Encouraged and Emboldened

On this 17th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept. 15th, 2024, Rev. Matt Sapp explores the profound love of God and the wisdom that guides us through life's journey. We begin with a reflection on Proverbs chapter 1, where wisdom calls out to us, urging us to listen and follow her guidance. The passage warns of the dangers of ignoring wisdom's call and the consequences of complacency and waywardness.

He delves into historical anecdotes, such as Christopher Columbus's optimistic yet flawed calculations, to illustrate the importance of having the right mindset and accurate directions. Columbus's story serves as a metaphor for the need to balance optimism with wisdom in our own lives.

He also shares a humorous story once told by Ronald Reagan about two boys with contrasting outlooks, highlighting the power of optimism over pessimism. This story reminds us that a positive attitude can help us navigate life's challenges more effectively.

Matt emphasizes the significance of staying on course and the potential dangers of even a small deviation, as illustrated by the tragic story of a sightseeing flight that went off course due to a minor error. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of regular course correction in our personal and spiritual lives.

He (re)introduces the 48-hour challenge, encouraging listeners to spend time in worship and Bible study to stay aligned with God's wisdom. By checking in regularly with God and each other, we can correct our course and avoid drifting too far off track.

Join us as we explore how optimism and wisdom can guide us on a transformative journey, both individually and as a community. Let's set sail with courage and faith, trusting in God's guidance to lead us to a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome

(00:20) The Call of Wisdom from Proverbs

(02:23) Christopher Columbus: Optimism and Miscalculations

(04:55) The Tale of Two Sons: Optimism vs. Pessimism

(07:42) Staying on Course: Mindset and Instructions

(10:09) The Danger of Drifting Off Course

(13:10) The 48 Hour Challenge: Course Correction

(15:39) The Importance of Regular Worship and Reflection

(17:20) Closing Prayer

Proverbs 1:20-33
Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square; on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech: "How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings. But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand, since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you""when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you. "Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me, since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."

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.

On this 16th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept. 8th, 2024, Rev. Matt Sapp guides us as we embark on a new challenge, encouraging our community to engage deeply with our faith and each other. We discuss the importance of attending church, making friends, and participating in mission work, emphasizing the value of shared experiences and spiritual growth.

Our scripture reading from 1 Peter 1 calls us to live holy lives, grounded in the imperishable word of God. We reflect on the enduring impact of Jesus Christ, whose influence has grown over centuries, shaping art, education, and societal values. We are reminded of our responsibility to uphold the good name of Christ and Central Baptist Church through humility, generosity, and unity.

As we launch our 48-hour challenge, we encourage everyone to participate in worship and Bible study, fostering a strong group identity and connection. We explore the significance of maintaining a good name, both individually and collectively, as we strive to be faithful representatives of our faith and community.

Join us in this journey of faith, identity, and community, as we seek to honor our shared names and live out our calling as followers of Christ.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Welcome

(00:39) The Impact of Jesus on History

(05:07) Keeping a Good Name

(08:42) Identity and Responsibility at Central Baptist Church

(11:21) Youth Ministry and Group Identity

(15:03) The Importance of Shared Experience

(17:32) Family Identity and Personal Values

(20:38) Conclusion

(20:53) Benediction

1 Peter 1:13-23
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.

Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken. The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.

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.

On this 15th Sunday after Pentecost, Sept. 1st, 2024, Rev. Katie Faison delves into the transformative power of worship and the profound calling of God in our lives. Our scripture reading from Acts chapter 9 recounts the dramatic conversion of Saul, a pivotal moment in Christian history. Saul, a fervent persecutor of Christians, encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus, leading to a miraculous transformation and his eventual baptism. This story serves as a reminder of God's ability to change lives and call individuals to ministry in unexpected ways.

Chapters

(00:00) The Transformative Power of Worship

(00:11) Saul's Encounter on the Road to Damascus

(03:23) Understanding God's Call to Ministry

(07:10) The Ongoing Process of Transformation

(10:55) Ananias' Role in Saul's Conversion

(13:11) Modern Miracles and Faith

(15:35) A Personal Journey to Ministry

Acts 9:1-19
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a
man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight." "Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name." But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

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.

On this 14th Sunday after Pentecost, Aug. 25th, 2024, Rev. Matt Sapp focuses on what we're aiming for at church, what we're trying to do, and who we're aiming to be together, both with one another and with God. We've talked about doing the will of God together as we wrapped up our summer series on the Sermon on the Mount. We've discussed the shared experience of God, something we pray for every Sunday in worship, and explored this in the context of the tabernacle and its central place in the lives of the Hebrew people. Last week, we talked about discipleship and baptized 5 new believers. This week, we're focusing on the great story of God through two stories from scripture: the parable of the prodigal son in Luke and the story of Esther from the Old Testament.

We use storytelling formulas to view our own lives through these biblical stories. One formula is the Pixar storytelling spine, which follows a structure like 'Once upon a time... Every day... Until one day... Because of that... Until finally.' Another is Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, which fits the prodigal son story perfectly. These formulas help us reflect on our own life's disruptions and low points and contemplate what God's 'until finally' will be for us.

In exploring the story of Esther, we see a Jewish orphan who becomes the queen and eventually uses her position to save her people. The prodigal son's story is a classic hero's journey—demanding his inheritance, wasting it, hitting rock bottom, and finally being welcomed back home by his father. These narratives resonate with our personal stories, reminding us that our individual stories are part of a larger, divine narrative.

We also shared a modern story from the Olympics, where British triathlete Alexander Yee won the gold medal after hearing an encouraging shout from his mentor. This exemplifies how our stories are enriched and empowered by sharing and support from others.

Our final takeaway is that individual stories are great, but the real power lies in sharing them together. Our faith's magic happens when we recognize that God is weaving our stories into a greater tapestry. Let's pray for the courage to be faithful representatives of our church and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome and Purpose of Worship

(00:39) August Reflections and Church Aims

(01:26) Exploring the Great Stories: Prodigal Son and Esther

(02:01) Reading from the Book of Esther

(07:41) The Story of Esther: A Deeper Dive

(08:34) Pixar Storytelling Spine

(10:17) Hero's Journey

(14:21) Connecting Our Stories to God's Narrative

(17:02) The Power of Shared Stories

(18:22) Closing Prayer and Encouragement

Esther 2:15-18
When the turn came for Esther (the young woman Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her. She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti. And the king gave a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his nobles and officials. He proclaimed a holiday throughout the provinces and distributed gifts with royal liberality.

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.

On this 13th Sunday after Pentecost, Aug. 18th, 2024, Rev. Matt Sapp, focuses on the growing call of God after having recently baptized five new believers. He begins by reflecting on the call of Isaiah, a vivid and poetic description of experiencing God's presence. He then turns to Matthew chapter 4, where Jesus calls His first disciples, encouraging everyone to bring their Bibles to church for a deeper engagement with the scripture.

Matt also introduces the 48-hour challenge, encouraging our congregation to spend 48 hours on Sundays with us over the next year, dedicating time to worship and Bible study. This commitment is not just for personal growth but also to enhance the shared experience of worship for everyone.

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome and Introduction

(01:04) Recap of Previous Sermons

(02:25) The Call of the First Disciples

(04:12) The 48-Hour Challenge

(07:08) The Journey of Discipleship

(09:09) The Story of Max Planck and His Driver

(12:28) The Call to Excellence in Discipleship

(17:33) Striving Together in Faith

(20:01) Closing Prayer and Benediction

Matthew 4:18-22
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

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.

On this 11th Sunday after Pentecost, Aug. 4th, 2024, Rev. Matt Sapp, return to the Sermon on the Mount after a three-week break. We reflect on its final words from Matthew 7:21-29, where Jesus warns against false disciples. It's a call to not just hear His words but to put them into practice, building our lives on a solid foundation.

The message emphasizes that it's not enough to know the will of God; we must do it. This teaching brings us full circle to the beginning of our series, where we discussed the Beatitudes and the importance of living out Jesus' teachings.

The sermon also draws parallels with recent Olympic events, illustrating how even the best-prepared individuals can face unexpected setbacks. The key is resilience and building a strong foundation through faith and practice.

As we conclude, we are reminded to be salt and light in the world, to be humble, generous, and self-aware. These qualities will make us stronger and more resilient. We pray for the strength to live out these teachings together as a community of faith.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and Call to Worship

(00:30) Recap of Recent Sermons and Events

(01:04) Conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount Series

(06:04) Building a Strong Foundation

(07:06) Olympic Stories and Life Lessons

(12:22) Resilience in the Face of Adversity

(15:00) Practical Applications of Jesus' Teachings

(17:02) Final Reflections

(17:49) Closing Prayer

Matthew 7:21-29
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

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.

On this 10th Sunday after Pentecost, July 28th, 2024, we celebrate Steve and Nancy Cothran, honoring their 35 years of ministry, including 6.5 years with us. We are joined by special guests Dr. Russ Dean and Rev. Kyle Matthews, college roommates of Steve, who lead us in worship.

Music in the service is by Kyle Matthews. In addition to being Steve's college roommate, he is a song writer and the Minister of Pastoral Care at First Baptist Church Greenville, SC.

Russ Dean, co-pastor of Park Road Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, shares a heartfelt message, reflecting on his long friendship with Steve and their shared experiences, including a memorable bet about marriage and a legal document that turned into a lifelong tradition. He also recounts his pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, emphasizing that the journey itself is the destination, a metaphor for faith and life.

Russ highlights Steve and Nancy's dedication to youth ministry, describing their 35 years of service as a continuous journey of walking with God and guiding young people. Testimonials from former youth members praised Steve's unwavering presence and support, illustrating the profound impact he has had on their lives.

In closing, Russ reminds us that ministry and faith are ongoing journeys, encouraging Steve and Nancy to continue their walk with God. He concluds with a simple yet powerful message: "Keep walking."

We hope this time of worship leaves you encouraged and emboldened to be faithful representatives of our church and our Lord Jesus Christ. Let's keep walking together.

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome and Introduction

(02:07) Call to Worship

(03:09) We Have a Shepherd

(07:25) Walkin’ and a Walkin’ and a Walk-in’ and a Walk-in’

(27:13) Final Reflections

(27:38) A Blessing Like a Tree

Bios
Dr. Russ Dean is co-pastor at Park Road Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, where he serves alongside his wife, Amy Jacks Dean. Russ earned his doctorate from Beeson Divinity School and served churches in Alabama and South Carolina before moving to Park Road Baptist in the summer of 2000. Russ is also a published author. His most recent book is “The Power of the God Who Can’t.”

Rev. Kyle Matthews serves as Minister of Pastoral Care at the First Baptist Church of Greenville, SC, and is an accomplished singer/songwriter. His music has featured on multi-platinum selling albums and has earned numerous music awards including the Dove Award for Traditional Gospel Song of the Year and ASCAP’s 2002 Christian Song of the Year. Central was honored to host Kyle as our guest composer for Composer Weekend in 2018.

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.

On this 9th Sunday after Pentecost, July 21st, 2024, Mr. Ryan O’Mahoney, Miss Mattie Dalton, and Dr. Steve Cothran team up to help us remember that there is always room at the table, and that everyone is welcome.

Ryan O'Mahoney shares his reflections on the camp's theme of remembering and the significance of communion. He emphasizes the symbolic elements of the table, bread, and cup, urging everyone to ensure inclusivity at their tables and to act out their faith.

Mattie Dalton explores why Jesus' disciples didn't recognize Him after His resurrection. She concludes that distractions and grief prevented them from seeing Jesus. Mattie underscores the importance of remembering the meaning behind communion and how actions can better express God's love than words.

Dr. Steve Cothran then dives deep into the text and why the disciples might not have recognized Jesus.

The service concludes with a heartfelt message from Rev. Matt Sapp expressing gratitude for the youth's leadership and the importance of remembering and welcoming others. He also announces that next week is a special service to honor Steve and Nancy Cothran for their years of ministry.

Chapters
(00:00:00) Isaiah's Vision of the Future
(00:01:13) Welcome to Worship
(00:02:32) Remember by Ryan O’Mahoney
(00:08:00) Remember by Mattie Dalton
(00:11:45) Remember by Steve Cothran
(00:26:14) Celebrating Steve & Nancy Cothran
(00:27:12) Benediction

Luke 24:13-35
That same day two of them were walking to the village Emmaus, about seven miles out of Jerusalem. They were deep in conversation, going over all these things that had happened. In the middle of their talk and questions, Jesus came up and walked along with them. But they were not able to recognize who he was.

He asked, "What's this you're discussing so intently as you walk along?" They just stood there, long-faced, like they had lost their best friend. Then one of them, his name was Cleopas, said, "Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn't heard what's happened during the last few days?" He said, "What has happened?"

They said, "The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene. He was a man of God, a prophet, dynamic in work and word, blessed by both God and all the people. Then our high priests and leaders betrayed him, got him sentenced to death, and crucified him. And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened. But now some of our women have completely confused us. Early this morning they were at the tomb and couldn't find his body. They came back with the story that they had seen a vision of angels who said he was alive. Some of our friends went off to the tomb to check and found it empty just as the women said, but they didn't see Jesus."

Then he said to them, "So thick-headed! So slow-hearted! Why can't you simply believe all that the prophets said? Don't you see that these things had to happen, that the Messiah had to suffer and only then enter into his glory?" Then he started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him. They came to the edge of the village where they were headed. He acted as if he were going on but they pressed him: "Stay and have supper with us. It's nearly evening; the day is done." So he went in with them. And here is what happened: He sat down at the table with them. Taking the bread, he blessed and broke and gave it to them. At that moment, open-eyed, wide-eyed, they recognized him. And then he disappeared.

Back and forth they talked. "Didn't we feel on fire as he conversed with us on the road, as he opened up the Scriptures for us?" They didn't waste a minute. They were up and on their way back to Jerusalem. They found the Eleven and their friends gathered together, talking away: "It's really happened! The Master has been raised up—Simon saw him!" Then the two went over everything that happened on the road and how they recognized him when he broke the bread.

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.

On this 8th Sunday after Pentecost, July 14th, 2024, Rev. Matt Sapp opens us with a prayer for our country as we gather in the shadow of political violence. Our sermon today is by Rev. Katie Faison and is entitled "Come to the Water." Among other things, she speaks about some of the experiences our members recently had during Passport camp and on our mission trip to Romania. These experiences dovetail wonderfully into how we can drink the living water that God offers us.

(00:00) A Prayer for our Country
(04:01) Welcome and Announcements
(06:19) Sermon: Come to the Water
(28:59) Announcing "Steve & Nancy Cothran Sunday"
(29:43) Benediction

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.

On this 7th Sunday after Pentecost, July 7th, 2024, Rev. Matt Sapp delves into the profound teachings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who reminds us that judging others blinds us to our own faults and the grace available to all. As we celebrate our freedoms this weekend, we are reminded of our equal capacity to offer God's grace instead of judgment.

Rev. Matt Sapp shares a humorous and relatable story about the arduous process of renewing car tags in Fulton County, Georgia, contrasting it with the much simpler process in Coweta County today. This anecdote serves as a segue into a discussion on self-awareness, inspired by Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount.

He then explores the dual aspects of self-awareness: recognizing our own faults and valuing the most precious parts of ourselves. He paraphrases the first six verses of Matthew chapter 7, emphasizing the importance of not being overly critical of others while being mindful of our own shortcomings.

Rev. Sapp also reflects on the concept of living a 'provisional life,' as discussed in Oliver Borkman's book '4000 Weeks.' Instead of waiting for a future moment of truth, we are encouraged to live meaningful lives now, embracing our flaws and nurturing our sacred hopes and dreams.

As we take stock of ourselves this holiday weekend, Rev. Sapp calls for an honest self-assessment of our weaknesses and the protection of what is most sacred in us. He concludes with a blessing, urging listeners to live fully into who God created them to be, right here and now.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome
00:41 Sermon: Be Self-Aware
16:26 Benediction

Psalm 67
May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us—so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Matthew 7:1-6
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

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.