From Great to GoodFirst Baptist Church Tucker

August 1, 2010

If First Baptist ceased to exist, how would it affect

this community?

What would be different about the community if this

church had never been here?

Would this community say First Baptist has had a wonderful life?

The future of the church:

relevant or relic?

Can the church go

from ‘good to great’?

Peter told them, “You know it is against the Jewish laws for me to come into a Gentile home like this. But God has shown me that I should never think of anyone as impure. So I came as soon as I was sent for. Now tell me why you sent for me.”

Cornelius replied, “Four days ago I was praying in my house at three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, a man in dazzling clothes was standing in front of me. He told me, ‘Cornelius, your prayers have been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by

God! Now send some men to Joppa and summon Simon Peter. He is staying in the home of Simon, a leatherworker who lives near the shore.’ So I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now here we are, waiting before God to hear the message the Lord has given you.”

Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God doesn’t show partiality. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. I’m sure you have heard about the Good News for the people of Israel—that there is

peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what happened all through Judea, beginning in Galilee after John the Baptist began preaching.

And no doubt you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the Devil, for God was with him.”

Acts 10:28-38, New Living Translation

From ‘good to great’?

How about from

‘great to good’?

What is goodness and why does it

matter?

Goodness –

in essence good: virtuous, right

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Galatians 5:22-23, New Living Translation

Goodness –

in essence good: virtuous, right

in appearance good: graceful

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. 15Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. 16In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Matthew 5:14-16, New Living Translation

Goodness –

▪ ‘putting things to right’

Goodness –

▪ ‘putting things to right’

▪ the beauty of grace

Paul’s prayer:

A hope for one church,and for all churches

“We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, New Living Translation