In this episode, we delve into the teachings of Jesus from Matthew chapter 6, focusing on the themes of wealth and worry. As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, we reflect on how these two aspects are deeply ingrained in American culture. Jesus' message is clear: do not worry about material possessions and instead seek God's kingdom first. We explore the connection between wealth and worry, and how our modern anxieties are not so different from those of the people who first heard the Sermon on the Mount.

We discuss the staggering statistics of mental health issues in America, despite our unprecedented wealth, and how Jesus' teachings remain relevant today. The episode also highlights the importance of focusing on God's kingdom and righteousness, rather than material accumulation and appearance.

Join us as we explore how to transition from storing up treasures on earth to storing up treasures in heaven, and how to lessen our worries by actively participating in God's work. This episode is a reminder that true wealth lies in giving and serving others, and that by doing so, we can create a world that reflects God's kingdom.

(00:01) Introduction and Gospel Reading

(01:35) Wealth and Worry in America

(04:23) Modern Anxiety and Historical Context

(07:10) The Futility of Excess

(11:04) Seeking God's Kingdom First

(12:23) Community Missions and Impact

(17:03) The Antidote to Wealth and Worry

Matthew 6:19-24
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Lamentations 3:22-33
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.

Matthew 6:25-34
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Central is proud to be a place

• where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
• where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
• where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
• and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

You can support our ministry by sending a gift via onrealm.org/centralbaptistnewnan/Give

Want to learn more about Central? Visit our website at centralbaptistnewnan.org or give us a call at 770-683-0610.