From the Pastor
"I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." Romans 12:1-5 (NKJV)
As we prepare to begin a new year, I am reminded of how we are individually made and yet collectively assembled together for the purpose of bringing glory and honor to God through His Son. Take a few moments to reread and reflect on the verses above and ask God how you might better fulfill His command to be transformed for the sake of the gospel. As the New Year begins, we will be seeking to provide you with many opportunities to grow in your faith and be better prepared to share the gospel with others. One way will be through small group Bible studies that meet in the homes of willing volunteers. If you are willing to open your home, let me know and I will try to find someone that is willing to facilitate the Bible study. The group that meets in your home will decide which night to meet on, other than Wednesday, of course. Our first study will be taken from the book by Adrian Rodgers, "What Every Christian Ought To Know" and will help each of us to renew our biblical foundations. This book is filled with lots of scriptural studies that will encourage us to dig deeper in the Word of God and be better prepared to defend our faith in the world today. Look for a signup sheet to become a part of this exciting journey through the scriptures.
On Wednesday nights, you will want to join us for another exciting study on prayer as we learn how we can develop an hour of prayer time in our lives that leads us to a closer walk with Jesus. This study may just change how you begin your day. It did for me.
For new members and those who may want to learn more about TSBC before you join, we will be hosting a lunch and new believers/new member's class in January. Watch the bulletin and listen for an announcement soon. This will give you a chance to meet many of our deacons and ask questions about TSBC that will help you to grow in your faith and find that special place of service that God has reserved just for you. Please make plans to join us for this time of growing together.
Watch for other exciting opportunities to grow together in Christ and to serve Him as we live each day. Watch for word on some exciting missions opportunities during the coming year and set aside time to go. One way you can serve the Lord is through being a trained disaster relief volunteer; this doesn't always mean that you have to leave on short, short notice, as many of the recent opportunities to serve have lasted more than 2 or 3 months. Other ways to serve is to help with our food pantry, children's ministry, or VBS. It's never too soon to start making plans, so begin your year by praying and asking God what He has in store for you this year, I promise that if all of us will listen to God's call on our hearts and lives, we will continue to see miracles take place and God sized task accomplished through TSBC.
Amazed by His Love, Forever Saved by His Grace
In Christ, Pastor Curt
