Cumberland First Baptist Church

This week, guest preacher Julia Bebeau asked us a simple question, with not so simple answers:

What are you hungry for?

Come Explore!

So much in life turns on the nature of truth: what is it, how can we discern it, how can we faithfully adhere to it? Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” (John 18:38) It is a serious question, yet in his case rhetorical and so also fatal: you can’t seek what you don’t believe in.

Some these days are turning his question on its head: “Truth is what we say it is, and if we say it enough times, so it will be!” This habit has seeped into our politics. Claims from the stump are being industriously disentangled from the evidence.

Truth has always been complicated, but pursuing it matters as much today as ever and to followers of Jesus as much as anyone.

Let's Explore Together!

At a moment of increasing anxiety in America and of many voices that would stoke our fears,
can we take a step back and recall all that is good and rich around us, including here,
in the places where we live and call "home?"

Challenges surrounding truth, justice, and compassion abound.
God's vision of a realm of peace and reconciliation still cries out to be heard and heeded.

Let's Explore Together

Today in worship we land in a seldom-visited book of the Bible –
the Song of Solomon or Song of Songs --to explore the intimate nature of love,
which God has authored and intends for us all.
Be forewarned: It's a little steamy--but we can handle it!

Let's Explore Together!

A younger son comes to Jesus seeking part of his older brother's inheritance.
(The eldest son alone inherited the family estate, likely as a strategy to keep it consolidated, not divided.)

Jesus appears to show no particular interest in the son's desire. Instead, he tells the parable of a rich man's greed--building barns to hold grain he might have given away, then dying before he could enjoy any of it. The lesson is as clear and compelling today as on the day he preached it: True abundance is abundance shared, not squandered. The joy of things is seeing them enjoyed by the many, not the few. This is what it means to be rich toward God.
The world is still trying to grasp Jesus' truth.

Let's Explore Together!

Today, guest preacher Lisa Marchal shared her life and faith journey and why she went into the field of advocacy for those suffering from poverty related issues.

A quote for your thoughts: "Human rights are the floor beneath which we cannot sink."

Keep this in mind as you come explore with us!