FROM THE WORD

Remembering Noah

“WOOOOOOOOOOW!!!” was the reaction I had when walking, in anticipation, to the edge of the greatest canyon on earth.  I remember it vividly, a slight incline in the trail that suddenly dropped off.  The Grand Canyon was awe inspiring.  Without a doubt one of the most magnificent natural wonders I have ever seen personally.  Many of the youth that came had never seen it before.

It was dusk as we walked to the South Rim trail, we found ourselves enjoying one of the most beautiful sunsets we’d ever seen.  Prior to this scene we were playfully chatting amongst ourselves, but conversation stopped when the sunset came into view before us as we cleared the tree line just before arriving at the edge of the canyon.  As they viewed in complete silence, I walked on ahead of them on the trail.  I came to a clearing and decided to get as close to the edge as possible (safely of course).                

This is where I ended up.  When they arrived at the same place.  I couldn’t help but share a few thoughts that were running through my head at that moment.

God is BIG!  I mean he is really, really big. This Grand Canyon is a speck in the universe that is so much more “grand” than this canyon.             

When this canyon was formed several thousand years ago it was a sign to the post antediluvian world that there was a flood and there is a God who opened up the great depths and let the rain come down until the earth was covered like a garment and the deep overflowed the whole earth. 

It also speaks of his forgiveness and mercy for humanity.

Naturally, it leads us to the fact that there were but a few who were saved from the flood. Today, there is a remnant standing on the edge of tomorrow, the earth made new, and shouting from the cliff tops; “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.” “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.” “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand, he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger…” 

Truly, we are in similar times as faithful Noah. As a matter of fact, Jesus said; “As it was in the days of Noe so shall it be in the days of the Son of man.”  We have the responsibility and privilege of taking part in the great controversy as co-laborers with Christ. The same message of love and mercy to a defeated world calling people into the ark that will be, and is, their only safeguard.  I hope and pray we can unite as a church and present the gospel in the context of the three angels’ messages to a world in need of a loving savior. 

Michael Butler, Youth-Young Adult Pastor

CENTRAL HAPPENINGS & NEWS

This Week (February 1 to 6): 

• Tuesday @ 10:00 AM – Women’s Bible Study

• Tuesday @ 7:00 PM – Prayer Meeting with Pastor Mike Thompson

• Wednesday @ 7:00 PM - Spanish Group Prayer Meeting

• 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 – Jeremy Klopfenstein

• Sabbath @ 9:30 AM - Central Study Hour with Dr. David DeRose + Children/Youth/Adult Sabbath School Classes

• Sabbath @ 10:50 AM - Worship Service with Dr. David DeRose

• Sabbath @ 1:00 PM – Book Ministry Luncheon

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Upcoming Events

Discipleship University: The next Reading Guide is now available for the February 6 class. We will be covering Numbers 12-36.

Central Church Retreat. Plan now to join us for our annual church retreat at Leoni Meadows, March 4-6, 2016 with featured speaker Randy Skeete. Activities for children and youth.  Applications can be picked up at the church office, hostess desk, or on our website – www.saccentral.org/church-retreat

Family Matters

Welcome! We want to welcome the following individuals to their new ministry positions here at Central: Donna Brazil, Interest Coordinator, Seymour Morgan, Online Member Ministry Leader, and JeAnn Davis, Personal Ministries Leader. May God use each of you in a powerful way in your newly elected position.

Smart Thrift is looking for volunteers to help with several easy tasks to help get clothing and the like out on the store floor.  If you are interested, please contact Teri Harper at (916) 457-6500.

Ministry Reports: Copies of the 2015/2016 Ministries Reports presented at the Business Meeting and our “Ministries” brochures which tell you more about Central’s ministries are both available at https://zqh.orf.mybluehost.me/saccentral/ministries/

The 2015 Offering receipts have been mailed. If you haven’t received yours in the next few days, please contact the treasurer. Thank you for your ongoing faithfulness and support. T

Watch Us on Television! Enjoy viewing Central’s flagship programs, Central Study Hour, every Friday night at 8 PM and Sabbath morning at 6 AM (PST) on 3ABN Proclaim! Also enjoy our Receiving the Word, 30-minute programs weekly on Sunday at 11 AM, Tuesday at 11:30 AM (NEW TIME), Wednesday at 8:30 PM, and Thursday at 9 PM (NEW TIME) on Sacramento Faith TV (Comcast – 20; CCI – 19; AT&T – 14). These can also be viewed on our website (www.saccentral.org) and our YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/thecentralconnection). Let everyone know where they can receive timely Bible messages!

Podcasts Available! If you didn't know, every Central Study Hour and worship service can be viewed and downloaded by going to our website (https://zqh.orf.mybluehost.me/saccentral/sermons). This is an easy way for you to invite friends and family to listen to important Bible messages coming from Central church. The podcasts are uploaded a week after the live presentation.

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/

BITS & PIECES

Resources

Conflict of the Ages Audio Book: These audio books will draw you into the great stories of the Bible making you feel like you were there at that moment in history. Books include Patriarchs & Prophets; Prophets & Kings; Desire of Ages, Acts of the Apostles, and The Great Controversy. Click here to order yours today.

http://www.weaffirmsda.com is a site that was created so that people who want to learn and understand more about different movements sweeping through the Adventist church could go to one website and get most of the information needed to understand the facts. Check it out today!