Main Scripture
John 15:12 – "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

Introduction
Love is often mistaken for a feeling that occurs naturally, but the sermon argues that it is fundamentally a choice. In difficult relationships, such as in marriages or families, feelings may fade due to conflict, but we are called to choose to act in love regardless of those emotions.

Main Points

• Love is a Choice, Not Just a Feeling: True love often requires ignoring negative natural impulses and choosing to act lovingly instead
• Restoring Relationships: Three factors are essential for healing:
  1. Yielding to the Holy Spirit: Surrender is the first step because our ego is often the greatest obstacle
  2. Making Deposits in the "Love Bank": Consistent acts of kindness refill the emotional bank account of a relationship
  3. Using the Five Languages of Love: Understanding and using a person's primary love language—Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Physical Touch, and Acts of Service—is crucial for effective communication
• The Test of Love: The home is the ultimate testing ground for love. Being a saint in heaven starts by being a saint within your own family

Summary
Becoming a follower of Christ is not defined by theological knowledge alone, but by our ability to love others sacrificially. Love is a spiritual discipline that must be cultivated intentionally, even when it feels difficult.

Conclusion
Christianity is about becoming "experts" at loving. If we fail to show love to those closest to us, our witness to the world is compromised. The example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane serves as the ultimate model: He chose to fulfill the mission of love even when His human feelings resisted the cross.

Reflection
How can you actively "deposit" love into the life of someone close to you today, especially when it requires going against your own natural feelings?

Image

Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG5NAdkyqEw

Speaker
Pastor Fred Dana

Study Notes

Previous Sermon
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvC7l7LSTYE : Seekers of Your Heart : Vladimir Zaninovic      
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATWdzlH37Qc : Amazing Transformations : Pastor Rodney Bowes
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdOEI2lavfc : Who Would You Be in Babylon? : Pastor Pablo Santos
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdOEI2lavfc : What's Stopping the Latter Rain : Shay Capolupo

Prelude: Organ
Welcome and Announcements: Elder John Irlam* Elder Karl McCalla**
Introit+: Organ
Invocation: Pastor Rodney Bowes
Songs of Praise: #442 How Sweet Are the Tidings, #434 We Speak of the Realms**
Opening Hymn: #92 This is My Father's World
Worship in Giving (Calexico Mission School): John Irlam* Karl McCalla**
Offertory: How Can I Keep From Singing? by Youth Choir 
Children's Story: Mickey McDermott
Lambs Offering: John Irlam* Karl McCalla**
Scripture: (Psalm 19:1-4) John Irlam* Ian Catolico**
Prayer Song+ (#668 O Thou Who Hearest): Congregation)
Worship in Prayer: John Irlam* Maya Catolico**
Worship in Song: God Will Make a Way by Youth Choir
Sermon: The Signature of God by Pastor Rodney Bowes
Closing Hymn: #86 How Great Thou Art
Benediction: Pastor Rodney Bowes 
Postlude: Organ


+ Please Kneel
Hymns have a link for words from the Adventist Hymnal

Children's Classes
Beginners Class A (Ages 0-3)
Beginners Class B (Ages 0-3)
New Beginner's (Ages 2-3)
Kindergarten (Ages 4-6)
Primary (Ages 7-9)
Juniors (Ages 10-12)
Earliteens (Ages 13-15)

Youth
Youth (Ages 15+) in the Pathfinder Room

Adult Classes
Young Adults (Ages 18-35, Co-op Room)
Adult Lesson Study (Sanctuary Front)
Adult Lesson Study (Room behind the piano)
Spirit of Prophecy class now studying "The Desire of Ages" (Multi-Purpose Room)
New Believer's Class ("Upper Room")
Spanish Class (Fellowship Hall)

Prelude: Organ
Welcome and Announcements: Elder Arun Muthiah
Introit+: Lord Send Us Thy Grace by Church Choir
Invocation: Pastor Fred Dana
Songs of Praise: #617 We are Living, We are Dwelling,  #633 When We All Get to Heaven**
Opening Hymn: #183 I Will Sing of Jesus' Love
Worship in Giving (Local Church Budget): Arun Muthiah
Offertory: When I Can Read My Title Clear by Church Choir
Children's Story: Doug Yowell
Lambs Offering: Arun Muthiah
Scripture: (1 John 3:11-16) Romuanpuii Nowrangii* Lara Babalola**
Prayer Song+ (#668 O Thou Who Hearest): Congregation)
Worship in Prayer: Rajeer Nowrangii* John Babalola**
Prayer Response: "I Will Pour Water" by Church Choir
Worship in Song: My Lord, What a Morning by Church Choir
Sermon: Love is a Choice by Pastor Fred Dana
Closing Hymn: #319 Lord, I Want to Be a Christian 
Benediction: Pastor Fred Dana
Postlude: Organ


+ Please Kneel
Hymns have a link for words from the Adventist Hymnal

Children's Classes
Beginners Class A (Ages 0-3)
Beginners Class B (Ages 0-3)
New Beginner's (Ages 2-3)
Kindergarten (Ages 4-6)
Primary (Ages 7-9)
Juniors (Ages 10-12)
Earliteens (Ages 13-15)

Youth
Youth (Ages 15+) in the Pathfinder Room

Adult Classes
Young Adults (Ages 18-35, Co-op Room)
Adult Lesson Study (Sanctuary Front)
Adult Lesson Study (Room behind the piano)
Spirit of Prophecy class now studying "The Desire of Ages" (Multi-Purpose Room)
New Believer's Class ("Upper Room")
Spanish Class (Fellowship Hall)

Sermon Summary: Seekers of Your Heart 
by Vladimir Zaninovic

Main Scripture
The foundational verse for this message is John 17:3: "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

Introduction
The sermon, titled "To Know Him is to Love Him", argues that faith is not a mere intellectual exercise or a mental struggle. Instead, genuine faith is the natural outcome of a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. Much like a child trusts a parent because they know them, a Christian's faith grows through a daily, consistent connection with God.

Main Points

1. Faith as Trust: The speaker defines faith primarily as trust. True faith means relying on God in both triumphs and tragedies, regardless of the circumstances.
2. Knowing God Personally: Eternal life is defined by a personal, experiential knowledge of Jesus rather than just religious observance.
3. Abiding in the Vine: Drawing from John 15, the message emphasizes that spiritual fruit—such as joy, peace, and love—cannot be manufactured by human effort. It only occurs spontaneously when we "abide" or remain connected to Jesus.
4. Justification vs. Sanctification: Justification is what Jesus does for us (our standing with God), while sanctification is the ongoing process of what He does in us (our transformation). Both are necessary and must be received through faith daily.
5. The Power of Devotion: A common spiritual trap is self-reliance. To combat this, the speaker encourages a daily, contemplative hour of prayer and scripture study to maintain total dependence on God's power.

Summary
Many people fall into the trap of being "human moralists," trying to perform good deeds to earn salvation. The message highlights that we must recognize our own helplessness (self-distrust) and rely entirely on Christ. The story of Old Joe serves as a powerful analogy: he realized he had been purchased not to work, but to be set free, which led him to serve his master out of genuine love rather than obligation.

Conclusion
The Christian life is not about striving to please God through works; it is about responding to the love of a Savior who has already liberated us. When we truly know Jesus, service becomes the natural result of our gratitude.

Reflection
Ask yourself: Am I doing good deeds because I am a Christian, or am I trying to do good deeds so that I can become a Christian? True intimacy with God precedes true transformation.


Image

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvC7l7LSTYE

Speaker
Vladimir Zaninovic

Study Notes

Prelude: Organ by Joshua Eugenio
Welcome and Announcements: Elder Carlos Moretta & Clifton Brooks
Introit+: Organ - "The Lord is In His Holy Temple" by Joshua Eugenio
Invocation: Clifton Brooks* Denise Moretta**
Songs of Praise: #183 I Will Sing of Jesus' Love, #305 Give Me Jesus**
Opening Hymn: #530 It Is Well With My Soul
Worship in Giving (Union Designated): Carlos Moretta
Offertory: Bring What You Have to the Savior by Oklahoma Adventist Academy 
Children's Story: Liliana Serrano* Asher Chung**
Lambs Offering: Carlos Moretta
Scripture: (Isaiah 6:8) Asher Chung* Roxanne Nobre**
Prayer Song+ (#668 O Thou Who Hearest): Congregation)
Worship in Prayer: John Coelho* Liliana Serrano**
Worship in Song: Shard of Glass by Oklahoma Adventist Academy 
Sermon: Here Am I, Lord, Send Me by Clifton Brooks, Roxanne Nobre*, Alyssa Araujo** and Denise Moretta
Closing Hymn: #573 I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go 
Benediction: Clifton Brooks 
Postlude: Organ by Joshua Eugenio

+ Please Kneel
Hymns have a link for words from the Adventist Hymnal

Children's Classes
Beginners Class A (Ages 0-3)
Beginners Class B (Ages 0-3)
New Beginner's (Ages 2-3)
Kindergarten (Ages 4-6)
Primary (Ages 7-9)
Juniors (Ages 10-12)
Earliteens (Ages 13-15)

Youth
Youth (Ages 15+) in the Pathfinder Room

Adult Classes
Young Adults (Ages 18-35, Co-op Room)
Adult Lesson Study (Sanctuary Front)
Adult Lesson Study (Room behind the piano)
Spirit of Prophecy class now studying "The Desire of Ages" (Multi-Purpose Room)
New Believer's Class ("Upper Room")
Spanish Class (Fellowship Hall)

Prelude: Organ
Welcome and Announcements: Elder Art Smith
Introit+: Organ
Invocation: Pastor Daniel Gomez
Songs of Praise: #473 Nearer My God, to Thee, #10 Come, Christians, Join to Sing**
Opening Hymn: #279 Only Trust Him
Worship in Giving (Local Church Budget: Art Smith
Offertory: Scripture Song (Matt. 25:14/Rev. 14:6) by Children's Choir
Children's Story: Anique Augustus
Lambs Offering: Art Smith
Scripture: (Luke 10:2) Art Smith
Prayer Song+ (#668 O Thou Who Hearest): Congregation)
Worship in Prayer: Art Smith
Worship in Song: Watch Ye Saints by Children's Choir
Sermon: Worth It? by Pastor Daniel Gomez
Closing Hymn: #281 I Gave My Life for Thee 
Benediction: Pastor Daniel Gomez
Postlude: Organ

+ Please Kneel
Hymns have a link for words from the Adventist Hymnal

Children's Classes
Beginners Class A (Ages 0-3)
Beginners Class B (Ages 0-3)
New Beginner's (Ages 2-3)
Kindergarten (Ages 4-6)
Primary (Ages 7-9)
Juniors (Ages 10-12)
Earliteens (Ages 13-15)

Youth
Youth (Ages 15+) in the Pathfinder Room

Adult Classes
Young Adults (Ages 18-35, Co-op Room)
Adult Lesson Study (Sanctuary Front)
Adult Lesson Study (Room behind the piano)
Spirit of Prophecy class now studying "The Desire of Ages" (Multi-Purpose Room)
New Believer's Class ("Upper Room")
Spanish Class (Fellowship Hall)

September 29: Sealed with Blood and Cloud

September 28: Everyday Justice and Holy Feasts

September 25: Shared Leadership and Wise Counsel

Prelude: Organ
Welcome and Announcements: Elder David Smith
Introit+: Organ
Invocation: Pastor Daniel Gomez
Songs of Praise: #457 I Love to Tell The Story, #366 O Where Are the Reapers?**
Opening Hymn: #515 The Lord is My Light
Worship in Giving (Conference-Wide Evangelism): David Smith
Offertory: Your Love Still Amazes Me by Singers for Jesus
Children's Story: Ina Gomez 
Lambs Offering: David Smith
Scripture: (Luke 10:2) Judah Smith
Prayer Song+ (#668 O Thou Who Hearest): Congregation)
Worship in Prayer: David Smith 
Worship in Song: Behold Our God by Singers for Jesus 
Sermon: Children of The East by Pastor Daniel Gomez
Closing Hymn: #358 Far and Near the Fields Are Teeming 
Benediction: Pastor Daniel Gomez
Postlude: Organ

+ Please Kneel
Hymns have a link for words from the Adventist Hymnal

Children's Classes
Beginners Class A (Ages 0-3)
Beginners Class B (Ages 0-3)
New Beginner's (Ages 2-3)
Kindergarten (Ages 4-6)
Primary (Ages 7-9)
Juniors (Ages 10-12)
Earliteens (Ages 13-15)

Youth
Youth (Ages 15+) in the Pathfinder Room

Adult Classes
Young Adults (Ages 18-35, Co-op Room)
Adult Lesson Study (Sanctuary Front)
Adult Lesson Study (Room behind the piano)
Spirit of Prophecy class now studying "The Desire of Ages" (Multi-Purpose Room)
New Believer's Class ("Upper Room")
Spanish Class (Fellowship Hall)

Prelude: Organ
Welcome and Announcements: Elder Trent Logan
Introit+: Organ
Invocation: Elder Vladimir Zaninovic* Pastor Daniel Gomez**
Songs of Praise: #330 Take My Life and Let it Be, #537 He Leadeth Me**
Opening Hymn: #524 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus* #326 Open My Eyes That I May See**
Worship in Giving (Local Church Budget): Trent Logan
Offertory: I Will Go by Thalia & Audrey Quinn
Children's Story: Music Camp Video
Lambs Offering: Trent Logan
Scripture:  (John 17:3) Zac-Riley Taton
Prayer Song+ (#668 O Thou Who Hearest): Congregation)
Worship in Prayer: Trent Logan* Soley Oyoyo**
Worship in Song: Seekers of Your Heart by Faith Harmony Singers
Sermon: To Know Him and His Love by Vladimir Zaninovic* Speak, Lord by Faith Kazzi, Anastasya Cuevas, Daniel Akinfenwa, and Pastor Daniel Gomez**
Closing Hymn: #508 Anywhere With Jesus* #573 I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go**
Benediction: Vladimir Zaninovic* Daniel Gomez**
Postlude: Organ

+ Please Kneel
Hymns have a link for words from the Adventist Hymnal

Children's Classes
Beginners Class A (Ages 0-3)
Beginners Class B (Ages 0-3)
New Beginner's (Ages 2-3)
Kindergarten (Ages 4-6)
Primary (Ages 7-9)
Juniors (Ages 10-12)
Earliteens (Ages 13-15)

Youth
Youth (Ages 15+) in the Pathfinder Room

Adult Classes
Young Adults (Ages 18-35, Co-op Room)
Adult Lesson Study (Sanctuary Front)
Adult Lesson Study (Room behind the piano)
Spirit of Prophecy class now studying "The Desire of Ages" (Multi-Purpose Room)
New Believer's Class ("Upper Room")
Spanish Class (Fellowship Hall)

September 12: The Bush That Wouldn't Burn

Key Verse: "Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground." — Exodus 3:5

Bible Reading: Exodus 2:23–3:22
SOP Reading Reference: Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 251b–253f
SOP Chapter Title: Moses

Do you ever wonder if God has forgotten His promises when suffering drags on for decades without relief? God never forgets the groaning of His people, and His timing is always exact.

While Moses was leading his sheep near Mount Horeb, an ordinary desert bush suddenly burst into flames without burning up, catching his attention and prompting him to step closer. Out of the flame, the Lord revealed Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, commanding Moses to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. God declared that He had heard the cries of Israel in Egypt and was now sending an eighty-year-old, self-doubting shepherd to stand before Pharaoh and demand their total release.

The deep pain point here is our tendency to view our past failures as permanent disqualifications for future service. Moses remembered his past failure in Egypt and felt entirely inadequate, stuttering and questioning his ability to lead an entire nation out of bondage. When we focus on our own weaknesses, we feel terrified that God's high calling is an impossible burden that will only end in public failure.

This sacred meeting guides us to transition from self-focused anxiety to the power of the Great "I AM." When God calls you to a task, the success of the mission does not depend on your eloquence, your status, or your natural talent, but on the presence of the One who sends you. When you take off your shoes in humble surrender, God's fire can work through your simple life without consuming you.

As Ellen White writes on page 251 of Patriarchs and Prophets, "The divine command to Moses was, 'Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.' God is greatly to be reverenced by those who draw near to Him."

Reflection Questions:

Moses felt inadequate because he focused on his own speech difficulties rather than God's power. Are you holding back from serving God because you feel unqualified or lacking in talent?

God commanded Moses to remove his shoes because the ground was holy. How can you bring a deeper sense of reverence into your daily prayer time and worship?

September 11: The Wilderness University

Bible Reading: Exodus 2:10-22
SOP Reading Reference: Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 244b–251a
SOP Chapter Title: Moses

What happens when your sincere desire to do God's work is ruined by your own impulsive methods? Trying to accomplish God's plans through worldly force always leads to failure and embarrassment.

Raised in the royal palace as a prince of Egypt, Moses received the highest education, military training, and worldly prestige available in his day. Yet, when he went out to inspect the burdens of his people, he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave, and in a rash burst of anger, killed the man and buried him in the sand. When his crime was discovered, Moses had to flee for his life into the lonely desert of Midian, trading his royal robes for the quiet life of a humble shepherd for forty years.

The sharp pain point exposed here is the sorrow of trying to do God's work in the energy of the flesh. We often see genuine needs and feel a holy calling, but we rush ahead of God's timing using our own shortcuts, temper, or manipulation. This impulsive behavior shatters our influence, damages our credibility, and leaves us sitting in a metaphorical desert of regret and isolation.

This story calls us to transition from human self-sufficiency to the quiet school of divine patience. God used those forty long years in the wilderness watching sheep to strip away Moses' self-confidence, military pride, and quick temper, replacing them with gentleness and dependence on heaven. When God places you in a slow, quiet season of routine, He is not discarding you; He is preparing your character for the heavy tasks ahead.

Ellen White highlights this lesson on page 248 of Patriarchs and Prophets, stating, "Moses was not yet prepared for his great work... He must learn to lean wholly upon divine strength before he could be fitted to lead the armies of Israel."

Reflection Questions:

Moses tried to deliver Israel forty years too early using physical violence. Have you ever rushed ahead of God's timing and created a mess you had to walk away from?

God spent forty years training Moses as a quiet shepherd in the desert. How can you stay faithful in your current, everyday duties while God prepares you for future service?

September 10: The Basket on the Nile

Key Verse: "So the woman took the child and nursed him." — Exodus 2:9

Bible Reading: Exodus 1:1–2:9
SOP Reading Reference: Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 241–244a

SOP Chapter Title: Moses

Can a quiet act of faith in a home overcome the cruel decrees of a powerful empire? When human tyranny seems entirely unstoppable, God uses the quiet courage of faithful parents to protect His plans.

Years after Joseph's death, a new Pharaoh arose over Egypt who feared the rapidly growing Hebrew population and forced them into brutal, crushing slavery. When that failed to stop them, he commanded that every newborn Hebrew boy be thrown into the Nile River to be drowned. Defying the king's decree, Jochebed hid her beautiful baby boy for three months, finally placing him in a tar-coated papyrus basket among the reeds of the river, where Pharaoh's own daughter found him and hired Jochebed to nurse and raise him.

The heavy pain point here is the terror of raising a family in a society that seems actively hostile to God's values. Parents often look at the corrupt influences, aggressive media, and worldly pressures surrounding their children and feel utterly powerless to keep them safe. This constant anxiety can tempt us to compromise our standards out of fear, feeling that resisting the cultural tide is a hopeless effort.

This narrative urges us to transition from paralyzing fear to active, protective faith. Jochebed did everything humanly possible to shield her son, and when her own strength reached its limit, she placed him safely in God's hands on the water. When you do your duty to teach and guard your loved ones, God can maneuver the very resources of the world to protect and fulfill His calling on their lives.

As Ellen White beautifully writes on page 244 of Patriarchs and Prophets, "The mother’s prayers had been heard, and her faith rewarded... She faithfully improved the opportunity to educate her child for God."

Reflection Questions:

Jochebed trusted God with her child by placing him in the basket after doing everything she could. What worry about your family or future do you need to place in God's hands today?

Pharaoh wanted to destroy the Hebrew babies, but his own daughter ended up funding Moses' early upbringing. How does this encourage you that God can overrule hostile circumstances for your good?

Prelude: Organ
Welcome and Announcements: Elder Dean Clayton
Introit+: Organ
Invocation: Pastor Rodney Bowes
Songs of Praise: #301 Nearer, Still Nearer, #198 And Can It Be?**
Opening Hymn: #202 Hail Him the King of Glory 
Worship in Giving (World Budget; Emphasis Radio Ministries, GC): Dean Clayton
Offertory: Nearer, Still Nearer by String Quartet* When I Call on Jesus by Janna & Danielle Albano Que**
Children's Story: Anique Augustus
Lambs Offering: Dean Clayton
Scripture Reading (Romans 12: 1 - 2): Dean Clayton
Prayer Song+ (#668 O Thou Who Hearest): Congregation)
Worship in Prayer: Dean Clayton
Worship in Song:  Carry Your Cross with a Smile by String Quartet* Press On by Janna & Danielle Albano Que, and Lory Albano-Duarte**
Sermon: Amazing Transformations by Pastor Rodney Bowes
Closing Hymn: #264 O for That Flame of Living Fire 
Benediction: Pastor Rodney Bowes 
Postlude: Organ

+ Please Kneel
Hymns have a link for words from the Adventist Hymnal

Children's Classes
Beginners Class A (Ages 0-3)
Beginners Class B (Ages 0-3)
New Beginner's (Ages 2-3)
Kindergarten (Ages 4-6)
Primary (Ages 7-9)
Juniors (Ages 10-12)
Earliteens (Ages 13-15)

Youth
Youth (Ages 15+) in the Pathfinder Room

Adult Classes
Young Adults (Ages 18-35, Co-op Room)
Adult Lesson Study (Sanctuary Front)
Adult Lesson Study (Room behind the piano)
Spirit of Prophecy class now studying "The Desire of Ages" (Multi-Purpose Room)
New Believer's Class ("Upper Room")
Spanish Class (Fellowship Hall)