Living in a Sci-Fi World

"You are about to enter the twilight zone." Those under the age of 40 may have never heard Rod Serling's voice, as he not only read the monologue, but also wrote the script for the pop culture phenomenon that sent viewers to consider the craziest questions and consider whether sci-fi was actually fiction.

We live in a world that seems like science fiction. One hundred years ago, transatlantic flights seemed unrealistic, let alone space exploration. The ability to speak face-to-face with anyone across the globe at any time would seem unimaginable. Now, the world is on the precipice of a technological revolution more substantial than the Industrial Revolution. The former CEO of Google called artificial intelligence more transformative than electricity itself. AI promises to reshape work, relationships, and even how we process information-making it even more crucial that we anchor our identity in the unchanging truth. The world is changing, and the change is changing us.

What Never Changes About Humanity

With all the new experiences available and the new technologies developed, the core needs of humanity are just the same now as they were in the beginning. Humans not only need to eat sustenance provided by the earth, but they also need a community experienced with other humans. Humans also have a deeper need for a deeper community. There is something at the core of who we are that will never be changed by the change around us. We are created in God's image. The full understanding of what that means and how it shapes us will not be fully known until we see Him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).

We do know this: We are physical beings dependent on a physical world. We are beings not satisfied with a mere physical existence; we also want to experience meaning, purpose, and love. We are in process, in time. We are dependent upon the world and the creator of the world. We have a craving for more than this world. While we know more and there is more than can be known, what it means to be human affects every part of our lives.

Our kids are being raised in a world that prizes entertainment more than formation, and pleasure more than purpose. The "instant society" wants answers without thought and growth without process. It would be foolish to assume it is just our kids who are affected. Scripture calls us to return to the Creator to discover how we are wired and what we were wired to do. This leads us to counter-cultural decisions and lifestyle decisions that may at times seem archaic. Every decision is a moral decision, and the smallest of lifestyle decisions say something about who God is and what we believe about Him.

God's Design for Human Flourishing

In one of the first recorded encounters of God's interaction with man, Adam and Eve hide from God as He seeks to spend time with them in the cool of the day. Time. Pause. Intentional relationship. God's posture of seeking man tells us that He loves us and desires time with us. The very thing God sought, man resisted. We still do. We have new distractions and new excuses, but we find ourselves avoiding the core of human existence: spending time with the One whose image we bear.

In the coming days, we will explore more of "what it means to be human." We will seek to be unchanged by the changing world, fully rooted in God's design. Every truth is intended to impact the way we live and what we pursue. Pray this prayer as we take this journey together:

"You make known to me the path of life;
In your presence, there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
-Psalm 16:11

Mission Opportunities:

• Puerto Rico Mission Trip is scheduled for November 7th to 12th. Please begin praying about serving in this way.

• Philippines Mission Trip in 2026, start praying now about seeing what God is doing there. The trip is planned for November 6th to November 14th.

Special Opportunities:

Happy Hearts will be off in August. We will start back on Tuesday, September 2nd.

Men's Ministry: Join us on Wednesday nights at 6:15 for our Men's Bible Study. We have two opportunities.

Ministry Opportunities:

WOW! What a great summer we have had in Missions and Ministry. Because you allowed God to use you and our church, we have been very active in our community and state.

Mission Mondays:

• We served in our community with the following people:

• Fun Park with our NTS Friends

• Mitchell-Baker Special Needs Center

• The ARC Day Center

• Century Pines Assisted Living

• Aspire Day Camp for Kids

• VBS

• Thank you to all those who participated in the events or those who prayed for the day.

Alpha Pregnancy Center:

• Thank you for all the Baby Bottles and supplies that were collected.

Georgia Baptist Children's Home:

• Thank you to all those who collected supplies to send to this ministry.

Philippines Ministry:

• Thank you to all those who came out to support the Pickle Ball Tournament and the Basketball/Volleyball Tournament. Your fellowship and support have helped many kids, students, teachers, families, and Pastors in the Philippines.

FAITH Riders:

• They have shared with many people in several events this spring and summer. The Good News of Jesus was shared and received by many.

• Let Durwood know if you are willing to go and share your story with our Share Tent.

Global Hunger Relief:

What is Global Hunger Relief?

Established in 1978 as the World Hunger Fund, Global Hunger Relief (GHR) is an initiative of the Southern Baptist Convention dedicated to combating hunger and sharing the Bread of Life.

Missions-focused GHR projects are carried out by Send Relief, a joint ministry of the North American Mission Board and International Mission Board. All GHR projects have an intentional spiritual strategy, work with Southern Baptist personnel, solicit local input and expertise, and have accountability measures built in.

Where Does Your Money Go?

GHR funds are used in gospel-centered hunger projects that share God's love in both word and deed.

GHR-funded projects meet crisis hunger needs in famine or natural disasters, but also focus on long-term, sustainable solutions to end chronic hunger, such as job skills training, livestock and seed distribution, clean water, home reconstruction, and medical care.

We will collect monetary gifts in August for GHR.

Overcomers:

• This is a fantastic way to fellowship and share life experiences through a small group setting. Eddy loves to share his story and help those who are walking through challenges in life. Join us on Fridays at 6:30 in room 114.

International Ministry:

• International Small Group meets Sunday Mornings at 9:30 am in room 316.

• ESL is a wonderful way to learn English and share life with each other. It is also a wonderful way to share the "Good News."

ESL:

• See you at registration on August 24th.

• Classes start on September 7th.

Spark Conference:

Sunday, Sep 7, 2025 4:00 PM - 8:15 PM EDT

Sherwood Baptist Church

RA/GA KICK OFF PARTY!

• August 27th at 6:15 In the Blue Gym

• Hot Dogs and Ice Cream Party

• Registration for RA/GA

• Classes begin on September 3rd at 6:15

Red Cross Blood Drive will be on August 28th, starting at 3 pm.

Maintenance Opportunities:
We are always looking for volunteers to help around campus. Call me if you are interested.

NEW BUS!

We currently owe approximately $67,500 on our bus. If God leads you to help us pay the loan off, please give to the church and designate it to "Church Bus."

Vision Statement

To be a multicultural, multi-generational, Great Commission church that exalts Jesus Christ and leads people to discover their purpose in Him through love.

Mission Statement

To Know, Love, and Live for Jesus!