In the book of Acts, the early church exploded onto the scene - both Jews and Gentiles believing in Jesus. How did the church bring all people from different backgrounds together? Love.

Love was the greatest motivator of the early church and still is today. If we love others - no matter their background - we live a life that reflects the love of Christ.

God has Power, Purpose, and a Plan for our lives.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus talks of the Holy Spirit giving us Power.

Our Purpose is to then be Jesus' witnesses - telling people about Him everywhere.

What's the PLAN? Let the Holy Spirit use us as witnesses - simply telling others what Jesus has meant to us, so that the Holy Spirit may draw them to a relationship with Jesus.

Community Group Launch Sunday

At Central City, community is a part of our DNA. We strive to Belong (first). Believe. Become... TOGETHER

One way we achieve community at Central City is through Community Groups.

Every Community Group includes:

Casual Fellowship

Activity/Discussion

Prayer

Spiritual Component

It is our hope that every person is involved in a Community Group, so we can do life together.

When we know who He is, then we know what we have in Him.

In the book of John, Jesus makes seven “I AM” statements:

I AM the bread of life.

I AM the light of the world.

I AM the door for the sheep - protector.

I AM the good shepherd.

I AM the resurrection and life.

I AM the way, the truth, and the life.

I AM the true vine.

In the book of John, we see that being born again gives a believer many benefits. Some of these benefits include:

Eternal life

New life with Jesus

Child of God

Being led by His Spirit

At Central City Church, our motto is Belong. Believe. Become.

How do we share the Gospel?

First, let others belong in a community of believers who show them grace, mercy, and truth.

Once they belong in a community, the Holy Spirit helps them believe in Jesus.

And when one believes, they become more like Jesus.

We look at Matthew, the first book of the Gospel, and see believers as the Salt and Light of the world. With that knowledge, we can narrow it down to these three things:

1. Believers are called

2. People need Jesus

3. People want Jesus.

In Malachi, God gives believers a couple of reminders of who they are and their duty to remain faithful. So, who are we, and how do we remain faithful, not only to God but even to our spouses?

On Sunday, Greg focused on four major ideas from Jonah’s story:

We can’t outrun or ever get to a place too far that God can’t or won’t reach us.

God’s grace and mercy is more than we can imagine. God is not an angry father waiting to smite us, but rather a loving Father who sent His best for restoration with humanity.

Our own tendency is to justify ourselves while wanting to see others condemned. We must extend the same grace and mercy we have received.

Take life in stride. God is present when we are running… when we obey… when we are frustrated and angry. Rom. 8:38 “And I a convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love…”