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.