Central Church Weekend Service Notes

Opening and Welcome

• Expression of gratitude for attendance.
• Invitation to stand and sing together, focusing on faith in miracles and God's promises.
• Emphasis on the presence of the Lord.

Worship Songs Highlights

• Songs about trust in the Lord and putting down roots by the river of life.
• Celebration of the Super Bowl, casual remarks about team preferences.
• Warm welcome to first-time guests with an invitation to the 'New to Central' area.
• Encouragement to download the Central Church app for events and notifications.

Annalicia's Story

• Recount of Annalicia's spiritual journey: returning to church, attending youth camp through a scholarship.
• Experience of love, acceptance, and deciding to be baptized.
• Annalicia now helps spread the word of God.
• Encouragement to invest in God's work through time, talent, and financial resources.

Generosity and Investment

• Pastor Nick's childhood decision to invest in others via time, talent, and resources.
• Challenge to become a 'generosity rock star' by setting up reoccurring donations.
• Emphasis on investing in God's work for life transformation.

Prayer and Worship

• Invitation to pray for each other, acknowledging different levels of personal struggles.
• Encouragement to surrender worries to God.
• Collective prayer for peace, clarity, wisdom, and strength.

Sermon: Are We Living in the End Times?

Key Messages

• Living in the End Times:

  • Yes, for nearly 2,000 years.
  • No one knows the exact time of Jesus' return.
  • Revelation is about Jesus' victory, not fear.

• Revelation Chapters 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches

  • Ephesus, Sardis, Laodicea:
    • Loss of passion for Jesus.
    • Warning to return to their first love and not rely on outward appearances.
  • Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira:
    • Facing persecution and cultural pressure.
    • Call to stand firm, avoid compromise.
  • Philadelphia:
    • Commended for faithfulness despite having little power.
    • Encouragement to hold on; promises of open doors.

Applications

• Renew Passion for Jesus: Avoid routine, seek a genuine relationship.
• Stand Firm Against Pressure: Resist cultural conformity, hold true to faith.
• Endure, Best Is Yet to Come: Faithfulness leads to victory; hold on to Jesus.

Call to Action

• Reflection on personal commitment to Jesus.
• Invitation for those ready to renew or start their faith journey.

Closing

• Final prayer for strength and courage to remain steadfast in faith.
• Encouragement to use the Central Church app for staying informed and connected.