What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful Of Him?

On January 5, 2015 NASA released the biggest picture ever taken by the Hubble Telescope. Comprised of 1.5 billion pixels, it covers part of the Andromeda galaxy, which is our nearest galactic neighbor. Produced in video form, this amazing extravaganza takes the viewer through a vast field of 100 million stars, strung out across 40,000 light years of space! 

In the light of God's vast creation how readily might we ask Him, "What is man that Thou shouldest magnify him and that Thou shouldest set Thine heart upon him?" Job 7:17  The answer to that question is clearly answered as we take in the picture of God's love toward us. As huge and glorious as every galaxy might be, each star comprising its majestic form is still an inanimate object. They were never made in the image of God as we are. The stars posses beauty, light, and power, yet are totally void of any intellect or moral consciousness. As much as God regards them, He does not love them as He loves us. Small and seemingly insignificant as we may appear when compared to the glory of a billion stars, we remain far more valuable and infinitely precious to our Maker. 

Psalm 103 tells us that "He (God) knows our frame, He remembers that we are dust."  And yet what precious dust we are in His sight! So precious in fact that our Creator partook of the same dust when He became "Emanuel, God with us." Matthew 1:23  Our Maker of course is none other than Jesus Himself. John 1:3 reminds us that, "All things were made by Him (Jesus) and without Him was not anything made that was made."

It's an amazing thought that Jesus stepped down from His throne of glory to take upon Himself our same frail and human flesh, and ransom our souls through His precious blood. Though having now ascended back to glory, Jesus has retained His humanity, but with a glorified version that He will bestow upon His faithful ones at His second advent. Because of Christ's incarnation we share a wonderful and glorious relationship with the Godhead that no other created beings ever will. Not even the sinless angels enjoy the unique oneness that Christ's earthly children share with Him. 

It is always comforting to know that in every trial and time of sorrow, Jesus understands what it means to walk in our shoes. "Wherefore in all things it beloved Him to be made like unto His brethren ... For in that He Himself hath suffered, being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted." Hebrews 2:17,18. While Jesus loves the angels and every other unfallen being, His deepest sympathies and fondest affections are reserved exclusively for us, His fallen little children. With the Apostle John we might well declare, "Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God," 1 John 3:1.

CENTRAL HAPPENINGS & NEWS

This Week (January 26 to 31): 

Tuesday @ 7:00 PM – Prayer Meeting with Pastor Chris Buttery – An All-Essential Oil

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; @ 9:30 AM - Central Study Hour with Pastor Mike Thompson + Children/Youth/Adult Sabbath School; @ 10:50 AM - Worship Service with Pastor Chris Buttery; @ 2:00 PM - Discover Your Divine Design with Pastor Chris Buttery

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Discover Your Divine Design Seminar: Every Christian wants to know God’s ultimate purpose for their life. While many know this they struggle to see how they can best fit in and serve within the body of Christ. This practical seminar starting Sabbath, January 31 @ 2 PM in the Camellia Room (and continuing February 7, 14, & 28), is geared to matching who you are with areas of ministry, and to help you reach your full potential for the kingdom of God. No need to wonder anymore; you’ve been given a divine design!

Violin Virtuoso: Jaime Jorge will be presenting a special benefit concert for Abundant Life Broadcasting Network on February 7 at 4 PM right here at Central.  An offering will be taken for tower rental and equipment.  Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired and blessed by Jaime’s music. Be sure to bring a friend!

Your Neighbor Thrift Store (YNTS): Don’t forget to stop by YNTS to pick up all types of items for your home and personal needs- paper products, new and used clothing, new and used furniture, plus vegetarian food products. Store hours are Monday to Thursday - 10 AM to 7 PM, Friday - 10:30 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM.  The store is located at 6700 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA. Tell a friend or neighbor!

Business Meeting Report: A special thanks to each of our members who attended our recent business meeting. For those who would like to look at the ministry reports and plans for 2014/15 you can view them on our website by going clicking here.

At the conclusion of our meeting those present were invited to participate in a brief brainstorming/ visioning session with the goal of collecting valuable feedback that could be integrated into the mission and ministry of the church. The tabulated results below reflect the condensed input from the various breakout groups highlighting what they consider to be the church’s highest priorities:

1. What factors contribute to our church’s strength? What are we, as a church, doing right at present? 1. Uphold Truth; 2. Focus on Evangelism & Friendly; and 3. Diversity of Ethnicity & Ministries

2. What are we as a church currently doing to disciple and nurture our members? What new ideas/suggestions do you have to add or improve to what we are already doing to not only deepen each persons commitment to, and saving relationship with God, but also to strengthen their love of service? 1. Training & Engaging Members in Ministry; 2. Social Gathering, Mentoring Members, & Small Groups; and 3. Utilizing Social Media for Connectivity

3. What are we presently contributing to the community on an ongoing basis to better it?  What new ideas/suggestions can you offer that will not only meet felt-needs, but also help to develop enduring relationships? 1. Health Ministries; 2. Homeless Ministries; and 3. Recovery Programs & Your Neighbor Thrift Store

4. What are we currently doing to share the everlasting gospel with our community?  What new ideas/suggestions would you like to share that would fulfill the church’s objectives while involving all ages?  How can we reach every person in our assigned territory with the everlasting gospel? 1. In-Home Meetings; 2. Media Ministry & Book Ministry; and 3. Public Evangelism

This information will be considered when plans are being made for church and public ministry.

Elder Dennis Priebe Presentation Notes: If you would like to access Pastor Priebe’s notes from the recent Righteousness by Faith Seminar, you are welcome to call or email the church office and request either an electronic or a hard copy. Call (916) 457-6511 or email office@saccentral.org

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

News & Announcements

Dr. Herbert Douglass Memorial Service: Elder Douglass’s memorial service is planned for Sabbath, February 14, 2015 @ 4 PM at the Carmichael Seventh-day Adventist Church, 4600 Winding Way, Sacramento, CA.  In lieu of customary remembrances, and for those desiring, contributions in the memory of Dr. Douglass may be directed to either Adventist Heritage Ministry, P.O. Box 141, Battle Creek, MI 49016 (www.adventistheritage.org), or Just As I Am Ministries, 2501 Hwy 193, Lincoln, CA 95648 (www.justasiamministries.com). 

Antichrist Agenda: Amazing Facts recently produced a “news flash” on the advances that Pope Francis and the Catholic Church have been making towards increasing their influence on the world stage. In light of Bible prophecy it’s breathtaking. Take a look and perhaps share it with your Christian friends where appropriate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIGQhigQEDo

An Appeal To The 2015 General Conference (GC) Delegates: Recently a short video was produced by the Council of Adventist Pastors that may be worth looking at regarding the upcoming women’s ordination question that will be presented at this years GC Session. It is suggested in this video that the question about women’s ordination to gospel ministry isn’t really about women in ministry but about methods of Bible interpretation. If this is the real issue then this topic is more important than most realize. Click here to watch the message: 

Prayer Retreat: This year’s NCC-sponsored Prayer Retreat at Leoni Meadows takes place March 13 to 15 with Dr. David Levy, M.D., well-known author and neurovascular surgeon. Contact Naomi.Parson@nccsda.com or call (916) 955-4583 to register or for more information.

Resources

Ellen G. White Letters & Manuscripts with Annotations, Vol. 1: “Now you can read between the lines. Introducing a new series that will give you access to all of Ellen White’s letters, diaries, and manuscripts together with explanatory notes. The notes provide an exciting, new level of illumination to the text. They give the date of composition, identity of the addressee, and the background to events or issues alluded to in the text. You’ll also find clarification of old expressions such as “plank road,” “cariole,” and “snug dealing.” Allusions to hymns, poems, and other literary pieces have been identified.” This first volume covers the first 15-years of her ministry. Order yours today from the Adventist Book Center.  

Fed Up: It’s Time to Get Real About Food – This number one, best selling documentary available at Amazon.com will change the way you look at food in your grocery store. Christopher Rosen of Huffington Post says, “It’s a wake up call to everyone who eats.” Check it out here.