http://www.centralcc.net/ Predigt / Sermon Tue, 21 May 2013 04:11:00 +0000 FeedCreator 1.7.2 en (c) centralcc.net CentralCC M. Davidson webadmin@centralcc.net http://www.centralcc.net/ http://www.centralcc.net// Predigt / Sermon no CentralCC http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10018&Itemid= webadmin@centralcc.net (Henry Pauls) “Prayer, Care, and Share: Part One” Isaiah 61 August 8, 2010   Introduction:  We are designed to live our lives for God and for... Sun, 08 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10018&Itemid= Henry Pauls 00:00:00 no August 8, 2010, Henry Pauls August 8, 2010 “Prayer, Care, and Share: Part One” Isaiah 61 August 8, 2010   Introduction:  We are designed to live our lives for God and for others. We bring honor to God by insuring our lives are lining up to the instructions of Scripture. We honor God, and demonstrate our faith in God, by praying.  We demonstrate the love of God to our communities when we shown genuine, unconditional care for the needs of the people we live among.  Finally, we had the incredible responsibility and honor of telling people about Jesus Christ.  We are commanded to share the story of Christ.  The believer whose life reflects these attributes, will be blessed abundantly by God.   Key Scripture:  Isaiah 61:1-11   Prayer Isaiah 56:4-7/Luke 19:46       Care Exodus 23:4-5/Luke 6:35       Share Isaiah 43:11-13/John 14:6 Isaiah 43:10/Matthew 28:18-20 Isaiah 44:8/Matthew 10:17-20     Sermon Based Community Group Questions:   1.        Describe the last conversation you had with a neighbor.   2.       Describe the last time you had the opportunity to help a neighbor.   3.       Describe a time when you shared what your faith meant to you.  What was the result of that conversation?   4.       Read Isaiah 61:1,2 and then compare it to  Luke 4:18,19.  Also, look at Isaiah 58:6.  Why is Jesus quoting this Scripture?   5.       How do you see the concept of Prayer, Care and Share fitting into being Christ-like?   6.       Share with our group the three neighbors you want to be Christ-like to and have your group pray with you for them. http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10017&Itemid= webadmin@centralcc.net (Henry Pauls) Sun, 01 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10017&Itemid= Henry Pauls 00:00:00 no August 1, 2010, Henry Pauls August 1, 2010 http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10016&Itemid= webadmin@centralcc.net (Henry Pauls) “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6 July 25, 2010   Introduction: This is the third largest book of our Bible after Psalms and... Sun, 25 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10016&Itemid= Henry Pauls 00:00:00 no July 25, 2010, Henry Pauls July 25, 2010 “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6 July 25, 2010   Introduction: This is the third largest book of our Bible after Psalms and Jeremiah.  It contains four important theological points throughout its narrative:  God, humanity & and the world, sin, and redemption.  This is the account from a man SENT by the Creator to communicate these important thoughts as means by which people would change their ways.  As we read through Isaiah we see God giving Judah the chance to be redeemed, their refusal, the penalty for this refusal and then the prophecy toward how God with forgive all sin.  Out of all the First Testament books Isaiah is the most comprehensive in describing the work and need for Christ.   The Magnificence of God   Understanding our Reality   Acknowledging our shortfall.   Demonstrating our appreciation to being restored.     Sermon Based Community Group Questions:   1.       During World War II families and individuals made great sacrifices.  Teenage boys went off to battle, people willingly rationed items, towns collected metal for building weapons, and women went off into the work force because the men had left to go to battle.  Historical accounts said this was done readily because of the need of the day, the threat going on around them.  Discuss what you know about the threat and why people were so willing to sacrifice.   2.       People are drawn to “causes.”  The specific issue(s) being dealt with by the “cause” are used to help recruit people to help bring about positive results.  Most “causes” are legitimate and require people with a passion to the “cause” to move it forward.  Describe a “cause” you have joined (past/present) and describe why you joined it.   3.       Jesus called people to follow Him. He was the cause.  Why did He say they should follow Him (Matthew 4:18-22)?  What does this phrase teach us?   4.       What would be the “benefit” of following the cause of Jesus (John 15:18-25)?  Why did people remain so faithful if this was the promised result?   5.       Isaiah was a proclaimer of God’s Word.  This is what prophecy means.  According to Isaiah 6, what appears to be the motivation to “volunteer” for God’s cause?   6.       The magnificence of God, the awareness of our sin, and the forgiveness of God continued to motivate Isaiah throughout his long ministry.  Most didn’t listen.  What should this say to us and how we are motivated in ministry?  Share with the group what step you would like to take toward being more active in ministry.  CG leaders report these back to Shelley and Jeff. http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10015&Itemid= webadmin@centralcc.net (Henry Pauls) Notes not available Sun, 18 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10015&Itemid= Henry Pauls 00:00:00 no July 18, 2010, Henry Pauls July 18, 2010 Notes not available http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10014&Itemid= webadmin@centralcc.net (Henry Pauls) “Call to Fast” July 11, 2010   Introduction:  The word “overcoming” has been used for centuries in regard to the Christ centered church... Sun, 11 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10014&Itemid= Henry Pauls 00:00:00 no July 11, 2010, Henry Pauls July 11, 2010 “Call to Fast” July 11, 2010   Introduction:  The word “overcoming” has been used for centuries in regard to the Christ centered church as it has persevered through all the terrible trials and persecutions which have taken place throughout the world.  The primary means by which the followers of Christ “overcame” was through praying and fasting through the ordeals which they knew (but probably didn’t understand) was under the LORD’s control.  Praying and fasting cannot be separated from each other.  Fasting is a vital component of our faith and it is a discipline that must be implemented in order to overcome the evil forces controlled by Satan. Please consider setting aside two, five hours periods to not eat anything.  And during the whole week pray through the following Scriptures.  There are four objectives that seem to belong in this call to fast and prayer: 1.       Breaking of spiritual strongholds stifling ministry on the west side of Highway 99. 2.       Boldness in living out and verbalizing faith among those who attend these churches. 3.       Building up these church’s numerically through this new boldness. 4.       Becoming unified in our praise for God’s work among His people.   A.      The Mandate to Fast a.       Judges 20:26; 1Kings 21:27; Ezra 8:21; Jonah 3:5 b.      Matthew 6:16 c.       Joel 1:14 B.      Primary Reason to Fast – Being with God. a.       Matthew 4:1-11 b.      Matthew 6:16-18 c.       Matthew 6:25-34 Isaiah 12:1-6 … "I will praise you, O LORD. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. … Each of us has been in a place where we know God was “angry with me.”  Yet, just as Isaiah wrote, His anger turned away as we turned to Him and He gave us comfort.  Despite our shortcomings and outright disobedience he has chosen to work through us to bring people to Himself.  Out of our salvation He will draw others to that same salvation.  We can continually give thanks and praise to an All Powerful God who works through imperfection to show the Perfect Christ to the portions of the world in which He has place us.  “Sing” to God praises for our salvation and the Greatness of the Holy One.   Isaiah 53:1-12 1 …4 Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. 5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. 6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 … For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Our salvation cannot be attained by any amount of “good” deeds, behaviors, or attitudes.  It is solely found in the person of Jesus Christ. Several hundred years before Christ would inhabit our earth, in our form, it was established through this prophetic message.  Isaiah was asked to communicate a difficult message and he did so faithfully.  The only reason HCCD/CCC exist is simply because the sins of the people who make up these organizations were bore by The One and His continuous intercession for all transgressions (past, present, and future).  It is humbling, and even at times heartbreaking, to comprehend he was “slaughtered” for our wickedness.  He accepted His role in order that we would not suffer the fate we surely deserved.  His pain allows for us to live like Him in our world today.   Pray that we would do this wholeheartedly. Isaiah 58:1-14 1 … 6 "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter-- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 … It is good to remind ourselves that “doing” spiritual acts are not “spiritual” at all if we think we can manipulate God to our bidding.  Praying, fasting, good works, reading and truly knowing His Word, are vital to our ever growing faith and relationship with our Creator.  Yet, we are in grave danger if we think we can use them like a magic wand or that we inadvertently turn our Almighty God into our own person “genie” who should be granting us three wishes.  If we, His people, the people of HCCD/CCC, will seek Him out with sincerity to His cause then we will become the “Repairers of Highway City” and the “Restorers of the Central Unified School District.”  We must guard against “going our own way” and “not doing as you please” or “speaking idle words.” Prayerfully guard the intent of your prayer, fasting and reading of Scripture.  Seek to be aligned solely to God’s desire for us to be humble before Him and humble in the victories He will deliver through His work through us. Jeremiah 29:1-7 … 4 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." This is an incredibly provocative (or provoking) Scripture.  A people who are being disciplined by being enslaved and taken away from their homeland are told to seek the prosperity of the people enslaving them!  They were told to expand their ministry (family), build loving relationships (marriage), and make homes out of their new dwellings (build houses, plant gardens).  More profound though is the command (not a suggestion) to seek the peace (shalom-wholeness) AND prosperity of the city in which they would be exiled.  Highway City and Central Unified need us to seek their prosperity.  We are told to pray for their prosperity in this Scripture.  Consequently, as we pray for the prosperity of our community, even those who may be “against” us, HCCD/CCC will prosper also. Pray for the prosperity of Highway City and the Central Unified School District.  Pray for test scores, funding, jobs, well-planned development, and graduation rates to rise in the area.  Pray to the LORD for it. Matthew 25:31-46 …  40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' … 45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' 46 "Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." The holistic ministry philosophy and mandates for HCCD/CCC are founded upon this Scripture and many others which are tied directly to caring for the poor, the widow, the fatherless and the orphan.  In our context it would be anyone who has been marginalized due to circumstances beyond their control.  Christ is commanding us to minister to people at their point of need.  We are sharply reminded through this Scripture that everyone is created in the image of God.  To neglect any individual is to neglect God Himself.  Our salvation is manifested in the care of others.  James tells us the faith without deeds is dead.  Jesus is telling us that this death could very well be eternal.  We are taught in this Scripture that to serve the under resourced and under privileged is, at the very heart of that work, serving God Himself.  Pray that HCCD/CCC would also be committed to using its resources, whatever they are, for the benefit of the community we belong to and not to our personal gain.  No matter how much graffiti shows up or how damaged a life becomes due to their personal choices, may HCCD/CCC always see the intrinsic value of our neighbor because they are created in the image of our Living God.     John 15:1-27  … 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. 8 This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples… There is only one way to accomplish the work God assigns to us.  It must be accomplished “in Him.”  We must stay connected to God.  We must continue to seek Him to be in charge of all areas of our lives.  As this takes place it is vitally important that His people (the people of HCCD/CCC) “love each other as I (Jesus) have loved you.”  This is what keeps us strengthened, motivated, and encouraged to continue difficult work when obstacles in this world come across our paths.  We can expect opposition.  But in our love for each other, our desire to “abide” in Christ, the Counselor will guide us in the right direction. Pray for the individual churches to truly “love each other” seeking to abide in Christ.  Likewise, seek this for yourself. 2 Timothy 1:1-18 … 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,… The work of HCCD/CCC, and certainly the vision that has been unfolded for us, is daunting.  Yet, we do not have “a spirit of timidity” we have a “spirit of power.”  What is to be accomplished through God, will not be under our own power, but through His power working through us.  Suffering for His cause is difficult to grasp, but we find Paul grateful for the opportunity to suffer and isn’t ashamed in any way in regard to the message and life of Christ.  We are told to guard this great treasure, “the good deposit,” that has been entrusted to us. Pray that HCCD/CCC would guard carefully the message and life of Christ in not only motivating us in the work we have been called to accomplish, but that we would not hesitate to declare this message when the opportunities avail themselves.Revelation 22:1-21 … 12 "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14 "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city… "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen. Often, as we go about the work assigned to us by God, frustration, resentment, impatience, anger, and bitterness can take hold.  This is why loving each other and seeking to remain in Christ is important.  Yet, God has also been gracious enough to give us a picture of what will be someday.  We are accomplishing matters that have eternal benefits.  Our efforts to serve people in the name of Christ will help others to live the rest of their lives for Christ.  Ultimately, the salvation people receive provides the opportunity to live for all eternity in a recreated Earth and Heaven.  In the mean time, eternity exists even in the very moment you are reading this.  We were “saved” to be with God TODAY.  Relish this and pray you can be the vessel which helps provide the path for others to receive this same incredible gift.  Pray that through your service to God, and others, many more people will experience “eternity” today.  For some people you are the one person God has chosen to reach them through.  It’s pressure, but it is also a great privilege.  Pray that the ministries of HCCD/CCC will be used by God to extend His Kingdom in ways in which we can’t comprehend.     I prayerfully have submitted this to you as a means to have CCC members on the “same page” as we pray about the work, the ministry; God has created for us to participate in and through Him.  It is no accident that 4710 N. Polk Ave. was chosen by God for this work.  He has Providentially granted us this place to serve and this people to live among.  We are called to glorify God here, and to pray and actively work for the prosperity of Highway City and the Central Unified School District. I have a great anticipation within me to what God will achieve through us as we join together in this CALL TO FAST.  I look forward to hearing about each of your experiences.  God bless each of you as we journey together in God’s work.  Your Servant in Christ, Jeff.   Highway City Community Development Brief   Contents: 1.       History of Highway City Community Development (HCCD) 2.       Vision/Mission of HCCD 3.       Relationship with Central Community Church (CCC) 4.       Memorandum of Understanding between HCCD & CCC History of HCCD                 In 1983 the Highway City Thrift Store was started up with the intention of providing low price items to the community of Highway City.  The store was an outreach ministry of Northwest Church and they maintained control over all aspects of the ministry.  This is the same year that this unincorporated areas was incorporated into the city of Fresno.  The store operated from a house which was converted into a small retail store of approximately 800 sq. ft. and the double garage was used to teach Bible studies and run a makeshift AWANA and youth ministry.                 Constant flooding in the winter and the growing base of donations and desire to expand the ministry of the store brought about the decision to move the store to its current location at 5472 W. Shaw Ave.  As of the writing of this document it has been at that location for 19 years.  A food pantry was also added to the ministry.  The north section of the building was used for storage and offered little access for product to be purchased.  The front portion of the store almost doubled the previous amount of floor space.  Northwest Church bore the burden of underwriting the constant monthly deficit of the operations.                 In January of 1995 a new store manager was hired in order to implement a strategic plan for the use of the facility and the general operating of the Thrift Store.  The plan was provided by a group of students from the Business School at Fresno State.  The manager was able to implement some of the plan but met some resistance from different groups.  The manager was able to increase the monthly sales of the store.  Yet, Northwest Church was still underwriting the cost of the monthly operations.                 In June of 1995 a number of circumstances unfolded which brought an individual out to become the overseer of the Highway City outreach. His general responsibility was to “make the store profitable” and renew the church type of ministry of this outreach.                 The store manager and the overseer went over the plan from Fresno State and also developed a theologically based ministry.  The store and the components which would be added were based on a holistic theology and a theology of place.  The church ministries also took on this new theological focus.  The theological emphasis brought about a change in the philosophy of ministry.  The first 12+ years of the work in Highway City was charitably based.  Food and other items were given away and the pricing of the store was on the same level as local retail establishments.                 Starting in July of 1995, the store and church ministry instituted a “dignity-based” ministry philosophy.  People would be given the opportunity to earn the items they perceived they needed.  People would be allowed to work for food, appliances, furniture, and clothing.  This opportunity to work was extended to people who needed to satisfy community service requirements due to non-violent crime.  Additionally, over the subsequent years, partnerships with various organizations  with a desire to help rehabilitate people were developed.                 In the summer of 1995 there were only two full-time employees, the store manager and the overseer.  There was an additional part-time cashier brought in on Saturdays.  The store had been open only five days a week and the hours of operation were low.  The store began to be opened six days a week and from 9am-4pm.  In addition, a full-time assistant manager was hired as well as four part-time employees.  This would insure better quality control and consistency in receiving donations, pricing and selling those donations, and provided needed time off for the store manager.  In August of 1995 the store generated its first month of lower expenses than income.  It has been completely self-sufficient since that month.                 Over the next few years a couple of articles in The Fresno Bee and features on local news stations expanded the donation base.  In the first 12-14 years over 90% of donations came from Northwest Church.  Now over 60% of donations come from all over Fresno and Clovis and also Madera, Kerman & Selma.  This has been enabled by purchasing a truck and running the truck three days a week.  This provided another part-time employment opportunity.  The increase in sales allowed the store to hire additional part-time help and also institute a six month job training program which can run two people a year at this time. Vision/Mission of HCCD                 In 1997 a 501 (c) 3 was formed and called Highway City Community Development.  While the store was the sole component of the initial start-up the vision and mission were greatly expanded. The vision of HCCD was, and still is, “To transform Highway City and the Central Unified School District into healthy communities of hope through holistic ministry.”  To this end the monies generated by any component of HCCD and donations received will be used solely for the Highway City community specifically, and the Central Unified School District in general.                 The holistic theological base is foundational to the mission statement of HCCD.  HCCD’s mission is stated as “Our purpose is to work in Highway City and its surrounding communities to stimulate economic development and enlist indigenous leadership to improve the economic, physical and spiritual infrastructures, thereby bringing hope and stabilization to families in the community.” Directed by this statement the work of HCCD has expanded from the store’s work into two afterschool programs located in the Sierra Mobile Home Park and The Stone Pine Apartments.  The Sierra Mobile Home Park after school program is conducted in a mobile home which was purchased by HCCD.  In August of 2010, the Urban Leadership Training Center (The Hub) will also become active.                 The vision and mission are also pointing HCCD toward developing the Highway City Learning Center (HCLC) as a means to truly be a community benefit organization and fulfill the vision and mission of HCCD.  HCLC will include a preschool/daycare facility, community center, and library.  The property on which HCLC will be developed was donated by CCC.  Relationship with Central Community Church                 The relationship between HCCD and CCC has been intimate and continues to be very closely intertwined.  As such, their visions and missions are not just complementary, but tied together through holistic theology and the theology of place.                 When HCCD was first formed, and out of deference and honor to Northwest Church’s faithful investment into the community of Highway City, people from that church were the majority of the initial board.  The initial oversight was for the store.  The motivation to separating the store from Northwest Church was to address liability exposure’s due to the expanded work coming through the store and to established the above stated vision and mission.                 The overseer of the Thrift Store and the Highway City outreach ministry was a member of this original board.  He also sensed the need to officially plant a church.  CCC was officially recognized as an autonomous church by the Northern California Baptist Conference (now Converge PacWest) in April of 1996.  The funding of the ministries of CCC was primarily from the monies generated by the Thrift Store and a much smaller portion from the offerings of the small congregation being developed.  The overseer, and now church planter, raised his support separate from HCCD.                 CCC was officially planted in March of 1997.  HCCD continued to fund the AWANA program which was located out of the Highway City Center run by Parks and Recreation.  It also funded the youth programs and helped underwrite some of the rental cost of CCC using Central High East campus for its Sunday services.  This funding stream continued (10% of gross sales) until the provision of obtaining the current site of CCC (4710 N. Polk).  The current site was purchased in June 2001.                 In 1991 Northwest Church had purchased a piece of property (2.86) with a vision to plant a church at some point.  CCC fulfilled that vision but the property was too small.  Yet, it was only one plot over from the 4710 N. Polk Ave address.  Northwest Church not only contributed $350,000 toward the purchase of CCC’s current site it also “quick deeded” the other property to CCC.                 With CCC having its own site, and with HCCD having a desire to be more ecumenical in its board membership, membership of the board of HCCD was expanded and included individuals from other churches.  Central Community Church was also given a “controlling” presence on the board.  This replaced the previous controlling presence of Northwest Church.  This ecumenical development necessitated that CCC would no longer receive funding from HCCD.  Instead, the funding from the Thrift Store would begin to help build the infrastructure of HCCD.                 In 2004 HCCD established a paid executive and the vision for HCLC beginning to develop.  The need to have land ownership to receive grants and apply for loans (if needed) mandated ownership and not leasing the smaller piece of property owned by CCC.  In 2006, the Deacon’s Board of CCC quick deeded the property to HCCD with one significant provision.  HCCD could not sell the stated property for any reason without consent of the CCC Deacons’ Board, nor could the property be used for any other reason than the HCLC.  Any other intended use would need to be approved by the CCC board.                 Both CCC and HCCD have strong desires for developing ministry which is accomplished through partnerships and collaboration.  Both these organizations set the example.  For this reason the two after-school programs are accomplished through this philosophy.  Care Fresno helps provide training, curriculum and Americorp workers and is granted permission to use the Stone Pine (SP) and Sierra Mobile Home Park (SMP) sites in their pursuit of donations and grants.  HCCD purchased the mobile home used for the SMP site and obtained the grant for the computer lab housed there.  Both after school programs are under the HCCD ministry umbrella.  CCC is allowed to use the mobile home for its own ministry which includes movie nights provided by a CCC community group and its summer enrichment program.  In agreement with Care Fresno, HCCD can also use the two sites for grant opportunities.                 Part of CCC’s tithing budget is allocated toward supporting HCCD.  This is done, in part, out of appreciation for the significant financial support of CCC ministries in the past and also in belief that HCCD and CCC are working together in common mission.  Additionally, two pastors at CCC had their ministry descriptions changed.  A financial crisis brought about innovation. As the national, state, and city financial crisis grew the CCC finances became an issue to be mitigated by the end of 2008.  In January of 2009, facing a possibly significant pay cut, or worse, lay-off, CCC partnered with Care Fresno to help the pastors become Americorp workers and then to start up the two after school sites.  HCCD provided the mobile home and accepted the liability exposure for the work being accomplished.  After 8 months both pastors were brought back on the payroll of CCC. As agreed upon by the Deacon Board when the plan was put in place, the ministry descriptions for the two positions would not change.  HCCD continues to supply the funding for the operations of the after-school programs as well as the space fee, utilities, and phone line for the computer lab.  Care Fresno also provides funding and in-kind donations as they are received.  CCC continues to staff the programs with volunteers and the leadership through the two pastors. This History of the HCCD/CCC relationship and the guided prayer and fasting found in this document are the reason for the four stated objectives of this week’s fasting and praying. 1.       Breaking of spiritual strongholds stifling ministry on the west side of Highway 99. 2.       Boldness in living out and verbalizing faith among those who attend these churches. 3.       Building up these church’s numerically through this new boldness. 4.       Becoming unified in our praise for God’s work among His people. http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10013&Itemid= webadmin@centralcc.net (Henry Pauls) Psalm 125     Psalms 120-134 are called “Pilgrim Psalms” or “Songs of Ascent.” They were sung by those who journeyed (and thus... Sun, 04 Jul 2010 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10013&Itemid= Henry Pauls 00:00:00 no July 4, 2010, Henry Pauls July 4, 2010 Psalm 125     Psalms 120-134 are called “Pilgrim Psalms” or “Songs of Ascent.” They were sung by those who journeyed (and thus “ascended”) to the temple for the annual feasts. Each psalm is a “step” along the journey. The psalms of ascent received this title because the pilgrim Israelites sang them as they traveled from their homes all over the land and ascended Mt. Zion for the annual feasts. David composed at least four of these 15 psalms Solomon wrote one (Ps. 127), and the remaining 10 are anonymous.   PSALM 125 The psalmist praised God that believers are secure in their salvation and that God will keep temptation from overwhelming them. However, he cautioned God's people to follow the Lord faithfully or lose His blessing because they lived as unbelievers do. This psalm of ascent is a communal song of confidence and a communal lament.   MOUNT ZION:  one of the hills on which Jerusalem was built; later, it became another name for the whole city of Jerusalem; also a name for heaven. • hill of Jerusalem,  2 Kings 19:31; Psalm 48:2, 11; Isaiah 24:23 • as heaven,  Hebrews 12:22; Rev. 14:1   Two things to draw from this Psalm   1. The security of God's people 125:1-3             __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________   2. The choices before God's people 125:4-5   ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________                                   Sermon Discussion Questions     How tempting is it for you to be drawn to new fads or ideas?    Read Psalm 125: 1What are you doing to be Mount Zion to those around you?   Read 2 Chronicles 7:14.  In what ways do you meet or fall short of this passage.   How do you interpret being I this world, but not of this world?         Challenges: Commit to pray for our Government officials both local and national.   Commit to pray for those countries that we consider enemies of our nation.   Pray that CCC would become Mount Zion to the area.         http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10010&Itemid= webadmin@centralcc.net (Henry Pauls) “The WORD for ALL Situations” Psalm 119 June 27, 2010   Introduction: This incredible “praise song” should impress upon every believer in the Lord... Sun, 27 Jun 2010 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.centralcc.net/index.php?option=com_sermonspeaker&task=singlesermon&id=10010&Itemid= Henry Pauls 00:00:00 no June 27, 2010, Henry Pauls June 27, 2010 “The WORD for ALL Situations” Psalm 119 June 27, 2010   Introduction: This incredible “praise song” should impress upon every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ the importance of God’s Word being known and utilized to live properly for God. . The song writer used each letter of the Hebrew alphabet to start off each 8 verse section (strophe) with words expressing various aspects of our lives. He then related each one to the Word of God and so showed how it touches every area of life and is essential to all of life. He demonstrates to us how the Word is relevant and invaluable in all types of situations that the godly face. The numerous references to enemies, affliction, persecution, and adversaries demonstrate that the writer is in touch with real life. This song reveals the absolute importance of what God has revealed as being an adequate resource and indispensable guide through life’s difficulties.  This “praise song” is not just a song of praise, it is a lesson on the absolute necessity of God’s Word needing to be the foundation for how a believer in Jesus Christ lives their life and reacts to life’s situations.   1. The blessing of obeying God's Word 119:1-8 2. The cleansing power of God's Word 119:9-16 “A life of full obedience is not a conclusion of faith. It is a beginning point and an access to a life filled with many-sided communion with God." - Constable 3. An appreciation for God's Word 119:17-24 4. A prayer for greater understanding 119:25-32 5. Loyal commitment to God's Word 119:33-40 Not a command to external conformity by a command toward a “heart” of absolute devotion to God. 6. God's Word and salvation 119:41-48 Not just a desire to be “saved” to desire to speak about God unashamedly in the presence of others. 7. God's Word as a source of hope 119:49-56 8. Strong commitment to God's Word 119:57-64 9. Confidence in the Word of God 119:65-72 Affliction had taught him to appreciate God's statutes more than he had previously done (vv. 71-72). 10. God's Word as an object of hope 119:73-80 11. The reliability of God's Word 119:81-88 12. The permanence of God's Word 119:89-96 13. The sweetness of God's Word 119:97-104 "While God's truth is food for our souls, it is not a 'buffet' from which we select only the things we like." - Wiersbe 14. The illumination God's Word provides 119:105-112 15. The reverence God's Word inspires 119:113-120 16. The vindication of those who keep God's Word 119:121-128 17. The wonder of God's Word 119:129-136 Only God’s Word can keep us going in the right direction. 18. The righteous character of God's Word 119:137-144 19. The truth of God's Word 119:145-152 20. Love for God's Word 119:153-160 Only the Lord can save and redeem because only His Words are true and His laws righteous. 21. Joy in God's Word 119:161-168 22. Salvation in God's Word 119:169-176 Commitment to God’s Word and a belief in God’s promises which allows him to cry out for help. (Strophe titles from Dr Thomas Constable)   Sermon Based Community Group Questions:   1.       What is the best “self-help” book you have ever read?  Why was it good for you?   2.       Why might a “self-help” book, or the self-help philosophy be contrary to what we learn in Psalm 119?   3.       What does Psalm 18:6, 29:2, 40:17, 63:7, 70:5, 109:26 and 121:1-2 say about “help”?  These are just a small sampling of Scriptures on this topic.  Where does our true help come from?   4.       Romans 12:2 states we can be “transformed by the renewing of our minds.”  According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, how is this possible?  What is the purpose of this “renewing of our minds”?   5.       Psalm 119 is written in 22 sections (called strophes) of 8 verses.  Each section is written using a letter from the Hebrew alphabet.  Most contemporary Bibles have the letter’s pronunciation listed about the 8 verse “strophe.”  The author is communicating to us that all of life can be dealt with through devotion, including a genuine love, for the Word of God.  In the sermon notes from this past Sunday each “strophe” has a “heading” attributed to it.  Each of these headings was given by Dr. Tom Constable.  His commentaries on every book of the Bible can be found easily with a Google search of his name.  In the notes, Jeff wrote a brief summation of each “strophe.”  Some actually had a quote given as a summation to the strophe.  As a community group, take some time before and during your time together to put in your own, one-sentence, summations for the strophe’s without a summation given to it (i.e. 1, 12, 18, etc.)   6.       Before praying, share with our group what Psalm 119 has contributed to your understanding of the Word of God.