Don't Let the Stones Cry Out!

Ding, Ding, Ding. 

The clock of prophetic time had struck according to Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”

It was nearing the Passover and many were on there way to Jerusalem for this most important event in the Hebrew culture.  Coming from the Mount of Olives, Luke writes, “As he was now drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, ‘Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to him, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples.’ He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.’ (Luke 19:37-40 RSV)     

A look at the landscape now would differ from when Jesus walked this earth. There are many buildings around Jerusalem now that were not there then. The Mount of Olives is still there, and a large part of the Garden of Gethsemane; maybe even the stones that Jesus was pointing to when He said this to the Pharisees are still there.   

As the prophetic clock was striking Jesus sees Jerusalem as he is being praised and honored as King. He weeps and says, "Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes. For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast up a bank about you and surround you, and hem you in on every side, and dash you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you; because you did not know the time of your visitation." (Luke 19:42-44 RSV)

This was a prediction of the fall of the city under the Romans, a terrible time of judgment. So, this is a time of crisis when this incident takes place though many were not aware of the impending danger. 

And yet despite this, the disciples, moved by the Holy Spirit were praising God for what Jesus had done and for who he was, King. The rocks didn’t cry out because they didn’t have to.  The disciples moved by the Holy Spirit shouted praise to their King.     

Unlike the Pharisees and disciples, we know, through the scriptures, of the impending destruction that is to befall this world.

We have been given a message to share “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” Matthew 24:14. I, no, WE have the greatest honor in proclaiming the SECOND triumphal re-entry of our LORD. 

The Lord has given each one of us the ability to use our talents and voices for the expansion of HIS kingdom!  He will not keep silent, the Lord will use whoever is willing.  EVEN THE ROCKS!  In other words, no matter who proclaims the victorious, triumphal re-entry of our Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds, it will be declared to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.  Who were the ones that shouted and cried out across the Kidron Valley?  Who were the ones who proclaimed the Lord “King”? The Disciples! Men and woman who left everything for the service of the King.  Let your voice be heard in your home, in the work place, in our schools, and in our communities!  It is our privilege to work with Him and declare the coming of our King.  Let us all raise our voices together to share with all who we come in contact with. Don’t let the rocks shout praises and honor and glory to the highest. As disciples of Jesus, being moved by the Holy Spirit, WE can, in a time of crisis soon to come upon us, share our joy, glorify our Lord, and witness to others of the eternal joy that can be theirs!  Cry out! Cry out! Cry out!

Pastor Michael Butler

 CENTRAL HAPPENINGS & NEWS

This Week (September 21 to 26): 

Tuesday @ 10:00 AM – Women’s Bible Study Class (Family Life Room)

Tuesday @ 7:00 PM - Prayer Meeting with Elder Buddy Harper – “Exhortation for Elders” – Acts 20 (Chapel)

Wednesday @ 7:00 PM - Spanish Group Prayer Meeting (Chapel)

Various L.I.F.E. groups (in-home small group Bible studies) take place across Sacramento. To locate one near you contact our small groups’ coordinator, Richard Anger @ (916) 681-3990

Sabbath @ 9:00 AM - Morning Manna – Karen Medeiros

Sabbath @ 9:30 AM - Central Study Hour with Pastor Chris Buttery + Children/Youth/Adult Sabbath School Classes

Sabbath @ 10:50 AM - Worship Service with Pastor Chris Buttery – “In or Of The World?”

Sabbath @ 1:00 PM – Small Group Ministry Luncheon

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Central Events

Central Choir Rehearsals begin Sabbath, September 26 @ 2PM in the chapel. For more information please contact the church office – office@saccentral.org

Pathfinders: If you are looking to enroll your 10 to 15 year-old in a Christian-based education and adventure program, then it’s not too late to register for this year’s Pathfinders. For more information, contact Stacey Earnest (nee Jaaskela) at pathfinders@saccentral.org

Women’s Ministry Bible Study happens each Tuesday at 10AM right here at the church. The topic is “Putting on the Whole Armor of God.” Class will continue through Tuesday, November 10. Light refreshments are served.

Quilting Ministry will be meeting Sunday, September 27 at 10:30AM in the Family Life Room. If you’re interested in becoming a part of this ministry you are more than welcome to attend.

Fall Work Bee! Please mark your calendars for our fall work bee on Sunday, October 4 from 8AM to 2PM. There will be washing, cleaning, sorting, clearing, and pruning. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. J See you then!

Revelation: On the Edge of Time will begin on Friday, October 23, in three different locations with three separate presenters – Pastor Mike Thompson, JeAnn Davis, and Elder Andre Hope. Plan to attend and bring someone with you to these 13-night, power-packed series on closing events as outlined in the book of Revelation. More details soon to follow.

If you want others to enjoy receiving this e-newsletter as much as you do, please invite them to sign up by going to https://zqh.orf.mybluehost.me/saccentral/central-happenings/

Central Ministries

Central's A/V Ministry is in need of your help. Every Sabbath provides an incredible opportunity to be involved in the production of Bible-based messages that are heard all over the world.

Central Needs

Your Gifts Needed: Our thrift store ministry is gearing up for the winter season and is in need of new clothing and seasonal items. Due to not having the capital at this time to make the necessary purchases we are asking you to help raise $5,000 towards this very important project. We are encouraged by the steady improvements seen since our renovation project, but your assistance is still needed. Please mark your tithe envelopes, “Thrift Store Ministry,” and give what you can. This fundraising drive will be open for the next two weeks and needs to be above regular giving to the church budget. Thank you kindly. – Smart Thrift Committee.

BULLETIN BOARD - An assortment of happenings, announcements, and resources from around the Seventh-day Adventist Church

News & Announcements

Around the World

Revelation Today: The Mysteries Revealed: NET '95, the first satellite-delivered evangelism series by the North American Division, is "back.” This year, beginning October 9, It Is Written will celebrate the 20-year anniversary of NET ’95 with a new evangelistic series live from Chattanooga, Tennessee, with free apps and tweeting. Who could have seen that coming 20 years ago? Like NET '95, every church can host the series live, but no satellite dish is necessary. In fact, millions of people can watch, with or without the help of a local church. To learn how you can get involved, click here.

Heroes of Faith, with Amazing Facts speaker/director Doug Batchelor, will begin October 2, 2015 and run through October 10. Important Bible messages for the whole family will be presented. To learn more about how you might get involved in sharing these messages with others, please go to http://www.theheroesoffaith.com/

Adventist Community Services on the Move! Dan Weber, Communication Director of the North American Division, reports on the work being done by Adventist Community Services on the island of Saipan after Typhoon Soudelor. Click here to watch the report. https://vimeo.com/138142504

Life on the Line, a documentary series for national television, is produced by Loma Linda University Health. New episodes are now airing on your local public TV stations. It provides a view into the lives of people who are fighting to overcome: disease, natural disaster, coping with a disability, or battling mental illness. “Life on the Line” is an inspiring look into the resilience of humankind. Narrated by award winning journalist and writer, Lisa Ling, it follows patients from Southern California to the Amazon, Haiti, and Egypt as they all fight a similar battle to stay alive. Click here to learn more. http://lifeontheline.tv/LOTL/index.page

Around Northern California

From Elder Jim Pederson: “The Butte/Valley fires continue to be devastating events. We are still waiting to discover the extent of the damage, as many people have not yet been allowed back into their communities after evacuations. Although we don't know all the needs, we are continuing to work with churches on the perimeter of the fires. Several are already serving as shelters, and their community services centers are providing a variety of essentials for evacuees. Right now, our NCC Community Services Director Gordon Botting says the biggest need is for prayers and monetary donations. Click here to donate online.”

The tithe report for August has been compiled and the Northern California Conference still shows a slight gain, year-to-date, in comparison to this point in 2014. We have a gain of 0.78 percent, but 40 churches did not submit their remittances by the deadline.

Around Sacramento

Orangevale SDA School is looking for a part time 7th/8th grade teacher, Language Arts, and Bible. Please call Brad Davis, Principal (916) 718-4276.

Would you like to receive the SAA Weekend Report? Email Eva Mason at emason@sacaa.org. Please include your name, connection to the school, and email address.

Would you like to be an SAA volunteer? Stop by SAA’s front office for more information and to register as an official volunteer.

Resources

The Pope & Prophecy: Steve Wohlberg’s newest sharing tract about Pope Francis, his June 18, 2015 papal encyclical on “climate change,” the coming global crisis, and timely prophetic issues in light of God’s prophecy in Revelation 13. Sold in packs of 100. Click here to place your order.

The 2016 sharing books were written by two popular speakers/authors. “Four Winds of Revelation,” by evangelist Kenneth Cox, examines what the Bible says about the crises that we are facing and shares what we can expect for the future. It is written in a style that would appeal to those unfamiliar with Adventist beliefs and will be available in Adventist Book Centers October 1. “I Will Give you Rest,” by Elizabeth Viera Talbot, the 2016 sharing book for women, tells about our assured reality of resting in Jesus. It will help you share the eternal gospel for the weary soul with your friends, neighbors, relatives, and colleagues. Also available in Spanish. Click here for bulk order pricing.

"Revelation Speaks Peace" series as presented by VOP Speaker/Director Shawn Boonstra in Minneapolis this year, is now available on DVD. The series of 24 programs on 12 DVDs clearly unlocks the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, using the Bible itself as the key. Currently on sale for $80. Click here to order your set today!

The 2015 Annual Statistical Report, which is the 151st Report of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® for 2013 and 2014, is now available. You can get the latest church stats on membership, tithes and offerings, schools, churches, pastors, missionaries, hospitals, literature evangelists, and much more by clicking here.

Porn Doesn’t Have To Be the Norm, by Omar Miranda – Whether you are struggling with an addiction to pornography, seeking to help a loved one, or you want to create a change in your church and community, this book can help you get started. The author shows a clear path for empowering people to begin the process of overcoming this addiction. To get your copy click here.