Parting Shots
Part 4: Preach the Word
Senior Pastor Jamie Allen
May 23, 2021

WELCOME
We are so glad you’re here!
The Central family is committed to loving God and loving people. During our worship, our prayer is you experience the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to help you feel at home in an authentic and inspiring way.
LESSON NOTES
Follow along with today’s message

Parting Shots - Wide-4.jpg

Paul

us our work in God’s Kingdom is eternally important.

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, Who will someday judge the living and the dead when He comes to set up His Kingdom: Preach the Word of God.
2 Timothy 4:1 – 2

“This is the way to have eternal life—to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the One You sent to earth.”
Jesus in John 17:3

He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is His body.
Colossians 1:17 – 18

Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from His perspective.
Colossians 3:2 (MSG)

Our

is to preach God’s Word no matter how it’s received.

Preach the Word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
2 Timothy 4:2

“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus in Matthew 28:19

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
2 Timothy 4:3 – 4

Keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
2 Timothy 4:5

“How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”
Jesus in Mark 4:30 – 32

The Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Hebrews 4:12

The

for preaching the Word is priceless.

As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.
2 Timothy 4:6 – 8

“I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for My sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property—along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.”
Jesus in Mark 10:29 – 30

Now all glory to God, Who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20 – 21


WAYS TO GIVE
- Text “GIVE” to 517.201.0330
- Visit centralnow.com/give
- Use your credit or debit card at the giving kiosk in the atrium.
- Place checks/cash in blue boxes in the Worship Center tunnels.

BY THE NUMBERS: May 14 & 16, 2021
Total Attendance: 2,833 Onsite: 1,637 Online: 1,196
Giving: $42,381.50 [YTD: 98% of need or -$22,904]

REQUEST PRAYER
At Central, we value prayer, and our pastors pray over your requests each week. So, take a minute to share whatever’s on your heart. Submit your request on the back of the information card in front of you or at centralnow.com/contact

DISCUSSION NOTES
Use the Discussion Notes to dig deeper for personal and group discussion/reflection. centralnow.com/discussionnotes

GET INVOLVED
What’s going on at Central…

PROMOTION WEEKEND
May 28 & 30, 2021
Movin’ on up! It’s almost time for Central children and students to be promoted to their next class. Not sure if 2021 is a “promotion year” for your child? Contact Children’s Pastor Phoebe Ile, phoebe@centralnow.com, or Middle School Pastor Elisha McDowell, elisha@centralnow.com.

COCHREN & CO. CONCERT
Join us for an Evening with Cochren & Co. live and in person at Central Christian Church in Mt Vernon, Illinois on June 10. Come for an unforgettable experience of live music and hope!

“He has a heart for the Church that I love and admire and a soulful voice that is rare. It’s a crazy sweet combination. Listen and remember what the Church could/should be to all of us. I needed this…it’s medicine to my soul.”
- Toby Mac