Announcements + Sunday Recap

SERMON RECAP

Our Comforting and Redeeming God

May 21, 2023 || 2 Corinthians 1 || Frank Lundy

MAIN POINT: Suffering is never random, and it is powerful in the hands of a comforting God.

1. Suffering reveals God's character (v. 3)

2. Suffering equips us to comfort others (v. 4)

3. Suffering enriches our intimacy with Christ (v. 5)

4. Suffering deepens our dependence upon God (vv. 6–11)

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKIDS

The heart of TGKids is to help children understand that the Bible is all about Jesus! Below is the story, scripture, and main teaching points from the TGKids lesson, so that you can talk with your kids about what they learned.

Bible Story: The Fall of Israel

Scripture: 2 Kings 17:6–15

Bible Truth: Judgment comes to those who refuse the loving warnings of God.

Where is Jesus: 2 Kings 17:15–17

When you look at Israel’s history, you can see the consequences that came to them when they turned away from the Lord. Their sin got so bad that in the end they were killing their children as sacrifices to their false gods.

God could have completely destroyed all of Israel because of their sin, but he didn’t because he had a plan to save his people. Although the northern kingdom was defeated and captured, God spared Jerusalem in the south. No matter how bad Israel’s sin became, the Lord did not abandon his people because he loved them. Later, when God allowed Jerusalem to be defeated, captured, and taken to Babylon, their captivity would last for only seventy years.

If you want to learn more about TGKids, click the button below!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lemonade on The Lawn

This Sunday, plan to stick around after the service for some refreshing lemonade and even more refreshing fellowship!

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, lawn games, and lunch and let’s enjoy these good gifts together.

Sunday Preview: May 21, 2023 at the YMCA

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Doxology

Call to Worship: Psalm 33:6–9

Praise His Name (Psalm 148)

Indescribable

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:5–6

Bless The Lord O My Soul (Psalm 103)

His Mercy Is More

Sermon: 2 Corinthians 1 // Guest Speaker: Frank Lundy

My Soul Will Wait

Benediction

Announcements + Sunday Recap

SERMON RECAP

None Greater

May 14, 2023 || Genesis 1:1-31 || Walt Alexander

MAIN POINT: There is none greater, we must revere & rely on the Lord alone.

1. God is absolutely sovereign over all life.

2. God creates & rules through his powerful Word.

3. God redeems from darkness to life & chaos to blessing.

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKIDS

The heart of TGKids is to help children understand that the Bible is all about Jesus! Below is the story, scripture, and main teaching points from the TGKids lesson, so that you can talk with your kids about what they learned.

This week, TGKids celebrated Mother’s Day! Thank you to all our wonderful TGC Moms for all you do!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Community Groups this week!

Community Groups meeting this week! For more information about how to connect, click the button below!

Guest Speaker this Sunday!

This Sunday, we welcome Frank Lundy as a guest speaker! Frank is a student at Sovereign Grace’s Pastor’s College.

Sunday Preview: May 14, 2023 at the YMCA

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Doxology

Call to Worship: Psalm 36:7–9

All People That On Earth Do Dwell

Only A Holy God

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:4-6

O Great God

Here I Am To Worship

Baby Dedications

Sermon: Genesis 1:1-31 // In The Beginning

Praise His Name (Psalm 148)

Benediction: Numbers 6;24-26

Baptism Testimony: Dana Tumlin

This past Sunday, we had the joy of hearing a testimony of God’s faithful pursuit of Dana Tumlin. We rejoiced with her as she was baptized to signify her union with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection. The following is what she shared with the church on Sunday:

It is an honor to be here with you today and to have the opportunity to share a few snapshots of Gods grace in my life that have led me to proclaim my faith through baptism today. 

I was baptized at the age of 12. I remember it being a special time but as I think back, I have a clear understanding that that special time was not when I was born again.

Fast forward to the age of 39. 

Kevin and I had been married for seven years when we happily discovered I was pregnant with our second child. The results from the initial ultrasound were not filled with joy and excitement. We were told that the pregnancy was not viable/there was no heartbeat. Confusion and fear set in and the doctor gave us a choice. Either wait for my body to rid itself of the fetus naturally or take a dose of medication that would lessen my discomfort and shorten the process. Although Kevin and I had decided to wait, I was struggling. The idea of taking a single pill to reduce my pain, sickness and fear became very enticing. That’s when the Lord stepped in to show me that He was in control of all of it! Not me! While listening to a sermon about trusting God, I felt God gave me direct instruction to refuse the medication. To wait on Him. One week later a follow up ultrasound revealed the joy of a strong heartbeat!  Alice, our 13 year old daughter, is my precious and constant reminder of the Lord’s control and kindness over my life. 

Through my forties my faith seemed to be growing. I was living a blessed life. Raising two beautiful children, running two businesses that were both successful and flourishing and joyfully returning to the stage to perform with a local ballet company. 

Unfortunately, I was also living out my lifelong habits and sins of selfishness and pride! My marriage was consumed with an underlying tone of frustration and hurt. So much so that I chose to prioritize my children, my businesses and my passions over my husbands needs. As a result we fell into living more like roommates than souls brought together by God. Something had to change and I thought that “something” had to be Kevin! 

Boy was I wrong! As I crept closer to turning 50 the Lord began to show me that the only way to experience God’s fullness in my marriage was to surrender everything!  My selfishness and pride, my successes, my passions and even my strong body. Jesus aligned me with a marriage mentor and surrounded me with a small community of women for support. In a very short amount of time Jesus taught me a great deal about my God given role as a wife. He showed me the tender heart He had placed in Kevin and my responsibility to be his helpmate. My surrendering it all led to my first real sense that the Holy Spirit was working in me and changing me.

In that instant, I believe God caused me to be born again! The Holy Spirit replaced my heart of stone with a heart of flesh! He put in me a heart that desired to please him above all. He put in my heart a desire for my husbands company above everything else! He reprioritized my life! Under God, Kevin became my #1 human assignment, my closest neighbor! The sadness and frustration had been replaced with joy, and a deep desire to continue to grow closer to Jesus. 

Two weeks later, I was struck down with an unexplained herniation in my neck. Excruciating pain and fear threatened to take away the new found joy and peace in my marriage. Kevin and I agreed that we were fighting spiritual warfare! Praise be to God for making us a team ready to fight this battle and win!

Throughout this season, I have seen what can only be described as God’s perfect plan of refining and repurposing my life to glorify Him! 2 months after a full recovery from the neck injury, I focused on regaining my physical strength but the Lord had more He needed me to endure. He blessed (remember that word!) me with the diagnosis of a bone disease that would force me to close my businesses, hang up my passion of performing ballet and greatly reduce my ability to be as physically active as I was accustomed to. 

How does the Lord “bless” someone by removing just about everything that encompassed her identity for most of her life? 

He gave me ABUNDANTLY MORE! I have the love of Jesus. I have His assurance that life in eternity is eminent. I get to have a husband who I adore. I get to have two children who make me proud to be their mother. And I get to have a new calling that requires someone to pinch me everyday - it’s that impactful in the Kingdom! 

God’s not done with me yet! But I am eager and ready to publicly proclaim my trust in him and that He is my Comforter, my Anchor, my Savior!

Announcements + Sunday Recap

SERMON RECAP

The God Who Is There

May 7, 2023 || Genesis 1:1-2 || Walt Alexander

MAIN POINT: Your life is not about you—The meaning of your life is found in the story of God & his gracious covenant.

1. God is eternal.

2. God makes promises—and keeps them.

3. God gives grace.

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKIDS

The heart of TGKids is to help children understand that the Bible is all about Jesus! Below is the story, scripture, and main teaching points from the TGKids lesson, so that you can talk with your kids about what they learned.

Bible Story: Naaman Is Cured

Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1–16

Bible Truth: God welcomes repentant sinners but casts out the hypocrites.

Where is Jesus: 1 Peter 2:24

Just as God healed Naaman, so we look to God for our healing. Peter tells us that we can be healed because of the finished work of Christ. Healing is possible for us because of what Jesus did on the cross. We look to God for our healing from the spiritual sickness of sin as well as physical sickness.

Elisha’s cleansing of Naaman’s leprosy points forward to Jesus and the healing of the lepers in his ministry. In Luke 4:27 Jesus says: “There were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”

Naaman foreshadowed the plan of God to reach the Gentiles with the grace of the gospel.

If you want to learn more about TGKids, click the button below!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TG Youth!

WHAT: 6th-12th graders and parents are welcome to join us at the Luster's House!

WHERE: 2131 Breckenridge St, Athens, TN 37303

Enoch Performance

WHEN: Saturday, May 20, 2023 - 7 pm - Doors open at 6:30 pm

WHERE: The YMCA (205 Knoxville Ave)

TICKETS: Adults $13 and students (ages 6-18) $10, if pre-purchased. Adults $15 and students (ages 6-18) $12 at the door. Ages 5 & under - FREE!

Baby Dedications

We love the kids in our church - and God keeps adding them! We are grateful for these blessings, and we also count it a high privilege to be entrusted with their lives as parents. So, we will have a baby dedication on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14. If you would like to participate, please sign up below.

Sunday Preview: May 7, 2023 at the YMCA

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Doxology

Call to Worship: Psalm 143:5-6

Our Great God

My Soul Will Wait

Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:7-11

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Sermon: Genesis 1:1-2 // The God Who Is There

His Mercy Is More

Baptism

Benediction: Psalm 28:8–9

Pray for Our Global Family: May 2023

We have the joy of partnering with like-minded churches around the world. The following is a brief overview of things to pray for as Sovereign Grace Churches are planted and established in many different countries. The following is the latest prayer update for the month of May:

Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) 

For our family of churches to bear much gospel fruit, as Mark Prater reminded us in his second quarter prayer requests, we must continue to abide in Christ, because apart from him we can do nothing. Jesus’ words capture our utter dependence upon him. Without him, we’ve got no hope. But with him, great things can happen!!

One of the ways that we abide dependently on Christ is through prayer. For Jesus says a couple of verses later in John 15:7, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Asking is a practical expression of abiding dependently on Christ, and so here’s how we can be doing that, together as a family of churches, over the next month…

1. Please continue to pray for the Ark Church in Dnipro, Ukraine asking God to protect them, and to use them to meet practical needs, and to offer gospel hope to people impacted by the way.

2. Please pray for Bob Kauflin & David Zimmer (Sovereign Grace Music), as they lead a SG Worship Matters Intensive in Sydney, Australia, with 19 guys, men from Japan, Philippines and all over Australia (May 3rd-6th).

3. Please pray for our two planned Chinese Church Plants for the US (Charleston & Maryland), for grace, provision, and the raising up of two strong church planting teams. If you are Mandarin speaker yourself, maybe the Lord is calling you to be a part of one of these endeavors?

4. Please pray for Jeff Purswell as he heads to Guadalajara (May 9-11th) to serve at the Mexican Pastors Equipping Retreat. 

5. Please pray for Billy Raies, Steven Avampato, Jeffrey Jo & Pastor Ray as they head to Nepal (May 23-27th) to serve at the NIM Network Conference with our dear friend Barnabas (SG Key Leader in Nepal). Over 400 pastors, wives and missionaries will be present, from 163 different churches. Please pray for grace and wisdom as they speak at this conference, as well as grace and wisdom as they get extended time with Barnabas to think through the next five years of SG Nepal, as we plan together for the future. 

6. Please pray for Ed O’Mara and Rocca Dalia as they look to plant a Sovereign Grace Church in Torino, Italy, later this year. Asking God to provide housing, financial resources, and a Sunday meeting place.

7. Please pray for Dave Taylor & Riley Spring (SG Australia) as they head to Liberia to serve at the Gracelife Pastors & Planters Academy (May 16-23rd), teaching on SG Church Planting. Please pray for safe travels, and receptive and faith-filled hearts. That the Lord's will may be done in these West African Nations, all for His glorious Name.  

Thank you for praying with us. May His grace abound! To subscribe to the monthly Sovereign Grace Missions Newsletter, follow the link below.

Announcements + Sunday Recap

SERMON RECAP

Light On Dark Clouds: Discouragement

April 30, 2023 || 1 Kings 19 || Walt Alexander

MAIN POINT: The losses sustained in suffering are discouraging, but take heart, God is making all things new.

1. Discouragement forgets who God is.

2. Discouragement diminishes strength to face the present.

3. Discouragement despairs of the future.

4. Discouragement encounters God’s kindness & compassion.

5. The way out of discouragement is to humble ourselves & obey.

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKIDS

The heart of TGKids is to help children understand that the Bible is all about Jesus! Below is the story, scripture, and main teaching points from the TGKids lesson, so that you can talk with your kids about what they learned.

Bible Story: Elisha's Ministry

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:13-22, 4:1-7; 6:1-7

Bible Truth: Elisha’s life and ministry point to Christ.

Where is Jesus: 2 Kings 4:32–37

God used Elisha to multiply a widow’s oil, to give a wealthy woman a son, and now here in this story, to raise her son after he dies. The miracles that Elisha performs illustrate God’s power and point to the day when God would send another prophet even greater than Elisha.

When Jesus comes, he also performs miracles. He turns water into wine and multiplies a few fishes and loaves of bread to feed a crowd of more than five thousand. Jesus heals the sick and even raises the dead. Jesus also dies on the cross for our sins and is raised from the dead so that we can have new life. The new life God gave the young boy through Elisha is a small hint of the new life God gives to all his children.

If you want to learn more about TGKids, click the button below!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Membership Class

Saturday, May 6, 2023

For more information and to register for the class, click the button below!

True Contentment

Click the button below for the recording of CJ Mahaney’s class on True Contentment.

Baby Dedications

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Sunday Preview: April 30, 2023 at the YMCA

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, April 30, 2023

Doxology

Call to Worship: Psalm 28:7-8

Come Thou Fount

Christ Our Glory

Responsive Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

In Christ Alone

Sermon: 1 Kings 19 // Light on Dark Clouds: Discouragement

O Lord My Rock And My Redeemer

Receive the Lord’s Supper

My Hope Is Built

Benediction

Trusting God in the Dark

What should we do with our doubt? Is it sinful? Is there an appropriate place for it in the life of a Christian? Is there hope when we don’t understand God’s purposes?

Our friend, Steve Teter, came from our sister church in Franklin, WV this past Sunday to speak on the subject of battling spiritual doubt. There are some struggles that are self-induced due to neglecting spiritual disciplines and other means of God’s grace. However, Steve spoke about the doubt that arises out of intense or prolonged trials.

For the Christian, faith ultimately comes down to two fundamental issues of belief:

1. Is there a God? - Is there a sovereign God who rules this world?

2. Is he trustworthy? - Is this God so thoroughly good and personally involved in the world that I can trust him completely with my life?

The existence of a sovereign God and the character of that God are the foundations of a vital, living faith. However, trials and suffering often shake these two pillars and lead us to question both God’s power and character.

In such circumstances of darkness, Isaiah 50:10 says:

Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.

So, how do we do this? How do we trust in the name of the Lord and rely on our God while walking in the darkness?

We invite you to listen to Steve’s sermon in full by clicking the link below.

Sermon Quotes

Without faith it is impossible to please God for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he is the rewarder of those who earnestly seek him. - Heb 1:6

There is a pain for believers that gives suffering a unique sharpness.  Suffering is the common experience of the human race…And yet suffering touches the believer with a sharper and uniquely piercing pain…The worshipper truly believes God is sovereign.  He or she really believes that the living God is in control of the world.  And so, when suffering comes, it must be God who ultimately sends it – after all, he is in control, is he not?...it is God who is in some sense doing the hurting. - Christopher Ash

There are believers with a clear conscience, no hidden sin, trusting in God for forgiveness and walking in the light with him, and yet who suffer terribly…It is a problem.  But it is important for us to notice that it is a problem only for the believer - Christopher Ash

Not that I am (I think) in danger of ceasing to believe in God.  The real danger is in coming to believe such dreadful things about Him. The conclusion I dread is not “so there is no God after all” but “so this is what God is really like.  Deceive yourself no longer.” - C.S. Lewis  (A Grief Observed)

The temptation to doubt does not come in not believing God but in believing what is not God.  The danger is that we press judgment too far and our speculation creates such a distorted picture of God that we cannot continue to believe in good faith. - Os Guinness

Believing the wrong thing is always halfway to believing nothing.  Our misrepresentations of God are so pathetically inadequate or monstrously hideous that to believe in him any longer is unnecessary or repugnant. - Os Guinness

Suffering is the most acute trial that faith can face, and the questions it raises are the sharpest, the most insistent, and the most damaging that faith will meet. Can faith bear the pain and still trust God, suspending judgment and resting in the knowledge that God is there, God is good, and God knows best? Or will the pain be so great that only meaning will make it endurable so that reason will be pressed further and further and judgments must be made? But if the Christian's faith is to be itself and let God be God at such times, it must suspend judgment and say, "Father, I do not understand you, but I trust you. - Os Guinness in (God In the Dark)

There are facts of life in fallen world that we will never be able to explain but must never explain away.  Faith, however, can suspend judgment on these questions, for there is no question we cannot leave with God if he is the Father of Jesus Christ.

I belong to God.  He is faithful.  His words are true.  And transformation – the ultimate Springtime – already planted, is coming. - Elisabeth Elliot

Resources

Below are the resources that Steve recommended:

• “God in the Dark” - Os Guinness (Specifically, Part III)

• “Suffering Wisely and Well” - Eric Ortlund

• “Trusting God in Darkness” - Christopher Ash

• “Becoming Elisabeth Elliot” - Ellen Vaughn

• “A Grief Observed” - C.S. Lewis

• “Providence” - John Piper

Announcements + Sunday Recap

SERMON RECAP

Light On Dark Clouds: Doubt

April 23, 2023 || Isaiah 50:10 || Steve Teter

"Suffering is the most acute trial that faith can face, and the questions it raises are the sharpest, the most insistent, and the most damaging that faith will meet. Can faith bear the pain and still trust God, suspending judgment and resting in the knowledge that God is there, God is good, and God knows best? Or will the pain be so great that only meaning will make it endurable so that reason will be pressed further and further and judgments must be made? But if the Christian's faith is to be itself and let God be God at such times, it must suspend judgment and say, "Father, I do not understand you, but I trust you.” Oz Guiness

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKIDS

The heart of TGKids is to help children understand that the Bible is all about Jesus! Below is the story, scripture, and main teaching points from the TGKids lesson, so that you can talk with your kids about what they learned.

Bible Story: Elijah Is Taken Up To Heaven

Scripture: 2 Kings 2:1–15

Bible Truth: Elisha takes Elijah’s place as God’s prophet to carry on the work.

Where is Jesus: Luke 9:28–31

Elijah was taken up to heaven in a chariot on a whirlwind. That is not the last time we see him. He appears again in the New Testament with Jesus and Moses at Christ’s transfiguration. One day, like Elijah, we will all be with the Lord.

If you want to learn more about TGKids, click the button below!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Brotherhood

WHEN: Friday, April 28 || 6:00 am

WHERE: 219 E Madison Ave, Athens, TN 37303

WHAT: A gathering for the men of Trinity Grace to encourage and edify one another.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Membership Class

Saturday, May 6, 2023

For more information and to register for the class, click the button below!

Sunday Preview: April 23, 2023 at the YMCA

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Doxology

Call to Worship: James 1:17

10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)

How Great (Psalm 145)

Responsive Reading: Isaiah 26:1–4

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

Sermon: Isaiah 50:10 // Light on Dark Clouds: Doubt // Steve Teter

Christ Is Mine Forevermore

Benediction

Camp Joy Interest Meeting—Sunday, April 30!

I want to tell you about Camp Joy & invite you to prayerfully consider joining us next year.

MY FRIEND ANTHONY

I met Anthony when I first began attending Camp Joy in the summer of 1995.

Anthony has cerebral palsy. It’s severe. He's mentally quite sharp, but he has very little control over his limbs, except a little bit of movement with his head & his right arm. He needs help to do everything & now has a feeding tube to make getting him the nutrients he needs easier. He has significant difficulty speaking, such that conversations with him are slow & hard.

But he’s a legend at Camp Joy.

While I met Anthony in the summer of 1995, several years later I had the opportunity be paired up with him for a week at Camp Joy.

I was Anthony’s “special friend” for the week.

That means, I was assigned to him for the week—to be with him, to care for his physical needs, & to help him benefit from all camp’s activities.

It was a deeply challenging week. It confronted my own selfishness in a way like I have never experienced, to spend an entire week serving him.

But it was—without exaggeration—a life-changing week.

Perhaps, more than anything else, I was struck by how happy Anthony was & is. Though he has so many challenges, has little physical control of his body, & is dependent on others to help him do nearly everything, he is incredibly joyful & happy. So many of these things I assumed made for a happy life were things Anthony was without.

I was gutted. I was changed.

For this reason, it was a tremendous joy to introduce my family to Anthony last year—nearly twenty years after that week!

CAMP Joy

Camp Joy is a camp for mentally & physically handicapped that started in 1980. It now includes camps in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, & Virginia.

The name joy fits—Jesus comes first, then Others, & lastly You.

This year, I (Walt) have been invited to be the minister at Camp Joy (NC) on the following dates: Session III—July 1-7.

If you are interested in serving as a counselor alongside my family & me, here are the requirements:

• Minimum age is 15yrs by camp time.

• Statement of Christian Faith

• 2 Personal References

• 1 Pastor Reference

You can apply online here.

INTEREST MEETING

If you would like to learn more about Camp Joy or would like to consider attending this summer, join us for the upcoming Interest Meeting.

Sunday, April 30

9:30am

We hope you will considering attending.

Announcements + Sunday Recap

SERMON RECAP

Kind Invitations

April 16, 2023 || 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“The reason the apostle gives for this call to joy, prayer and thanksgiving is the strongest and highest imaginable for the Christian. These are not optional, secondary characteristics of the Christian’s existence but stand at the center of God’s plan for his people in Christ Jesus.” Gene Green

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKIDS

The heart of TGKids is to help children understand that the Bible is all about Jesus! Below is the story, scripture, and main teaching points from the TGKids lesson, so that you can talk with your kids about what they learned.

Bible Story: The Resurrection

Scripture: Matthew 28:1–10

Bible Truth: Even though Jesus truly rose from the dead, not everyone believes.

Where is the Gospel?

How does today’s Bible story fit into God’s greater plan of redemption?

Jesus is no longer in the tomb! This is one of the most critical parts of the gospel. Paul said it like this: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain....If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:13–14, 17).

Paul goes on to say in 1 Corinthians 15:20–23 that Christ is the “firstfruits” (the first to be raised) and that we will also be raised. If Jesus had died but not risen again, we would all be lost. The resurrection is not an add-on to the cross. It is an integral part of the gospel message without which the gospel would have no power!

If you want to learn more about TGKids, click the button below!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Beautify The Y

TGC has been blessed to partner with the YMCA during this season of our church's life. So, we want to be a blessing to our friends and community. So, we will be helping "Beautify the Y" by putting in new landscaping all along the front entrance. We'll be digging, planting, and mulching this Saturday, April 22, from 9am-12pm. This will be a good opportunity to serve as a family!

What to bring:
Water bottles, Hats, Sunscreen, Gloves, Shovels (if you've got one)

Please sign up using the form below!

Guest Speaker: Steve Teter

We are so excited to welcome Steve Teter, Senior Pastor at Living Faith Church of Franklin, West Virginia to Trinity Grace Church on Sunday, April 23!

Sunday Preview: April 16, 2023 at the YMCA

True Contentment

This Sunday, join us for a class on True Contentment with our friend CJ Mahaney.

When: This Sunday, April 16 at 9:15am

Where: The YMCA

Childcare: provided for Crawlers (0-2 yrs) & Walkers (3-5 yrs).

And, don’t worry—we will have plenty of coffee ready for you!

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Doxology

Call to Worship: John 8:31-32

Come Thou Fount

He Who Is Mighty

Responsive Reading: Philippians 4:4b-9

Not In Me

Crown Him With Many Crowns

Sermon: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 || Kind Invitations || CJ Mahaney

His Mercy Is More

Benediction

Sunday Class: True Contentment

The Puritan Thomas Watson once wisely said, “It is not trouble that troubles, but discontent.”

There are few virtues more valuable for the Christian life than contentment. And there are few sins more destructive than discontentment.

CONTENTMENT IS LEARNED

One of the things Scripture teaches us is that contentment is learned. The apostle Paul said: “I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Phil. 4:12).

No Christian is given the gift of contentment. Contentment is learned—or not learned—by all of us in the midst of our specific circumstances & changes.

That’s what CJ Mahaney has learned.

In fact, this morning, DesiringGod posted the article “Hope for Your Unhappy Life” by CJ’s wife Carolyn, in which she describes her fight for contentment in the midst of a challenging season facing gossip & slander.

Contentment is for all

If contentment is learned, that means: it can be learned by anyone & everyone.

It can be learned by you!

THIS SUNDAY’S CLASS

This Sunday, join us for a class on True Contentment with our friend CJ Mahaney.

Where: This Sunday, April 16 at 9:15am

Where: In the gym

**What else: Childcare will be provided for Crawlers (0-2 yrs) & Walkers (3-5 yrs).**

And, don’t worry—we will have plenty of coffee ready for you!

Announcements + Sunday Recap

SERMON RECAP

Light On Dark Clouds: Fear of Death

April 9, 2023 || John 11

MAIN POINT: The only reality that can conquer the fear of death is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1. Jesus weeps.

2. Jesus rages.

3. Jesus raises the dead.

TGKIDS RECAP

TGKIDS

The heart of TGKids is to help children understand that the Bible is all about Jesus! Below is the story, scripture, and main teaching points from the TGKids lesson, so that you can talk with your kids about what they learned.

Bible Story: The Resurrection

Scripture: Matthew 28:1–10

Bible Truth: Even though Jesus truly rose from the dead, not everyone believes.

Where is the Gospel?

How does today’s Bible story fit into God’s greater plan of redemption?

Jesus is no longer in the tomb! This is one of the most critical parts of the gospel. Paul said it like this: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain....If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:13–14, 17).

Paul goes on to say in 1 Corinthians 15:20–23 that Christ is the “firstfruits” (the first to be raised) and that we will also be raised. If Jesus had died but not risen again, we would all be lost. The resurrection is not an add-on to the cross. It is an integral part of the gospel message without which the gospel would have no power!

If you want to learn more about TGKids, click the button below!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CJ is coming!

We are so excited to welcome CJ Mahaney, Senior Pastor at Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville, to Trinity Grace Church on Sunday, April 16!

TGYOUTH!

WHAT: 6th-12th graders and parents are welcome to join us for games, testimony, teaching, snacks, time to hang out!

WHEN: Wednesday, April 12 || 6:30-8:00 pm

WHERE: The Stewart’s Home || 1020 Tellico Avenue

Sunday Preview: April 9, 2023 at the YMCA

Easter Picnic!

This Sunday, we are extending our celebration of Christ’s resurrection by enjoying food and fellowship - picnic style!

Don’t forget to bring your blankets and lawn chairs and plan to stick around to enjoy these good gifts. Check with your Community Group leader to see what your group is providing. And if you aren’t in a Community Group yet - bring something yummy to share!

As you prepare your dish, please make your portion enough to feed 8 people. We're expecting a large family gathering and we want to have plenty to share! It's best if your item is in a disposable container, but if you do bring it in something you would like to have returned, make sure to have your name written clearly on it. All food items will be collected in the glass room at the YMCA before the service Easter morning. Please place your dish at the table labeled for your community group. 

Also…

In preparation to welcome the guests that come visit Trinity Grace this Sunday, please remember to find a seat toward the front of the rows and all the way in toward the middle aisle. That helps our ushers quickly find seats for any new faces - and helps the visitors feel more comfortable by not having to crawl over strangers to get to a seat.

Each Sunday, the pastors carefully put together an order of worship for us.

In an effort to help you prepare your heart & your family, we have included this Sunday’s order of worship below, as well as some important information. All the Scripture readings are noted. Links to videos of all the songs are included as well.

MEETING REMINDER

When: 10:30 am

Where: The YMCA - 205 Knoxville Ave

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Doxology

Call to Worship: 1 Timothy 3:16

Come Behold The Wondrous Mystery

Christ Our Hope In Life And Death

Responsive Reading: Romans 8:9b–11

In Christ Alone

Behold Our God

Crown Him With Many Crowns

Sermon: John 11 // Light on Dark Clouds: Fear of Death

Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me

Benediction

Who Told You?: Lewis Brown

1Co 3:5-7 - “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

This passage captures the truth of how God uses his people to carry out his purposes of bringing new life - and he often does so incrementally.

A few Sundays ago, we invited Lewis Brown to share about those who planted and watered the gospel in his life and how God used their influence to bring the gospel’s effects to fruition in his soul.

The following is Lewis’ testimony from that Sunday:

Good morning, I am Lewis Brown. I’ve been coming to Trinity Grace since May. Although I came here from FL, I’m really a native Georgian.

Even though I attended a mainline church as a kid, the gospel was not apparent. I heard from the pulpit that Buddha, Muhammed and Jesus were all the same. At this same church, I remember some black guests trying to attend and they were turned away at the door. Not long after this, my family left the Church. Unfortunately, not just that false local church, but the Church of our Lord. From that point on, I thought Jesus was a fable that unintelligent people used to justify their miserable existence. The last thing I wanted to be was a Christian, but God had a different plan for me from before the foundation of the world.

Later, I began hanging out on the Strip, which was Atlanta’s version of the hippie counter-culture. I was immersed in that lifestyle. I even spent 1 year living in a commune. After about 5 years of crazy living, I realized that my lifestyle could only end badly and decided that I wanted to work hard and start a family. I fell in love and married a girl who would have nothing to do with that lifestyle. We started a family and I went to work for my dad. I thought life was good and had a purpose. This illusion did not last long.

Next door lived a guy I had known for over 20 years named Fred. He had suffered a brain tumor that left him partially disabled. I was told that he was very depressed, and they were greatly concerned. I thought about what I could say to him, but I had nothing as he wasn’t able to work or have a family. I saw him in his backyard one day and he wasn’t making much sense. As it turns out, I was the last person to see him alive. Later, I heard the shot. My illusion crumbled. If I had been in his place, I would have seen no other option either. Besides the unrelenting guilt, I would close my eyes and feel myself falling in darkness, not knowing when I would hit bottom. Even though I went to a compromised church as a kid, my 7th grade Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Greene, helped me memorize Psalm 100. It was at this time, that scripture came to my mind: “ Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

I finally prayed “God if you’re real, reveal yourself to me”. Over a period of weeks, I read and reread a gospel tract that someone had left at my parents’ house. I closed my eyes and felt as though I was falling ever faster. I started thinking about the people that tried to point me to Christ in the past.

First, there was my Grandmother. She was a shouting Baptist that prayed for me every day. When I stayed with her, she would lay hands on me and cry out to the Lord to save my soul. As no one loved me like she did, she could do what I would allow no one else to do.

Then there was the street preacher who approached me one night on the Strip and told me why I shouldn’t be there. The reasons he gave were the reasons I came, so I flipped him off. Instead of anger, I saw hurt.

One Sunday afternoon, I was sitting on the Hill in Piedmont Park when a honey bun landed beside me, and I heard “Jesus Christ will save your soul”. Honey Bun Man walked along with a basket of Honey Buns showing the love of Jesus with a much appreciated Honey Bun to a bunch of self-medicating stoners trying to fill the God size hole in our hearts.

One of my best friends, Tater, told me one day that he wasn’t going to party anymore because he got saved and I needed to get saved as well. His life changed and he continued to witness.

Another night, while standing outside a theater to see a movie, my group was approached by a Jesus Freak named Brad. I turned my back to him as he spoke to my friends. I overheard him say “Before I came to Jesus my life was empty”. The word empty began echoing in my empty heart.

Jesus the loving/patient Savior had been revealing Himself through many people the whole journey. After many nights with little sleep, I realized that I was not worthy of the sacrifice that Jesus had made. I turned from my sin and trusted in Jesus. I fell asleep, falling in darkness, and woke up on the Rock.

God used my 7th grade Sunday school teacher, the honeybun man, the Jesus freak at the movie theater and others to bring me to Christ. In fact, by God’s providence, the preacher I flipped off on the Strip was a man named Ron Long who, 10 years after our initial meeting, became my pastor for over a decade.

So, pray! And then plant and water the seed while waiting for God to cause the growth.

Who Can You Invite to Easter?

This upcoming Sunday, we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is one of the times when people who never attend church will venture a visit. We would love to welcome some of your friends and family this Sunday!

Who has God placed in your life? We don’t know if we’ll be planting or watering, but let’s ask the Lord to help us engage in the process! Is there a family member, friend, co-worker, or neighbor you could invite? Let’s take a step of faith and trust the Lord with the results!

Looking forward to worshiping the risen Christ with you (and your guests) this Sunday!