icon__search

Carmichael SDA Church Bulletin

And For This Reason

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.

Carmichael SDA Church Bulletin

June 8, 2024 • Pastor Marvin Wray • Ephesians 4:1–3

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

June 1, 2024 • Greg Howell

Here and Back Again

Carmichael SDA Church Bulletin

May 18, 2024 • Pastor Benji Ferguson • 1 Peter 5:8–11

While this isn't an official Youth Sabbath this weekend, it is a Youth Sabbath. I'm so excited that almost the entire service is High School students. Our Praise team this week even kicked me out of the band! I do not take for granted that Carmichael is a wonderful bubble in Christianity where intergenerational worship isn't just something that is a token week. It is who we are and what we do. You have purposefully and intentionally built that culture over the last two decades and it is special. My sermon this week comes from me being distracted last time we had communion. I found a text that I don't think I'd fully read before as I was processing Jesus' last night with His disciples. I talked to Dr. Steve Case afterwards and asked if he'd ever heard a sermon on that text...he said he couldn't recall one, so I decided then that it would be my next sermon. I've been challenged as I've prepared, but also encouraged. I hope you walk away from this week with more hope and gratitude than you had before. I can't wait to worship with you this weekend! Pastor Benji