Father’s Day Trust: Sermon Notes
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 17:4-8
Check out the Goats & Birds at farm in Smithville. Harmony Lane
Happy Father’s Day and WELCOME: to Central Church of Christ, a people called out by God to Show His Love, Tell His Story, and Be His Family. As a church family, we are in the process of selecting new Elder’s, Deacons, Ministers and reaffirming existing ones. This message on Father’s day is perfect for what we are hearing right now. Dad’s we are notorious for carrying around a lot of tools. Nothing is a better tool to have in your dad toolbox than trust.
I Kings 16:29-33
“In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab son of Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned in Samaria over Israel twenty-two years.
Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the LORD than any of those before him. He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him.
He set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he built in Samaria.
Ahab also made an Asherah pole and did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than did all the kings of Israel before him.” I Kings 16:30-33
1Kings 21:25 says “There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife.”
https://www.worldhistory.org/Asherah/
“To whom will you compare me or count me equal?
To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?
Some pour out gold from their bags and weigh out silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god, and they bow down and worship it. They lift it to their shoulders and carry it; they set it up in its place, and there it stands. From that spot it cannot move. Though one cries out to it, it does not answer; it cannot save him from his troubles.” Isaiah 46:5-7
Chely Wright’s Country song title Jezebel teaches us that a Jezebel definitely isn’t a name to be respected.
https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5093817/Chely+Wright/Jezebel
Namberry.com – “not exalted”
Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab in the Hebrew Book of Kings, has long had a bad girl reputation. But in the modern secular world, this is somewhat mitigated by the feminist perspective of her as a strong woman, the power behind the throne. Previously avoided as a baby name, Jezebel is now, along with the also previously avoided Delilah and Desiree, coming into use, helped by its relation to other ‘bel’ name such as Isabel and Bella.
Pasted from <http://nameberry.com/babyname/Jezebel>
1Kings 21:25 says “There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife.”
“From the Deuteronomist’s viewpoint, Jezebel embodies everything that must be eliminated from Israel so that the purity of the cult of Yahweh will not be further contaminated.”
Now Elijah the Tishbite was a prophet from the settlers in Gilead. “I serve the Lord, the God of Israel,” Elijah said to Ahab. “As surely as the Lord lives, no rain or dew will fall during the next few years unless I command it.” – 1 Kings 17:1
“Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.” James 5:17
“What’s the difference between a raven and a crow?” asked my son. “Ravens have seventeen wing feathers with the end feather called a pinion, in contrast to crows having only sixteen wing feathers.” I answered.
I continued, “Therefore, it’s just a matter of a pinion.”
From <https://punstoppable.com/the-raven-puns>
“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.” 1 Kings 17:6
Now this is odd for several reasons:
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- 1st Ravens don’t generally like being around humans… they avoid us if at all possible.
- 2ndly Ravens were unclean birds. God’s people were not allowed to eat them, nor offer them in sacrifice.
- 3rd The food of ravens has usually been dead for a while. They eat road kill. They were scavengers. They’re kind of like vultures. Who would want to share their food?
- 4th Even if we wanted to share their food, Ravens would never share. They don’t even share their food with their babies.
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When commenting on this passage, Clarke wrote:
“(God) could not have employed this means without working a variety of miracles at the same time, in order to accomplish one simple end; and this is never God’s method: his plan is ever to accomplish the greatest purposes by the simplest means.” Adam Clarke
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/acc/1-kings-17.html
“It is often supposed that when people stop believing in God, they believe in nothing.
Alas, it is worse than that.
When they stop believing in God, they believe in anything.”
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/44015-when-men-choose-not-to-believe-in-god-they-do
ROMANS 3:23 says: “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”
Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.’”
She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.” 1 Kings 17:13-15
2 Chronicles 16:9 says “… the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him…”
“Trust in yourself and you are doomed to disappointment
Trust in money and you may have it taken from you;
But trust in God, and you are never to be confounded in time or eternity.” D.L. Moody
https://www.azquotes.com/quote/662599
“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists AND that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
INVITATION SONG: God is calling the Prodigal
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Wiles at Bible Camp

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Mail Call

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Sermon Notes: The Church’s Fight for Faith
We are now 64 days past resurrection Sunday in a time called Pentecost. Welcome to Central Church of Christ, a people called out by God to Show His Love, Tell His Story, and Be His Family. By this time the early church has been established for about two weeks, Jesus would have ascended about 24 days ago and those who are faithful are now in a Fight for their Faith.
“Unsurprisingly, boxing matches in Rome often ended in the death of the loser. http://www.historyoffighting.com/boxing-in-the-ancient-world.php)
Romans 12:2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
“Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience.” I Timothy 1:18-19a
“Fight the good fight of the faith” I Timothy 6:12a
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:6
“Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.” 1Timothy 1:19a
Christian Chronicle Article: March 1, 2018
https://christianchronicle.org/churchtoo-sexual-abuse-victims-fed-silence/
&&&“Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience.” I Timothy 1:18-19a
“Fight the good fight of the faith” I Timothy 6:12a
“…command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer” I Timothy 1:3
“The aim of our charge IS LOVE that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” 1 Timothy 1:5
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners— of whom I am the worst.” 1 Timothy 1:15
“Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.” I Timothy 1:19b-20
“I will hold the watchman accountable for their blood.” Ezekiel 33:6b
“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1
1 Timothy 3:1-15
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer[a] must be above reproach, the husband of one wife,[b] sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued,[c] not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise[d] must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
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Changes in Worship Service

I’m looking forward to worship at 10:00 a.m. with all of you!
- We will have an 8am church service at Lifecare and a 10am worship service in the auditorium.
- Members can still pull in the parking lot at 10am, tune in on the radio at 98.3fm, and receive communion outside.
- Indoors, mask wearing is optional.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
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Family Fishing Tomorrow
Central News: Tomorrow is our annual fishing day! Whether you like to fish or like to watch & laugh, come out with your lawn chair to the Blevins pond for fun at 8am. Drinks, chips, and snacks will be available. The pond has a slew of bass and brim that are almost always hungry. Extra fishing rods available.
Check out our 2020 fishing experience here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10158607405147490
Enjoy reminiscing 2019 here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10157414731057490

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Introducing New Wed PM Message Series
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Sermon Notes – Counter Cultural Church
A Living Sacrifice
12 I appeal to you therefore, brothers,a] by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.b] 2 Do not be conformed to this world,c] but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.d]
Gifts of Grace


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Workday tomorrow

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New Marriage Support at Central

Symbis stands for Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts and is an internationally recognized and recommended online assessment tool ($35) and 5 (one hour) discussion sessions (free with Topher) unpacking the assessment findings while helping couples build their marriage on more than just a hope and a prayer. SYMBIS gives love-birds a personalized road map to making marriage everything it was created to be. This assessment and discussion can even be used to boost existing marriages to help partners better understand each other and their bond in God’s sight.
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LifeCare Singing Inside Today
- Come early to the main entrance to get your temperature checked and make sure to have a mask on.
- When walking the hallway in the building, a mask is still required.
- Lifecare’s policy does not require a mask while we are singing in a group and not in close proximity to the residents.
- When leaving our singing area or interacting closely with residents, a mask must be put back on.
Thank you for showing God’s love throughout the pandemic to our loved ones at LifeCare!

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Church Servant Leadership Series
And here’s the 2nd part as well:
https://bibletalk.tv/church-leadership
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Ty Webb Half Ironman
Here’s what the Ironman organization says about this race and it’s distances.
“This distance (70.3 miles) will test both your mental and physical strength as you swim 1.2 miles (1.9K), bike 56 miles (90K), and run 13.1 miles (21.1K).”
https://www.ironman.com/xc703chattanooga

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Celebrate Jesus 8 – Pentecost & Peter
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-4
Opening – Norwegian Town Needed a Light Show
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/rjukan-sun-mirror/index.html
And about 2000 years ago, God spent a lot of energy and a lot of effort to bring the LIGHT OF LIFE down into a dark and dismal land. And it all happened on a day we call the Day of Pentecost.
Welcome: We are now 50 days past resurrection Sunday in a time called Pentecost. Welcome to Central Church of Christ, a people called out by God to Show His Love, Tell His Story, and Be His Family. Today we hit the 8th& final message series from the Bible called, “Celebrate Jesus.” In this series we will walk each Sunday from Easter (Apr 4) to Pentecost (May 23) through an exciting Bible timeline of the appearances of Jesus to the church.
Today we touch on the effects of Jesus on the church.
THE PERFECT PLAN
- Pentecost
- The Feast of weeks (Exodus 34:22; Deuteronomy 16:10)
- The Feast Of Harvest (Exodus 23:16)
- And THE DAY OF FIRST FRUITS (Numbers 28:26)
Romans 8:9b “Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.”
John 7:39 “Now this (Jesus) said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.” – Acts 2:38
Acts 2:41 “ those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day ABOUT THREE THOUSAND SOULS.”
Exodus 32:28 “And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And that day ABOUT THREE THOUSAND men of the people fell.”
“… the letter (of the Law) kills, but the Spirit gives life.” (from 2 Corinthians 3:6).
THE PETER PRINCIPLE – Focus on Jesus
“We must obey God rather than men! (Acts 5:29)
“Men of Israel, hear these words: JESUS of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know — this JESUS, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.” Acts 2:22-24
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this JESUS, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36
“Repent and be baptized every one of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:38
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Servant Search
When servant leaders were necessary to take care of the needs of the 1st century church family, the disciples were tasked with bringing men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to the twelve to be appointed to a specific ministry. (Acts 6:1-7) Following that example, the elders of Central Church of Christ have asked us also to bring the names of those of our number who fit the qualities of servant leaders before the elders, so that the Word of God may continue to increase in the members of Central and to the community beyond.
Please utilize our church directory for a complete listing of men who have placed membership with Central Church of Christ. Our directory of names can be found in paper form in the office, or online through our website and the Instant Church Directory app.
Here are the current deacons and elders of Central Church of Christ.
John Adams (deacon) – Building & Grounds
Will England (deacon) – Worship
Ben Gardenhire (deacon) – HUD & Prison
Craig Lynn (deacon) – Service
Russ Hale (elder) – Fellowship
Bill Oakley (elder) – Primetime
Les Tubb (elder) – Worship
Ty Webb (elder) – Evangelism
Bob Young (elder) – Education
Deacon Qualities (1 Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:3)
- Is the husband of but one wife
- Manages (rules) his children/family well
- His wife is worthy of respect (reverent, honorable, dignified, serious, grave), not a malicious talker (slanderer, malicious gossiper), temperate (sober-minded), and trustworthy (faithful, reliable) in everything
- Is of good report/reputation
- Is worthy of respect (serious, reverent, dignified, honorable, grave)
- Is sincere (not double-tongued or two-faced/not deceptive)
- Does not indulge in (given to) much wine
- Does not pursue dishonest gain (not greedy for money)
- Is full of the Holy Spirit – bears the fruit of the Spirit
- Has been tested (proved) and nothing was found against him (found blameless)
- Keeps hold of the deep truths (mystery) of faith with a clear (pure) conscience
- Is full of wisdom – spiritual understanding
Elder Qualities – (1 Tim 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4 & others)
- The husband of one wife
- Manages/rules (leads) his own family well
- Children respectfully obey him/not rebellious
- Has children that believe (are faithful)
- Above reproach (no accusation of wrong)
- Respectable (has good behavior)
- Hospitable (a lover of strangers)
- Not quarrelsome (not contentious, but a peacemaker)
- Has good reputation (witness) with outsiders
- Temperate (clear headed, sober)
- Self-controled/disciplined (self-mastery)
- Not given to drunkenness
- Gentle (considerate, fair), not violent
- Not a lover of money/dishonest gain (greedy)
- Not overbearing/lording over others (self-willed)
- Not quick-tempered (not soon angry)
- Loves what is good
- Upright (just, righteous condition and conduct)
- Holy (pure, unpolluted by sin)
- Desires (willingness, volunteers) the work of an elder
- Ability/Apt to teach
- Not a recent convert (novice)
- Holds firmly to the trustworthy message
- Can encourage with sound doctrine
- Can refute those who oppose sound doctrine
- Can lead by example
- Can watch/care for/ guard the church (Acts 20:29:31)
- Is a hard worker (1 Thess 5:12)
- Is older/spiritually mature
- Can shepherd/care for the spiritual flock
- Can oversee/be a superintendent
- Can be a steward/manager
- Can equip/build others up/encourage spiritual growth (Eph 4:11-12)
- Can be respected in love (1 Thess 5:12-13)
- Has imitable faith (Heb 13:7)
- People are willing to submit to his leadership (Heb 13:17)
- Is willing to visit & pray with the sick (James 5:14)
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Mission Opportunity in El Salvador
“DIOS TE BENDIGA ARE THE WORDS THAT WE HEAR MOST FROM OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN EL SALVADOR WHEN WE ARE THERE FOR THE VBS , CHILDREN BAGS, GOSPEL SERMOnS AND THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION. DIOS TE BENDIGA, THAT IS WHAT WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HELP THIS MISSION WORK BE WHAT IT IS TODAY. DIOS TE BENDIGA means GOD BLESS YOU.
We once again are planning our mission for El Salvador on June 22th to June 28th
We are planning VBS, Children bags, Gospel meeting and Food distribution for six churches.
We realize this is short notice, due to the changes with the pandemic, but if you can, COME JOIN US!

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Sermon Notes: 5/16 Celebrate Jesus: Jesus & Mattias
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:6-11
Millerites https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Disappointment
Acts 1: In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.
4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36
Peter wrote: “…the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” (2 Peter 3:10-14)
Acts 1:6-8 “So when they met together, they asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’
He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”
“… when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. ‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:10-11
Acts 1:15-26
In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus— he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”
(With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)
“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms, “‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. Acts 1:15-26
Acts 6:2a “So THE TWELVE gathered all the disciples together….
1 Corinthians 15:5b “… appeared to Peter, and then to THE TWELVE”
“…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
“…whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
“… not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24).
- I Timothy 3:8-13 – Deacons
“Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain. They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.
1 Timothy 3: 1-7 – Elders
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
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Meal Sign Up for family of Joseph Tubb
https://www.perfectpotluck.

Thank you for honoring Joseph and loving on the family in this way.
Show God’s Love. Tell God’s Story. Be God’s Family.
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Arrangements for Joseph Tubb

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Senior Ice Cream Social Tonight

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Celebrate Jesus 5- 500 and more
CJ#5: 500 + Untimely Born
Thursday, April 29, 2021Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:1-6
1 Cor 15:1-7 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015&version=ESV>
“After I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee” (Matthew 26:32)
Matthew 28: 7-17 (Angel)
Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him. See, I have told you.” 8 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 And behold, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
The Report of the Guard
11 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
The Great Commission
16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. Matthew 28: 7-17
From <https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2028&version=ESV>
Highlights from Galileean Ministry
Events in the Galilean Ministry
NOVEMBER 23, 2008 BY
Below is a numbered listing of all recorded events in the Galilean Ministry Period. This is not an exhaustive listing of every text in the Gospels. (Luke’s introduction, for example, is not included because it is related to Luke’s writing of the Gospel rather than the events of Jesus’ life.) Further, the number and order of events is not always absolute. In some cases there is room for interpretation. When there is room for debate, specific rationale for a particular division or order can be found in the notes related to that event. Still, this provides a generally accepted chronology of events and can be very helpful in understanding the flow of Jesus’ life during the Preparation Period. For a downloadable .xls or .pdf of this and other documents see Handouts/Downloads.
GALILEAN MINISTRY (Approximately 12-18 months)
- Jesus begins first tour of Galilee – Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:14c-15, Luke 4:14b-15, John 4:45
- Jesus heals the son of an official – John 4:46-54
- Jesus teaches in the synagogue in Nazareth – Luke 4:16-30
- Jesus moves to Capernaum – Matthew 4:13-16, Luke 4:31
- Jesus heals a lame man on the Sabbath in Jerusalem – John 5:1-15
- Jesus explains his sabbath healing – John 5:16-47
- Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John – Matthew 4:18-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:1-11
- Healing of a demon-possessed man – Mark 1:21,23-26, Luke 4:33-35
- The people are amazed at Jesus’ teaching – Mark 1:22,27-28 Luke 4:32,36-37
- Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law – Matthew 8:14-15, Mark 1:29-31, Luke 4:38-39
- Healing of crowds in Capernaum – Matthew 8:16-17, Mark 1:32-34, Luke 4:40-41
- Jesus begins second tour of Galilee – Matthew 4:23-25, Mark 1:35-39, Luke 4:42-44
- Jesus heals a leper – Matthew 8:1-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16
- Jesus heals a man who was paralyzed – Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12, Luke 5:17-26
- Jesus calls Matthew – Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:13-17, Luke 5:27-32
- Teaching on fasting – Matthew 9:14-17, Mark 2:18-22, Luke 5:33-39
- Jesus criticized for picking grain on the Sabbath – Matthew 12:1-8, Mark 2:23-28, Luke 6:1-5
- Jesus heals a hand on the Sabbath – Matthew 12:9-14, Mark 3:1-6, Luke 6:6-11
- Jesus heals at the Sea of Galilee – Matthew 12:15-21, Mark 3:7-12
- Jesus chooses the Twelve – Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16
- Jesus preaches the “Sermon on the Mount” – Matthew 5:1–7:29, Luke 6:17-49
- Jesus heals a Centurion’s slave – Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10
- Jesus raises a widow’s son – Luke 7:11-17
- Jesus reassures John the Baptist – Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-35
- People of Galilee rebuked for their unbelief – Matthew 11:20-24
- Jesus invites the weary to follow Him, promises rest – Matthew 11:25-30
- Jesus anointed by a sinful woman – Luke 7:36-50
- Jesus tours Galilee again – Luke 8:1-3
- Jesus heals a blind man – Matthew 12:22-24
- Jesus responds to Pharisees’ charge of blasphemy – Matthew 12:25-37, Mark 3:20-30
- Jesus rebukes those seeking only a sign – Matthew 12:38-45
- Jesus’ mother & brothers do not understand Him – Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Sower – Matthew 13:1-9, Mark 4:1-9, Luke 8:4-8
- Jesus explains to His disciples why he teaches in parables – Matthew 13:10-17, Mark 4:10-12, Luke 8:10
- Jesus explains The Parable of the Sower – Matthew 13:18-23, Mark 4:13-20, Luke 8:9-15
- Jesus uses the metaphor of a Lamp on a Lampstand – Mark 4:21-25, Luke 8:16-18
- Jesus refers to the Seed of God’s Kingdom – Mark 4:26-29
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Wheat & the Weeds – Matthew 13:24-30
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Mustard Seed – Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, Luke 13:18-19
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Yeast – Matthew 13:33, Luke 13:20-21
- Jesus fulfills Psalm 78:2 – Matthew 13:34-35, Mark 4:33-34
- Jesus explains The Parable of the Wheat & Weeds – Matthew 13:36-43
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Hidden Treasure – Matthew 13:44
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Pearl – Matthew 13:45-46
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Net – Matthew 13:47-50
- Jesus teaches The Parable of the Landowner – Matthew 13:51-52
- Jesus calms the storm – Matthew 8:18,23-27, Mark 4:35-41, Luke 8:22-25
- Jesus restores the man living among the tombs – Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39
- Jesus heals the hemorrhaging woman – Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:24b-34, Luke 8:42b-48
- Jesus heals Jairus’ daughter – Matthew 9:18-19,23-26, Mark 5:21-24a,35-43, Luke 8:40-42a,49-56
- Jesus heals two blind men – Matthew 9:27-31
- Jesus heals a demon-possessed man – Matthew 9:32-34
From <https://interactivelifeofjesus.com/galilean-ministry-events/>
power; 44it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
&&&I. 500+ shows Victory Over Death’s Defeat.
1 Cor 15:42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable.
&&&II. 500+ Victory Over Sins Dominion.
15:43 – It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.
Jesus says to Martha –
John 11:21-25 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[d] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,
&&&III. 500+ Demonstrates the Power to Make a Comeback.
15:7-8. “Then He appeared to James, then all the apostles and last to me as one abnormally born.” In the Greek the phrase “one abnormally born” is one word which means literally to be “Snatched” from the womb as in a cesarean section, or an abortion. You see Paul had nothing to be proud of—he persecuted the Christians—he says I am least of the apostles—it was only by the grace of God that I am what I am. He was snatched out of the depths of his sinfulness.
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Amazing Acapella and Christian Chronicle

Rolling Stones Lyrics by Lauren Daigle
Bound for the gallows
A dead man walking
Till love came calling
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
I thought it was over
An answer to prayer
The voice of a Savior
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
This beating heart, these open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have known
(You’re still rolling rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
I sing ’cause You gave me
A song of revival
I put it on vinyl
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
But now I see it
I heard about the power
And now I believe it
Rise up (rise up)
Rise up (rise up)
This beating heart, these open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have known
(You’re still rolling rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
For everything I’ve done wrong
Yeah, I’m the one who dug this grave
But You called my name
You called my name
I thought that I was too far gone
For everything I’ve done wrong
Yeah, I’m the one who dug this grave
But You called my name
You called my name
This beating heart, these open eyes
The grave let go
The darkness should have known
(You’re still rolling rolling, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
(You’re still rolling rolling oh, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
(You’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones (you’re still rolling, rolling)
(You’re still rolling rolling oh, you’re still rolling rolling oh)
You’re still rolling stones
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Caving with Young Adults
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Celebrate Jesus 4 – Fishing Love
Scripture Reading – John 21:15-19
WELCOME: Happy 2 weeks after Easter and welcome to Central Church of Christ, a people called out by God to Show His Love, Tell His Story, and Be His Family. Today we hit the fourth of a message series from the Bible called, “Celebrate Jesus.” In this series we will walk each Sunday from Easter (Apr 4) to Pentecost (May 23) through an exciting Bible timeline of the appearances of Jesus to the church.
And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”
Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.”
And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”
But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same. (Mark 14:26-31)
Peter “went away, wondering to himself what had happened.” (Luke 24:12)
He’s Alive – by Don Francisco
“…something strange had happened there, but just what, I did not know.
John believed a miracle, but I just turned to go.
Circumstance and speculation couldn’t lift me very high.
‘Cause I’d seen them crucify Him and then I saw Him die.
Back inside the house again the guilt and anguish came.
Everything I’d promised Him just added to my shame.
When at last it came to choices – I denied I knew His name.
And even if He was alive… it wouldn’t be the same.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyPBVwOCYmM
“Children, haven’t you any fish?” – John 21:5
“No,” they answered.
He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” – John 21:6
Back when Jesus first met Peter and James and John he said to Simon Peter, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. (Luke 5:4-6)
“When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’” (Luke 5:8)
“Even though THEY all fall away, I will not.” (Matthew 26:33)
The Bible talks about that kind of mindset in II Corinthians 10:12b
“When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”
Remember when Adam and Eve were in the garden? They ate of the tree they shouldn’t have eaten of and then they “heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they (pause) HID from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.” Genesis 3:8
1 John 1:9 says “If we CONFESS our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from unrighteousness.”
If you don’t love Jesus… nothing else matters.
Jesus once said “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15
1st John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us…”
“… and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.”
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Sermon Notes – CJ3 – Believe
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- **Scripture Reading: John 20:24-27
- **INTRO: Turn to John 20 while I tell you about Voltaire: https://schooloftherock.com/html/who_was_voltaire_and_why_does_.html
- “When a man like him announces that he has brought the dead back to life, we have to believe him”
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- **WELCOME: Happy 2 weeks after Easter and welcome to Central Church of Christ, a people called out by God to Show His Love, Tell His Story, and Be His Family. Today we hit the third of a message series from the Bible called, “Celebrate Jesus.” In this series we will walk each Sunday from Easter (Apr 4) to Pentecost (May 23) through an exciting Bible timeline of the appearances of Jesus to the church.
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- “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” From that day on, Thomas has always been referred to as “Doubting Thomas.” In fact, if someone is known to doubt things that they’re told, they’re often referred to as “Doubting Thomases.”
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- John 14
- “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” And Thomas said to him, John 14:5 “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” To which Jesus replies “I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes unto the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
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- Thomas says “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” John 11:16
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- **Doubt. People do struggle with doubt once in awhile. In fact, Jude tells us “… have mercy on those who doubt” Jude 1:22
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Someone once noted: “Those who doubt most, and yet strive to overcome their doubts, turn out to be some of Christ’s strongest disciples.” – Selwyn Hughes
https://libquotes.com/selwyn-hughes/quote/lbt1a4i
**When Jesus confronted Thomas, He gave Thomas the evidence he asked for. Then He said: “Do NOT disbelieve, but believe.” (John 20:27)
“Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the ungodly, or stand in the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of the scornful.” Psalm 1:1
“Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, EXAMINING THE SCRIPTURES DAILY to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
“Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.” (John 20:25)
Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:26-29
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- CLOSE: Iacocca & Bezos –
https://jonathangifford.com/be-decisive-great-leadership-idea-no-62/
- CLOSE: Iacocca & Bezos –
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“And I know also, if I try and fail, I’ll never regret having tried and failed. “As soon as I thought about it that way, I knew I had to try.”
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29b
Song: Freely, Freely
God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name.
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his love as he told me to.
He said ‘Freely, freely you have received;, freely, freely give.
Go in my name, and because you believe others will know that I live.
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Pavilion Workday Tomorrow
- Hang the metal J-Channel along the horizontal support beams that have been installed at the 7ft height. This will be approximately 144 feet. Some trimming of metal sheeting may need to be done. Using metal screws to install the J Channel. Most of the work is on a ladder.
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- Install approximately 27 feet of metal sheeting on the north west corner of the building. Install it down to the J Channel
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- Remove the Base Trim & Angle iron that surrounds the floor. We will grind down the bolt heads to remove the angle iron. (approximately 110 feet).
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- Also remove the one remaining block of wood with nails that is on the north side of the building.
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- Chip up the remaining tile, bag, and throw it away. We have three areas that still have tile left on the concrete.
- Parking Lot – Run a rolling magnet and brooms across the entire parking lot. Sweep it clear of all gravel and construction debri.
- Remove Insulation from the four corner posts behind the metal. (very short project). Throw it in a bag and remove.
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- Also Remove the small panel of insulation that was missed on the eastern side of the metal wall.
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- Cap off existing plumbing to make the walking area safer. (and smell nicer)
- Remove the electrical switches for the air conditioning units that are on the rear wall of the building. Also remove the wiring and conduit that is on the interior of the wall.
- Fill in the dangerous gopher hole (very deep ankle breaker) that is on the east side of the pavilion with gravel and a layer of dirt.
- Remove the single piece metal trim (just a few screws) from the front brick wall. It is approximately 14 feet long and has screws holding it up.
- Remove the Caulk & Sealer around the front windows. It only requires scraping or chipped off.
- Install rubber treads in the stairwell leading down to First Steps area.
- Remove the obsolete coaxial cable wire that runs from the main office down the hall, through the lighting trough of the auditorium, to the First steps stairwell at the front of the auditorium. It is left over from an old video camera system.
- Wire brush and paint the southern handrail of the front steps. The northern handrail has already been prepped & painted.
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March Missions from Scotland

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Celebrate Jesus 2 – There All Along
Scripture Reading: Luke 24:28-34
Mr. Hooper Dilemma on Sesame Street
https://muppet.fandom.com/wiki/Episode_1839
Sigmund Freud famously said: “And finally there is the painful riddle of death, for which no remedy at all has yet been found, nor probably will ever be!”
https://www.independent.org/publications/article.asp?id=1668
- WELCOME: Happy Easter week after and welcome to Central Church of Christ, a people called out by God to Show His Love, Tell His Story, and Be His Family. Today we continue a brand new message series from the Bible called, “Celebrate Jesus.” In this series we will walk each Sunday from Easter (Apr 4) to Pentecost (May 23) through an exciting Bible timeline of the appearances of Jesus to the church.
- Now here we have 2 men walking from Jerusalem to their home town of Emmaus. Distance of 12 km
From Jerusalem to Emmaus, which is described as being 60 stadia (10.4 to 12 km depending on what definition of stadion is used) from Jerusalem.
And when Mary Magdalene stood by the empty tomb (not knowing she was talking to angels) it says that the angels asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
And she replies “They have taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have put him.” John 20:13
Saddest Verse “… we had hoped (repeat that) that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel…” Luke 24:21
If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him – if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.
If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
(I Corinthians 15:12b-20)
“…what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that HE APPEARED
- to Peter,
- and then to the Twelve.
- After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
- Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,
- and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.”
(I Corinthians 15:3-8)
Hebrews 2:14-15 tells us “since the children have flesh and blood in common, He also shared in these, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death – that is, the Devil – and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the FEAR OF DEATH.” (HCSB)
A poet named Calvin Miller once wrote this poem:
“I once scorned ev’ry fearful thought of death, when it was but the end of pulse and breath,
But now my eyes have seen that – past the pain – there is a world that’s waiting to be claimed.
Earthmaker, Holy, let me now depart, for living’s such a temporary art,
And dying is but getting dressed for God, our graves are merely doorways cut in sod.”
“As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.” Luke 24:15-16
People Struggling with Death
- 1st – He listened to them.
- Next, Jesus reminded them of the promises from Scripture.
“… beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” Luke 24:27
- Lastly, He gave them something physical to hang their faith on. The Table & Bread
“When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.” Luke 24:30-31
World War 2 – Sleep with Bread
http://pennylhunt.com/sleeping-with-bread/
Jesus has been there with you all along!
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HalfMarathon Results
The results are in. We are winners in God’s sight because of Jesus!
We enjoyed the race in Jamestown today as well and I’m proud of the love and perseverance of all our runners and fans today enduring driving rain and chilly conditions. God blessed us with a lot of love today. Here are some of the results & awards of our team as every member finished their race! We had seven top 3 finishers in their age/gender categories with Lauren and Gabriel scoring the first place title!
10k (6.2 miles)
Lauren Turner – 1st Place – Female 19 & Under
1:08:32 time – 11:05 pace
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Announcements 4/11/21
To watch the video on Youtube click here: https://youtu.be/FO3lysKh4DA














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Celebrate Jesus 1 – First Fruits
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- INTRO: Celebration of First Fruits
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On this morning when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, we’re going to start with a journey back to our Jewish roots with a look at one of the seven Feasts, or festivals that were prescribed by God in the Old Testament as a picture of the Messiah, Jesus. Many of you know of the Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread that Jesus fulfilled feasts completely and exactly.
He came into Jerusalem on the very day the Passover lambs were set aside for slaughter, was nailed to the cross at the exact time the Passover lambs were being prepared for slaughter in the Temple, and then died at the exact moment the lambs were being slain in the Temple. He was then buried at the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. At that time, he took our leaven, our sin, upon Himself and carried it to the grave.
This morning, we’ll look at the third of these feasts, the one that Jewish disciples of Christ should have been celebrating on Easter Sunday; the Feast of Firstfruits.
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- WELCOME: Happy Easter and welcome to Central Church of Christ, a people called out by God to Show His Love, Tell His Story, and Be His Family. Today we begin a brand new message series from the Bible called, “Celebrate Jesus.” In this series we will walk each Sunday from Easter (Apr 4) to Pentecost (May 23) through an exciting Bible timeline of the appearances of Jesus to the church.
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- HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
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The instructions for observing the Feast of Firstfruits is found in Leviticus, chapter 23. This passage immediately follows the passage that set forth the instructions for the Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread.
9 Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 10 “Speak to the sons of Israel, and say to them, ’When you enter the land which I am going to give to you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. 11 ’And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD for you to be accepted; on the day after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12 ’Now on the day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a male lamb one year old without defect for a burnt offering to the LORD. 13 ’Its grain offering shall then be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering by fire to the LORD for a soothing aroma, with its libation, a fourth of a hin of wine. 14 ’Until this same day, until you have brought in the offering of your God, you shall eat neither bread nor roasted grain nor new growth. It is to be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwelling places.- Leviticus 23:9-14
There are three main principles associated with the Feast of Firstfruits:
- The offering of the very best
- The promise of a future harvest
- The making holy of the whole
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- JESUS FULFILLED THE FIRST FRUITS
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20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared.
Luke 24:1
Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. Matthew 28:1
For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering. – Romans 8:3
20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, – 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Corinthians 5:21
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- CLOSE: Once again this is all exciting information on Easter Resurrection Sunday, but the important question remains. What does all this mean for me?
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You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:21-24
In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures. – James 1:18
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New Worship Guidelines



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LTAI #5 – Peace
- “In this world you will experience trouble…” John 16:33b
- “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12
http://www.mindforlife.org/power-of-choice-freedom-over-circumstances/
- Psalm 34:14 “Turn from evil and do good…seek peace and pursue it.”
- “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John” 14:27
- “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3
- “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16b-18)
- Isaiah 26:1-3 “In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.”
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Hebrews 12:14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
1 Peter 3:11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
James 3:18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. - Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me— put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9
- “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
https://www.peacecovenantpckw.com/pastors-weekly-newsletter-may-242019/
• Refrain: Will you come to the fountain free? Will you come? ’Tis for you and me; Thirsty soul, hear the welcome call: ’Tis a fountain opened for all.
2. There’s a living stream, with a crystal gleam: From the throne of life now it flows; While the waters roll let the weary soul Hear the call that forth freely goes.
3. There’s a rock that’s cleft and no soul is left That may not its pure waters share; ’Tis for you and me, and its stream I see: Let us hasten joyfully there.
From <https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Theres_a_Fountain_Free/>
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Ministry Luncheon Tomorrow

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LTAI #4 – Fear
Welcome to Central Church of Christ: Not a place, but a people called out by God to Show His Love, Tell His Story, and Be His Family. Today we begin a new message series from the Bible called, “Let’s Talk About It” exploring some of the common mental health struggles people, even Christians deal with, and how Christ through His Word can help. Please turn to the disciples story with the storms of life in John 19:7-11 as we prepare for today’s Let’s Talk About It Topic.
FEAR
From <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontius_Pilate#Removal_and_later_life>
The church historian Eusebius (Church History 2.7.1), writing in the early fourth century, claims that “tradition relates that” Pilate committed suicide after he was recalled to Rome due to the disgrace he was in.[98] Eusebius dates this to 39.
From <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontius_Pilate#Removal_and_later_life>
42% of people 2019 survey – fear Death
“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God;I myself will see him with my own eyes— I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27
In Hosea 13:14 God promised His people: “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. O Death, I will be your plagues! O Grave, I will be your destruction! ….”
And the 23rd Psalm has these comforting words:
“Yea though I walk through the valley of the SHADOW OF DEATH, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.”
Article
The 19 yr. old was cited for reckless driving, 4th-degree assault and 3 counts of reckless endangerment after holding his breath in a tunnel.
(http://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-holding-breath-in-oregon-tunnel-causes-three-car-crash/)
In John 5:24 Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”
And in John 6:40 He said“For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
And, of course, one of the most famous quotes in Scripture is found in John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
In Matthew 16:21 we’re told that “From (the time His disciples saw Jesus transfigured on the Mountain) Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
In fact, Jesus mentioned it so often, that the Jewish leaders went to Pilate and said: “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
“…what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.
After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep.
Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” I Corinthians 15:3-9
https://www.famous-trials.com/jesustrial/1051-evangeliststestimony
https://www.amazon.com/Observations-history-evidences-resurrection-observations/dp/1171026951
https://www.amazon.com/Who-Moved-Stone-Frank-Morison/dp/0310295610/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PZG2Z2XWH8LD
2 Thessalonians 3:3 – But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.
“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O grave, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 15:51-57
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Central Parking on Easter Sunday


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Spring Cleaning with Dave Weber

Don’t forget, we have a church spring cleaning workday coming up on this Saturday from 8am-Noon!
Sign up for a specific project here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A48A9A62FABFE3-central1
View a list of potential projects below
2021 Central Spring Cleaning List – MAIN BUILDING
- Outside Entryways
- North
- Pressure Wash Carport Concrete
- Pressure Wash chalk drawings on Walls
- Pressure Wash algae buildup down corner of ladies classroom
- Install LED Light Bulb (x1)
- Clean Cobwebs
- Main
- Pressure Wash Steps – (completed on 3/18/21 by Dave Weber)
- Install LED Light Bulbs (x2)
- Clean Cobwebs
- Trim Bushes (completed on 3/10/21)
- Straighten the front sign in the case
- Wirebrush & paint the black handrails
- Re-paint 3” Wide Yellow safety stripe on front steps
- South
- Pressure Was Carport Concrete
- Install LED Light Bulb (x1)
- Clean Cobwebs
- Lobby
- Swiffer/Vaccuum Steps
- Down to Nursery
- Up to Technology Loft
- Replace Missing Stair Treads down to Nursery (Completed on 3/11/21)
- Hang Scripture Decorations in the Lobby
- Vacuum Curtains & Lampshades in the Lobby
- Wipe/Clean out the overhead light boxes
- Paint Killz on Ceiling Wet Spot by front door
- Wipe/Clean the floor registers (x2)
- Wipe/Clean the baseboards
- Clean Main PVC Rug in Entry Way
- Take it outside to wash
- Vacuum dust out of rug holding area
- Auditorium
- Vacuum All Pews
- Paint Killz on Ceiling Wet Spots (with lift)
- Dust the ceiling fan blades (with lift)
- Trim loose threads on pulpit pews and carpet fringe
- Touch up the Communion Table with furniture Marker
- Clean all Carpet (Completed on 3/11/21)
- Dust/Vacuum the front artificial plants
- Baptistry
- Paint Killz on the door frame
- Take out old rusted metal cabinets and put in new plastic shelves
- Technology Loft
- Sweep the Security area
- Vacuum the AV Booth
- Minister’s Office
- Paint Killz on Ceiling Wet Spots
- Youth Minister’s Office
- Paint Killz on Ceiling Wet Spots
- Library
- Sweep Room
- Wipe Clean East Wall
- Paint Killz on Ceiling Wet Spots
- Move Black filing cabinet to teacher’s workroom
- Ladies Classroom
- Vacuum Pew
- Sweep Room
- Paint Killz on Ceiling Wet Spots
- Move tables back to Annex
- Nursery Downstairs
- Clean & Disinfect
- Doorknob
- Toys
- Table
- Cleaning Supply Closet (Need at least one volunteer to work with Janice)
- Clean & Organize Supply Closet
- Throw old items in the dumpster
- Workroom Downstairs (Need two volunteers)
- Clean out outdated materials
- Straighten Up Workroom
- Clean & Disinfect
- Swiffer/Vaccuum Steps
- North
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LTAI #3 – Stress

According to Gary Collins the effects of stress are wide ranging including: ulcers, headaches, rashes, cardiac issues, insomnia, reduced productivity, relational volatility, reclusive tendencies.
https://www.stress.org/americas-1-health-problem#:~:text=also%2C%20Research%20by%20Perkins%20(1994,doctor%20visits%20were%20stress%2Drelated
There is a tension between the Bible and Stress/Anxiety
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. – Philippians 4:6
I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? (Matthew 6:25)
“Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-33)
How to deal with Stress:
“When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.” (Matthew 8:18)
#2 – Probe Your Priorities
“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ’Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ’Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ’Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’” Mark 4:37-40
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7
“God’s got this!”
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
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Free Lunch for Emergency Personnel

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Jason Maxwell Directory Info

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LTAI #2 – Loneliness
Scripture Reading: Genesis 2:15-18
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- OPEN: Janna’s Elizabeth
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- Welcome to Central Church of Christ: Not a place, but a people called out by God to Show His Love, Tell His Story, and Be His Family. Today we begin a new message series from the Bible called, “Let’s Talk About It” exploring some of the common mental health struggles people, even Christians deal with, and how Christ through His Word can help. Please turn to Adam’s Story in Genesis 2 as we prepare for today’s Let’s Talk About It Topic.
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- LONELINESS: According to a 2018 national survey by Cigna, loneliness levels have reached an all-time high, with nearly half of 20,000 U.S. adults reporting they sometimes or always feel alone. Forty percent of survey participants also reported they sometimes or always feel that their relationships are not meaningful and that they feel isolated.
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Such numbers are alarming because of the health and mental health risks associated with loneliness. According to a meta-analysis co-authored by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, lack of social connection heightens health risks as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having alcohol use disorder. She’s also found that loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity (Perspectives on Psychological Science, Vol. 10, No. 2, 2015).
“There is robust evidence that social isolation and loneliness significantly increase risk for premature mortality, and the magnitude of the risk exceeds that of many leading health indicators,” HoltLunstad says.
From <https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation>
Effects of Loneliness: in Christian Counseling by Gary Collins
- Low Self-Esteem
- Depression
- Rebellious Nature
- Alcoholism & Drug Abuse
- Heart Disease & Physical Problems
WHOA! ILLUS: Charles Swindoll mentioned an ad in a Kansas newspaper. It read, “I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5.00.” Swindoll said, “Sounds like a hoax, doesn’t it? But the person was serious. Did anybody call? You bet. It wasn’t long before this individual was receiving 10 to 20 calls a day. The pain of loneliness was so sharp that some were willing to try anything for a half hour of companionship.”
https://bible.org/illustration/loneliness
Psalms 68:6 tell us that “God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”
Genesis 2:18 “It is not good for the man to be alone.”
- David – “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.” Psalms 25:16
- Paul “make every effort to come to me soon.” (II Tim. 4:9-12 NASB).
- Jesus “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
“So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field. But for Adam NO SUITABLE HELPER WAS FOUND.” (Genesis 2:20)
GOD PROVIDES THE CURE FOR LONELINESS –
Philippians 4:19 – And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
ILLUS: Psychologists Carter, Meier & Minrith have observed that “People who have constant bouts with loneliness often fall into the overly dependent style of life…. An overly dependent person… becomes excessively distraught if he is rejected by someone. He clings to people, sucking up all their emotional energy… (these lonely people get to the point where they) expect others to fulfill their needs for them. Then they begin to make demands of those on whom they depend. Naturally, this causes others to retreat from them, keeping at a distance. The dependent person finds himself back at square one, and usually continues the cycle endlessly.”
https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Loneliness-W-Leslie-Carter/dp/0800786890
Ways to help according to Gary Collins
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- Admit that they are lonely – best step for battling it
- Consider the causes – work on the sources rather than the symptoms
- Change one’s Thinking if possible – (with a widow this is tough, some things can’t be changed) – Inadequate social networks or skills or a poor view of self.
- Develop Self- Esteem
- Lonely people must be helped to see and acknowledge their strengths, abilities, and spiritual gifts.
- Encourage Risk Taking – Reach Out
- Encourage to help others
- Point to God – “God is real and his presence can be sense.”
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Psalms 68:6 tell us that “God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.”
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- CLOSE: Coffee Shop Janna’s Story to faith and family
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To redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
Galatians 3:27-29
for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
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LTAI #1 – Depression

Recommended Reading: Gary Collins – “Christian Counseling”
Elijah is a great case study about Depression – look at these symptoms!
* Suicidal tendencies – “(Elijah) prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, LORD,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ 1 Kings 19:4
* Excessive tiredness – “Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep…” 1 Kings 19:5 slept for a couple of days… maybe longer
* Feelings of rejection – “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 1 Kings 19:10
* AND he experienced this depression for a long time – nearly 2 months
(1 Kings 19:5-6) an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was at his head a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. And he ate and drank and lay down again.
In 1999 Duke University conducted a study of nearly 4000 older adults. One of their conclusions: “Attendance at a house of worship is related to lower rates of depression and anxiety.”
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/07/990726070153.htm
Andrew Newberg, director of clinical nuclear medicine at the University of Pittsburgh used the SPECT technique and made an interesting discovery. Newberg studied the brains of religious individuals who either prayed or meditated. And his team found a dramatic increase in action in the front region of the brain called the pre-frontal cortex. The region is associated with judgment and empathy. The group also discovered decreased activity in a region of the brain known as the superior parietal lobe, which gives us our sense of “self.” The findings seem to indicate that people – while engaged in spiritual pursuits – felt a loss of self. Newberg says prayer and meditation have been shown to lower the risk of depression and heart disease and improve immune function.
http://www.andrewnewberg.com/research
JEWSIH HOPE – When our allied troops were making their way across Cologne Germany to cross Hitler’s forces, they came across a bombed out concentration camp building that had this inscription scrawled on a basement wall:
“I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining.
I believe in love even when it is not shown.
And I believe in God even He doesn’t speak.”
Dr. Karl Menninger replied, “Lock up your house, go across the railroad tracks, find somebody in need, and help that person.” To overcome discouragement, “Don’t focus on yourself, get involved in the lives of other people.”
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_birthday_of_karl_menninger
- Give them rest
- Find Church
- Let them talk
- Deal with false beliefs – Give Hope
- Give them a mission
The Bible gives us an amazing glimpse into the soul of Jesus the night before he was crucified. Watch and learn from the way Jesus fought his strategic battle against despondency or depression.
- He chose some close friends to be with him. “Taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee” (Matthew 26:37).
- He opened his soul to them. He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death” (Matthew 26:38).
- He asked for their intercession and partnership in the battle. “Remain here, and watch with me” (Matthew 26:38).
- He poured out his heart to his Father in prayer. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me” (Matthew 26:39).
- He rested his soul in the sovereign wisdom of God. “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).
- He fixed his eye on the glorious future grace that awaited him on the other side of the cross. “For the joy that was set before him [he] endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
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Sermon Notes – M&T5
- In 1984-85 Wendy’s had a commercial running featuring a four foot eleven inch tall, gray haired old feisty Grandma named Clara Peller. If you remember the commercial Ms. Peller would walk up to the counter of the fast food restaurant with about a four inch hamburger patty on a 12 inch bun, slap the counter and loudly asked, Where’s the Beef? It became a national catch phrase that was used even in the presidential elections in 1984. The premise behind the ad was that there was no place except Wendy’s that you could get a hamburger with enough beef to satisfy your appetite. The expectation was that if you went to Wendy’s for your hamburger, you would not have to ask…Where’s the Beef!
Mark 10:35-45 .
35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” 37 And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized, 40 but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be indignant at James and John. 42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Unflattering List of People that God used!
“Moses stuttered.
David’s armor didn’t fit.
Hosea’s wife was a prostitute.
Jacob was a liar.
David had an affair.
Solomon was too rich.
Abraham was too old.
David was too young.
Timothy had ulcers.
Peter was afraid of death.
Lazarus was dead.
John was self-righteous.
Jesus was too poor.
Naomi was a widow.
John Mark – rejected by Paul
Paul was a murderer.
So was Moses.
Jonah ran from God.
Miriam was a gossip & bigot
Gideon and Thomas both doubted.
Jeremiah was depressed and suicidal.
Elijah was burned out.
Martha was a worrywart.
Samson had long hair.
Noah got drunk.
And did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?
42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:42-45
Tampa Bay.com ran an article some time back about street gangs. In it they told the story of a preacher who was trying to reach out to the slum dwellers for Christ. “When he first moved into this neighborhood, as a refugee from Harvard, Rivers sought out a local drug dealer (to ask him why he was so successful in dragging people into his lifestyle)… and he gave Rivers, a Pentecostal, a lesson in why God was losing to gangs in the battle for the souls of inner city kids. “Selvin explained to us, ’I’m there when Johnny goes out for a loaf of bread for Mama. I’m there, you’re not. I win, you lose, It’s all about being there.’”
https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1998/07/28/street-ministries-can-save-kids/?outputType=amp
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Finding God’s Beauty in the Ordinary


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Passing of former minister Brian Crow

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Interview with Phlebotomist Paige Cobb
Our blood drive today will have a wonderful phlebotomist on the bus, Paige Cobb! She’s a friend of Central Church of Christ and taught me a lot about giving blood. We still have a few spots to give available between 2-4pm at Central Church of Christ today. Give a gift from the heart this Valentine’s Day!
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VDay Blood Drive SIGN UP

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