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Pastor's Notes
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To Hear God's Voice
Life is often a mad scramble! Sensory overload is a hallmark of our digitalized and hectic society! Multitude of voices incessantly compete for our time and attention in one way or another. And when so many “up” the volume and speak all at once, it's impossible to hear and understand anything being said.
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But while such a bedlam of friendly noise might be harmless and innocent, there are other bedlams that are not. It's with the latter in mind that I wish to focus on the need to know God's voice.
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It's crucial to hear the whisperings of Divinity above the din of life. Without discerning ears we will be at the mercy of misdirected feet. Only as we hear God’s voice (and listen!) can we chart a wise and safe course through the perils of life. Only as we hear, listen, and follow can we find the specific place where God has called us to serve Him. So hearing and listening are crucial, for as Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
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In connection with the above, let us ponder the following:
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“There are three ways in which the Lord reveals His will to us, to guide us, and to fit us to guide others. How may we know His voice from that of a stranger? How shall we distinguish it from that of a false shepherd? God reveals His will to us in His word, the Holy Scriptures. His voice is also revealed in His providential workings, and it will be recognized if we do not separate our souls from Him by walking in our own ways, doing according to our own wills, and following the promptings of an unsanctified heart, until the senses have become so confused that eternal things are not discerned, and the voice of Satan is so disguised that it is accepted as the voice of God.” (1)
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Proverbs 2:1-9 is a promise we should all memorize and claim as we seek to hear and follow God’s voice:
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“My child, if you will receive My words, and hide My commandments with you; So that you incline your ear unto wisdom and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry after knowledge, and lift up your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hid treasures; Then shall you understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom: out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous: He is a shield to them that walk uprightly. He keeps the paths of judgment, and preserves the way of His saints. Then shall you understand righteousness and judgment and uprightness; Yes, every good thing.”
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Satan’s last overpowering delusions are soon to be unleashed upon this world! If ever there was a time to familiarize our ears and hearts with the voice of God it is now!
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“Another way in which God's voice is heard is through the appeals of the Holy Spirit, making impressions upon the heart which will be wrought out in the character. If you are in doubt upon any subject you must first consult the scriptures. If you have truly begun the life of faith, you have given yourself to the Lord to be wholly His, and He has taken you to mold and fashion according to His purpose, that you may be a vessel unto honor. You should have an earnest desire to be pliable in His hands and to follow whithersoever He may lead you. You are then trusting Him to work out His designs, while at the same time you are cooperating with Him by working out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (2)
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While the above counsel is sound and dependable, we mustn't assume that all Christians have taken it to heart and prospered in its light. This was written to an Adventist man by Ellen G. White back in 1889. The fuller context of this testimony indicates that while religious, and a member of God’s church, this man was also proud, divisive, and deaf to God's voice. Hence, he was a trouble to himself and to others.
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At the conclusion of her letter, Ellen White penned these words: “You, my brother, will find difficulty here because you have not yet learned by experience to know the voice of the Good Shepherd, and this places you in doubt and peril. You ought to be able to distinguish His voice.” (3)
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God's messenger made plain that he had no excuse for his deafness. It is to be hoped that this man finally listened and turned his mind, heart and feet into the right path. May all do likewise whose ears are listening to every other voice than the voice of Jesus.
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Mike Thompson, Associate Pastor
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(1) Testimonies To The Church, vol. 5, pp. 511, 512.
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Happenings
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MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY
We're delighted to have Pastor Kameron DeVasher join us Tuesday, October 6 at 7PM (PT) as he shares about "Reaching the Heart." Many people are searching for answers in light of current events. There's only one way we can help them. Join us at facebook.com/sacramentocentral or Zoom (Meeting ID: 817 2316 6069).
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We're excited to be partnering with It Is Written for its virtual series, Answers in Prophecy starting October 9, 2020.
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Right ahead of the U.S. elections, Pastor John Bradshaw will speak to current events in light of Bible prophecy. Register for this "seed-sowing" series at answersinprophecy.com
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AN AUTUMN DAY IN APPLE HILL
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This annual event will take place on
Sunday, October 11. We will meet at the High Hill Ranch in front of the
Apple Barn at 9:00 AM. We will then caravan to Boa Vista farm, stop by El Dorado Orchards and take a train ride, and go to Abel's Apple Acres and Larsen's SDA Apple Barn. Hope to see you there!
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While fires in Northern California recently threatened the last home of Ellen G. White, misunderstanding, apathy, and even disdain have jeopardized the legacy of her prophetic gift. Is yesterday's prophet still needed today? Join us for this vital virtual event. Find out more by visiting https://www.saccentral.org/events/egw
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LIGHT SACRAMENTO!
We're back! Join us October 24 between 1:30 and 2 PM as we prepare to go (and safely) Light Sacramento! “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). “Carry the word to every man’s door” (R&H July 10, 1883). See you there!
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Join us on Creation Sabbath, October 31 at 10:45AM (PT) as we welcome Dr. Ehren McLarty to Central. She will be talking with us about God's amazing creation and looking at the evidences of the divine in nature. Your faith will be encouraged and your confidence in God's Word strengthened. To join in person, go to saccentral.org/reservations the week leading up to the event to reserve your seat.
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In-Person Services Resumed
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As Sacramento Country recently entered Tier 2 of California's 4-Tiered system, we have been able to reopen our church doors for in-person services. Unfortunately, at this time we can only house 25% of our capacity or 100 people, whichever is less (which is 100). You will need to reserve your seat(s) the week of the services (you won't be able to reserve a seat more than 5 days in advance) by going to saccentral.org/reservations. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working toward increasing our seating capacity with Sacramento County. We are also looking into when we might be able to resume Sabbath School programs. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.
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Fire/Disaster Relief
According to the Northern California Conference, "the Glass Fire and North Complex West fires have destroyed 36 homes belonging to church members and NCC employees." If you would like to assist current survivors we are collecting gift cards (Visa, Walmart, Raley's, Food Maxx, Smart & Final, Grocery Outlet, gas). Please mail or drop your gift card off at the office (please, no cash, check, or other gifts). NCC ACS will be making the delivery and distributing them. Deadline for submission is Friday, October 9 at Noon.
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Your Monthly Manna
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“Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left." - Isaiah 30:21
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