Rumors Of Wars & Good Tidings

November 11, commemorated 96 years since the First World War came to an end.  During the four years of this dreadful conflict 50 million lives were squandered for no good reason.  "The Great War,” as it was called, was declared to be "The war to end all wars."  And so it was for 21 short years.  Then in 1939 the world was once again plunged into an even greater conflict, ultimately claiming the lives of 50 to 85 million people.

Immediately following the Second World War the Cold War set in, separating the free western powers from the eastern Soviet Bloc and its allies.  For more than 40 years both sides faced-off, with nuclear weapons of mass destruction ready to rain down on each other, at a moments notice. 

How wonderful it seemed when the mighty USSR finally dissolved and the Berlin Wall came tumbling down in 1989!  It seemed the world was ready to face a more friendly and peaceful future.  However, such was not to be, and still isn't.  Our little planet is plagued by conflict and international tensions.  Just a few days ago former Soviet President Mikel Gorbachev spoke of another Cold War in the making between Russia and the West.  And so the world goes on...

As Bible-believing Christians, we are greatly blessed to know why such strife and chaos exists on this planet.  We also know that things will get worse.  Daniel 12:1 tells us that soon, "There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation."  While we should be ever mindful of such, we must also remember the assuring words of Jesus found in Luke 21:28, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

In addition, as Bible-believing Christians, we are not to sit in idleness, waiting for the second coming of Christ.  The Savior Himself has given us a job to do.  "Go ye therefore into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Mark 16:15.  All around us there are lost souls hiding fear and uncertainty behind phony smiles and expressions of false confidence.  Jesus wants us to reach out to them with the gospel.  He wants us to be channels of His love.  He wants to make us messengers of His peace to such lost, lonely, and despairing ones that they might find hope and joy in Him. 

All around us are those who through drugs, alcohol, and other such behaviors seek to numb the pain of living on this dark and troubled planet.  Jesus bids us seek them out. He bids us take to them His light and the healing balm of His abounding grace.  Before us all, stretching off into the distance, lay fields unnumbered, "white already to harvest.”  But Jesus asks, "Who will go?"  Will you go?  Will I go?  Jesus asks, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?"  His servant Isaiah gave the answer.  May his answer become our answer: "Then said I, Here am I; send me." Isaiah 6:8. 

Pastor Mike Thompson

CENTRAL HAPPENINGS & NEWS

This Week (November 17 to 22): Tuesday @ 7:00 PM – Prayer Meeting with Elder Ray Rengifo – The Empowering of the Remnant; Sabbath @ 9:00 AM Morning Manna – TBD; @ 9:30 AM - Central Study Hour with Pastor Chris Buttery + Children/Youth/Adult Sabbath School; @ 10:50 AM - Worship Service with Pastor Mike Thompson

Islam & Christianity: On November 29, 2014 from 2 to 4 PM, Pastor Sylvain Romain, an internationally recognized expert in the dialogue between Christianity and Islam, will be presenting valuable information on Islam and a comparative study on the gospel to help us in our interaction with those of the Muslim faith. Topics include: Islam – Another Approach; Jesus & the Qur’an; and Muslims Need Eternal Peace – How to Help. Invite your family and friends to this important event.

Evading Ebola: Decrease your risk of infection and fare far better if exposed by coming out to this crucial seminar. Dr. David DeRose, MD, MPH will be presenting vital information that can help prepare you for a potential Ebola outbreak on Monday, December 8 from 6:30 PM  to 8:30 PM. Cost to attend is $15 at the door. Invite all you know to attend.

Central Study Hour Podcasts: You can now download MP3s and MP4s of Central Study Hour for viewing or listening. Just go to https://zqh.orf.mybluehost.me/saccentral/central-study-hour/. 

Food Pantry Need: Our food pantry is in need of food donations (or monetary donations) so they can continue to feed the families who visit each month.  All food contributions can be placed in the bin behind the chapel. Thank you!

“Turkey” Rolls at YNTS: Your Neighbor Thrift Store (YNTS) has partnered with the local Adventist Book Center to provide various vegetarian food options for everyone, including vegetarian “turkey” rolls for the holiday season. YNTS is open Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 7 PM, Friday 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM.  Pick up your food items today.

Fountainview Academy Orchestra & Choir is coming to Central on December 20 for two Christmas concerts – one at 4 PM and the other at 7 PM. Plan now to attend and invite a neighbor or friend. Admission is free, however come prepared to contribute toward a love offering that will be collected.

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

News & Announcements

Landmarks of Prophecy: This new epic Bible study adventure from Amazing Facts, hosted by Pastor Doug Batchelor, is being broadcast live from Albuquerque, New Mexico Go to www.landmarksofprophecy.com or www.facebook.com/AmazingFacts to view each program.

The Breath of Life television ministry celebrated its 40th anniversary last weekend. The celebration took place at the Oakwood University Church in Alabama where the ministry’s current Speaker/Director Dr. Carlton Byrd is the senior pastor. The program featured the ministry’s founder Walter Arties and former speaker/directors C.D. Brooks and Walter Pearson. The two-day event featured sermons, baptisms, and musical selections from numerous choirs and the Breath of Life Quartet. Throughout its history, the Breath of Life ministry has launched 13 churches and baptized more than 20,000 people.

Reminder: Visitors to the Washington, D.C. area who might wish to tour the Ellen G. White Estates should know that the White Estates section is closed for renovations. It is slated to reopen in mid-April, 2015. “We want people to have an enhanced museum experience and come away from it knowing something they didn’t already know about Ellen White,” said estate director James Nix. “We also hope it will motivate people to read more of her writings,” he said. 

Resources

Bible Studies for Sight-Impaired individuals are available from Christian Record Services. The correspondence courses, for youth and adults, are available in braille, on cassette, and in large print. One does not have to own a Bible, as texts are quoted for them. The large-print and braille versions have quizzes to complete and return for grading. A certificate is awarded after completing each course. The audio courses have no quizzes to return and no certificates are issued. To learn more or to order click here.

Strange Fire: Understanding the Hot Topic of Women’s Ordination.  This book, written by Pastor Doug Batchelor and Dwight Hall, is designed to help the reader navigate their way through this issue that is threatening to divide our beloved church.  Get you copy by going here.