<p>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><strong>Chapters<br /></strong><p>(00:00) Welcome</p><p>(00:20) The Call of Wisdom from Proverbs</p><p>(02:23) Christopher Columbus: Optimism and Miscalculations</p><p>(04:55) The Tale of Two Sons: Optimism vs. Pessimism</p><p>(07:42) Staying on Course: Mindset and Instructions</p><p>(10:09) The Danger of Drifting Off Course</p><p>(13:10) The 48 Hour Challenge: Course Correction</p><p>(15:39) The Importance of Regular Worship and Reflection</p><p>(17:20) Closing Prayer</p><br /><br /><strong>Proverbs 1:20-33</strong><br />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."<br /><br /></p> Central is proud to be a place<br /><ul><li>where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.</li><li>where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.</li><li>where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.</li><li>and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.</li></ul>You can support our ministry by sending a gift via <a href="https://onrealm.org/centralbaptistnewnan/Give" target="_blank">onrealm.org/centralbaptistnewnan/Give</a><br /><br />Want to learn more about Central? Visit our website at <a href="https://centralbaptistnewnan.org/" target="_blank">centralbaptistnewnan.org</a> or give us a call at 770-683-0610.
