Really?

On this third Sunday after Pentecost, June 9th, 2024, Dr. Steve Cothran delves into the story of Adam and Eve from the book of Genesis, exploring themes of sin, blame, and the human condition. He questions the traditional interpretations of this story and considers the deeper implications of trust, love, and redemption. He also shares a touching story of compassion and understanding from North Carolina District Court Judge Lou Olivera, who went above and beyond to support a fellow veteran struggling with PTSD. Additionally, we welcome Reverend Caroline Moore, a recent graduate from McAfee School of Theology, who will be joining us as our youth summer intern. We also remember those who are away, including Ronnie, Julia, and our youth and chaperones in Washington DC, as well as Matt and his family who are enjoying a well-deserved rest. Additionally, we pray for our DC and Romania mission trips. Last, but certainly not least, Dr. Steve Cothran expresses his gratitude for the love and support of our church family. In a heartfelt announcement, he shares that after 35 years of youth ministry, he and his wife Nancy will be retiring on July 31, 2024. Join us as we explore the profound lessons of love, redemption, and community in this moving episode. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:49 Sermon: Really? 03:39 Biblical Story and Analysis 11:03 Understanding Sin and Forgiveness 16:01 Story of Compassion and Redemption 18:36 Our Mission Trips 19:46 Expressions of Gratitude and Retirement Announcement 23:31 Benediction and Closing Genesis 3:8-21 Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, "Where are you?" He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid." And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?" The man said, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it." Then the Lord God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." So the Lord God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, "Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." To the woman he said, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." To Adam he said, "Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return." Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living. The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. 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.