FROM THE WORD

How Does Heaven See Us?

Who is the real you? Surely, God knows the real you. Don’t you think that your guardian angel can see the real you as well? Angels can’t read our thoughts as God can, but they do see us in every situation.

There is no human being that sees us in every situation. Angels can’t be fooled about us like people can; even the closest people. As a pastor, most church members see me at my best, and many church members only show their best to their pastor and most of the other members. We let just a few people see more of who we really are. Of course, God knows us better than we know ourselves. I’m pretty sure the angels also know us better than we know ourselves. Sometimes parents know their children better than the children know themselves, but other times the parents hardly have a clue.

In my years as a teacher, there were times that I was amazed at how some children had fooled their parents. I’ve seen the same in marriage counseling as well. A spouse can often predict what’s going on with their partner, but sometimes be baffled. Angels who have never sinned might be baffled in some ways trying to understand human choices, but as I wrote above, they can’t be fooled about us like people can, including parents and spouses. So how does heaven see us?

Does heaven evaluate us by how sweet and kind we can be with our fellow members for two or more hours on Sabbath? That would bode well for many of us because we are pretty good at that. It’s not that hard to be a nice person for a few hours for most of us. What’s a better barometer of who we really are? God has actually already told us. “Just as you conduct yourself in your home life, you are registered in the books of heaven. He who would be a saint in heaven must first become a saint in his own family.” (Adventist Home, p. 317)

Wow! If your friends (work associates, fellow church members, etc.) like you better than your own children do, something is definitely wrong. Being grouchy or self-centered with your spouse or children totally blows one’s credibility as a Christian. Heaven sees it as it is, more clearly than we can see it ourselves. 

“The measure of your Christianity is gauged by the character of your home life. The grace of Christ enables its possessors to make the home a happy place, full of peace and rest. Unless you have the Spirit of Christ, you are none of His.” (Child Guidance, p. 481. See also Romans 8:9)

If this brings you under heavy conviction, don’t fight against it. Agree with God, and let the Spirit work repentance into your soul. Don’t give up in discouragement. God has solutions. If it makes you desirous to be a better parent or spouse, that’s a good thing. That’s the Spirit’s work as well. We should always be seeking spiritual, emotional, and character growth. 

“If you have failed in your duty to your families, confess your sins before God. Gather your children about you and acknowledge your neglect. Tell them that you desire to bring about a reformation in the home, and ask them to help you to make the home what it ought to be….Pray with them.” (Child Guidance p. 557)  “When you take up the cross and follow Christ, when you bring your lives into conformity to the will of God, your children will be converted.” (Review and Herald, 7-15-1902)

If heaven sees your Christianity is true at home, so will your children, and probably your spouse also. 

Pastor Fred Dana

CENTRAL CORNER

This Week (March 20 to 26): 

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

• Tuesday @ 7:00 PM – Prayer Meeting with JeAnn Davis (John 13)

• 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 – 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 Fred Dana

Upcoming Events

Youth & Family Life Vespers continues Friday, March 25 at 7 PM (and every second and fourth Friday in the Family Life Room). And on April 22 at 7 PM Armona Union Academy Choir will be sharing their music and other gifts with us. It will be an exciting and powerful beginning to the Sabbath. Mark your calendars!

Choir Practice continues Sabbath, March 26 from 2 to 4 PM in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to join! 

Spring Work Bee: Young and not so young are invited to join us at the church Sunday, March 27 from 8 AM to 2 PM to dust, wipe, clean, polish, weed, prune, trim, and tidy the church. There is something for everyone to do. Lunch will be provided. Look forward to seeing you there!

Optimize Your Brain: Central’s Health Ministries is teaming up with Dr. Neil Nedley to host this all-important seminar on improving brain function – an especially relevant topic today. Come (with a family member or friend) to the free introductory session on Monday, April 4 at 7 PM to learn more. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.

Ministry Opportunities

Exciting Ministry Opportunities! Want to be involved in helping broadcast biblical messages across Sacramento and the world? Looking to get involved here at Central so you can make a difference for the gospel? Central’s multi-media ministry is looking for volunteer audio, camera, and Pro-Presenter operators. There’s much to do and your involvement will help further the three angels’ messages. The next Camera Operator Training is scheduled Tuesday, March 29 @ 6:30 PM, while we have an Audio Training scheduled Tuesday, April 5 @ 6:30 PM. Both trainings will be in the sanctuary. For more information, please contact Pastor Chris Buttery at 717.250.8116. We look forward to seeing you there!

Gardening Ministry. Our Garden Ministry assists the church in beautifying the property grounds. A team of volunteers meets each Wednesday morning to plant, weed, prune, and water. There are no special qualifications needed just a desire to see God’s house look beautiful. Please contact the church office or Karen Medeiros at k.medeiros@sbcglobal.net if you can help.

Family Matters

Vegetarian Foods @ Central: We will be making certain vegetarian canned foods available through the church beginning Tuesday (March 22). All items will be 50% off for a suggested donation that will go toward our thrift store ministry. To pick yours up, stop by the church office during office hours.

Housekeeper Wanted: A Central member is looking for a housekeeper who can cook vegan and vegetarian food and can help her brother’s wife with daily needs.  The family lives in West Sacramento. Must be able to provide own transportation. Please Terri Yan at 916.812.5556 for more information.

Thrift Store Donations Needed: Smart Thrift, our church’s thrift store, is in need of more furniture donations – bedroom furniture, living room furniture, dining room furniture, and more. Please call 916.457.6500 for more information or to schedule a pick up (must be multiple pieces to qualify for pick up). Thank you.

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.

News & Events From Elsewhere

Last Day of Prophecy continues tomorrow night. Learn more about the “rest” of the story by going here: http://www.lastdayofprophecy.com/. Be sure to invite a friend to tune in also.

Fiji Relief: Not long ago the country of Fiji experienced its worst hurricane in recorded history. Some Adventist churches and schools, along with many of our members’ homes and plantations were completely destroyed. Our Fijian brothers and sisters need your help. If it is within your ability to contribute a financial gift, please make your check out to the Sacramento Fijian SDA Church and mail it to PO Box 254560, Sacramento, CA 95865. All proceeds will be sent to the mission office in Fiji.

Laura Williams Music is looking for your help. Please visit http://www.laurawilliamsmusic.com/donations/ to learn more.

Annual Golf Tournament: Sacramento Adventist Academy’s golf tournament fundraiser is April 10 at Teal Bend Golf Club. Call 916.481.2300 to sign up. Deadline is March 18.

NEWS HEIGHTS

Resources

He Is Risen: The true story of Easter will change people's lives forever. Click here to get your copy to share

American Christian Ministries. Celebrate 40 years of ministry by enjoying all audio downloads for FREE. Click here to listen to inspirational, Bible-based messages while time lasts.

Be Inspired 

Be Grateful: Enjoy this short video that really makes you think and be determined to be grateful for what you have (Phil. 4:11). 

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