Steve Gallimore Online

Church - Dead or Alive?

2011-12-27T15:26:00.000-06:00

The following was sent out from the Willow Creek Association earlier today on Twitter. I cannot overestimate the eternal value of every person who professes the name of Christ. Being radically sold out as a follower of Christ is the most valuable thing you'll ever do, period.

The local church is a paradox. In some places the church is flourishing and in others it is declining rapidly or dying out altogether. In regions of the world with limited religious freedom, the church is thriving. In China, for example, there are an estimated 100 million believers today, and the pace at which conversions are occurring will soon make China the largest Christian nation on the planet. In other regions where the church was once strong, the future is not as bright. In parts of Europe, less than 5 percent of the populace attends church regularly.

In the United States, with more than 162 million self-professed Christians, the news is sobering. Each year, between three to five thousand churches in the United States hold their last service, close their doors, and put up the "for sale" sign. Statistics indicate that from 1999 to 2009 the combined membership of the major Protestant denominations declined 6 percent, while the national population has increased 12 percent. The proportion of Americans who claim to have "no religion" has increased to 15 percent, up from 8.2 percent in 1990.

We want to be the best we can be for God. So at TVCC we are beginning 2012 with the series, Just Walk Across The Room. It will serve to help us better understand the how and why of reaching others with the Word we have and the lives we live.

How to Prove Your Love

2011-12-23T11:41:00.000-06:00

This Sunday we will celebrate the birth of Christ. We will enjoy family and friends and festivities. And we will GIVE! And RECEIVE! And all of this is good, but is most blessed when done in remembrance of God's greatest gift: Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Just because we celebrate the season however, doesn't mean we celebrate the Savior. One day of merriment living does not wipe out a years worth of miserly giving. If you really want to celebrate, if you really want to enjoy this season of the Savior, then learn to excel - always - in this gracious ministry of giving. The Apostle Paul said it like this,

"Since you excel in so many ways...I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving. I am not saying you must do it...this is one way to prove your love is real." 2 Cor. 8:7-8 (NLT)

How? Give real love, abundant time, and heartfelt devotion to your family. Take time to "be" together and not just exist in the same house. Give to God because you want to prove your love is real. This is proved as you serve God with your time, your talents, and your treasures. Or, to put it as Jesus did, with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind...(Luke 10:27). Not because you must do it but because you want to prove it. You want the work of God to be built up, to increase, and to go out to others.

Why? Because you love what Jesus loves and Jesus loves people. Jesus loves your family. Jesus died for every person and has given us the charge, the privilege of telling them this Good News! They are the reason He came. We are the reason He came.

So this Christmas, prove your love is real by not only giving to one another, but giving your best gift to Christ of all that you are and have.

The Great X Change

2011-12-15T12:34:00.000-06:00

This time of year many families and friends have what we've all come to know as Dirty Santa. People buy not-so-expensive gifts and then go to war as it were, exchanging those gifts to see who gets to keep the greatest gift of little value.

Life is a lot like that. We go to war, day in and day out, exchanging our lives for the next great prize. However that unknown gift, that elusive thing we strive so hard to attain, is in the eternal scheme of things, of little value.

That's where The Great X Change comes in. We get to X Change our lives, even though they are weak and defeated, lost and without hope, for the greatest, grandest gift of all - Jesus Christ and His righteousness. And oh what a Great X Change it is!

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 (NLT)

Why would God do such a thing? At first look, it would appear God was getting the worst end of a Dirty Santa swap. But when you realize that the very reason Christ came was To X-press God's Love, take away the guilt and punishment of sin, plus give us a new and purpose filled life, everything changes. Join us for Part 4 live at The Great X Change or to view or listen to the entire series, go to The Great X Change Series.

Fan or Follower?

2011-10-24T16:11:00.000-05:00

Bill Hull states in The Disciple Making Church, that "The healthy church is a reproducing church." In our new series, Not A Fan, based on Kyle Idleman's book by the same name, you'll quickly discover that this DNA is found in every reproducing follower of Christ. Read them, study them, and then follow Christ as you put them into practice in your life on a daily basis. In these blog postings we'll study each of these traits as they relate to every reproducing follower of Christ.

5 Commitments of a reproducing church are:

1. A commitment to Scripture (Acts 2:42).
2. A commitment to one another (Acts 2:42, 44, 46).
3. A commitment to prayer (Acts 2:42).
4. A commitment to praise and worship (Acts 2:43, 47).
5. A commitment to outreach (Acts 2:45-47).

Bill Hull. Disciple-Making Church, The (p. 64). Kindle Edition.

The Light of the Church and The Love of the Family

2011-10-12T14:42:00.000-05:00

The church can't do it alone...

and neither can you. But together, we make an unstoppable force. Together we can build something, that apart from each other will only be dreamed of. Together - the church and the family become the composite of God's intended purpose and plans for reaching this world. The light of the church and the love of the family unite yellow and red to form orange. Orange is not a strategy or a program. Orange is the principle which trumps the practice.

Practices, whether in the church or home, can become cliché. Practices can become rigid paradigms of postmortem disaster. Practices are what dead churches die for. Practices, if allowed to stand alone, will rob the light of the church and the heart of the home of the richness Christ has intended for both.

Tennessee Valley Community Church was founded with the principles of family ministry in mind. Not because family ministry is cool or hip, but as a principle of Scripture we are commanded to place it as priority. In our list of core values, the last E in Tennessee stands for EMPOWERING KIDS AND FAMILY FOCUSED. Whether the family is made up of one or ten, the principles are the same; they define our practices. What are these principles?

Nothing is more important than someone's relationship with God.
No one has more potential to influence a child's relationship with God than a parent.
No one has more potential to influence the parent than the church.
The church's potential to influence a child dramatically increases when it partners with a parent.
The parent's potential to influence a child dramatically increases when that parent partners with the church.

Simply put, we're better together. Be watching for more "News & Views" in the days ahead as we unwrap this most important principle of partnership between the light of the church (yellow) and the love of the family (red) to form this brilliant partnership of Orange!

Pastor Steve

I may not be a smart man . . .

2011-07-13T13:26:00.001-05:00

"But I know what love is."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm sure you recognize that line from one of my favorite all time movies, Forrest Gump. Forrest's love for Jenny is pure; it is proven by his devotion to her, even when his love isn't returned.

As we served on mission in New York City there were many struggles we had overcome, not the least of which was the
five flights of stairs to our rooms in the NY Baptist Association Mission House that we traveled multiple times per day. At first glance, the exhaustion from standing on the streets for hours in the NY City heat, additional stairs to and from the subways, and walking long city blocks, doesn't appear to be very smart. But watching the gallant effort of our TVCC team to persevere, one soon realizes that this is the full expression of "knowing what love is."

At one point, in an effort to offer relief, I suggested that some of our team take a day off and rest. One struggling servant replied, "That would be cheating - I'll be fine." Another who was in tremendous pain said, "I want to be involved - I don't want to miss this."

It may not have seemed smart but I can tell you, they "know what love is." There was no quit in your team, TVCC. Each person expressed the love of Christ. And even when passed by and rejected many, many times, they continued to offer a simple granola bar and an invitation to The Journey Church in NY. There they will hear the Good News of Jesus Christ, and many will receive Him as Lord.

And even though you may not have been on the trip physically, your giving, prayers, and support of the ministry of TVCC are every bit as necessary as those who went. It's all about the Kingdom of God and your involvement, in whatever form it takes, is the most important thing you'll ever do in this life. Over the past nine years since The Journey Church was planted, 30% of their baptisms have been a direct result of these servant evangelism projects. This month they will exceed 1,000 baptisms since beginning in 2002! Our team gave away over 22,000 granola bars and invitations but the entire body of Christ at TVCC was involved. Only eternity will tell the results of this labor of love. This we know for sure:

For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink (or a granola bar!) because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward. Mark 9:41 (ESV)

Thanks TVCC, for being the great church and witness you are. Whether in Townsend, NY City, Haiti, or Paris, TN, God will bless and use those who are willing to be on mission with Him.

The Sanction of Eros

2011-06-24T09:44:00.000-05:00

What is the reason so many marriages today (or yesterday) break up? The answer is clear when you understand the false god of Eros. Read on!

The Sanction of Eros

Church History: What you've always wanted to know...

2011-06-06T12:42:00.000-05:00

but were afraid to ask!

Most of us really do want to know. How did the church get started? Where did all these denominations come from? Just what is the difference between protestant and Catholic? Was it always this way? Who decided the Apostle Peter was the first pope? Is that scriptural? Where did the idea of perdition come from? Who came up with the idea of paying penance? How did the church as we know it come into being? What truly lit the fires of reformation? Who was John Wycliffe and why did the Catholic Church dig up his body and burn it? Who was John Huss and why was he martyred?

These and many, many other questions are answered in a wonderful resource simply called Church History. Pastor Tom Nelson teaches this material over thirteen weeks in a fresh, story-telling way that is both engaging and informational to Denton Bible Church where he is Senior Pastor. He has been gracious to share it online and I encourage you to download and listen and learn of the formation of the church from the 1st through the 20th Centuries. Simply right click on the mp3's and "Save as" to download to your computer and/or phone so you can listen to it while traveling or vacationing. You'll be glad you did!
http://www.archive.org/details/ChurchHistory

Have a great week!

Pastor Steve

YouTube - ESV Study Bible - J. I. Packer

2011-05-24T18:32:00.001-05:00

The ESV Study Bible is one of my favorite study tools. It is accurate, compact, and as the well known and highly respected theologian, J.I. Packer said, it is an entire library in one. Here's why!

YouTube - ESV Study Bible - J. I. Packer

Never Stop Thinking! It's a sign of life!

2011-05-20T13:17:00.000-05:00

It's been a roller coaster ride the last few days. As many of you know, my mom had a light heart attack Monday afternoon. Her heart cath on Wednesday revealed no major heart damage for which we are very thankful.

Mom is 81 and boy is she young! She volunteers at Murray Calloway County Hospital three days per week as a runner, transporting files, patients, and anything needed, to different areas of the hospital. She works out at the fitness center three days per week, and helps with the "senior citizens" through her church and community at Puryear. What a gal! Plus she has time to serve through her church and still entertains our now rather large and ever growing family for special birthday and holiday gatherings. A little over a week ago, she had to, in her words, "stop and rest for about half an hour," as she was trimming her yard with the push mower and "ran out of breath."

Being as active as she is, you can imaging her disappointment when she was told that she couldn't go home until Friday. The doctor wanted to be sure she didn't have a reaction to her heart medicine so she needed to stay another day for observation. But mom is always thinking! After a pensive moment or two she said, "Well, that's okay. They told me I couldn't drive for two days after the cath and Friday will be two days!" That's our mom! Always thinking, always serving, always loving others.

What's the secret to her longevity? She loves God, loves others and serves the world . . . and she's always thinking! It is a great sign of life, don't you think! When we get in trouble in life is when we forget that God left us here to love Him and serve others. If we keep our focus on Him and His plan and purpose for our lives, we'll finish strong and we'll finish well.

You go mom! You're my hero! Now and forever.

Your middle son,

Steve

PS I echo the sentiments of my older brother Mike & his wife Pam, my younger brother Glynn and his wife Myra, as well as the rest of our families. I just happen to have the pen! But they love her as does our entire family and community, just as much as Marylin and I do.

How about some COMFORT FOOD?

2011-05-09T09:18:00.001-05:00

The old adage is still true: No pain . . . No gain. But how? That's the question, isn't it? It's not that we want our pain to go to waste, we just don't know how to spend it! Hopefully, this article will help.

How can you waste PAIN? Horde it. Anytime we horde things, they get wasted. But when we share them, the energy gets multiplied. For example, if you keep food and let it ruin, neither you nor anyone else receives the benefit from it. It's chocked full of nutrients, vitamins, energy, and health; but allowed to sit on the shelf, it just rots. And if it's sitting next to other food, it will cause it to spoil prematurely also. However, if you give that food to someone who needs it, someone wonderful happens. They now receive strength from it, the food doesn't go to waste, the recipient is made stronger, and there is a new friend to help provide food for others, thereby cutting the load in half. Whereas one had to bear it all alone, now two are refreshed and enabled to not only carry on, but provide comfort food for others as well.

The same applies with our pain. Paul said this in his letter to the Corinthians,

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT)

So this is the deal, as you receive God's comfort you have a choice to make. I can multiply God's comfort into the lives of others, or I can horde God's comfort. The only problem with refusing to spend the comfort of God is that over time, unless it's worked out, it becomes a flabby muscle that gets weaker and weaker. Paul went on to say,

Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us. 2 Corinthians 1:6-7 (NLT)

Did you catch it? We must get this! The then is so important and must become the now of our lives. When you help others, regardless of the reason, whether suffering for the Gospel's sake, or because of something we did or something that was done to us, by comforting others great things happen. This is the equation:

Add + a friend | divide / the pain | multiply X the benefits | then subtract - the lingering effects.

Each time you apply the formula to your pain, look what happens to it. It keeps getting smaller. Why? Because you're willing to spend it in the lives of others, rather than keeping it to yourself. Don't horde it -spend it! Then God will receive the praise and glory, you will have helped a friend, and you will receive the blessings and rewards for faithfully serving. Not a bad exchange!

May God bless you this week as you apply the Truths that Expose the Myths about your PAIN. Go ahead! Have some COMFORT FOOD today!

Pastor Steve

Sweet Hour of Prayer - Barbershop Chorus Song - HD - Multitrack

2011-02-11T10:58:00.000-06:00

Too Good Not To Share!

2020 Vision Tools: Physical Health

2011-01-14T14:04:00.003-06:00

Saturday, January 15 at 10:30 a.m. CST we will join our sister church, Saddleback Valley Community Church and Pastor Rick Warren as we benefit from a resource they are making available to the online community. I've included the link here and on TVCC's Facebook Page. This is a part of our ongoing commitment to you, our church family, to supply tools as a part of our 2020 Vision for a healthier you, both spiritually, physically, and financially.

Also remember, we start our new teaching series this weekend, IGNITE! One Life Can Change the World. Part 1 is My Story Can Change the World. Don't miss it!!! Your story matters. Come find out why and learn how to share it.

In case you missed the earlier 2020 Vision email, I've included it here:

2020 Vision

... is a comprehensive personal growth plan to make the next 10 years the best years of your life.

... will equip you to succeed in 7 key areas: spiritual, physical, financial, relational, vocational, emotional, and mental.

... is based on God's promises to you if you follow his instructions in faith.

Here is my prayer for you for 2011:

* I'm praying you'll be HEALTHIER, more FOCUSED, and more LIKE JESUS in 2011.
"My dear friend, I pray that everything will go well with you and you will be in as good health physically as your soul is spiritually health." 3 John 1:2

* I'm praying your FAITH will be stretched and grow through your Christmas Offering and commitment to give in 2011, so you can watch God perform a miracle in your life.
"What is impossible from a human perspective is possible with God." Luke 18:27
"According to your faith will it be done to you." Matt.9:29

* I'm praying your three friends (your prayer commitment cards) will be in heaven one day because you invited them to a service and told them about Jesus.
"I'm praying not only for these followers but also for those who will believe because of their testimony." John 17:20

Pastor Steve

WHOA! WOE! OR GO!

2010-12-09T11:27:00.002-06:00

Someone recently said to me, "What if something happens to you when you go on mission to Haiti?" To which I replied, "What if something happens to me and I don't?" If we truly believe in the eternal "go" of the Gospel, then whether here, Haiti, or Hattiesburg, our physical location will not determine our demise. Paul was clear about the believer's death: Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. Romans 6:8 (ESV) "If we have died..." are key words in knowing that "we will also live with Him." The location on the globe becomes secondary to obedience to the eternal "go" of Christ.

Below, there is an excerpt from a book I highly recommend by David Platt that is appropriately named Radical: Taking back your faith from the American dream, available in TVCC's Connections Book Store in the main lobby. It addresses this "what if" scenario.

John Paton sensed God's call to go to "New Hebrides, a group of Pacific Islands filled with cannibalistic people and no knowledge of the gospel." Paton wrote, "Amongst many who sought to deter me, was one dear old Christian gentleman, whose crowing argument was, 'The Cannibals! you will be eaten by Cannibals!'"

John Paton replied to this man, "Mr Dickson, you are advanced in years now, and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by worms; I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving and honoring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by Cannibals or by worms; and in the Great Day my resurrection body will arise as fair as yours in the likeness of our risen Redeemer."

The old man left the room exclaiming, "After that I have nothing more to say!" (Radical: Taking back your faith from the American dream, by David Platt).

The more we "go" the more we understand the agenda of the ages. The Bible is clear, "Go ye therefore. . ." I believe our response is equally clear before God:

"WHOA! I can't do that!"

"Woe is me; my heart is undone - God change my heart!" or . . .

"Go!" Whether across the counter, the street, or the world it matters not, for:

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

Join us this weekend as we continue our Christmas series, An Unexpected Christmas. Part 3 is The Label Makers and you won't want to miss it! Keep inviting others and let's pack out the house this weekend as we expect God to do great things at TVCC. Remember the new service times:

*8:00 Classic Worship - A more traditional style of worship with hymns & special music

*9:30 & 11:00 services are TVCC's contemporary music style

Whatever your style, come expecting great things from God as we enter this wonderful time of year when we celebrate Christ's birth.

Be at The Unexpected Christmas place this weekend!

Pastor Steve

Abigail's Overflowing Joy

2010-10-26T10:35:00.008-05:00

Sunday, October 24, 2010 will be a day we will remember as long as we remember. As my 9 year old granddaughter, Abigail James was baptized after signing her testimony of faith in Christ, we all learned a valuable lesson: The greatest disabilities are ours when we fail to embrace the majesty and overflowing joy of God in the life of His children.

As the time for the baptism was approaching, I drew Abigail to me where I was seated and asked, "Abigail, do you know Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior?" To which she replied in her high pitched voice (common in children born with Cri du chat syndrome) "Yeah!" I said "Yes you do! Why, I can even see Jesus in your beautiful blue eyes." Abigail immediately went to her mom, Angie (our oldest daughter) and using sign language made the sign for water. Angie said, "Oh, your eyes are blue like the ocean water!" "Yeah" Abigail said with joy.

Then Abigail did something that I didn't understand but will never forget. As she placed her eye right next to her mom's ear, Angie said, "Oh, you want me to hear the sound of the water in your eyes!" "Yeah!!!" Abigail exclaimed. Then she applauded our ability to understand this wonderful picture she'd just given us.

The baptism team in the room understood it too as Valerie Rice said, "I can certainly hear the water in my eyes" and we all shed tears of overflowing joy. The lesson learned this day? Trust the love of the Father through the eyes of His children. When you do, you might learn the lesson and hear the water in your eyes too!

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”
Matthew 19:14 (NLT)

Click here to view Abigail's baptism.

Between the Boy and the Bridge - A Haunting Question By R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

2010-10-08T09:26:00.002-05:00

By all accounts Tyler Clementi was an 18-year-old young man who was excited to be a freshman in college, gifted as a violinist, and looking forward to the future. All that changed last week when he walked out onto the massive George Washington Bridge that connects New York with New Jersey and jumped 200 feet to his death.

The last few days of Tyler Clementi’s life were a cauldron of confusions. Over the course of three days, he learned that his roommate at Rutgers University, also age 18, had surreptitiously turned a webcam toward his bed, filming him in a romantic encounter with another male student. The roommate employed social media to inform friends of the event, turning what Tyler Clementi assumed was a private moment into a devastating public disclosure.

It is now clear that Tyler was crushed, confused, and angry. He posted thoughts about how he might respond on the Web and finally wrote this on his Facebook page: “Jumping off gw bridge sorry.”

In September, no less than three additional teenagers committed suicide, and these are believed also to be connected to disclosures or struggles with homosexuality. As Geoff Mulvihill and Samantha Henry of the Associated Press report:

Clementi’s death was part of a string of suicides last month involving youngsters who were believed to have been victims of anti-gay bullying. Fifteen-year-old Billy Lucas hanged himself in a barn in Greensburg, Ind. Asher Brown, 13, shot himself in the head in Houston. And 13-year-old Seth Walsh of Tehachapi, Calif. hanged himself from a tree in his back yard.

That is four teenagers in just one month. And look at those ages. Two were only 13, one was 15, and Tyler Clementi was 18. That is four dead boys in the space of one horrible month, and all were struggling with sexual identity.

The gay rights movement was fast to claim that Tyler Clementi was a victim of gay bullying. While the motive of his roommate and accomplices is not known, the undeniable result was that Tyler was exposed before the world through the power of social media - in this case a very dangerous power indeed.

He was humiliated, angry, and horribly confused. His confusion is evident in his Internet musings, in which he swings in mood from outright indignation to the reflection that, other than this incident, his roommate was basically decent.

Somewhere in the midst of his heartbreak and confusion, Tyler decided to end his life. He posted his announcement on his Facebook page and headed for the George Washington Bridge. There, he ended his short life with a long plunge into the Hudson River.

Reading the news accounts of Tyler’s final days and final act is truly horrifying. He was betrayed by classmates and exposed to the world. At the age of 18, it was simply too much for him to bear. A young man who probably never considered suicide in the past, and who might never have considered it again in the future, felt himself pushed on that day beyond his emotional limits, so he pushed himself off the bridge.

Tyler joined Billy, Seth, and Asher as tragic evidence of the dangerous intersection of sexual confusion, hateful classmates, and the wide-open world of social media. These boys simply ran out of the emotional ability to face life, crushed by the burden of secrets and the bullying of their peers.

The homosexual community will argue that these boys were oppressed by the fact that so many believe that homosexuality is sinful. They respond with calls for the acceptance and normalization of homosexuality. Their logic is easy to understand. If the stigma attached to homosexuality were to disappear, persons who are convinced that they are homosexual in sexual orientation, along with those who are confused, would be free from bullying, the threat of exposure, and injury to their parents and loved ones.

Of course, Christians committed to biblical truth will recognize this as a demand to lie to sinners about their sin. The church cannot change its understanding of the sinfulness of homosexual acts unless it willfully disobeys the Scripture and rejects the authority of the Bible to reveal the truth about sin and sinfulness.

In other words, the believing church cannot surrender to the demand that we disobey and reject biblical truth. That much is clear. We cannot lie to persons about the sinfulness of their sin, nor comfort them with falsehood about their moral accountability before God. The rush of the liberal churches and denominations to normalize homosexuality is now a hallmark of their disobedience to the Bible.

But this is not the end of the matter, and we know it. When gay activists accuse conservative Christians of homophobia, they are wrong. Our concern about the sinfulness of homosexuality is not rooted in fear, but in faithfulness to the Bible - and faithfulness means telling the truth.

Yet, when gay activists accuse conservative Christians of homophobia, they are also right. Much of our response to homosexuality is rooted in ignorance and fear. We speak of homosexuals as a particular class of especially depraved sinners and we lie about how homosexuals experience their own struggle. Far too many evangelical pastors talk about sexual orientation with a crude dismissal or with glib assurances that gay persons simply choose to be gay. While most evangelicals know that the Bible condemns homosexuality, far too many find comfort in their own moralism, consigning homosexuals to a theological or moral category all their own.

What if Tyler Clementi had been in your church? Would he have heard biblical truth presented in a context of humble truth-telling and gospel urgency, or would he have heard irresponsible slander, sarcastic jabs, and moralistic self-congratulation? What about Asher and Billy and Seth?

The teenage years are hard enough to navigate. Most boys do not struggle with homosexuality, but there is not a teenage boy alive who does not struggle with sexual confusion. There is no deacon, preacher, or pew-sitter who went through male adolescence unscathed and without sin. There is not a human being who reaches school age who would not be humiliated by a well-placed webcam. And yet these boys - along with girls facing similar struggles - imagine themselves to be alone in their confusion and helpless in their anguish.

Was there no one to step between Tyler Clementi and that bridge? Was there no friend, classmate, or trusted adult who had the courage and compassion to reach into his life and offer hope? Was there no one who could tell him that the anguish of his moment would not last for his lifetime? Was there no one to put into perspective the fact that people who did not love him had taken advantage of him, but that the many who did love him would love him no less?

We can only look at this news account and grieve. As Christians, we just have to wonder. Was there no believer to befriend Tyler and, without loving his homosexuality, love him? The homosexual community insists that to love someone is to love their sexual orientation. We know this to be a lie. But no one who loves me should love nor rationalize my sin. The church must be the people who speak honestly about sin because we have first learned by God’s grace to speak honestly of our own.

Something has gone horribly wrong when four young boys take their lives in the space of one month, and a society just goes on with its business. There are grieving parents and loved ones who will never get over that month, and there were four young men who did not survive it.

There are Tylers and Ashers and Billys and Seths all around us. They are in our schools, in our neighborhoods, in our churches . . . and in our homes. They, like us, desperately need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to know the grace of God toward sinners. They, like us, need to know the mercy of God extended to sinners through Christ Jesus. They, like us, need to repent of their sins and learn by grace how to grow into faithfulness. They, like us, need to know that they are loved if they are going to trust Christians to tell them about Jesus.

Even long before they may hear or respond to the gospel, they need to know that they are loved and cherished for who they are. They need to know that we stand between them and those who would harm them. They need to know that we know how to love sinners because we have been loved despite our own sin.

I am haunted by the one question that seems so obvious and clear in the account of Tyler Clementi’s tragic death. In those days of crushing anguish, humiliation, and confusion, was there no one who could have stood between that boy and that bridge?

Finish What's On Your Plate

2010-10-04T13:40:00.002-05:00

The following is a devotion that Pastor Steve Pridmore from Two Rivers Church in South Florida wrote. Church at the Bay in Tampa, FL, led by Pastor Hal Mayer, (Hal is a long time family friend of Norma Gerrell-he used to be her youth director) is a sponsor for this new church (it started Easter 2010) and God is doing some cool things there. This was so good, I felt it worth sharing with you.

"Finish what's on your plate!" Did you ever hear that growing up? How many of you have said that to one of your children recently? A lot of times that statement is followed up with one that goes something like this; "There are kids in other parts of the world starving!"
I used to think; "If you'll tell me where they are I'll send em whatever this stuff is I'm eating..."
The motivation behind this concern is that a parent wants their child to appreciate and consequently be good stewards of what they have. It's true that in our country, we've become comfortable with waste. We take for granted the things that we have like food, clothing, and shelter; to us essentials, but to others, luxuries.
It's really not any different in the church.
Week after week, we leave a lot of food on our plates, and the result is waste.
Here's what I mean...
Every time the church comes together around God's purposes, we invoke God's presence, and when God's Spirit shows up, He satisfies peoples needs. He fulfills their deepest hunger, the longing of their souls, and He quenches the thirst that every man possesses for more than they have, more than they are, and more than they are doing. (see John 7:37-39)
And yet, Sunday after Sunday, we leave food on the plate.
The Spirit of God is faithful to show up and to do the miraculous yet there are hundreds, thousands, millions of people around us that don't experience it; they don't eat. They didn't have their need met. They weren't healed. Their marriage wasn't saved. Their sin wasn't forgiven. Their joy wasn't restored. Their hopelessness wasn't met with the eternal hope of the Gospel.
Why?
One simple, sad reason. They weren't invited.
No one told them. No one brought them. No one said they were welcome.
In Matthew 22, Jesus tells a parable about God's Kingdom. He says that the Kingdom of God is like a story about a king who prepares a great feast for his son and invites a number of guests who don't show up. It angers the king that he's gone to such lengths to prepare this meal and the guests stand him up, so he instructs his servants to go out in the streets and invite anyone they can find.
In verse 10 it says; "So the servants brought in everyone they could find, good and bad alike, and the banquet hall was filled with guests."
What we discover about God's heart is two things. The first is that everyone is welcome in His Kingdom. He doesn't discriminate or have a bar set so high that only certain ones get in. Did you notice it said they brought the "good and bad alike"?
The second thing we see is that God expects us to bring them; to get them to the table.
He'll feed them, we just have to go and get them in.
What's the application?
God has placed people in our lives that we have a built in concern for; our family, friends, neighbors, and close acquaintances, but what about everyone else?
What about the lady in the checkout line at Publix, or the man collecting tolls on the turnpike? How bout the kid that sits next to you in homeroom or the girl that we walk past to our seat on the bus?
What if it's less about our relationship to someone and more about the invitation God wants to extend through us to people that are starving for a meal He's preparing every week?
This past Sunday we put a tool in your hands, an invitation card, that we're believing God will use if we're faithful to give it out.

Let's make it a habit of our lives to invite whomever, whenever, wherever to come, "taste and see that the Lord is good", and let's decide not to leave any food on the plate!

Now's the time!

Pastor Steve

Laughter is Serious Business!

2010-08-29T17:25:00.003-05:00

In the infamous words of the Veggie Tales hero's, Bob & Larry: "I laughed, I cried; it moved me Bob!" What a wonderful weekend we had with Scott Davis and his lovely wife Donna. Scott is real. Scott is funny. Scott and Donna are being used of God in a special way to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. We all need to laugh. Let's face it, life is hard at times and it's much easier to remember that there is "a time to cry" than it is to embrace the fact that there is a "time to laugh". But realize this: Every time we laugh, even in the midst of suffering, our laughter says that we can trust God, regardless of outward circumstances.

When you add to that the fact that during all three events this weekend, many people professed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives, then laughter really is serious business. It says we believe, we trust, and we're willing to exchange our brokenness for God's blessings. It says we believe God will do everything His Word says He will do.

So yes, laughter is serious business. And we pray that this business that God is using to bless others and to glorify His name will flourish. May God continue to bless you both, Scott and Donna, as you make the business of laughter a blessing to all.

Sweet Life! Dessert Comedy Theater

2010-08-26T08:25:00.002-05:00

Sweet Life! Dessert Comedy Theater with comedian Scott Davis this Saturday night, 7:00 p.m. at TVCC. Great comedy, wonderful desserts, and free child care for kids 9 & under. What a deal! $7 per person - $20 max per family advance; $10 per person - $30 per family at the door. 731-641-8822 for ticket information.

Laughter Really Is the Best Medicine

2010-08-14T13:02:00.002-05:00

I laugh. . . alot! And I guess I laugh at myself more than anyone else I know. Maybe it's because I see me as no one else does, except God of course, and I think He may laugh too! When I saw this video, posted by my good friend Sam Shaw, I just had to share it with you. It may have ruined a wedding at the moment, but millions have laughed and laughed as a result. Thanks Sam and this family for sharing this with the world, and making us once again. . . laugh!

Enjoy!

The Difference Maker

2010-07-19T14:31:00.002-05:00

Expecting God to Love Through Me

Do you? Expect God to love through you, that is. The difference maker is expecting God to use us, asking Him for the desire to make a difference, and then praying for opportunity and outcome. God instructed us through the Apostle Paul to . . .

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. Ephesians 6:18-19 (NLT)

Yesterday, many of you obviously did just that because God used you to impact lives and eternity for His glory. Nine people recorded beginning a relationship with Christ and three of those requested baptism. Nine people where God used your relationship with them to invest in them and then invite them to TVCC where they heard the Good News and became followers of Christ. Amen & Amen!

What if we would all pray this prayer on a daily basis? As a matter of fact, I challenge us as a body, a family that God is using to reach others, to make this our prayer every day:

"Lord, I choose to live for you today. Let me cross paths with those who need to see how your power transforms a life. Let me put others ahead of myself. Rejecting the feebleness of this world, help me to live like Christ." And as I taught you yesterday, finish with this powerful prayer: "Lord, use me!"

I'm anticipating another great weekend as you invest in those who need Christ and a church family, and then invite them to join you for our current series, HOW GOD MEETS YOUR DEEPEST NEEDS. In Part 7 we'll discover "THE PATH TO PERSONAL PEACE."

Marriage Health Checkup

2010-05-12T14:42:00.003-05:00

We all need periodic health checkups. Sometimes those occaisional checkups will reveal areas of disease or point out unhealthy lifestyles that need to be changed. It's the same with our marriages. Many of them are in dis-ease because we haven't taken time to get a good checkup and correct some unhealthy lifestyles. Take this *marriage health checkup; first individually and then discuss it as a couple. Let God lead you as you seek to have a healthy, vibrant marriage.

1. Are we partners or competitors?
2. Are we helping each other become more spiritual?
3. Are we depending on the externals or the eternals? The artificial or the real?
4. Do we understand each other better?
5. Are we sensitive to each other's feelings and ideas, or taking each other for granted?
6. Are we seeing God answer our prayers?
7. Are we enriched because of our marriage, or robbing each other of God's blessing?

*Bible Exposition Commentary - New Testament - The Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament, Volume 2.

Are Other Religions Right? Yep!

2010-04-24T20:14:00.008-05:00

But Pastor Steve! I thought WE had it right!?!

That's why you don't want to miss Part 3 of Losing Your Religion - THE EIGHT COMMANDMENTS. In this powerful message, we're going to learn how almost every religion in the world is right about what they believe. Everyone from Buddhist to Baptist. "But how can that be?" I'm going to tell you and fill in the blanks that you are SO wanting to hear right now - - - - but not until tomorrow! Here is a snippet from tomorrow's teaching:

You feel guilty...And now you are drinking too much, you're medicating too much, you're working too hard, you're trying to be generous, you are trying to serve your way out of your guilt, you are trying to give your way out of your guilt, you're trying to apologize your way out of your guilt, you're trying to drink your way out of your guilt. You are carrying some major guilt; your conscious is bothering you and you don't know what to do with it. Well, welcome to the world of the religion, because that is the message of religion, all religion.

If you want to read ahead, read Romans 8:1-4 for the Bible passage we'll study tomorrow.

Don't miss Part 3 - THE EIGHT COMMANDMENTS! Can't join us in person? Watch LIVE ON LINE AT: http://www.tvcc.us/tv.htm

HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS WEEKEND AT THE Losing Your Religion PLACE!

Pastor Steve

Video Library

2010-02-25T21:44:00.008-06:00

Watch live streaming video from tvcctv at livestream.com

Anticipating Grace

2010-02-10T06:52:00.002-06:00

Today, February 10, 2010, we're anticipating the arrival of our seventh grandchild - Grace Emsley Gallimore. She will no doubt change this world, especially the world of our youngest son and his wife, Grant and Casey. So many lives will be touched, hearts will be warmed, normally rational adults will all of a sudden begin to speak in a non-understandable gibberish known as baby-ese and all Grace did was show up. She will just be who she is and she will win the hearts of multitudes of people simply because she came. She will bring something into this world that only she can bring: Grace.

As a result of her coming, parents loose their identity in her name. Family albums will be filled because of her. Conversations will now be about Grace. What Grace does, how Graces smiles, longs for others attention, desires to be held and loved. "Grace does this" and "Grace does that", those who love her will say. "Have you met Grace?" On and on it will go and all for one reason: Grace arrived!

I can't help but think that it should be that way when God's grace arrives. Grace engulfs our conversations. Grace causes us to loose our own identity. Grace causes us to speak in terms that only those who've come to hold her, love her, and cherish her will be able to understand. "Have you met Grace?" "Grace does this" and "Grace does that". On and on it will go and all for one reason: Grace arrived!

Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love. 2 John 1:3 (ESV)

WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE

2010-01-22T12:39:00.002-06:00

Has it ever happened to you? You know...ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE in your life? For most of us the answer would be a resounding YES! The only question would be, how many times?

We've all been there, haven't we? When it all FALLS APART; when the WALLS COME TUMBLING DOWN; when the STUFF HITS THE FAN; when we FACE THE MUSIC; COME UP AGAINST IT; JUMP OUT OF THE FRYING PAN AND INTO THE FIRE; and my personal proverbial favorite: get DRUG THROUGH A KNOTHOLE BACKWARDS! OUCH! On and on we could go. Isn't it funny - we even have a whole list of phrases to describe when IT happens to us. And all you have to do to experience any of the above is this: Be Alive!

But those are things that happen to us. What about when we, because of our stand for Christ, experience, "...tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" Romans 8:35 (KJV) What happens to our faith and our love for Christ and others when we stand for the only One who will never fail us, and stand on the Word He has given us? When ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE because we're willing to take the life of Christ seriously enough to do something about it, what then?

Please, don't miss this weekend or the opportunity to invest in and invite someone else to worship with you as we learn how to effectively pray RADICALLY when ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE!

Hope 2 Overcome - Webinar Tonight! 7 p.m. Central

2009-12-22T11:04:00.004-06:00

A movement to reach the hurting, the broken, and those in need of Christ. Partnering with local churches and ministries already in place to provide and oasis in a desert of despair for those who need the one and only true living water... for those who need hope... read more here: http://hope2overcome.net/

It's Called Christmas With A Capital "C"

2009-12-01T17:17:00.002-06:00

Here's a great song that just says it all about Christmas and the 'holiday' spirit. ENJOY!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ

Satan, Society, & The Savior

2009-10-30T14:41:00.003-05:00

In Mark 5:1-20 we find the story of the Gerasene demoniac. Here we see three different scenes taking place, all of which are still very active today in dealing with human kind. There are Satan, Society, and The Savior. In each scene, we find a different goal in response to the needs of the demoniac.

1. Satan's Goal
The ultimate goal of Satan and the evil in this world is to bring ridicule to God's Son, Jesus Christ, and to destroy God's crown of creation: Mankind. Satan has one major aim: To steal, kill, and destroy (See John 10:10). While we're not told 'how' the demons came in we do know this: Every time we choose evil over Christ we've opened the door for Satan to wreck our lives. This can happen anywhere; from grossly immoral sinful behavior or by just being too busy (being under Satan's yoke) to give God the time of day.

2. Society's Goal
Society's goal is to take care of the troublemakers by isolating them, putting them under guard, and even binding them if necessary. Do whatever it takes to keep them from messing with our day-to-day cultural norms. The only problem was, every time they'd lock 'em up, they'd just break free to wreak more and more havoc! Society, try as it may, doesn't have the solution for the damage self-absorbed living creates.

3. The Saviors Goal
The Saviors goal? He came to them in love and even went through a storm to do it! As I studied this passage today, I read something very interesting in Warren Wiersbe's Be Series.

Some think that the storm itself may have been satanic in origin, since Jesus used the same words to calm the sea as He did to cast out demons (compare Mark 1:25 and 4:39). Perhaps Satan was trying to destroy Jesus, or at least prevent Him from coming to the men who needed Him. But nothing could stop the Lord from coming to that graveyard and bringing deliverance to those men. (The Matthew passage, 8:28, speaks of two demoniacs but obviously one was more vocal and we hear from him here.)

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary - New Testament, Volume 1, (Colorado Springs, CO: Victor, 2001), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 125. The same is true today friends:

Nothing can stop the force of Christ! That's why we must be ready at all times to give the reason for the hope that's in us (See 1 Peter 3:15). Which scene do you find yourself in, destroyer, deceiver, or pointer? Satan seeks to destroy, society stands deceived, but we who follow Christ point others to the only truth that delivers.

There are two kingdoms and two results for those who adopt them:
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 8:12 (KJV)

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37 (KJV)

Looking for Life's Healing Choices? Join us at TVCC this weekend and learn, The Housecleaning Choice. 9 or 11 at Krider Performing Arts Center on Volunteer Drive in Paris or online: www.tvcc.us/onlinesermons.htm

THE GATHERING

2009-10-27T11:53:00.002-05:00

Remember tonight is The Gathering at TVCC, Mineral Wells, main auditorium. Bring your Bibles and a desire to pray. We will meet from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. or as long as you can stay; if you can only stay for a little while, that's okay too. This is open for all of our West Tennessee praying community. We're seeking God's heart for our community and for an awakening of the realization that the only healing that is permanent will begin and end in Him. All other is temporary and less than sufficient for the day. The answer for our dilemma in our world will not come from a "red state" or a "blue state" but a "repentant state" which can only come as we seek the heart of God.

Hold On and Cultivate

2009-10-19T05:00:00.003-05:00

Hold on and Cultivate
A testimony from our sister church in Granger, Indiana. It was such a powerful truth, I wanted to share it with those who read my blog.

I've attended church most of my life. It was at GCC (Granger Community Church) that I experienced Jesus regularly at services. Incredible! Jesus is attractive. He attracts crowds.

Outside of services, I started to be intentional to read the Bible, pray, volunteer, and I found Jesus there too. Great!

Over time, the level of emotion I felt started to fade. It got stale. Something changed. It wasn't new. What had been incredible and great became same old stuff...sad. It kind of felt like something was missing.

It wasn't Jesus. He didn't change. It wasn't the church. Although every service is different, our message never changes. As Mark Beeson has said, all we ever talk about is "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..."It was me.

I have watched dozens -no, hundreds- go through a similar pattern. They find services incredible! They take steps that are great! And then it starts fading. They sometimes go to other churches or try other things to get the emotions that are incredible and great again. Lots of times they don't bother. If people expect GCC (or any church) to be responsible for their experience with Jesus, they will be disappointed.

Seriously, aren't we, humans, the problem? Marriage, kids, friends, job, church, Jesus -- we simply like things to be new, and the more we experience something, the more conditioned we get to the emotions that come with it. We want incredible and great! That's not a bad thing.

It's about setting our expectations to reality, and then cultivating the experiences in those relationships to keep them fresh. Relationships worth holding onto, the ones that go the distance, the ones we invest the most in, are those that transition over an extended period of time. They are incredible and great!

Let that vine cling to me for safety. let if find a good and whole life with me, let it hold on for a good and whole life. Isaiah 27:5

THE HOPE CHOICE

2009-10-16T12:32:00.002-05:00

Blessed to mourn?! Honestly, we don't like to experience sorrow and we HOPE we won't. We'd wish for life to go great with nothing but sunshine. How many times have I heard people say just this week, "AARRHHGG - ALL THIS RAIN!" But the Arabs have a proverb that says, "All sunshine makes a desert." Still, we would have written this second Beatitude as "Blessed are those who have no tears at all." However, we'll never understand the paradox of the words of Christ from Matthew 5:4 until we understand what he meant when he said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

This second Beatitude actually grows out of the first that said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:3) We discovered the meaning of the first Beatitude to be, I admit I need help. That I'm powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing, and my life is unmanageable. Since we realize we have indeed made bad choices, and our tendency is to do the wrong thing, there should be an emotional response we have every time we fail God.

That brings us to the next healthy choice we'll talk about this weekend; THE HOPE CHOICE. My hope doesn't come from being self-sufficient but in the all sufficient Christ. The mourning Jesus speaks of here which brings Christ's blessing is not about unfulfilled dreams or personal tragedies. The mourning here is about grief over sin. Haddon W. Robinson in The Christian Salt & Light Company says this: "The second Beatitude is the emotional expression of the first. The poor in spirit are those who sense their need of God and who mourn over their sins." Learn this truth:

My mourning determines my comfort.

This weekend we'll talk about that. If we mourn the wrong losses, we'll certainly turn to the wrong comfort. When I place my hope on goods rather than God, my mourning will reflect my values, rather than reveal my comfort. In other words, when we mourn over the wrong things, our comfort will be as sad as our mourning, and we'll miss the blessing we've been promised. My mourning over stuff becomes the stuff of my mourning whereas my mourning over sin becomes my pathway to comfort. THE HOPE CHOICE will teach us healthy choices, resulting in good outcomes, regardless of the situations we face.

See you at the HOPE PLACE this weekend!

Pastor Steve

It's time for Life's Healing Choices!

2009-10-09T17:05:00.001-05:00

Time to not only know about Life's Healing Choices, but to actually receive them. What will it take? YOU! All that's necessary is for you to realize that God has the answers to your problems and then move into them. But more than any series we've ever done at TVCC, we will not only teach you about the root cause of our problems, there will be an unmistakable, clearly defined road you will discover that leads out of them.

I can't stress enough that now is the time to engage and see all that God is wanting to share with us. Or maybe you were engaged in serving God with your life at one point but now, for whatever reason, you've pulled away from God, His church, and His passion which is when He receives glory from a life lived through Him and for Him. And know this - THERE IS NO REASON NOT TO RE-ENGAGE! It doesn't matter why you walked away from God. What matters is this: God loves you and seeks a personal, vibrant, victorious relationship with you. Don't miss this series! It is for all of us.

If you're not engage in a Life Group, we've done everything possible to make it easy for you to do so. Why is it so important to be a part of a Life Group? You'll never receive apart from others what you will receive engaged with others. We will have group sign-ups again Sunday and if we don't have a group meeting when you need it, we'll do everything in our power to make it happen.

Why Innovate?

2009-09-24T11:49:00.002-05:00

What is Innovate09? Innovate is a conference TVCC staff has attended before in Granger, IN. It is for those churches, i.e. TVCC, that God has planted to reach a generation who've missed it. They didn't get it the first time through or have never gotten it at all. These churches work outside the lines, throw away the box, do whatever is necessary in order to reach this generation. As Rick Warren says, "The message never changes but the methods must change." We can't reach an ipod generation with teletype or ticker tape. Shoot, we can't even reach this generation with email; it's old to them. I know, I know - it seems impossible but it's true. Communication is morphing at such a rapid pace. Is it all good? No. Is it the best? Probably not. Can we ignore it? Absolutely not. We must engage our community where it is and so we must INNOVATE in order to do so.

Here's the scenario: West TN Wilson & Wanda are in despair. They're looking for answers. Most of them have tried church at some point but the 'rules & regs' got old and didn't produce the life change and life answers as promised, so they bailed. Now, they've been invited to this 'life changing-how to' church that will change their lives and impact their tomorrows through the power of Christ. The crisis is real time and the message better be too. We'd better be ready and we'd better bring it because God has called us to be DISCIPLE MAKERS. And the way I understand the call of Christ is, in order to make disciples, we have to go where they are, understand how they live, and be ready to present them the answer, Jesus Christ, in a real & tangible way that is built on relationship not religion; community not committees; where we're a family, not a business.

What God is doing through this family at TVCC of 'misfits that fit' is growing a people (as He is in many other churches and ways) to reach a generation with a radically inclusive message of hope in an ever darkening world that says, "God loves you just like you are and too much to leave you that way!" They are looking for Hope. We know His name: Jesus Christ, Savior, Lord & Master. Nothing short of Him will do - ever.

Keep up the great work Mark Beeson! Innovate!
www.innovate09.com

WAR OF THE WORLDS – Part 5

2009-09-11T09:52:00.002-05:00

Letting Go of the X’s

The Christian life can never be lived by being a slave to our X’s. Let me explain. Too many (most of us) have gone through periods in our lives where we think we can please God by what we do or don’t do. We make many resolutions and vow to keep them, only to see them crumble like dust at our feet. If we would only understand this picture Paul gives us in Romans 6-8 we would begin to live in the freedom Christ intended rather than living in servitude to our past mates, i.e. the Law.

Paul says in chapter 6, we're free from sin positionally. Chapter 7, he says we're free from the law. He talked about it as a marriage -- we're married to a new person. He said before you became a Christian you were married to the Law and under its condemnation. But you're not married to the Law anymore, now you're married to Christ. You don't have to please the Law any more. It's like saying, I really love my wife and therefore I'm going to go do a lot of nice things for my ex-wife. That wouldn't make sense.

There are two ways to try to live the Christian life: one, under the Law -- I'm going to try to keep all the rules and regulations in my own willpower. You're doomed to failure. The other is to relax in God's grace and let Him live through you. Don't be surprised when you make a resolution and you don't live up to it in your own effort. All our best intentions are not good enough. That's what Romans 7 is all about. The Law was never intended to change your life. There's only one thing that can change your life -- God Himself, His Spirit.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV)

Don’t serve the X’s – the Law – the former legalistic way of trying to get and keep what only can be freely received and released!

WAR OF THE WORLDS – Part 4

2009-09-10T15:47:00.002-05:00

When in doubt, spit it out!

It’s not wrong to struggle when things fall apart; we all do that at times. Either we’ve failed or someone hasn’t meet up to our expectations, and it causes us to struggle with our faith. Admit your true feelings to God because a lot of Christians can’t handle your true feelings. Some people, it really shakes them up to talk with a Christian who has doubts. It scares them to death! Jesus did not condemn Thomas. He just let him spill his guts and then said, “Thomas…”, and then He showed him His hands. And Thomas became a believer in the risen Christ.

Admit your feelings to God. Let me give you a practical way to do this:

I encourage you to start a journal in your Christian life. Write down the things God is teaching you on a regular basis. I think it’s one of the healthiest and most helpful disciplines you can have in your Christian life. I’m not talking about a diary. A diary is when you record things that happened. A journal is when you record truths that you’re learning – something you got out of a sermon, something you got out of talking to a friend, something you got from the radio, from a download, a video. Something you thought of during your quiet time as the Holy Spirit talked to you and you read the Bible. One of the ways you’re going to have victory in your Christian life is when you start writing about your struggles.

This is exactly what Paul does in Romans 7. Paul is writing his journal. Actually he was dictating. The real writer of Romans was Tertius as he recorded Paul’s words. Paul was probably pacing the floor, quoting back and forth. He’s walking around pouring his heart out. In that actual saying and writing, a flash comes to him – it’s Jesus! That’s the answer!

Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:25a (NLT)

When you start writing things out, getting it out on paper, one of the things that does is the Holy Spirit is able to illuminate your mind and give you the answers many times. I encourage you to keep a journal.

Tomorrow: Part 5 – Letting go of the X’s

WAR OF THE WORLDS - Day 3

2009-09-09T12:55:00.004-05:00

Failed Testimonies

This morning I received this twitter from @RickWarren:

"In the presence of a psychiatrist, I can only be a sick man; in the presence of a Christian brother, I can dare to be a sinner." Bonhoeffer

Maybe this is what Paul understood and why he was able to say:

"I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it." Romans 7:19-20 (NLT)

When Paul says, "it is sin living in me" he's not making an excuse, justifying himself, saying "the devil made me do it." He's just realizing the fact that when you're a Christian there are two natures in your life - your good nature that God gives you and wants to serve the Lord and your old nature that doesn't want to serve the Lord. Paul's just being honest about it.

I love the testimonies at TVCC because they all include a brief description of failures. The problem with 'success' testimonies is that they set up an unrealistic standard and everybody thinks, "I must not be normal as a Christian." Do you have every prayer answered? I don't. Do you always do what God wants you to do? I don't. Do you sometimes fail? I do.

Maybe we don't like to admit it, but there's room for failure in the Christian life. Paul quoted Christ when he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness."

AMEN!

TOMORROW Part 4 - When you doubt, spit it out!

WAR OF THE WORLDS – Day 2

2009-09-08T11:37:00.002-05:00

Get Honest – Not Defeated

Paul said, For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. Romans 7:18 (ESV)

What did Paul do? Paul got honest but he didn’t do what many of us do; he didn’t let it defeat him. When we understand that there really is not any good thing in us, we’ve finally moved to a place where our thinking will have the opportunity to become the wisdom of God rather than our own. Admitting we’re confused is different from taking an honest evaluation of your thoughts and motives. An honest evaluation can move us to freedom, if we don’t allow it to defeat us.

So here’s realization #2: Victory comes only through an honest evaluation of the truth about us and the truth about God. What is the truth about us? WE CAN’T! What’s the truth about God? HE CAN! So what do we do about it? All this honest evaluation can do is to bring us to a morbid end if there is not an answer to our plight. Here is how our daily journey will be changed:
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16 (NLT)

Therein is the battle! Either your sinful (old) nature will have first place or the Holy Spirit will have first place through your spiritual (new) nature, but not both. This is either/or, but never both. To better understand and know which nature you’re empowering, take a moment today and read the following passage on the war we're engaged in:
Galatians 5:16-26.

Honestly, God makes us holy by forgiving our sin; making us innocent before Him. That’s something only He can do. Then we are able to, through the power of the Spirit who lives within us, become a fruitful vine and produce the fruit of the Spirit (v22-23). Why?

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Galatians 5:24 (NLT)

Remember this: It’s not a struggle, its surrender. It’s what we focus on.

We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God's throne! Hebrews 12:2 (CEV)

Keep your eyes on Jesus – you’ll be glad you did!

Tomorrow – Part 3 Failed Testimonies

WAR OF THE WORLDS – Day 1

2009-09-07T10:32:00.003-05:00

Join the parade!

Paul made an honest evaluation of himself in Romans 7:24, followed by an equally powerful question in verse 25. He looked at his struggle between the old nature and the new nature and then cried out, O, wretched man that I am! Because Paul recognized the conflict going on inside, he knew he was at war and there would have to be an all out invasion in order to rescue him from his present condition. So he asked, Who will rescue me from this body of death? Could Paul have victory in his life? Can we? How do we not only know about, but actually embrace and live the Christian life to the fullest? It begins with an honest evaluation of who we are and the struggles we face.

The first realization we need in order to win the war is to admit we are confused. We must admit that we don’t have all the answers. Then, stop trying to impress others by acting as if you have victory over every sin in your life. You don’t and neither do I and neither did Paul. Paul not only admitted it but he also wrote it down for all future generations. He spilled his guts so everybody could read it for thousands of years. He says I’m struggling; I can’t do what I really want to do.

The way to victory is to do as Paul did and admit the only cure:

Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord… Romans 7:25 (NIV)

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)

But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. 2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)

Join the parade! Our victory is not in what we’re going to be able to accomplish but in what Christ, our Victor, has already accomplished for us. When we praise Him for it, it is the faith that the victory is already ours, even though we haven’t fully realized it yet. When we humbly admit that we don’t have all the answers, we free Him up to lift us up and give us the victory.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10 (NKJV)

Until tomorrow!

War of the Worlds

2009-09-05T01:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend we begin a new series dealing with what all of us deal with each and every day: WAR! Not the military kind but one of a spiritual nature. Every day, we have to make choices for good or evil. The Bible calls this the conflict or war of the two natures within us.

Every Christian receives a 'new nature' the moment they come to Christ. But it's like to trying to learn to drive for the first time; grinding gears, swerving on the road, jumpy starts and jerky stops. Just because we have the car doesn't mean we know how to drive it yet. And just because we have this new nature, doesn't mean we've learned to put that other nature, the 'old nature' away yet either.

During this series, we want to help you on your journey by first realizing that we are in a war and then mapping out the war zone and combat strategy. Jesus Christ has already won the war so it's up to us to follow our leader. He can and will defeat the old nature in us as He empowers us through the new.

Week one is simply: We Are At War! To prepare for the service, study 2 Chronicles 16 and Romans 7. The life of King Asa and the struggles of the Apostle Paul will help us to understand how God is for us in EVERYTHING if we will just trust Him.

Week two: The last Christian. Could we be the last Christian generation? According to current statistics, unless something drastic happens, we just may be. What can we do to make a difference in the lives of our children and youth? Can we turn the tide?

Week three: Peer Wars. God has clear instructions about who we are to be as His people and how we're to come alongside others so that we may help them, and they us, on the journey.

Week four: STAND. Not everything is going to go your way in life. Why does bad stuff happen to good people? And when it does, what are we to do about it?

Be sure and bring someone with you or, if you're not in our area or you attend another church on the weekend, you can catch all the action on our web site at www.tvcc.us/onlinesermons.htm

Some things are just too funny not to share!

2009-08-28T18:22:00.002-05:00

A few days ago, Rick (Warren - Saddleback Church) sent out a twitter that had the following great advice, with one small exception:

4kinds of people u need: MODELS 2follow Ph3:17, MENTORS 4counsel Pr11:14,PARTNERS 2help Ecc4:9-12, FRIENDS 4support Pr7:17

You know how that there are those times when you know you need to listen to that little voice in you? Well, I was preparing to RT Rick's tweet (re-tweet in twitter language) but I heard that voice: Check his references! So I did. And when I came to the last one, there it was.

What was supposed to be FRIENDS 4support Pr 17:17 - A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need, had accidentally been referenced as Pr 7:17 which reads: I've perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

Well, when I sent Rick a message with the obvious fun I'd enjoyed over the mistake of the missing '1' and that it was certainly a different FRIENDS than I'd imagined, here was his reply he sent to me and our TVCC family:

Steve, that is HILARIOUS! Great catch! I wonder who else will catch it!Tell your church that I told you I'm praying for you & them!

It doesn't matter who we are, we must be able to laugh at ourselves and as Rick says, "Don't take ourselves too seriously!" Thanks for your prayers & friendship Rick.

Looking forward to teaching you Part 5 of Fanatic: I will DO WHATEVER IT TAKES! Be there and bring someone with you! Don't forget, it's baptism weekend at TVCC.

You can follow Rick too. Send a txt message follow rickwarren from your phone to 40404. Then just follow the instructions.

CASH FOR CLUNKERS

2009-08-22T11:37:00.002-05:00

Dear TVCC Family,

Our government recently did what they considered a highly successful program called Cash for Clunkers. It was designed to boost the lagging sales of new cars by offering exorbitant prices for what was actually known to be a clunker by its present owner. It was so successful that they actually suspended the program this week.

I want to present a new program to you this weekend: Compassion for the Contrite as we look at Fanatic - Part 4 I am WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE! What is the price? According to David in Psalms 51:17, what God wants us to trade-in is "a broken and contrite heart". It doesn't matter what shape it's in, just get it on the lot and God will accept it! And look at what you'll drive away with: "He will blot out our iniquities (sins), give us a clean heart...a right spirit...God's presence, the Holy Spirit, and the joy of your salvation." (Ps 51:9-12) Then look at the continued service plan: Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you. Psalms 51:13 (NLT)

Who in your life is worth your broken heart of compassion? Who will you pray for, agonize for, and lift up to God? And will you care enough, as you pray and seek God's face, to bring them with you this weekend? Will we PAY THE PRICE? That's where it begins; in you and me. When it does THEN we will be one rebel showing another rebel the way back to God.

TVCC, please be here this weekend in force; prayed up and expecting God to move in and through the lives of those you care about. Whether they come with you or not, you expect God to begin the work in you. As you bring to God your contrite heart, we have His never ending promise, His warranty for eternity: "(He) will be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness." Ps 51:19 (Emphasis mine)

SEE YOU AT THE TRADE-IN LOT THIS WEEKEND!

Touching the Leper

2009-08-18T10:56:00.002-05:00

Sunday, I spoke of Francis of Assisi and how he was radically changed because of his faith in Christ. Immediately he heard God say, "Loath what you loved and love what you loathed." He rode off on his horse and soon encountered a leper - that which he most loathed and feared. And rightly so for the disease was incurable, highly contagious, and a miserable way to die. Francis stopped, dismounted, and asked the leper to forgive him for his former attitude. And then he did the unthinkable; he kissed him!

Not only did he kiss him, he gave him money, sought to help him in any way he could, and then asked for directions to the leper colony where he repeated the action - over and over again - as he followed God's command for his newfound faith.

As I concluded the services yesterday, I challenged each person to be sensitive to those God puts in your path, the perceived 'lepers' of our day, who you might serve and be a witness to. To my delight, this is the story I received from a young couple later that day.

"We went to Walmart after the service and there she was, standing there with a sign: 'Will work for food.' She looked to be sixty or so and really in need. So we bought her a twenty dollar gift card from Walmart and then we went to McDonalds, bought her lunch, and took it back to her."

Then the young lady did something she'd never done before; she invited her to attend church, giving her the TVCC pen she'd used to take notes with and asked her to come worship with them. It was her first time to ever invite anyone to church! But because they saw her need, responded to it in love, and spent their own lunch money on this 'leper' who was begging on the street, God was able to reveal a picture of His own heart through them as they 'loved' one that is normally 'loathed'.

I praise you Father! Even though our society has taught us to see this beggar as irresponsible, lazy, and a modern day leper, you taught them to see her as a person of worth. May she come to know you, the giver and sustainer of life, and may this couple continue to be blessed because they did not pass by this one whom you love so much; instead, they kissed her. Amen.

Fanatic #3 - I am RADICALLY CONNECTED

2009-08-12T14:35:00.001-05:00

We believe in radical salvation by Christ alone

We believe Christ's salvation brings about changed lives

If you've just read those statements for the first time, you weren't at TVCC last weekend...but it's not too late! Be here this Sunday as I will be teaching the third value relating to Christ's vision in His church and in His people. You don't want to miss it because in it, we will settle an age old argument: Does a radically saved person, changed by the power of the resurrected Christ, NEED to be radically connected to a church family? Or is it every bit as good for me, my kids, and those I love to 'go it alone'. What does Jesus have to say about the subject and what does that look like for each one of us? Does it really matter, one way or the other?

Yes, this is fanatical stuff but we are in a day and time when only those with a fanatical love relationship with Jesus Christ, based upon His Word, will be able to stand. Don't miss this opportunity to hear the truth and bring someone with you that you care about and who you want to help know Christ and grow in Christ.

If you missed parts 1 or 2, you can go here to view them or download the mp3.

FANATICAL EXPECTATIONS!

2009-08-03T15:36:00.001-05:00

Sunday I told you about a list that I'm praying over and expecting God to answer during this series and the coming months. Some wrote them down and committed to pray with me about them. So I decided - the more pray-ers the better! Sincerely seek God in this and let's see how He will show up as we come to Him, pray to Him, seek Him, and expect Him to do these things. I know they are His will, so our job is to ask and be willing instruments in His hands, to do with us anything He wants in order to bring them about.

Here are some outcomes I’m praying and expecting God for during this series:

· I’m expecting people to get saved. This first Sunday of the series, 7 people requested information on becoming a Christian!

· I’m expecting people to be convicted. (Or as I said Sunday - to get tore up. In TN we understand what that means!) about their profession of Jesus Christ as Lord, yet their possession of too much world.

· I’m expecting some of you to make radical life changes. You’re going to forsake a terrible habit or attitude that’s destroying your witness as well as your life as you fully submit and surrender yourself to the Lordship of Christ.

· I’m expecting homes to be healed. No divorce is final as long as everybody is still alive and hasn’t remarried. (See the excellent teaching by Carlton and Ken in the FORGIVENESS series)

· I’m expecting some of you to become bold witnesses for Jesus Christ. You’ve always been sheepish or embarrassed to talk about Jesus as your most prized possession in life. But as you fully embrace; as you fall head over heels in love with Jesus Christ, you will be faithful as a bold believer and disciple of the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.

· I’m expecting some to question whether or not this is the church for them. (The prayer here is that God would set all hearts ablaze with the passion and vision He has placed in TVCC) As we revisit the vision, the mission, and the mandate that this church has under the direction and guidance of Jesus Christ as Chief Shepherd, and then challenge you to get in harness with Him, it may just be more than some are willing to give. I hope that’s not the case, but it could be.

2009-07-30T18:01:00.002-05:00

R U A FANATIC?

2009-07-30T17:24:00.007-05:00

Is this great or what!? Bruce Pearl went all out in support of the Vols. Over the top? Fanatic? Or was he just a die hard fan and unashamed to show up and show out? Either way, the verdict is unmistakable: This guy is a Vols fan and doesn't care who knows it!

This weekend we begin a new series we're calling Fanatic. Fanatics get labeled so because people consider them excessive or over the top. What would it look like to become a fanatic Christ follower? We're going to talk about that this weekend at TVCC. Here's the line-up for the entire month of August. (Click to enlarge)

The Unexpected Adventure

2009-07-10T11:23:00.005-05:00

In Lee Strobel and Mark Mittleberg's book The Unexpected Adventure Mittleberg says this about one of his early experiences of sharing his faith as a young Christian.

"God used me in the story...I didn't have to complete a course or read a training manual. Mostly I just needed to cultivate a heart of concern, pray for an opportunity, and be willing to speak up when God gave me the chance." (p 83)

Too many times we think we don't know enough when all we really need is to ask God for the desire to know Him, love Him, and serve Him. Is it his will that we know Him, love Him, and serve Him? Certainly! But you can't do more in order to achieve this. You must simply abide. Jesus said, I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NKJV)

To abide is a picture Christ is giving us of being in constant communion with Him. Jesus said it like this: Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4 (NLT)

We are not sufficient for the task. Only Christ through us will do. Mittleberg is correct when he says, "I wasn't adequate and you don't need to be either because God is more than adequate as he empowers and works through us."

Abide in Christ and get ready for the unexpected adventure to begin!

THE GREATEST QUESTION EVER

2009-06-19T14:20:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered why things happen the way they do? Ever wish you could figure out the 'good' the 'bad' and the 'ugly' of life? Have you ever doubted yourself, your salvation, or your circumstances? Have you ever doubted God? Sure you have - we all have.

I believe God is going to show up in an awesome way through the teaching this weekend as we ask and answer the GREATEST QUESTION EVER! I know that sounds BIG and it is. But I will promise you, God has not only a word for you, but your family and friends as well. I'm very sensitive to this Sunday being Father's Day and all those 'dads' who may be in the house because you've asked them to be there. They WILL HEAR A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT this weekend!

I want you to know I'm not only praying for those dads that will be in our service, but those sons and daughters and in laws as well. I know your hearts are heavy over them and I'm praying with you that they will not only attend, but that they will receive God's Word and the Christ of God as well.

Looking forward to the weekend!

Oh, I forgot to tell you the question...

Great Weekend at TVCC!

2009-06-15T14:52:00.002-05:00

June 14, 2009

What an AMAZING weekend at TVCC. If you missed it, you certainly missed a blessing. If you'd like to view it or download the mp3, click here. The Word of God is so powerful and God speaks to us through His Word, right where we are. We didn't know what your personal needs were when we planned this service weeks ago, but God did. Listen to one of many testimonies from Sunday:

"Thank you for this-I needed to hear this today. I have been facing this fear for weeks. I want to let go of this fear and selfish person I am."

So many said, "How did you know what was going on in my life?" Folks, God is so trustworthy and He knows full well what we need and speaks through His Word to answer our questions and help us face our fears. Remember, if you're facing a Red Sea crossing, it's an opportunity for a miracle.

God rocked the house with super worship, and the Holy Spirit indeed showed up in power. Here's this weekends report:

7 persons committed their lives to Christ for salvation
11+ first time guest
4 second time families
1 signed up for Celebrate Recovery
15 recommitted their walk with Christ
2 signed up for Life Group

There is definite energy in the expectation of all God is doing and going to do in this great church He has planted and is building. We're getting closer with each passing day to occupying our new campus at 2500 East Wood Street. Don't forget to check the progress each week on the TVCC web site. Also, don't forget to check out the newest addition to our site by using the GROW tools which we hope will assist you in your daily walk with God.

Pastor Steve

PS Pray for our youth and their leaders at camp this week!

Facing Your Fears Through Faith

2009-06-11T14:00:00.002-05:00

Anything worthwhile involves some level of risk. That's where a life of faith comes in, especially as we seek to stand firm as followers of Jesus Christ. Being a Christian may appear to be risky at times, but we must not let fear flatten our faith!

Unfortunately, there are times when the fear factor will cause us to melt at the first sign of adversity rather than believing that God is for us so, "...who can be against us?" Romans 8:31. How many times have we had the opportunity to stand up for Who and what we believe in? Yet when someone louder, bigger, more important, or someone that's perceived as smarter than we are speaks up, we shut up instead of speaking up. And what is it about our hurts, habits, or hang-ups that keep us hiding them in the dark rather than bringing them into the light where we can have victory over them?

This weekend we're going to examine a portion of The Exodus (14:1-31) and discover how God's people fell prey to the same weaknesses, frustrations, and shortsightedness as we do. They thought God had led them into an impossible situation; they were right on both counts! God had indeed led them and at least from their point of view, it was an impossible situation. (See Exodus 13:18 & 14:13-14) You might say it was something that only God could do; and you'd be right!

So how do we learn to trust in God and overcome fear? As our series summary statement teaches us... Trusting God in what we can't see by what we can see!

See you this weekend!

Overboard: Stepping Out Into a Life of Faith

2009-06-05T12:38:00.003-05:00

Here's our working definition of faith for this month:
Trusting in what you can't see because of what you can see.

What does it mean to have faith? Is it just a church word that really doesn't make a difference in who you are or how you live? Can a person live by faith yet deny the foundations of it? In this series we will go Overboard with facts about faith and the difference having or not having it makes in your everyday life.

Week 1 When Faith Changes Your Life

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 Who wouldn't say, "I'd like to have more faith in my life!" this first week will look at: What is faith? What are the benefits? What will it do for me? What difference can it make in my life?

Week 2 Facing Your Fears Through Faith

"The Israelites looked up and there were the Egyptians and they were terrified and they cried out to the Lord." Exodus 14:10 What is it that has you terrified, or as we would say it today, scared to death? There's always the lurking 'what ifs' in life when we just don't know what to do next. Maybe, just maybe, God's setting you up for a miracle!

Week 3 Believing Through the Life of Christ

Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you". Matthew 9:29 What are you expecting from God? Do you really believe He can and will deliver or is just a pipe dream and something He would do for others but not for you? We will discover that God's best is realized through a life lived through faith in Christ.

Week 4 When Faith's Foundations Crumble

"But those who listen and don't obey are like a man who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it crumbles into a heap of ruins." Luke 6:49 We will take an in depth look at God and Country during this Independence Day message. Are we still "one nation under God"? What would that look like in our culture today? Don't miss this powerful conclusion to this series as we encourage the people of God to return to the values God prescribed for us long ago.

Could It Be...

2009-05-19T09:06:00.002-05:00

That the reason the 21st Century church isn't experiencing the power of the First Church of Jerusalem is because we refuse to have the same level of commitment? Randy Frazee in his Book The Connecting Church, points out that the problem with the lack of power in the church today could be our lack of connectedness. Randy says this:

"There's a powerful passage in Acts 2:43 that says, They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

"If you read the next several verses, you'll see the outcome of their community devotion: Miracles took place, people's lives were being changed, the believers cared deeply and sacrificially for each other, new people were coming to know Christ - and as a result their group grew rapidly. The Bible says they even enjoyed a spectacular reputation in the surrounding community. But there is one aspect of their fellowship most modern-day believers overlook - how often they got together: "Every day they continued to meet together.""

Our 'community' at TVCC is Life Groups. How are you connected and how are you caring for 'one another' within your group? I think Randy just might be on to something here!

RADICAL INCLUSIVENESS

2009-05-13T17:20:00.000-05:00

This message of forgiveness - what's it all about and how far does it reach? Can just anyone be saved? What about those groups we mentioned in the sermon "Finding Faith in Troubled Homes" (May 10th)? Are they included too? What is the FAITH that will repair and rebuild fractured homes?

Too many times we have the tendency to classify sins, i.e. the bad ones vs. the good ones. The best I can read, there aren't any good ones! We may give them degrees or rank and order, but we don't make the rules, God does! Too many times, we relish in the list that we exclude ourselves from such as Romans 1 where Paul says:

That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. Romans 1:26-27 (NLT)

But that passage has been prefaced by verse 18 which says:

But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. Romans 1:18 (NLT)

Then we have to realize that, "All sinful, wicked people" includes:

"Lives... full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy.
Romans 1:29-31 (NLT)

Hopefully we're involved less and less in this list of 'good sins' which at times, point directly to all of our hearts. You see, the Gospel is RADICALLY INCLUSIVE! For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Romans 3:23 (NLT)

Here's the bad news: Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, (here's the Good News) but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13 (ESV)

And...

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:8-9 (NLT)

Radical? YES! Inclusive? YES! We all have sinned and our best efforts fall short of the perfection we must have in order to receive God's forgiveness. But Jesus Christ radically saves everyone who comes to Him in repentance so that we may find mercy and grace and eternal salvation. What an AWESOME, ALL INCLUSIVE GOD we serve!

Mission Impossible

2009-05-02T08:00:00.004-05:00

S Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking it is impossible. But with God everything is possible." Matthew 19:26 (NLT)

O To be on mission with God through our own provision of good deeds and great efforts is impossible; it will never bring salvation. Only God, who established the way back home has the remedy through Christ.

A Since only Jesus can fulfill the mission of redemption for us, then we have nothing to bring to the dance except faith that what is impossible for us, is possible with God. Christ was good and He completed the mission for us.

P Lord Jesus - thank you for making the way to your house so very clear; you marked it well! May we leave a clear path as well. AMEN!

It Seemed Good At The Time!

2009-04-30T15:36:00.000-05:00

That's usually when we get into trouble. It's when life gets out of balance and as the trainer on my Wii Fit says, "You put your foot down, didn't you?" That's what happens when we don't listen to God's Word and obey His instructions; we fall off the balance board!

In the email I sent out today "All Questions - One Answer" from 1 Chronicles 13:7 it reads:

They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab's house. Uzzah and Ahio were guiding the cart.
1 Chronicles 13:7 (NLT)

The problem came about when Uzzah disobeyed God concerning the commands about the Ark, or so it would seem.

Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. So Uzzah died there in the presence of God.
1 Chronicles 13:10 (NLT)

What seemed like disobedience in Uzzah's life, was actually the result of David's failure to follow God's command regarding the transportation of the Ark of the Covenant. In Exodus we're told:

And you shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark by them. The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark; they shall not be taken from it.
Exodus 25:14-15 (ESV)

Then we know that God gave strict orders that the Levites were to carry the Ark whenever it was moved. God never intended for the Ark to be carried on a cart, but to be carried on the shoulders of those who had been appointed to do so. Okay, some of you are saying, AYTMTB? (And Your Telling Me This Because...)

Because when God speaks, He means it! That's why there is nothing more important than knowing and doing the Word of God. If you read all of 1 Chronicles 13, you'll see that David got mad at God for killing Uzzah and didn't take the Ark to Jerusalem for another three months (I think he was pouting!) But all the while, David knew what God's word said about the Ark, the rings, the poles, and the Levites. As a matter of fact, read 1 Chronicles 15:1-2 and you'll see that David repented (changed his mind) and finally brought the Ark back to Jerusalem. What a great and glorious day that was!

We must learn that God is God. When He speaks our response is to hear and obey, even if our way may seem right at the time. God's Word teaches us that...

There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of
death. Proverbs 14:12 (NKJV)

Sunday's Monday Download

2009-04-27T07:22:00.002-05:00

AYTMTB...
(And you told me that because...)

Because I want you to hear the great things that God is doing at TVCC! We had a great weekend together and God blessed in a wonderful way! I want to especially thank the greeters for the wonderful job they do each and every weekend as they welcome and set the stage for newcomers as well as us regulars. They 'take the edge off' as they extend a warm hand and warm heart that causes first time guests to say, "Wow, this is a friendly place, even outside; it must be great inside!"

5 indicated receiving Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior
3 celebrated their new life in Christ through baptism
7 first time guests
3 second time guests
3 volunteered to serve
10 recommitted their walk with Christ
10 requests for life groups
22 requested text announcements
2 signed up for Celebrate Recovery

Have a great week and why not share your faith with someone who needs some Good News! Just brag on Jesus - He will do the rest.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

2009-04-23T10:01:00.002-05:00

I hope many of you are still reading your Bible through this year. If you're not, today's a great day to start! Here's my own journal entry for today from Matthew 10:27.

DAYBREAK

S "What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!" Matthew 10:27 (NLT)

O Jesus has a bold message for His people to share with all those around us. His command is that we will shout it for all to hear!

A If I am going to have something to say to those around me, there is nothing more important than spending time in God's Word. If I don't hear him in my personal daily quiet time (what He whispers in my ear in private), I will have nothing worth talking about throughout my day.

P Thank you Father for your Word. May I hear your voice everyday so that I will always have something worth talking about! Amen.

S.O.A.P. of the Word: You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. John 15:3 (NKJV)

txt: wiifm

2009-04-21T16:54:00.003-05:00

April 21, 2009

What's In It For Me?
BLESSINGS! It's an inside job! That's what you get when you're a part of the body of Christ, joining together with the other members of the body to do the work of ministry. Because of your faithfulness, God is doing great things through you in the lives of others.

What a great weekend we enjoyed as we worshipped together and once again experienced God in wonderful ways. Here are a few of the goodies from Sunday:

1 commitment to Christ
5 more first time guest
3 second time families (plus many 2nd time children!)
3 volunteered for service
3 signed up for Celebrate Recovery
25 recommitted their walk with Christ
25 signed up for Life Groups!!!

I'm so excited to see what God is doing to grow the family of God at TVCC. He is working in so many lives; how about yours? What's the next step of faithfulness in your life? Don't know? Ask Him and He will tell you and multiply Himself through you.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8 (NKJV)

Quick Links...
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Our Website www.tvcc.us
TVCC Blogs
Pastor Steve: http://www.stevegallimore.blogspot.com/
Gene Walden: http://www.waldensongs.com/
Ken Wells: http://kenwellstvccus.blogspot.com/

WIIFM - What's In It For Me?

2009-04-16T22:28:00.002-05:00

Join us this weekend as we look at part 2 of our new series, txt: God Has A Message 4U. The next txt is WIIFM or What's In It For Me. To be honest, there's a great deal in it for you. But to know what it is, we have to learn the difference between pleasure and true happiness.

Join us this as we tune in to the #1 radio station going, WIIFM - only at TVCC this Sunday. Be sure to spread the word through a txt message, forward my blog, or send them to our web site at www.tvcc.us. Oh, and bring someone with you as well!

See you at the station!

Easter 2009 - And So It Began

2009-04-14T09:38:00.003-05:00

WOW! Way to go God! Way to go TVCC!

The numbers are in and what a blessing to see what God will do through His people who are passionate about reaching others.

Already Christ followers - 100's
Began journey with Christ - Salvations - 36
Considering Christ - 8 (One of those prayed to receive Christ during a follow up call (Yeah God!)
Don't ever intend to follow Christ - 1
Weekend Attendance including Children - 1076

As my good friend Allen said, "We had a great day at church...now we need to continue what we started!" AMEN Allen! I agree completely. When God's kids get excited about His promises and begin to act upon them - look out! He WILL show up in power, just as we witnessed this weekend.

The difference between 'having church' and 'being the church' is expecting God to use us and trusting Him enough that we would open our mouths, thereby allowing Him to do so.

Let your friends and neighbors know, the series "txt: God Has A Message For You" continues this weekend with Part 2 - WIIFM: What's In It For Me? Finding Real Happiness In A World of Pleasure.

TXT: GOD HAS A MESSAGE FOR YOU Part 1-MIRL is ready online for viewing

It's Saturday, but Sunday's-a-Comin'!

2009-04-11T15:00:00.002-05:00

What do you do when a bolder is in the way of hope? It’s too big to move, there are others who are keeping you from it, and even if you could move it, it’s just another dead end. Well, that depends - on whether you’re talking about your view or what’s going on behind the bolder or God's view.

Jesus’ followers must have felt the same way. Everything they had placed their hopes and dreams in lay dead in the garden in a new tomb. That Saturday represented death, loss, and an unfulfilled life.

What does Saturday – today, represent in your life? What have you placed your hopes and dreams and based your very future on? My friend, it may be Saturday from your side of the bolder, but grab hold of some hope because Sunday’s-a-comin’! Saturday represents the way we see things in our lives – the problems too big, there are too many people in the way, and even if we tried it, it would only be another dead end. But Sunday – oh sweet Sunday, is a view from God’s side of the bolder, where death is not final, but only a seed getting ready to burst forth into new life!

What we see as death, God sees as the doorway to life. Don’t give up! It may be Saturday, but Sunday’s-a-comin’!

Finished - When He Said So

2009-04-10T21:08:00.005-05:00

Have you ever heard anyone say, "It will be finished when I say it's finished?" In other words, they're controlling the situation and it will be done when they say it's done! Notice this last act of Jesus Christ on the Cross:

Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit.

Matthew 27:50 (NLT)

He didn't just die - at least not as we think of it. I've been at the bedside of many who have, as we say it, passed away. While many have been ready to go on to be with the Lord, they died when they weren't able to live any longer. Not so with Jesus.

When Jesus released his spirit, he voluntarily died at the appointed time; when he was supposed to. In other words, it is as Jesus said in John chapter 10:18:

No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.” John 10:18

Which further proves the fact that all Jesus did, was from divine appointment and of his own free will. As the old song says, "He could have called ten thousand angels, but he died alone for you and me." And, truth be known - if he had not chosen to die at that moment - he would not have. It was of his own free will in obedience to the Father. What great love!

May you, wherever you're reading this and wherever you celebrate Easter this weekend, know that by repenting of your sin and accepting Christ as Lord and Savior, you have released your life into His hands and that your redemption is complete through the all sufficient death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

HE IS RISEN!

THE LESSON ON SERVING

2009-04-09T16:24:00.002-05:00

Clues to Pursue: Jesus on Thursday - A lesson on serving others-John 13:1-17 "…slaves are not greater than their master.”

As Jesus was preparing Himself and his disciples for what was now only a few hours away, he taught them the greatest lesson on serving others that has ever been given.

One of the main teaching tools of Christ was that of symbolism. Baptism is the symbol of the death, burial, and the resurrection of Christ. The Lord’s Supper is a symbol; the bread is a symbol Christ’s body which was broken for us, and the wine was a symbol of the blood of Christ which would be poured out for us.

When Jesus taught to “wash one another’s feet” is was the greatest symbol we can imagine of how we are to serve one another with that kind of humility and sincerity. When we care for someone else, more than we care for ourselves, we too take up the towel and the basin.

One way we can serve others by inviting them to the greatest celebration in history: THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. Remember, the celebration begins at TVCC, Saturday 6:00 p.m. and continues Sunday at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.

HE IS RISEN!

Easter Week - Tuesday's Clue to Pursue

2009-04-07T19:15:00.001-05:00

DOES IT COST TOO MUCH?

Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume and poured it over his head. The disciples were indignant when they saw this. “What a waste of money,” they said. “It could have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” But Jesus, aware of this, replied, “Why criticize this woman for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me. She has poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed.” Matthew 26:6-13 (NLT)

On Tuesday, Jesus certainly was busy. One of the events that Jesus saw as necessary, others - particularly Judas Iscariot - thought too extravagant. Jesus praised Mary for the act of unselfishness and assured her and others that her generosity would be remembered throughout the world.

What are we doing that has lasting consequences for Christ? What are we willing to pour out as a blessing to Christ this week as we pursue a life that is pleasing to Him?

Yesterday we were seeking couples to help serve in a particular area of need this weekend during our Easter services. One young couple said, "Pastor Steve, we'll serve at any service you want us to." I said, "Great! Which one are you attending?" To which they replied, "All three."

Extravagant? I don't think so...neither would Jesus. What are we willing to pour out so that we will bless others? No sacrifice is too expensive for the King!

Easter Week - Monday's Clue to Pursue

2009-04-07T18:08:00.006-05:00

On Monday of Passover Week, Jesus cursed the fig tree. Why?

In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up. The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” Matthew 21:18-22 (NLT)

Figs are the fruit of the fig tree. According to the Bible Background Commentary, figs appear first, then the leaves or at least, the figs and leaves will appear about the same time. The fact that there were leaves indicated there should have been figs; even though they might have been green, they would have been there.

The lesson for Jesus' disciples is simply this: Figs should be on fig trees. Leaves alone are like saying, I have fruit, but yet none appears. Certainly Israel professed religion, but there was no true fruit for they had rejected Christ, the Messiah. Faith for the Christian means a fruitful life. Jesus is teaching his disciples, then and now, that a life that professes Christ (leaves on the tree) will be marked by faith (figs-fruit) as proof of it.

Who are you praying for and inviting to Easter services and to Christ? May God give you figs (fruit) for your faithfulness.

THE GENOCIDE OF SILENCE

2009-04-03T11:03:00.003-05:00

The following is an excerpt for the book As We Forgive: Stories of Reconciliation from Rwanda by Catherine Claire Larson.

“The gash across the face of Emmanuel Mahuro, a seventeen year-old Rwandan native, is no longer an open wound. Today, like a jagged boundary line on a map, a scar juts down the plateau of his forehead, across the bridge of his nose, and up the slope of his right cheek. It is impossible to look into Emmanuel’s eyes without seeing this deep cut, a mark of division etched across his face — and the face of Rwanda — fifteen years after the genocide.

My first reaction to such scars is to avert my eyes. But to look away from Emmanuel’s scars is to look away from him. Strangely, as my eyes adjust to Emmanuel’s face, there is an impulse, not to recoil, but to follow the line of the scar across his skin. Emmanuel’s scar testifies to two realities. It is a witness to the human capacity for evil. To look at it is to hear it scream the brutality of an April that aches in the memory of an entire people. Yet his scar testifies to another truth: the stunning capacity of humans to heal from the unthinkable. To trace that scar is to discover the hope of a people who, despite losing everything, are finding a way to forge a common future for Rwanda.

On April 28, 1994 Christine Shelley, spokeswoman for the State Department, was asked whether what was happening in Rwanda was a genocide. She responded, “…the use of the term ‘genocide’ has a very precise legal meaning, although it’s not strictly a legal determination. There are other factors in there as well.” Meanwhile, the State Department issued a secret intelligence report identifying the killings as genocide.

March 15, 1998 President Clinton apologized to Rwandan genocide victims, saying, ‘We did not act quickly enough after the killing began . . . We did not immediately call these crimes by their rightful name: genocide.’”

Copied From As We Forgive: Stories of Reconciliation from Rwanda by Catherine Claire Larson

April 7, 2009 marks the 15th anniversary of the genocide of Rwanda. And to think, it could have been averted had people who held the power to do something about it wouldn’t have turned their backs and walked away. Had they called it ‘genocide’ from the beginning, the very word would have mandated the calling in of peace keeping forces…but they would not speak the truth, therefore because of the unwillingness to say the word ‘genocide’ more than 800,000 Rwandan’s lost their lives.

As I read this story my heart broke from the continued ‘genocide’ that is going on in our world today, not only as millions of innocent people are dragged from their homes and killed, but the genocide of the heart. We have the Peace Maker on board in our hearts if indeed we are followers of Christ, but we have to care enough, to be aware enough, that we will open our eyes to the plight of all those around us who do not know Christ as Lord. Satan’s greatest desire according to John 10:10 is to “…steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” Jesus said however, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Paul said, "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:13 (NKJV)

As we consider the question Paul presents next, let us “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Heb 10:24) for Paul said the way to prevent the genocide of those not yet in Christ, is to care enough to tell them, to invite them, to help them to hear the greatest story ever told this Easter. Don’t keep quiet, while those around you die.

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:14 (NKJV)

He is Risen Indeed! Go now, and tell!

NO APRIL FOOLS HERE!

2009-04-01T17:05:00.003-05:00

Jim Elliot was a missionary who, along with three other men, gave their lives which were poured out as a sacrifice to Christ while trying to bring the Gospel to the Auca Indians in Ecuador. But know this: Jim and his fellow missionaries were no April fools. Jim wrote these powerful words in his diary and I challenge us with them today:

How true those words are: He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose. What are we willing to give of ourselves in order to get someone to the Gospel of Christ this Easter? Be sure to give away your "txt phones" and invite many to come hear the Good News this Easter! Services are Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. Bring friends to all three!

Influenced by a Smiley Face

2009-03-30T04:00:00.002-05:00

A Story of Influence

As we close this series on the Domino Effect, I want to share with you a blessing I received yesterday as Debbie, who is a nurse and member of TVCC, shared her story of the difference a smile can make...even something as simple as a smiley face.

Debbie had been treated for cancer several years ago and had undergone chemotherapy. As a result, she had experienced the loss of her hair and was totally bald. Debbie works for a doctor and is responsible to mail patients the results of their lab work. After the chemotherapy, Debbie's signature on the paperwork had a personalized drawing of a smiley face, bald but complete with eyes, ears, nose - and of course, a smile.

As with many things that take us extra time, Debbie began to wonder if the time it took to draw the smiley face really made any difference. That's when she received the call. The receptionist said, "I don't know if this lady's crying or laughing but she insists on talking to you." Debbie answered the phone and she discovered the lady on the other end was doing both. She shared with Debbie how that she was having one of the worst days of her life; down in the dumps, depressed, and a general all around rotten day - until she opened Debbie's letter and saw her contagious smiley face.

They both began to laugh and weep together as the story unfolded of the important uplift she'd received just at the right time; all because of a little - seemingly insignificant - smiley face.

Don't ever take your opportunity to influence others for granted. It really is the small, smiley faces of life that God uses to lift our spirits and our hearts, just when we need it the most.

Thanks Debbie! And keep on smiling for the glory of God!

Pastor Steve

What Influence?

2009-03-27T11:17:00.003-05:00

So how's the week finding you? I hope it's been great and you're ready for a supercharged time of celebration this Sunday. I know Gene and the team have been getting all revved up and ready to go.

Carlton & I will teach together this weekend; not just tag team, but together. We're looking forward to teaching you how to play one of, if not the most important domino of your life - YOUR INFLUENCE. We're all influencing someone. The only question is, how? This is what God's Word tells us about our influence:

“Let your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.” Matt. 5:16 (CEV)

“You are to influence them; do not let them influence you!” Jer. 15:19 (NLT)

Our problem is not that we don't have anything to use to influence others. Our problem is that many Christ followers have never taken the time to figure out what God has given them and how He wants to use it. And worse still, we're letting the world influence us! God asked this question of Moses:

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘What is that in your hand?’ ‘A staff,’ he replied. God said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’” Ex. 4:2 (NIV)

That day, something as simple as a staff became the rod of God. The question is not, if you have a life of influence, but will you allow God to have it and make it a special instrument for Him to use to help and free others?

See you at the INFLUENCING PLACE this weekend! And of course, THE QUESTION: Who are you influencing to come with you to TVCC this Sunday? Join us to discover how to use the influence God has placed in "your hand" for His glory.

Sunday's Monday Download

2009-03-23T13:01:00.002-05:00

March 23, 2009

We had another great weekend at TVCC. We had two great times of celebration and praise and if you weren't with us for the teaching time, you can go to our web site where it will be posted by Wednesday. We learned what the statement means, To understand why, submit and apply. Here are some stats from the weekend:

Five indicated commitments toward Christ
Six first time guests
Three volunteered to serve
Three want to be in a Life Group
Many indicated they WOULD take the challenge...To understand why, submit and apply
We had nine who joined us for Discovering How to Connect @ TVCC and also joined our family here. We're excited to see how God is going to serve others through them here at TVCC and in the community as well.
We introduced our Easter theme of TXT- God Has a Message for You! Be sure and pass on all the TXT announcements, twitters, emails, etc. that you receive. What a great opportunity to invite others to Easter at TVCC TXT = ETVCC

Pastor Steve

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Reminders:
DON'T FORGET - 2009 is the Year of The Bible for TVCC. Keep reading, pressing on, and applying the Word of God to your life everyday. Keep journaling - DON'T GIVE UP! Wherever you are on the journey, keep it up. If you've not started yet, today is a great time to turn off the TV, open your Bible, and spend time with God through His Word.

YOU GOTTA READ THE DOMINO STORIES THAT ARE STILL COMING IN! The fourth round, as well as many first, second, and third round God stories are coming in and what a blessing they are. If you have yet to give your domino away along with the blessing it extends, go to our web site and share your story, get involved and share the blessing! You can follow this link to the site at: http://www.tvccdominoeffect.us/index.htm

An Easter Conversation

2009-03-16T21:38:00.002-05:00

March 17, 2009

Easter is April 12 and I'm so excited! Why is Easter such a big deal? Is it just something that happened 2000 years ago? Was Easter only for me or should it make a difference through me?

Too many times we only think of Easter as something God did for us. While He has indeed given Christ for us as the greatest gift ever through His death, burial, and resurrection, God wants Easter to come alive through us as well. Everything Jesus did for us, He wants to do through us.

This is my challenge to you this Easter: CHANGE!

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Change the way you think - about those you know who need a life changing relationship with Christ.

Just remember this for today: Easter is for us and its effect is to be seen through us. God wants to use you to impact the lives of others. Join us here for this important conversation as we catch God's wave and build momentum toward Easter during the next five weeks.

Sunday's Monday Download

2009-03-09T11:43:00.002-05:00

March 9, 2009

YOU GOTTA READ THE DOMINO STORIES THAT ARE COMING IN! The second round, as well as many first round God stories are coming in and what a blessing they are. If you have yet to give your domino away along with the blessing it extends, go to our web site and share your story, get involved and share the blessing! You can follow this link to the site at: http://www.tvccdominoeffect.us/index.htm
God really blessed us yesterday through everything He taught us as we worshipped, praised, and rejoiced in Him. We serve an awesome God!
We had 3 cards indicating first time guests
2 new volunteers for the set-up & take-down team
A mom and her son signed up for the mission trip to the Dominican Republic in June
3 signed up for the next Discovering How to Connect at TVCC (101)

Be sure to say a prayer today for the family of pastor Fred Winters of First Baptist Church, Maryville, ILL who was shot and killed as he was preaching yesterday morning. Pray for the church and their healing and for the strength to continue on. Also pray that we will all be more diligent in spreading the Gospel of Christ, the only cure for a people and a nation who stand in dyer need of a life and world changing relationship with Jesus Christ.

May God bless you and pour Himself through you this week as your life contacts others on the way, and you truly experience the domino effect for the glory of God.

The Domino Effect of Choice

2009-03-06T14:18:00.003-06:00

Although we're not talking about finances this weekend, we all know that the domino effect really works when it comes to doing the right thing with our money. This week Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church had a great article on how to get out of debt. During these tough days we're all facing, we would do well by enacting a plan in our personal finances that will get us out of the bondage of being a slave to indebtedness. The domino effect of reducing and ridding yourself of debt will greatly impact your family, your marriage, and faithfulness to God's direction and purpose for your life.

Eight steps to getting out of debtby Rick Warren

There's no doubt personal debt has played a key role in the current financial crisis. You've got people in your church who are hurting - badly. And debt isn't just impacting our congregations; it's impacting the pulpits as well. How do we get out from under it? We've got to commit to eight steps and help our members do the same. [more]

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This Weekend at TVCC - Choosing Life or Death
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Last week we started our new series, The Domino Effect. We discovered that love will always involve choices. As Adam and Eve made their choice, they provided the backdrop for all of our lives and gave us a lasting portrait of the value of every decision. Join us this weekend as we discover the domino effect of our choices: Life & Blessings or Death & Curses. All of our choices have consequences, either good or bad. So...choose life!

See you this weekend,

Pastor Steve

2009-03-02T16:50:00.003-06:00

On March 1st we launched a new series called The Domino Effect. When one thing happens, regardless of whether it is good or bad, there is certain to be a Domino Effect that is to follow. This thought process began as we witnessed the mass exodus from Murray and much of Western Kentucky as they poured in to Puryear, Paris, and the Paris Landing areas to find food, water, gasoline, and other supplies they needed to get them through the storm.

As I thought about this I realized that what we were all experiencing was The Domino Effect, i.e. every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Be sure that you join us for this series as we answer questions that we all face each and every day. Each week during this series, I’ll post a different set of questions relating to the upcoming topic.

If you can't join us in person you can listen to the sermon on our website, or download the mp3. You can also print out a copy of the sermon notes so you can follow along and fill in the answers as you go. Just follow this link: http://www.tvcc.us/onlinesermons.htm.

To watch this weeks sermon or to watch other sermons from our archives, follow this link: http://www.tvcc.us/sermons/onlinesermonplayer.html. Sermons are posted by Wednesday each week.

2009-02-19T16:47:00.003-06:00

February 19, 2009

How are you being used by God? "Oh, I'm not a pastor or missionary so God can't use me." REALLY? If that's so, I wonder what Jesus meant when he said, "In the same way that you gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world." John 17:18 (Mes)

Why do you need to be on Mission with God?

God's mission is recession proof - it always has His supply
God's mission is fool proof - it depends on God's wisdom, not yours
God's mission is lasting proof - of His eternal love for everyone

Too many times we give up with a case of the "poor me's" rather than getting in and fighting the good fight. Remember, when you surrender to your desires rather than keeping your life pure before God, you're asking for heaping piles of trouble. "But I'm not good enough...." Remember what my friend John at TVCC said,

"Once I realized God could use my failures, there was no limit to what He could do through my life."

All of us need to heed Paul's words to Timothy:

Timothy, you belong to God, so keep away from all these evil things. Try your best to please God and to be like him. Be faithful, loving, dependable, and gentle. Fight a good fight for the faith and claim eternal life. God offered it to you when you clearly told about your faith, while so many people listened. Now I ask you to make a promise. Make it in the presence of God, who gives life to all, and in the presence of Jesus Christ, who openly told Pontius Pilate about his faith. Promise to obey completely and fully all that you have been told until our Lord Jesus Christ returns. 1 Timothy 6:11-14 (CEV)

See you at the MISSION"S MISSION place this weekend!

Pastor Steve

Amy's Prayer Lesson

2009-02-09T14:43:00.003-06:00

Hello,

I wanted to share with you how my prayer lesson continued after I left church. I guess God knew I needed a little more instruction. My son and I went down to the lake to go walking and stopped to rest. Well, I was sitting quietly on a rock while my son was throwing rocks into the water. He looked up to me and asked what I was doing I told him I was praying. And he looked at me like I was crazy and said, "In your head?" To which I responded, "Yes". He then come over to me and told me with 3 year-old enthusiasm to "Pray Loud, Momma!". Which he demonstrated for me by very LOUDLY thanking God for the rocks, the sun, water, etc. It was awesome. Lesson learned.

Amy

TXT Series

2009-02-02T13:02:00.002-06:00

So what's the big deal about TXT?

It's a new series we're going to be starting this Easter and yes you guessed it; it's about TXT, but not as you'd think. It's not about the txt-ing we're all doing but about a relevant way to connect the body of TVCC, along with all of our friends and contacts, about the most important event in history, i.e. the resurrection of Christ. How's it going to work?

We will be sending out messages via a relatively new message service called Twitter. It is a way for everyone who signs up to be connected to the staff's message each day. It may be a prayer request, a scripture verse, thought for the day, but always something that will be a connecting point for those following along. Then, as you let your ENTHUSIASM spread to others and get them to sign up as well, we will all ride God's naturally created wave of excitement and motion toward this wondrous event known as Easter, which is the highest attendance day in churches of all other days.

Thanks for signing up as a part of our test team. We know you will help the numbers to grow as we anticipate what God is going to do as we teach about the greatest TXT ever written: God's Word!

Is There Hope For America?

2009-01-29T15:16:00.004-06:00

January 29, 2009

This weekend I'll start a new series I'm calling Recession or Revival - Is there hope for America? We've started a new year and we're being led by a new administration. Paul gave us instructions about what we're to do for our leaders:

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.1 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)
These certainly are unusual times - the worst of times according to the experts, that this nation has seen in sixty-nine years. Those who are leading us certainly have their hands full. From bailouts to bombings to Baghdad and back home again; where's it all going to end and how? No doubt we're in a recession but every recession is an opportunity for revival!

Join us this weekend as we start this new series and find out if there's any hope in this time of need. Bring a friend with you. This is a great opportunity to invite someone because everyone, and I mean everyone is interested in the subtitle of this series, Is there hope for America?

Stay safe, stay warm, and we hope to see you and someone you're willing to invest in and bring with you this weekend.

Pastor Steve

Updates on 2009 "Year of The Bible" & TVCC'S New Campus

2009-01-25T23:06:00.002-06:00

"I've tried before (to read the Bible through) and I just couldn't get through it!" If you've said this (I have) then I want to encourage you: TRY AGAIN! Why? Because there's no replacement for reading God's Word; the key is the plan.

Be sure and get a modern translation of the Bible to read. The New Living Translation (NLT) is a good, readable, modern day Bible we use at TVCC.

Do four things and see what a difference it makes:

1. PRAY and ask God to meet with you as you read and help you to understand.
2. DO the reading plan from our Life Journals (You can pick them up at Mineral Wells Monday-Friday or Connection Point on Sunday $7 ea.) . It only takes a few minutes a day to read the three or so chapters and it's Old & New Testament each day with some Psalms and Proverbs interspersed.
3. PICK out ONE verse that speaks to you and write it in your journal, think about it then write what you believe it meant to the people it was written to. Next write what it means to you and if there's a way it can apply to your life now, and then write a simple, one sentence prayer to God, thanking Him and asking for His power to live out what the verse spoke to your life.
4. DON'T STOP! Even if you miss a day (I'm one day behind now!) it doesn't matter; just keep at it! There is no substitute for a love relationship with God and there's no way to have it without Christ as your Lord and the Bible, God's Word as your guide.

Each day, you will encounter God as you read. When you sense God speaking through the Bible, that is the ENCOUNTER with GOD! When you hear Him speaking to you, be willing to ADJUST your life to what He has just shown you, OBEY Him, and then as Henry Blackaby says, "You will EXPERIENCE God." If I can help you with this in any way or if you have questions, please email me at pastorsteve@tvcc.us and I'll get right back with you. This is just too valuable for you to miss!

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GREAT NEWS!
Construction began Friday on our new campus at 2500 E. Wood Street! Be praying for low cost, high efficiency, and for the project to be completed as quickly as possible. Especially pray that God will be preparing our hearts and minds so that WE will ALL recognize the full scope of the mission He has for TVCC as we reach out to our community and world with the Good News that Jesus Christ has a super trade-in program, regardless of the economy:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest.
Matthew 11:28 (MSG)

Movin' On With Christ!

Pastor Steve

TVCC-Wii Channel Upload

2009-01-05T16:05:00.002-06:00

What a great weekend! Wow - you guys are great and I wanted to give you a quick update on our Wii Channel Upload from the TVCC communication cards.

6 indicated committing their lives to Christ
5 first time guest
3 second time guest
1 volunteered to serve
5 signed up for class 101
9 signed up for life groups
7 signed up for Sunday morning Celebrate Recovery step study
6 want information on Dominican Republic Mission trip
26 attended the journaling class Sunday afternoon

My challenge to the overwhelming response from yesterday's message is this: What will you do with what God taught you? Will you keep your thimble out or will you pull out the 30 gallon container and say, "God fill me up and then pour me out"? Don't let Satan snatch the word from your life. The only way this or any other teaching will become act-tive in your life is to act upon it. Acting upon it is also the only way you'll ever experience the manifested presence of Christ. Jesus gave us these instructions in the fourteenth chapter of John.

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest (reveal) Myself to him." John 14:21 (NKJV) (Emphasis mine)

This week, practice being a WE church focusing on others, helping others, inviting others, rather than a ME church only focusing on yourself.

Also, if you didn't get to attend the journaling class, it will be offered again at our Mineral Wells location Tuesday, January 6 and 13 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. and again Sunday, January 25 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

And remember, WE are better together!

Thirty-Six Years Today

2008-12-29T20:44:00.018-06:00

To one gorgeous lady. I'm so thankful to God for Marylin and that He had the great wisdom to give me a partner who would stand with me and by me. One who would be the greatest soul mate and friend. I couldn't have the life I have today, nor enjoy any measure of the blessings I've been privileged to enjoy without her in my life; this I'm sure of.

So as the old song says, this is dedicated to the one I love - my wife of 36 years today, Marylin. I love you babe!

Always and forever,

Steve

The Joy of God

2008-12-09T14:41:00.004-06:00

How Can I have It?

This week, I want to drill down deeper on this subject of joy. After the overwhelming response to the teaching on God's Gift of Joy, I realize there are so many who are struggling in this area of life.

Let's begin with the area of repentance. Is it the cause or effect of salvation? Repentance is not simply feeling sorry for my sins. Here is a great definition for repentance:

To change; to turn; to change one's mind; to turn one's life. It is a turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is a change of mind, a forsaking of sin. It is putting sin out of one's thoughts and behavior. It is resolving never to think or do a thing again. (Cp. Matthew 3:2; Luke 13:2-3; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 8:22; Acts 26:20.) - Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary

But be very careful here, for repentance is not the cause of your forgiveness and therefore your joy, it is the result! Listen to these words from Oswald Chambers:

The only reason for the forgiveness of our sins by God, and the infinite depth of His promise to forget them, is the death of Jesus Christ. Our repentance is merely the result of our personal realization of the atonement by the Cross of Christ, which He has provided for us.

The Apostle Paul said it this way:

Everything that we have-right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start-comes from God by way of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:30 (MSG)

Then Oswald concludes his thought by saying:

Once we realize that Christ has become all this for us, the limitless joy of God begins in us. And wherever the joy of God is not present, the death sentence is still in effect. So, is there an area of your life where you're not experiencing joy? If there is, it's because you have not yet realized that attitude or mind set's death in you by its death in the sacrifice of Christ.

You can have a fresh start today by taking that fear, relationship, anger, depression, hurt, hang-up, or habit, or whatever it may be and literally receive God's joy over it through the Cross of Christ.

Joyfully!

Pastor Steve

Coming Next: Satan's Attempts to Destroy Our Joy

Unwrapping God's Gifts

2008-12-03T15:42:00.002-06:00

God's Gift of Joy

This week we unwrap week two of our new series, Unwrapping God's Gifts. As I've been preparing this message for Sunday, God's Gift of Joy, God has really burdened my heart for so many that we the body of TVCC know that aren't very joyful these days. We're living in tough economic times and humanly speaking, the days are uncertain; but not so with God.

Paul gives us our text for this weekend in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, "Always be joyful." Paul could say that because he knew that with God, days are not uncertain and that the times couldn't get too tough for anyone who depended on God for every answer to life's successes or problems.

You all know that the heartbeat of TVCC is for those who either have no joy because they don't know the source of joy, Jesus Christ or because of hard times and they've forgotten the true source of joy is found only in Jesus - the greatest gift ever! God has given me a burden for them and I pray that burden will be passed on to you as well.

Now, here's the challenge: You know them. They're all around you every day. Why not offer them a great gift this very weekend as you invite them and bring them with you to one of our worship services so they can find or recapture the joy of life in Christ? It's the best you can do for them; it's the greatest gift you'll ever give.

See you at the UNWRAPPING Place this Sunday!

Pastor Steve

New Series - Unwrapping God's Gifts

2008-11-27T18:35:00.003-06:00

God's gifts to us are powerful and they're unmistakable! During this five week series we're going to unwrap five particular gifts that He guarantees every believer: Strength, Joy, Purpose, Jesus, and Hope. The holidays are very lonely for many people; especially those who don't know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives. Friends don't take no for an answer - drag them with you, bribe them with lunch plans, do whatever it takes to introduce them to Christ this Christmas.

Feeling Separated from God?

2008-11-14T14:35:00.001-06:00

Paul poses a question to the early believers which we've been considering the last two weeks.

Here is the question:

Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? Romans 8:35 (NLT)

Here is the awesome answer:

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NLT)

Our God, who wants us to never be separated from him, offers us the power of Christ that we might have the ability to overcome 'stuff' we couldn't overcome without his power. With the message this weekend we learn that committing to God's program and immersing ourselves in the spiritual disciplines prepares us to carry the conquering spirit into whatever the circumstances of life, that we might progress along the spiritual growth continuum with the intention of becoming fully Christ-centered.

This weekend we will conclude the series but for most of us, the journey of Romans 8 has just begun and will continue for as long as we're willing to drill down deep into the depths of God's word. Bring someone with you who needs to know and experience that Inseparable love of the Father who loved us and gave Himself for us.

See you at the Inseparable Place this weekend!

Pastor Steve

One Week Later...

2008-11-11T11:03:00.004-06:00

Welcome to our new First Family! It's one week later and some are happy and others, not so happy. What do we do now that the elections are over? We have a new President and God has given us these responsibilities:

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity-the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:1-5 (NLT)

So what are we to do?

Pray for them as they lead
Pray that God would meet their needs
Thank God for them

And notice that what we are to live in ways that are pleasing to God, marked by "godliness and dignity" so that the end result will not bring praise to an office or a country but to the only One worthy of true praise and honor, our Mediator who is the One who can "reconcile God and humanity - the man Christ Jesus." Why? "So that everyone will be saved."

Our true salvation is in the Lord and there is no other. Let us then join together and do our part as we first, live righteously and then out of that life, pray for those in authority over us.

Amen.

Pastor Steve

FP 40 Cause & Effect

2008-10-31T09:43:00.005-05:00

Getting it Straight

I can’t believe 40 days have gone by already. What a blessing FIREPROOF the movie has been and will continue to be to literally hundreds of thousands of people who have turned their lives around, solidified their marriages and relationships, and set them on a path toward God as never before.

What I hope you’ve gained out of all of this is how passionate your personal relationships can be as a result of a passionate, loving, giving God who calls each one of us up higher, and causes us to realize that He alone can fireproof our hearts, our homes, and our lives.

I have had so many who’ve responded to this email series with positive strides in their Christian journey that I’m considering continuing in some format with a daily, quick scripture teaching or summary of some type. If you’d like to receive these mailings, I’m going to set up a new mailing list for it. I don’t want to assume that everyone wants them in their inbox in whatever frequency we decide to send them out so if you’d like to be included on the mailing list for this, CLICK HERE and you can send us an email to that effect. Our regular mailing list will remain as is and will go back to being used for special or weekly announcements and time sensitive communications for TVCC’s family of supporters.

For today’s FP 40, let’s pick up where we left off yesterday. The key to living a life of faith through the power of the Spirit is not being confused about what is the cause and what is the effect of our salvation.

For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. Romans 5:10 (NLT)

We are saved one way and one way only: Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have absolutely nothing to do with what He accomplished; it was His sacrifice alone – not ours. Jesus caused us to have the availability of this new relationship as He opened the pathway to the Father for us. Jesus caused sin to have no more power over us as He broke the chains of darkness and death that were held by Satan and his minions. Jesus caused unbroken fellowship for each one who will accept the gift of eternal life, which begins at conversion and last forever.

So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21 (NLT)

What did we have to do with that? Nothing! As the old song says, Jesus paid it all! So what’s our part and how do we get it? The best thought process to describe our part is to surrender, submit, or yield.

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)

As Oswald Chambers said in My Utmost for His Highest, “I am not saved by believing – I simply realize I am saved by believing. And it is not repentance that saves me – repentance is only the sign that I realize what God has done through Christ Jesus.” (October 28th, My Utmost for His Highest)

So today, don’t be defeated by trying to do what only Jesus could and can do – namely, save us. No amount of belief or repentance or any other “works” can gain you eternal life. If it could then every moment of doubt and every episode of sin, no matter how minor or major, would remove us from His all encompassing love and salvation.

For further study read Ephesians 2:8-10 to see the cause in verses 8 and 9 as well as the effect in verse 10.

Till Next Time,

Pastor Steve

http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://bible.christianity.com/
http://bibleresources.bible.com/

FP 39 The Bible – Digging Down

2008-10-30T14:34:00.003-05:00

A Practical Study

Okay, I know these are a little longer than usual but they’re worth the extra time to learn how to really begin to dig into God’s Word so let’s “dig” in!

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

This week we’ve talked a lot about reflecting on God’s Word rather than just reading it. The key to all of our relationships is to understand them against the backdrop of our lives as they relate to God first and others second. Too many times we’re trying to live a “Christian” life in a worldly way and then when our marriages or friendships don’t work out, we turn to God and ask Him why He let them fail. The failure didn’t happen in the relationship with others first; the failure happened because one or both individuals failed to live the Spirit led life!

While any contact with God is good such as prayer, meditation, serving, and reading daily devotionals, nothing will move you into a deeper walk with God and others like taking time to dig down deep into His Word. But how do you do that?

Today let’s take just a moment and practice digging down on the passage from yesterday but before we do, let me give you the first key to digging down deep. Pray! Stop and ask God to guide your thoughts and to help you understand His Word and apply it to your life and relationships right now. Tell Him that you desire to live the Spirit led life and to produce fruit that will last and be a blessing to Him and to others. Amen! Now - Galatians 5:16-26.

The desired result God has for His children is that we would yield our lives daily to His Holy Spirit in us and produce His fruit. How do we know this? As you study the entire passage slowly, methodically, reading it aloud, let the movement of the words drive you as you listen to what God is telling you while you read. Notice this:

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. Galatians 5:16 (NLT)

I’ve underlined the key phrases for you (it’s good to do so in your Bible as well) which are the keys to producing the fruit of the Spirit in your life. How do we begin to live in ways that are pleasing to God and stop the frustration of the double life? Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives, it’s that simple. When you do, THEN you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. There’s always a cause and effect to all of our actions. Tomorrow we’ll talk about not getting the two confused!

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

Here are some links to a few really great study tools but don’t use the commentaries until after you’ve prayed, read, meditated, and allowed God to speak to you first, then click on the helps:

http://www.biblegateway.com
http://bible.christianity.com/
http://bibleresources.bible.com

FP 38 The Bible Inside

2008-10-29T12:18:00.002-05:00

Good Fruit

Why is Bible study so important? And why is it so important that you reflect on God's Word and not just read it? I believe the Psalmist gives us the answer:

I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won't sin myself bankrupt. Psalm 119:11 (MSG)

The imagery is very clear. Whatever I deposit in the vault of my heart is what I will withdraw into the conversations of my life. The result of placing God's Word in our hearts through meditation and memorization is that when relationship challenges come, and they will come, we will be able make wise decisions based upon sound biblical principles rather than "sin (yourself) bankrupt" by yielding to the flesh instead of the spirit. Let me explain.

Hal, a pastor friend of mine asked the question, "What do you get when you squeeze an orange?" His reply was that we all answer too quickly and incorrectly, "orange juice." What if we hollow out the orange and put grapefruit inside? When you squeeze it you'll get grapefruit juice, not orange juice. What you get out is what is put in. This is why it is so important that we not only read the word, but study it and apply it to our lives. When the pressure is applied and it is applied primarily through relationships, what is in us (our character) comes out of us and if we're not careful it will be bitter. Some people when placed under pressure yield fruits of yelling, lying, hitting, crying, fearing, denying, or any number of other "bad fruits". So what do we do about it?

Hollow out the grapefruit and instead put in the sweet fruit of God's word which will impact our character and be spoken into the relationships in our lives. Here's the good fruit:

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

Notice that the fruit is not naturally in us but is supernaturally placed in us as the Holy Spirit hollows out the bitterness of our past and present lives and instead replaces it with His fruit. Want to know more? Here's a passage for further study today that, when placed in your heart will drastically change and impact your life for God's glory and your good. Again, just in case you don't have a Bible next to you I've included the link for you Galatians 5:16-26.

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 37 The Bible - Getting Started

2008-10-28T14:56:00.003-05:00

Reflection vs Reading

Sunday we learned that most things in life are much easier once someone teaches us how to do them vs trying to figure it out on our own. The best way to learn how to be successful in relationships is to get into God's word. According to Howard & William Hendricks in Living By The Book, some of the excuses for not being in the Bible are:

I don't know how
I'm just a layman
I just don't have the time
I have my doubts about the Bible
I just can't seem to make it interesting

And there are hundreds more I'm sure. But whatever your excuse for not taking time each day to delve into God's word, I want to ask you to put your excuse on the back burner for a while and make reflecting on God's word each day a primary goal of your life.

The difference between reflecting and reading is, well - everything. It's like reading directions to get somewhere vs reading a letter from a very dear friend. Remember those letters? You know, we wrote them on paper then we folded them and stuck them in an envelope, gave them to the postman, and off went our sentiments, our emotions, and our love. Come on, folks! Who gets excited over directions? Directions are used to get you somewhere and then you're through with them; nonemotional, noncommittal, non-threatening - they're just directions.

But when you read a letter, oh the feeling, the emotion, the anticipation for what comes next. It's a different world when we reflect rather than just read because reflecting is "sweeter than honey" and a "delight" as we take to heart what we read and study it, meditate on it, and remember it.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103 (ESV)

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2 (NKJV)

Why not start today with Psalm 8 and reflect on the beauty, excellence and majesty of God. More to come!

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 36 The Bible

2008-10-27T12:24:00.001-05:00

Centerpiece of the Home

What is a centerpiece? According to the online dictionary it is:

1. an ornamental object used in a central position, esp. on the center of a dining-room table.2. the central or outstanding point or feature.So what is the centerpiece that is on display in you so that others recognize it as the central or outstanding point or feature of your life?

Nothing, absolutely nothing will impact your home, your personal life, and your relationships like God's word. That's why we're constantly challenging you to read it, study it, memorize it, meditate on it, and get it into your daily routine of life.

Now that sounds a little suspect doesn't it? Make the Bible a part of your "daily routine"? Indeed! This is the fact you need to grasp today. Until your love for God and your time to meet with Him on a daily basis is so much a part of your life that it is routine, it will be sporadic at best and the outcome will be dismal. Christ will never feel at home in your heart, and your roots will not "grow down into God's love and keep you strong." (Ephesians 3:17)

So get started today and let God's word become the centerpiece in your home. Remember, whatever you set up as most precious will be that thing that others notice as being first and of utmost importance in your life. What is your centerpiece? More to come!

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 35 Under the Umbrella

2008-10-26T19:03:00.002-05:00

The place of safety

There is a place of safety. Not from everything the world brings against us, nor from everything Satan brings against us. But a place of safety that is protected from the internal destruction which comes as a result of coming out from under God's plan and design for mankind. Just what is this umbrella?

It is doing things God's way because He said so, because God is a God of order, and His order works. The Biblical order is very simple. God created man and placed him over his home and family. This is to be his priority, second only to his allegiance to God. Then, from man's side, He took woman and placed her alongside him to submit herself to God underneath the umbrella of man's protection and love. Next, as children are born into this union, they are to be underneath the nurture and care of dad and mom who are each under the appropriate umbrella, all coming together under God's umbrella of protection and purpose.
Envision if you will, each umbrella opened underneath the one over it, and then imagine what happens anytime one of these umbrellas are removed from God's designed order, not of hierarchy, but of protection and nurturing and care. You become, whether husband, wife, or child who has a rebellious spirit that demands your way over God's way, open to every possible evil and divisiveness known to man. When you remove yourself as a parent, you're exposing the rest of your family to destruction at worst and defilement at best, because God's way will not be mocked. Our lives cannot stand apart from the all-encompassing umbrella of His Word.

So stay under the umbrella! Don't try to do things apart from God's way. It just won't work. Instead "whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV)

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (ESV)

This was God's instructions for Israel and it is for us today as well. May we be faithful to uphold the umbrella of God's instructions for us as His people.

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 34 The Heart of the Home

2008-10-25T08:40:00.002-05:00

For Women Only II

Why do I say women are the heart of the home? Why is this character trait to be guarded and protected without apology? Because it's God's created plan. To put it simply; He made her that way, and any time we get outside God's created natural order of things, we're headed for danger. Let me explain.

Dad's the "come on - get up - that didn't hurt" guy. Mom is the "it'll be okay - does your 'ouie' need a bandage - let me kiss it and make it better" gal. Both are necessary to complete the heart of the child; one to help them get up and the other to help them get through.

One of the great pictures of love comes from that of Christ Himself when He said, speaking of Jerusalem,

"How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me. Matthew 23:37 (NLT)

And that love never goes away. It doesn't matter what we do, where we go, or the situation we may find ourselves in, the heart of the home that is centered on Jesus is forever the heart of God seeking, wooing, calling us up to our best, our highest for Him.

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 33 For Women Only

2008-10-24T11:31:00.004-05:00

When Women Love

For the last couple of days, we've been talking about what happens when men exercise their roles with the head (leading) and the heart (loving) of Christ. So what about women both leading and loving? Aren't men and women responsible to be the best they can be at both? Yes! But our breakdown in the 21st century home is that we've left our God-given roles and accepted a standard neither recognized nor designed by God.

This doesn't mean that women don't or can't lead; quite the contrary. Check out the Proverbs 31 woman and you'll see that she is anything but a wallflower who's a "barefoot, pregnant, & in the kitchen" type gal.

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. Proverbs 31:10-11 (ESV)

Why does he trust in her? Well, just read Proverbs 31:10-31 and you'll see. Just in case you don't have a Bible at your side, here is the passage. He trusts in her because of the attitude, example, and love she gives as she serves her family. This is not a lower cast servant role, either. This woman has a lot on the ball. She's involved in agriculture, commerce, real estate; you name it, she does it. But the underlying theme of it all is her heart. More to come in FP 34!

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 32 Seeking Holiness

2008-10-23T12:39:00.002-05:00

For Men Only II

Yesterday we talked about the necessity of leadership in the home and how that God has given men great responsibility in this process - to lead through loving. And if you find yourself as a single parent, male or female in the home, this applies to you as well. There is no insignificant leader when it comes to living and teaching the holiness we are called upon to exhibit in our lives.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

Why is this so important and why is it a promise we need to anchor to? Because God honors His word and a Spirit filled home will be one in which the Spirit of God is honored as the word of God is followed. Holiness is not an option if we would seek His Kingdom above all else.

For the Scriptures say, "You must be holy because I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16 (NLT)

When we seek God's Kingdom above all else, our spouses, children, family and friends will not see us on the throne of our lives, but they will see our lives as reflections of God's love. That means we love with the heart of Christ, we lead with the heart of Christ, we discipline with the heart of Christ and we do business with the heart of Christ. We literally live with as well as out of the heart of Christ. When we do that, we will yield every decision, every statement, every desire up to the will of the Father. As we do, we look more and more like Him and who wouldn't want to exhibit the heart and mind of Christ? Paul tells us to do these two essentials in order to live a holy life:

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 (KJV)

Put on your new nature, created to be like God-truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:24 (NLT)

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 31 For Men Only

2008-10-22T14:10:00.002-05:00

When Men Lead

Okay, I've got a confession to make - I danced (sorry about that Mom - she's reading this!). I didn't just dance, I loved to dance. Marylin loves to dance too (sorry Marylin's dad - he's reading this too!). The thing about dancing is this: Somebody has to lead. So it is in the dance of life as well. Somebody has to lead and if both try to lead, you won't have a dance but a tug-of-war.

Why for men only? Because when it comes to the family, the failure predominantly comes when men fail to lead and women fail to follow in the spiritual growth process of the home. Men, God gave us the charge to lead and lead well. We are to love our wives and encourage them and help them as we care for our children, grandchildren, and the home.

The failure of Christian homes at such an alarming rate has come largely, not as a result of women who failed to follow but of men who failed to lead. I know, I know, nothing is 100%; there are exceptions to every rule. But by-and-large the problem is we as men have dropped the ball when it comes to displaying the head (leading) and the heart (sacrificing) of Christ in our God established roles. So what's the answer? Simple:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

Easier said than done? We'll talk more on this in FP 32!

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 30 Courteous Encounters

2008-10-21T10:42:00.002-05:00

Opening Doors & Hearts

This week we're talking about the quote from Caleb Holt in the movie FIREPROOF, "Welcome to the new normal." How do we know what is a new normal in our lives. One thing that struck me is this: A new normal for most of us would be to go back to how we treated one another when we were dating.

What were some things we tried to do for each other when dating that too many times goes by the wayside? Here's just a few I thought of:

Calling if you're going to be late
Complementing hair, dress, accessories, etc.
Talking
Listening
Standing when a lady enters the room or approaches the table
Opening her car door or entry way door
Being tender in words and actions

I know, I know - those are old fashioned ideas. But they're good ideas. Actually, they should never go away but be a part of our repertoire in our day-to-day activities of loving, caring and courteously treating one another "out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:21

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere. James 3:17 (TLB)

So if you want to open the hearts of those you care for and love, be courteous and kind in all you do, and you will truly experience courteous encounters of the first kind!

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 29 The Big Ask

2008-10-20T16:31:00.001-05:00

For the Big Tasks

What happens when we truly trust God to move us to a new normal? Well, it really depends on the size of the ask. What do you want God to do? What are you willing to sacrifice in order to see Him do it?

"But wait a minute, Pastor! You said it depends on the size of the ask, and I can certainly ask big. You know, 'ask great things and expect great things.'" Yes I did. But our problem is that we expect God to fix something, i.e. our relationships, without it costing us something in the process. "Fix my wife God!" Or, "God, please do something with this man. You know I certainly can't do anything with him." Or, "God would you please make the people around me more pleasant to deal with?" Take it into any area of life you want to; health, finances, family, home, country, or community. Just remember this: A big ask requires big sacrifices.

If you want your spouse to be more loving, invest more time and energy into them. If you want your work environment to be better, do something to make it that way. Want a godly wife? Pray for her, love her, and appreciate her. Want a godly leader of your home? Pray for him, encourage him, compliment him on the little things and watch him grow!

Do not be lazy but work hard, serving the Lord with all your heart. Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times. Romans 12:11-12 (NCV)

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve

FP 28 A New Normal

2008-10-19T19:50:00.002-05:00

Positioned for Personal Growth

Samuel Chadwick said, "Satan laughs at our good works, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray."

The moment Caleb really got Katherine's attention in the movie FIREPROOF was when he went to his knees in an act of contrition as he told her, "I've asked God to forgive me and He has, and now I ask you to forgive me, too. I was wrong! I was selfish! I made everything about me."

Caleb knew something we all need to learn. The quickest way to the heart of God and those we love is the "new normal" Caleb spoke of when Katherine said to him, "Caleb, this is not normal for you," and he replied, "Welcome to the new normal."

This week I challenge you to work on the new normal by blocking Satan's goal of wrecking your life as you pray and seek God's face in all of your relationships. Maybe you don't need to be on your knees seeking forgiveness (although some may indeed need to), but all of us could use a dose of a new normal of love and consideration for others.

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (ESV)

Until Tomorrow,

Pastor Steve