It seems that at all Conference Constituency meetings, Division meetings, and certainly at General Conference meetings there is always a report on statistics. We love to share the increased numbers in membership, tithe, number of churches, etc. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, but I wonder if this is what God is seeking for us. Or, is He perhaps more interested in our personal growth and our unity? On that great resurrection morning the saints are going to be caught up together in the air and suddenly race, gender, denominational preference and so many other things that divide us here are not going to matter at all. We will at last be ONE! I think that is God's ideal for His church on earth now. As we strive so hard to be "right", let us be surrendered to Christ and be one in Him.
Carmichael SDA Church Bulletin
There Is A Better Way
June 8, 2024 • Pastor Marvin Wray • Ephesians 4:1–3
Carmichael SDA Church Bulletin
June 22, 2024 • Pastor Marvin Wray • Job 42:1–3
We live in a world of constant turmoil it seems. Whether we consider things political, theological, economical, meteorological, or any other "icals", there seems to be debate, side taking, and sadly, bitterness with the division. And then we have all the pundits that have all the answers and know exactly who is to blame. Well, I do have a solution. Let's just keep our eyes on Jesus. Let's listen to His wisdom and His promises. Let's recognize the time in which we live for what it really is...the last days! I'm not an end time alarmist preacher. I'm a gospel preacher, but I am not going to bury my head in the sand either. I don't have all the answers to your questions or all the wisdom to solve the problems, but "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day!"
Carmichael SDA Church Bulletin
June 1, 2024 • Greg Howell
Here and Back Again
Carmichael SDA Church Bulletin
May 25, 2024 • Pastor Marvin Wray • Ephesians 1:15–18
I have found that many people have a difficult time understanding and/or feeling comfortable with the concept of God's calling. What, exactly, is that supposed to feel like? How do I know for sure if God is calling me to a specific ministry or job or relationship? I have certainly felt a "calling" to ministry. It came when I was quite young and even when I walked away from God I knew that "calling" was still there. Then when I surrendered to Him I knew immediately what I was to do. A calling is not often an audible voice and it often is not even an overwhelming feeling. I believe that each and every one of us is called, but we are called to Him rather than to a task. Once we are surrendered to Him then we will begin to see, often slowly and step by step, how He wants to work through us by living in us. My prayer is that you will be open to His leading and His calling as you renew your minds to be transformed by Him rather than conformed to the calling of the world.