WELCOME AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We’re so glad you’re here!
Central is a church family doing our best to love God and love people. As we worship, our prayer is you are encouraged and will encourage others in Jesus’ name. If you have questions or would like to talk, text CONNECT to 618.242.4185, a pastor will reply. You may talk with a pastor in the BLUE ROOM (in the atrium).
NEWTOCENTRAL?
Fill out an information card. Bring the completed card to the info desk in the atrium. We’d love to meet you!
LESSONNOTES
Follow along with today’s message
January 1 & 3, 2021
1 Samuel 16:1 – 5: God gives Samuel a
Now the Lord said to Samuel, “You have mourned long enough for Saul. I have rejected him as king of Israel, so fill your flask with olive oil and go to Bethlehem. Find a man named Jesse who lives there, for I have selected one of his sons to be My king.” But Samuel asked, “How can I do that? If Saul hears about it, he will kill me.” “Take a heifer with you,” the Lord replied, “and say that you have come to make a sacrifice to the Lord. Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you which of his sons to anoint for Me.” So Samuel did as the Lord instructed. When he arrived at Bethlehem, the elders of the town came trembling to meet him. “What’s wrong?” they asked. “Do you come in peace?” “Yes,” Samuel replied. “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Purify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” Then Samuel performed the purification rite for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice, too.
1 Samuel 16:1 – 5
1 Samuel 16:6 – 10: God looks at
When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Then Jesse told his son Abinadab to step forward and walk in front of Samuel. But Samuel said, “This is not the one the Lord has chosen.” Next Jesse summoned Shimea, but Samuel said, “Neither is this the one the Lord has chosen.” In the same way all seven of Jesse’s sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these.”
1 Samuel 16:6 - 10
1 Samuel 16:11 – 13: God makes a
Then Samuel asked, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied. “But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep and goats.” “Send for him at once,” Samuel said. “We will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, “This is the one; anoint him.” So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on.
1 Samuel 16:11 - 13
God’s call comes to
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.
Colossians 3:23 – 24
God’s call often comes
God’s call comes to
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And He chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
1 Corinthians 1:26 – 29
God’s call often comes
God’s call usually comes
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.”
Jesus in Luke 16:10
God’s call may come to you
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5 – 6
WAYSTOGIVE
- 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 the blue boxes in the Worship Center tunnels.
WHATSGOINGONATCENTRAL
CONNECT
Sunday, January 10 at 12:30 pm | Café & Online
Join us for this class and luncheon designed to get you connected and learn more about core values, ROOTED, groups, serving, baptism, and church membership. Childcare is available. Led by Jamie, Jon, and other pastors, CONNECT happens every other month. Learn more and RSVP at centralnow.com/connect.
GROUPS: Winter 2021
Sundays starting January 24
This term, Central is providing 3 group study options: ROOTED, Life In Rhythm, and You Are Never Alone from Max Lucado. Sign up for a new group or continue with your existing group. Learn more and register at centralnow.com/groups. Registration begins on January 1.
OFF-CAMPUS COMMUNION
Communion packages delivered directly to you
If you attend Central online each weekend and would like Communion delivered to you in advance, we’d love to help. Call/text 618.242.4185.