigh in your favor if God graded on a curve? Are you still holding on to any of those things? Maybe something that gives you a sense of self-worth? Those things can sometimes be hard to let go of. Because they have been a source of pride. It’s what “I’ve” done. Putting confidence in the flesh. But those things will never make us righteous before God…they only get in the way. Jesus is way better. For Paul, giving up the “good” was well worth it. I wonder if we can say the same thing…

If you are still putting confidence in the flesh…if you have not yet trusted in Jesus…please make today the day. 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. You too will have the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians 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 31, 2023

Walking Torah Road

Philippians 2.12-30

Unity requires that we as individuals, work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Out and not for. We are saved (justified) by grace through faith. Period. We are also to work out our salvation (sanctification). We are to walk in obedience. To let our lights shine. To follow Torah Road. The good news is…God gives us both the will and the ability to do so. It is a divine partnership, but He does all the heavy lifting.

Unity also requires that we as a church, work out our salvation with fear and trembling. A crooked and perverse generation is watching…the world is watching…to see what difference Jesus makes, not only in our individual lives, but also in our corporate life. Our “unity” quotient will have a direct impact on our “effectiveness-in-sharing-the-gospel” quotient. That means “we” not “me”. Not just one of us crossing the finish line, but all of us. Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ…

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This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians 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 24, 2023

Who’s the Greatest?

Philippians 2.1-11

Paul challenges the Philippians to pursue “we” not “me” by putting away selfishness and empty conceit and with humility of mind looking out for one another.

Unity doesn’t just happen. It’s something that we have to pursue. Just like our own “knowing God more”, our walk down Torah Road. It takes intentionality. It takes practice. We will fail at it, but it’s not just about trying. We have to train for it. A great way to do that is to join a small group or a class or one of our ministries. Meet some other folks. Begin to live life together. That’s the one another’s in a microcosm. But don’t stop there. Look for ways to get involved in the larger body. Remember it’s all y’all, not just a select few.

The goal is not just one or two of us standing firm or crossing the line. But all of us. Reminds me of my experience taking tae kwon do with my son. Goal wasn’t just a few black belts. Our Sensei wanted everyone who entered the Dojo (local Y) to cross the line. And often the more advanced group helped to teach the less experienced. Black to brown/blue. Brown to blue/green. Blue to green/yellow/white. Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man attaining to Christ’s full stature. That’s what discipleship is all about. “We” not “me”. Not a solo activity, but a team sport.

Jesus is the King…our Resurrected King. He died so that we might live. He came to rescue sinners. Jesus is coming back one day. And when He does, He will either be your King or your Judge. He would rather be your King. So if you haven’t yet trusted in Jesus, please make today the day. 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. You too can be “in Christ.”

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This post is based on a sermon from our Philippians 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 19, 2023

A Ferocious Faith

1 Samuel 17

God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. The story of David and Goliath is the story of a ferocious faith that conquers not only fear, but also an enemy of such gigantic proportions that he seems impossible to defeat.

Two men…Saul and David…have the same problem. A giant of a man, an overpowered killing machine, a fierce warrior named Goliath. Saul, seeing only the man, looking only at his circumstances, viewing the situation from ground level, considering only what he can see…is dismayed and greatly afraid. He relied on his armor and his abilities, his natural strength and charisma to face his problems. But when the problem was bigger and stronger and fiercer and scarier than him, he was paralyzed with fear. It’s easy to be like Saul. Just focus on your circumstances, see life from a pedestrian point of view, live life in your own strength and eventually your Goliath will come and stop you in your tracks.

David reminds us what it means to be a “man after God’s own heart”…a man who is brave and bold…a man of faith and conviction…a man willing to step onto the battlefield and face down his enemies, who knows that the battle belongs to the LORD, and who is trusting in Him to fight for him and with him. A man who does not look at things from ground level…whatever the circumstances…but who sees the world from God’s perspective. A man of ferocious faith.

So Dad’s, what does it look like to have a ferocious kind of faith like David? Let me give you a few thoughts. First, it involves spending time in the Word, time in prayer, time with other men…remembering who God is. David was able to be such a man because he knew the LORD. Not just as a passing acquaintance. But he had been to battle with Him before. David had spent time with Him and tested Him. Unlike Saul, David hasn’t forgotten who God is.

Second, it’s shepherding your family well, providing for them, protecting and serving them. Leading them and guiding them. Nurturing them. Fighting for them. You see a ferocious faith isn’t just for you…but according to Deuteronomy 6, it’s for you to pass on to your sons. To do that, you have to teach it to them and model it for them. But you can you can only do that if you have a ferocious faith yourself. You can’t lead them where you’re not going…Torah Road (no detours).

Finally, it’s acknowledging that sometimes life is hard, but remembering that God is greater. And Dad’s, for those of you who are here today, let me just tell you that I’m proud of you. For many men it’s not easy going to church. But by being here today you’re showing your family what it looks like to follow Jesus in the day to day. Sometimes in our walk with God we just need to show up. We live in a culture that has so devalued the role of husbands and fathers, the world…this community…this church…your family…needs you to step up and be the man of God that the LORD has created, gifted, called and saved you to be.

I want to ask one last question. Do you know the LORD? Years later One of David’s descendants, Jesus, will face down an even greater enemy, Satan, and having secured victory through His own death on a cross and His resurrection from the dead, Jesus gives the spoils of His triumph to those of us who believe…forgiveness of sins, eternal life, a kingdom. Do you know the LORD?

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This post is based on our Father’s Day sermon. 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 5, 2023

Serving

Romans 12.1-8

We all have ways that we are conforming to the world around us. Hard not to do when you walk this planet. But as we spend more time in God’s Word and allow God’s Word to spend more time in us, the Spirit uses the Word to renew our minds and transform us to live and love like Jesus. We begin to see the world more and more through His eyes. We begin to want what He wants. We see that His will for us is perfect. And then offering the whole of ourselves to Him…serving Him…just makes sense. It’s the only reasonable thing to do.

Because of what God’s done for us, we want to serve Him…and we do that by serving others.

God’s gifted you for a reason…are you using your spiritual gift to build up the body? Of course that assumes that you know what your spiritual gift is. One way to discover what your spiritual gift is…is to serve. If you hear about an opportunity that sounds good to you, then just try it. If it’s an area of giftedness, you’ll know. It will “feel” right, and we won’t be able to talk you out of it. If not, you’ll know that too, and you can try something else. Remember the Christian life is not a one-and-done but a lifestyle…training not just trying.

If you want to experience the fullness of joy and abundance of life that Jesus talks about, you’ve got to get serving. So find ways to serve. As you exercise your spiritual gifts, don’t be surprised to see God use them in tandem with others, bringing you closer together and closer to Him.

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This post is based on a sermon from our For Future Reference 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 8, 2023

Forgiveness

Luke 17.1-6

Jesus warns His followers about the sad reality that there will always be those who cause others to stumble…either by their words or actions…cause them to turn away from following Him. Don’t let it be you. For those who do fall into sin…confront, confess, forgive, repeat is our mantra. It won’t be easy…it requires faith and obedience. Faith because forgiveness is a supernatural act; obedience because it’s not an option.

Where are you struggling today? Are you making lifestyle choices that may be causing others to stumble, maybe even becoming a barrier to others coming to know Jesus? We are to live lives worthy of the calling…doesn’t mean that we’re perfect, but it means that we are choosing to love God more. More than our other relationships that may not be honoring to Him. More than our careers. More than our popularity. More than our stuff. It means saying “no” to the things that might trip others up.

Maybe your struggle’s on the other side…forgiving those who have caused you to stumble or have wronged you in some way. That’s a tough one. It’s hard to confront those who hurt us…especially in a loving way. And it’s even harder to forgive those who hurt us, especially when we begin trying to evaluate whether or not they really mean “I’m sorry” when they say it. And when they do it over and over…forget about it. But forgiveness is not an option for those who have been forgiven by God. So if that’s you today, ask God to help you forgive. The main issue isn’t faith but obedience.

Sometimes our forgiveness problem is a love problem. Remember…he who has been forgiven much loves much. Until we see ourselves as sinners who have been forgiven a tremendous debt, we, like Simon, are going to have a hard time loving others, much less forgiving.

And maybe you have yet to be forgiven yourself. Maybe you haven’t yet trusted in Jesus. Maybe you don’t think He can or will forgive you…like that woman. But that’s exactly why Jesus came…to save sinners. Sinners like you and me. You simply have to ask.

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This post is based on a sermon from our For Future Reference 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.