LTAI #5 – Peace

Scripture Reading: John 14:23-27
 
Wilmer McLean – Appomattox
 
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 14:23-27 as we prepare for today’s Let’s Talk About It Topic: 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
Victor Frankl – “You cannot always control your circumstances, but you have the power to control your response to your circumstances.”
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
 
Oliver Cromwell’s Servant – “Then, master, why not let Him rule the present, too?”
https://www.peacecovenantpckw.com/pastors-weekly-newsletter-may-242019/
 
There’s a Fountain Free
1. There’s a fountain free, ’tis for you and me: Let us haste, oh, haste to its brink; ’Tis the fount of love from the Source above, And He bids us all freely drink.
• 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

Central Reminder: Tomorrow is the Elders, Deacons, Ministry Leaders Lunch Meeting! All leaders of ministries come ready to talk about big idea progress, problems, and plans. Grilled burgers, brats, & more will be served at 11:45am in the Central Pavilion. It’s an exciting time as we re-energize & restart ministries!


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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

The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” – John 19:7-11
 
Pontius Pilate: According to Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews (18.4.1–2), Pilate’s removal as governor occurred after Pilate slaughtered a group of armed Samaritans at a village called Tirathana near Mount Gerizim.The Samaritans, claiming not to have been armed, complained to Lucius Vitellius the Elder, the governor of Syria (term 35–39), who had Pilate recalled to Rome to be judged by Tiberius.
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

Hebrews 2:14-15: Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
 

“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.”

 

Revelation 1:5 says: Jesus Christ… (is) the firstborn from the dead…”


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.”

Matthew 27:63-64

 

“…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

 

3 Converts
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

We’re excited to celebrate our risen Savior and three worship experiences for Easter Sunday this year! Here is our tentative parking plan for the 9am drive-in worship service and the 10am auditorium worship service. We will continue to livestream at 10am also. Have a blessed day!
 

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Spring Cleaning with Dave Weber

Make sure to thank Dave Weber when you see him for pressure washing the front steps of the church building!  

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

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LTAI #3 – Stress

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 Matthew 8 as we prepare for today’s Let’s Talk About It Topic. 

According to Gary Collins the effects of stress are wide ranging including: ulcers, headaches, rashes, cardiac issues, insomnia, reduced productivity, relational volatility, reclusive tendencies.

 
Proverbs 12:25 “An anxious heart weighs a man down…”
 
Dr. Herbert Benson at the Harvard Medical School believed that “60 to 90 % of doctor visits are for stress related diseases – including hypertension, infertility, insomnia, and cardiovascular disease.”
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: 
#1 – Get Away for a While! 

“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

 

Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 22 And Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.”
#3 – Cast Your Cares on Him

“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

Youth at Central Church of Christ would like to thank all emergency personnel for the service you provide to the community. Ambulance, fire, rescue, police, corrections, 911 and more, come on out and get a free lunch. Students stayed up all night to smoke pork and chicken to provide you a fresh and hot meal. Drive to Central Church of Christ between 12-1:30 p.m. and pick it up or come get enough for your entire department!
 
“We love because He first loved us.” – 1John 4:19
 
Please share with your emergency personnel friends!

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Jason Maxwell Directory Info

Jason Maxwell’s information is now updated in our online directory. Remember, you can access this directory from the app, viewing online, or downloading the PDF. Go to our website and click “Resources” for more links or download the church directory app here: https://www.christiscentral.org/four-apps-for-your-phone-or-tablet/

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Jason Maxwell Baptism


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LTAI #2 – Loneliness

Scripture Reading: Genesis 2:15-18

      • OPEN: Janna’s Elizabeth
Today we’re going to discuss a painful experience known as loneliness.
      • 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. 
      • 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.

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

      1. Admit that they are lonely – best step for battling it
      2. Consider the causes – work on the sources rather than the symptoms
      3. 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.
      4. Develop Self- Esteem
        1. Lonely people must be helped to see and acknowledge their strengths, abilities, and spiritual gifts.
      5. Encourage Risk Taking – Reach Out
      6. Encourage to help others
      7. Point to God – “God is real and his presence can be sense.”

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.”

      • CLOSE: Coffee Shop Janna’s Story to faith and family

Galatians 4:5-7 

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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