News
February 25, 2024 || Psalm 105 || Taylor Hollingsworth
Tell His Wondrous Works
MAIN POINT: Remember the Lord’s faithfulness to bring you into the people of God so that you might worship him!
We are a people with a purpose anchored in a person. (v. 1-8)
We are a people with a past living for his praise. (v. 9-45)
TGC Book Club
Join us this month in reading the book, Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung. We will meet on Sunday, March 24, at 9 am at the YMCA to discuss.
February 18, 2024 || Genesis 50 || Walt Alexander
The End of Genesis
MAIN POINT: You are a creature who — despite suffering, evil, sin & death — is held completely secure in the grip of God’s sovereign grace.
God’s sovereign grace in the suffering of Joseph.
God’s sovereign grace in the suffering of the people of Israel.
God’s sovereign grace in the suffering of Jesus.
We Believe - Sunday Evening
Please note that the We Believe class is on Sunday evening this month, Feb. 25 @ 7-8:30pm at the church office.
Baptism Class
How do I know I am Christian? How do I know for sure my faith is my own & not just something I do because of how I was raised or because it is something my friends do?
in this Baptism Class, as we consider the topic of baptism, we are really trying to answer this very important question. Join us on Sunday, Feb. 25 at 9 am at the YMCA.
February 11, 2024 || Genesis 43-45 || Walt Alexander
Reunion of the Brothers
MAIN POINT: Strive to live at peace with all, remembering you were reconciled to God while you were his enemy.
Jacob turns from self-reliance to trust. (v. 43:1-14)
The brothers turn from disgust & deceit to repentance. (v. 43:15-44:34)
Joseph turns from self-protection to compassion & forgiveness. (v. 45:1-28)
Couples Night
Please mark your calendars and sign up below for Marriage Night on Friday, February 16 at First Baptist Church in Athens. Childcare provided.
TGC Book Club
Join us this month in reading the book, Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung. We will meet on Sunday, March 24, at 9am at the YMCA to discuss. A limited number of books are available at the Welcome table for $5.
There’s no more important question for any generation than: Who are you?
In the past, folks would answer that question by looking outward—talking about where they live, who their parents are, or their family’s occupation (which hadn’t changed in many generations).
Beginning at least with the dawn of Romanticism, people began looking inward. As one German philosopher Johann Herder wrote his fiancé in 1773 a statement that could be included in any recent Disney movie,
“All our actions should be self-determined, in accordance with our innermost character—we must be true to ourselves.”
There is value in looking outward and inward as we think about who we are and how we are called to live—but it is most important for us to be continually looking Godward.
Specifically, we are not meant to read the Bible as the story of those people, nor even as only the story of Jesus, but as our story. We are meant to read the story of the Bible like we might read about Washington crossing the Delaware or the D-Day invasions or the Twin Towers on 9/11—as something that explains who we are. We need to take in the story of the Bible, not just so that we can learn the facts or gain salvation, but so that we can know who we are.
That is one of the main reasons we have been studying the book of Genesis—to (re)learn who we are.
We have learned that we are made in the image of our sovereign, wise, breathtakingly-good God.
We have learned that we are not neuter but are made male or female and called to reflect and represent God in distinct, God-glorifying ways.
We have learned that we are prone to wander. The sin that stained the lives of Adam and Eve and our forefathers stains us. We are prone to wander astray—to erupt in self-pity like Cain, to build our own kingdoms like the Tower of Babel, to protect ourselves rather than love our family like Abraham, to take matters into our own hands to get what we want like Jacob.
We have learned that we are children of the promise. In Christ, we are all sons of Abraham by faith (Gal. 3:29). Our lives are not meandering along aimlessly, our lives are directed and defined by the promises of our God who loves us and has welcomed us home as his precious children.
We have learned that every detail of our lives is ordered by God’s good, unstoppable providence. What others mean for evil, he means for good. What others intend to tear us down, he intends to use to make us more like Christ.
We have learned through the trials of Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph that we are safe in the hands of him who knows what he is doing.
We have learned to walk by faith. Theodore Cuyler says it so well in his book God’s Light On Dark Clouds,
“Faith carries present loads and meets present assaults and feeds on present promises, and commits the future to a faithful God.” Theodore Cuyler
The book of Genesis was written to the people of Israel as they were wondering through the wilderness to remind them who God is and who he has been. It was written to the give the people of Israel his resume, better yet his track record.
Wonderfully, as pastor John Preston once said, all of Genesis was written to say to us: “What I was to them, the same will I be to you.”
So, who are you?
You are the child of God. You are beautifully and distinctly made. You are prone to wander, but you have been chased down by the one who sought the trickster Jacob. You are kept by the promise. You are held in the unshakeable hands of God and his unstoppable providence.
Who are you? You are the living God’s. You belong to him! And what he was to all those who are his before you, he will be the same to you.
I pray that when we talk about who we are, we do not talk long before we're awestruck and steeled with remembering whose we are.
Thank you, Genesis.
February 4, 2024 || Genesis 40-41 || Walt Alexander
Joseph’s Rise
MAIN POINT: The good purposes of God’s providence cannot be stopped, but you must not just watch and wait.
Joseph is in pit but is patient. (v. 40:1-22)
Joseph is on the rise but is humble. (v. 41:1-36)
Joseph is set on high but is serving. (v. 41:37-57)
Financial Peace University
If you've ever felt like you just can't get in control of your money, you're not alone. But it's time for your struggle to end—starting today. Join the Financial Peace University class starting on Feb. 5, sign up below to receive more information.
Membership Class
Sign up below to find out more about the beliefs, doctrine and practices of Trinity Grace Church. There is no commitment to become a member. Class held Saturday, February 10 from 8:45 am to 1 pm. Location to be determined.
Couples Night
Please mark your calendars and sign up below for Marriage Night on Friday, February 16 at First Baptist Church in Athens. Childcare provided.
TGC Book Club
Join us this month in reading the book, Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung. We will meet on Sunday, March 24, at 9am at the YMCA to discuss. A limited number of books are available at the Welcome table for $5.
We never promised talent, but we did promise variety - and variety was certainly delivered! Hope you enjoy a sampling of memories below.
January 28, 2024 || Genesis 39 || Taylor Hollingsworth
Joseph & Potiphar’s Wife
MAIN POINT: The Lord is always present with his people, even in the midst of adversity.
Brought down. (v. 2-11)
Given success. (v. 2-6)
Tempted and accused. (v. 6-9)
Brought lower still. (v. 20-23)
Financial Peace University
If you've ever felt like you just can't get in control of your money, you're not alone. But it's time for your struggle to end—starting today. Join the Financial Peace University class starting on Feb. 5, sign up below to receive more information.
Membership Class
Sign up below to find out more about the beliefs, doctrine and practices of Trinity Grace Church. There is no commitment to become a member. Class held Saturday, February 10 from 8:45 am to 1 pm. Location to be determined.
Marriage Night
Please mark your calendars and sign up below for Marriage Night on Friday, February 16 at First Baptist Church in Athens. Childcare provided.
Camp Joy
If you are interested in being a volunteer at Camp Joy July 6-12, select the Learn More button below. This is a great opportunity to make an impact for a lifetime.
There is perhaps no better indicator for how God is transforming us than how we deal with money.
Jesus taught on money more than any other subject, because money tends to become more than just a medium of exchange for us. More than a way to pay the rent or purchase groceries or prepare for an unknown future, money tends to become our treasure, our security, our comfort—all of which God is meant to be for us.
Jesus commands us,
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” —Matthew 6:24
Several weeks ago, we concluded a string of five sermons on the life of Jacob. Of the many themes from the life of Jacob, none is more prominent than his transformation from a man who grasps to a man who gives. It is worth pausing to consider this theme a bit more.
A Man Who Grasps
Jacob begins grasping for what is not his before he is born. He wrestles with his twin brother Esau in the womb, so much so that his mother Rebekah fears something terrible is going to happen. On the happy day of their birth, Esau comes first, but Jacob comes immediately after, holding on to his heel. He is still holding on to Esau as if to say, You’re not supposed to be first, it’s supposed to be me!
Throughout his childhood, it is clear that Jacob is a man who knows what he wants. He is decisive and determined. He is resolute. He possesses immense strength and persistence. Like a good bird dog, he is not easily thrown off a scent. All of these qualities can be quite commendable.
But, as is sadly too often the case, Jacob’s greatest strength becomes his greatest weakness.
He is decisive—but also unyielding. He is determined—but also unrelenting. He possesses immense strength—but uses it to only serve himself. He is a man out for himself. And he is a man willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants.
Rather than trusting God to do what he promised, Jacob continually takes matters into his own hands. He cheats Esau out of his birthright. He deceives his father Isaac to attain Esau’s blessing. He tricks his uncle Laban to return home with the best of the animals.
But, on his way back home, on the night before he is to face his brother Esau for the first time, Jacob faces the fight of his life.
The angel of the Lord comes to him in the dark and wrestles him. All night long, they toss and turn, thrashing about in hand-to-hand combat. Jacob will not quit. Jesus will not give in. Jacob will not say mercy, he will not let himself be pinned.
Finally, the angel of the Lord says, Let me go, for the day has broken.
Did Jacob win? Did Jacob pin the Lord? Was Jacob too much for the Lord?
It seems to me that this moment was the heart of the test. Will Jacob let the Lord walk away? Will Jacob assume that he has won, only to be lost forever? Will Jacob rest in his strength or turn from his strength to God?
Jacob says, I will not let you go, unless you bless me.
With those simple words, it is clear: Jacob is a changed man! He does not win because of his strength, he wins because of his trust in God.
A Man Who Gives
The Lord doesn’t want Jacob to forget how he came to be blessed, so he touches his hip and leaves him permanently impaired. From now on, he limps. And, as he limps, he knows that the power of God is not displayed through his strength but through his weakness and dependence.
The morning dawns with Jacob limping on his way home. The first face he sees is that of his brother Esau.
What happens next is simply stunning.
Jacob gives Esau a gift.
Before he wrestled with the Lord, he prepared a lavish gift for Esau to pay him off and get him off his back. But after wrestling with the Lord, he gives a gift to Esau to make things right. Like Zacchaeus paying back those he defrauded, Jacob wants to give Esau back the blessing he stole.
Earlier, Esau said, Is he not rightly named Jacob? He took away my birthright, and behold, now he has taken away my blessing. Now, Jacob says, Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me.
It is clear. Jacob is a new man.
Is Your Christianity Real?
The same is often true of us. There is perhaps no better indicator for how God is transforming us than how we deal with money.
One sure-fire indicator of how legit your Christianity is: Do you give?
All throughout the Old Testament, we are commanded to give a tithe. We are commanded to give the firstfruits—the first ten percent—as a way of saying all that we have is given to us by God and we belong completely to him. Malachi says, giving less than a tithe is robbing God (Mal. 3:8). In the New Testament, a tithe is a lesser matter of the law, which all of us should keep (Mat. 23:23).
Interestingly, the apostles never motivate people to give on the basis of the tithe. Again & again, they motivate people to give in a manner worthy of the gospel—in a manner worthy of the God who has given his beloved Son for you.
So why do many folks still talk about the tithe?
One author argues,
“All too often, Christians tithe in order not to give too much and pastors teach tithing to assure that people give enough.” —Bruce Waltke
That seems to be true. We tithe in order to not give too much. In a previous church, the counting team said many folks gave the 10% exactly, done to the cent, as if to make sure they don’t give anything more!
Trinity Grace is a generous church. It is a privilege to serve a church that loves to proclaim God is their treasure in how they deal with money.
However, the question remains for each of us: Do you grasp or do you give? Is it obvious in the way you give that you are no longer the same? Is your Christianity real?
How To Begin Giving
Over the years, after coming to Christ, folks have asked me: How should I start to give?
I, along with the other pastors, would encourage you to begin with the following steps:
Begin with the tithe. The tithe is not a good place to stop giving, but it is the place to start. If you are not there, I would encourage you to make steps to begin giving a tithe soon.
Give to your local church first. While there are so many opportunties to give, the NT encourages us to give first to the household of faith that we call our church. To bear one another’s burden, to provide for ministry, to help the needy, to advance the mission.
Commit to increasing your giving each year or as income increases.
Invite real help into your finances. Don’t make your financial decisions alone! If there is no better indicator for how God is transforming us than how we deal with money, then it would be wise to make sure our dealings with money are saying what we want them to say.
January 21, 2024 || Genesis 37:2-36 || Walt Alexander
The Sale of Joseph
MAIN POINT: No sin or suffering can undo the plans of God’s providence to make us more like Christ.
The Dreams of Joseph. (v. 37:2-11)
The Sin of the Brothers. (v. 37:12-28)
The Deception of Jacob. (v. 37:29-36)
TGC Variety Show
Join us for an unforgettable evening, Friday, January 26 at TWU starting at 7pm. Deadline for variety acts are Saturday, January 13th.
We Believe
In a culture that is rapidly changing and redefining so many things, it is important to know what we believe. Wednesday, Jan. 24, 7-8:30 pm at the Church Office.
Financial Peace University
If you've ever felt like you just can't get in control of your money, you're not alone. But it's time for your struggle to end—starting today. Join the Financial Peace University class starting on Feb. 5, sign up below to receive more information.
Membership Class
Sign up below to find out more about the beliefs, doctrine and practices of Trinity Grace Church. There is no commitment to become a member. Class held Saturday, February 10 from 8:45 am to 1 pm. Location to be determined.
Camp Joy
If you are interested in being a volunteer at Camp Joy July 6-12, select the Learn More button below. This is a great opportunity to make an impact for a lifetime.
January 14, 2024 || Genesis 32 & 33 || Walt Alexander
Wrestling with God
MAIN POINT: The only way to grasp the blessing of God is with the empty hand of faith.
The weakness of strength. (v. 32:1-21)
The transformation of faith. (v. 32:22-32)
The despised is loved. (v. 33:1-11)
TGC Variety Show
Join us for an unforgettable evening, Friday, January 26 at TWU starting at 7pm. Deadline for variety acts are Saturday, January 13th.
What the Reformers Taught About Scripture
Join us on Sunday morning Jan. 21 at 9:00am at the YMCA to learn key principles of scripture that the Reformers taught us.
Camp Joy
If you are interested in being a volunteer at Camp Joy July 6-12, select the Learn More button below. This is a great opportunity to make an impact for a lifetime.
Financial Peace University
If you've ever felt like you just can't get in control of your money, you're not alone. But it's time for your struggle to end—starting today. Join the Financial Peace University class starting on Feb. 5, sign up below to receive more information.
January 7, 2024 || Genesis 29:1-35 || Walt Alexander
Jacob in the Wilderness
MAIN POINT: There is a love that is deeper than any pit, constant through every trouble, in Christ.
The patriarch is prayerless. (v. 1-14)
The deceiver is deceived. (v. 15-30)
The despised is loved. (v. 31-35)
TGC Variety Show
Join us for an unforgettable evening, Friday, January 26 at TWU starting at 7pm. Deadline for variety acts are Saturday, January 13th.
What the Reformers Taught About Scripture
Join us on Sunday mornings Jan. 14, & 21 at 9:00am at the YMCA to learn key principles of scripture that the Reformers taught us.
Join a Community Group
Small groups—or, as we call them—Community Groups are the “heart and soul” of our church. They are where church becomes smaller. These Community Groups meet regularly for prayer, encouragement, & relationship-building.
Community Group Study: Discipling
Pick up your copy of the book Discipling on Sunday. We will be studying this together in our Community Groups. Suggested donation of $5 for the book.
This past Sunday, we were able to celebrate God’s grace in the lives of two folks - Reagan Hawkins and Lucretia Mayfield - through the ceremony of baptism. Prior to the baptisms, we heard a testimony from Lucretia about God’s work in her life. The following is her story…
Growing up, my family believed in God, but that’s where my knowledge stopped. I was made fun of in school for being overweight and extremely tall for a girl. Name calling was difficult. I prayed for any kind of relief, but praying felt like throwing pennies into a wishing well - and I began to wonder if God was even there at all? Later, I was confronted with my need for spiritual answers when a friend of mine died. In my search, I was introduced to some people in the Mormon church and was baptized into their faith. But in reality, I had joined that church for the friends that I had made, not because I believed what they were teaching. Years later, I began attending another church. Even though we did countless activities, something was still missing. I was still lost.
I experienced some hard things in my family that lead me to feel even more lost. I didn’t have the best relationship with my father. It was as if we battled to see who could hurt each other the most with our sharp words. I also had a strained relationship with my older brother as well as a number of broken friendships. I was surrounded by darkness.
Eventually, I started going to a gym here in TN. It was through an interview for a job at the gym that I met Bryan Hurst. He invited me to Trinity Grace. I was hesitant to show up, but I did and immediately fell in love w/TGC. Shortly after, the Hursts helped me find a place to live with Fran and Paul Citrullo. I was scared and nervous but never did I dream I would find a family within Paul/Fran. God was using these people to begin healing the broken things inside of me that I didn’t realize were broken. God's word can pierce holes in you to let the light in and cast the darkness out.
Through TGC, many people have shared about God with me. Joy Finch and I have been meeting monthly to talk about things we’re learning in the bible. She has opened her home as a safe place for me to talk about what I have learned and the transformation God is just beginning to do within me. I am so grateful to God for her and the many others He has used to change my life.
When I was baptized into the Mormon church, I really just wanted to fit in. But today is different. I want to openly show that I know that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior and that I know he died for my sins. I no longer am the girl that was shouting “crucify him” like those in Mark. Instead, I now know that by his grace and mercy I am saved and washed clean by his blood. I no longer hold onto hurt or drown in condemnation or feel the need to seek validation in the world because I belong to him and I walk with him.
December 31, 2023 || Matthew 6:9-13 || Taylor Hollingsworth
The Disciple’s Prayer
MAIN POINT: Bring your heavenly Father glory by aligning the priorities of your heart with his own in prayer..
Pray to Our Father.
Pray for His Glory.
Pray for Our Good.
TGC Variety Show
You will not want to miss this event so mark your calendars for the TGC Variety Show being held on Friday, Jan. 26 beginning at 7pm at the Townsend Auditorium at TWU. Recommended donation of $5/person with all proceeds going toward the TGC Building Fund. For more information, select the link below.
What the Reformers Taught About Scripture
Join us on Sunday mornings Jan. 7, 14, & 21 at 9:00am at the YMCA to learn key principles of scripture that the Reformers taught us.
December 24, 2023 || Matthew 1:1-17 || Walt Alexander
The Mothers of Jesus
MAIN POINT: Jesus came down to open wide forever the way to God to all who believe.
Christmas is a wonderfully true story.
Christmas is for those who hate it most.
Christmas is the beginning of the end of all sin & pain.
TGKids Update for Dec. 24 & 31
Parents and volunteers, please note the changes to the TGKids schedule for Dec. 24 and 31. There will be no Learners class on Dec. 24 (both Crawlers and Walkers will be available as usual). On Dec. 31, we will only have the Crawlers class available - we will not have the Walkers and Learners classes.
What the Reformers Taught About Scripture
Join us on Sunday mornings Jan. 7, 14, & 21 at 9:00am at the YMCA to learn key principles of scripture that the Reformers taught us.
TGC Variety Show
You will not want to miss this event so mark your calendars for the TGC Variety Show being held on Friday, Jan. 26 beginning at 6:30pm at the TWU campus.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
~ Psalm 34:8
January is often a season of new beginnings. Maybe this is the time of year you wonder about trying to read the bible? And maybe you don’t really know where to start. Or you’ve tried before and the wheels fell off by February.
Well, there’s good news for both those who are just getting started and those who have been discouraged in the past! You and I can look at plans without fear of condemnation because bible reading is not something we do to get or keep God’s approval. So, why think about a Bible plan? To put it simply, we want to know God more than we did before.
And this isn’t just knowing more about him, but knowing him relationally as a friend you are growing to love and trust.
Savoring any moments you get with the God who loves you is a far different story than trying to maintain perfect attendance at Bible trivia school. So, the plan is intended to create structure and space for you to connect with the Lord.
If you want to grow and need some help, I’d recommend 3 steps: Plan | Place | Process
ESV Study Bible is a very helpful tool - visit esv.org for bible plans - you can have the readings emailed to you every morning by subscribing.
The Bible app by Youversion has hundreds of bible reading plans and you can listen to audio versions while you drive or walk.
Good reading plans to check out include:
The goal is fellowship with the Lord, not crossing the finish line in Leviticus.
May need to shift because of life transitions or better approaches.
What kind of timeframe do you have?
Can you make adjustments to clear more time?
Ex. - pick out clothes the night before, make lunch the night before, set coffee maker, go to sleep 30 minutes earlier…etc.
Mar 1:35 - And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.
Quiet + Low traffic + Away from screens/emails/texts…etc
Incline my heart to you, not to prideful gain or any false motive. (Psalm 119:36)
Open my eyes to behold wonderful things in your Word. (Psalm 119:18)
Unite my heart to fear your name. (Psalm 86:11)
Satisfy me with your steadfast love. (Psalm 90:14)
WHILE READING: Read with a highlighter and pen. Mark it up and make notes along the way. This helps you engage while reading and remember what you read!
What stood out to you?
What do you have questions about?
AFTER READING: Meaning and Application - 3 questions
What does this text reveal about my brokenness?
What does this text reveal about the sufficiency of Christ?
What virtue does this text encourage me to put on in response?
Springboard off of scripture into prayer - Talk to God!
Meditation is meant to marinate your mind in the truths of God’s word.
Reread encouraging verses.
Write it down.
Memorize it - find ways to think on it throughout the day.
Hopefully, this starter kit will serve you as you get rolling into the New Year and beyond. As always, let us know if there are any ways we can help you! Looking forward to growing together in 2024.
“Day by day, as God’s sons, we thankfully take the gifts that our heavenly Father bestows—daily remission of sins, daily reassurance from his promises, daily revelations of Himself from his Word. Day by day, we trustfully hand over to our heavenly Father our various fears and failures, deliberately unstrapping the burden of care from our own shoulders in order to cast it upon Him. Such . . . is the taking and giving (the fellowship) . . . that constitutes the life of faith.” - J.I. Packer
December 17, 2023 || Genesis 28 || Walt Alexander
The Stairway to Heaven
MAIN POINT: Do not fear - the Lord Jesus will be with you wherever you go.
The Lord’s promise.
Jacob’s view.
Christ’s fulfillment.
TGKids Update for Dec. 24 & 31
Parents and volunteers, please note the changes to the TGKids schedule for Dec. 24 and 31. There will be no Learners class on Dec. 24 (both Crawlers and Walkers will be available as usual). On Dec. 31, we will only have the Crawlers class available - we will not have the Walkers and Learners classes.
What the Reformers Taught About Scripture
Join us on Sunday mornings Jan. 7, 14, & 21 at 9:00am at the YMCA to learn key principles of scripture that the Reformers taught us.
TGC Variety Show
You will not want to miss this event so mark your calendars for the TGC Variety Show being held on Friday, Jan. 26 beginning at 6:30pm at the TWU campus.
Everyone knows that driving rental cars is more enjoyable than driving your own car.
Your car is cluttered and stained—the rental is pristine and new. Your car is barely firing on one cylinder—the rental is firing on all cylinders. Your car sputters to 60mph—the rental races there.
But there’s one more thing I enjoy about rental cars: new shocks!
The shocks in my old car are so worn out that passing over a speed bump feels like falling off a cliff. But a new rental car drives like a marshmallow, the shocks absorbing all the bumps with me barely noticing.
In the church, deacons are like shocks—more precisely, deacons are like shock absorbers.
Deacons serve the church by anticipating and meeting the administrative and logistical burdens of the body so that the church continues united in worshipping and serving God. In so doing, deacons are shock absorbers who absorb and address things that would otherwise dismantle the church.
There are two offices for leaders in the New Testament: Elders & Deacons. When writing to the church in Philippi, the apostle Paul writes “to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons” (Phil. 1:1).
The clearest passage on the qualifications and call of deacons is 1 Timothy 3:8-13:
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The word deacon simply means “servant.” In one sense, all Christians are to be “servants.” But, this passage, and other parts of the New Testament, make clear that certain men are called to serve in the office of servant in the local church.
In Acts 6, after God drew many to Christ and added them local churches, the apostles recognized the potential disruption administrative and logistical burdens could cause the church. The apostles were tempted to neglect the Word and prayer to focus on tackling the administrative and logistical burden of making sure no one was neglected in the daily distribution of food and provision. Instead, they decided to appoint seven men to serve in this way.
Over time, it seems that this initial solution led to the creation of two offices in Christ’s church: Elders & Deacons.
Elders are called to be servant leaders, devoting themselves to the Word of God and prayer. Deacons are called to be lead servants, devoting themselves to the administrative and logistical needs of the church.
If you are interested in learning more about deacons and their vital role in the life of Trinity Grace, listen to the message below from several years ago.
If deacons are called to be lead servants, there are few words that come to mind more quickly when thinking about Abe than the word servant. Abe is a conscientious, hard-working man who serves others without being asked. He is a godly man who has earned a reputation of selflessly serving among our church. We believe he will serve the church well as a deacon.
He and wife Danna have four children and have been faithful members of Trinity Grace since 2020.
Though he may disagree, one word that would aptly describe Scott is: leader. Scott and his wife Lauren have been a part of Trinity Grace since nearly the beginning. Their sincere faith and genuine love for others caused them to quickly become cherished members. Before long, they began leading our children’s ministry and did so quite well for several years. In particular, Scott demonstrated his gift of administrative leadership—coordinating a vast number of administrative details to serve a specific goal. For this reason, as well as his experience in financial training and stewardship, we believe he will serve the church well as a deacon.
He and his wife Lauren have two children (along with a new son-in-law!) and have been faithful members of Trinity Grace since 2019.
We have talked with a number of people in the church, including our current deacons, about those who should be considered as future deacon candidates. Both Abe and Scott’s names were presented. After much prayer and discussion, the elders nominated Abe and Scott last Sunday.
So, now what happens?
We will have a 4 week period to hear from you!
During this time, we want to hear from you. We welcome any affirmations of Abe or Scott serving in this role. Likewise, we welcome any concerns or question you may have. If Abe and Scott are going to serve well in this role, it will require the active engagement and support of each member.
You can communicate encouragement or questions to any of the elders—Buddy, Taylor, or Walt—directly. You can also email Tony Roberts (admin@trinitygraceathens.com) your encouragement or questions or to set up a time to meet with one of the elders.
Regardless of the outcome, we are thankful that God is building his church and providing for his church. To him be the glory!
December 10, 2023 || Genesis 27:1-28:5 || Walt Alexander
Jacob and Esau
MAIN POINT: Nothing — not even the sins of his chosen people — will stop the will of God from bringing blessing to the undeserving.
The Plots. (v. 27:1-17)
The Climax. (v. 27:18-29)
The Resolution. (v. 27:41-28:5)
TGKids Update for Dec. 24 & 31
Parents and volunteers, please note the changes to the TGKids schedule for Dec. 24 and 31. There will be no Learners class on Dec. 24 (both Crawlers and Walkers will be available as usual). On Dec. 31, we will only have the Crawlers class available - we will not have the Walkers and Learners classes.
December 3, 2023 || Genesis 25:19-34 || Walt Alexander
The Sons of Isaac
MAIN POINT: The promise will pass from generation to generation because God saves sinners single-handedly by sovereign grace.
The promise began in divine elections.
The promist is not thwarted by human sin.
The promise rests on the sovereign grace.
TGKids Update for Dec. 24 & 31
Parents and volunteers, please note the changes to the TGKids schedule for Dec. 24 and 31. There will be no Learners class on Dec. 24 (both Crawlers and Walkers will be available as usual). On Dec. 31, we will only have the Crawlers class available - we will not have the Walkers and Learners classes.
November 26, 2023 || Genesis 24 || Walt Alexander
A Bride for Isaac
MAIN POINT: Let us rest, knowing all the promises & purposes of God come to pass by the unseen hand of providence.
Providence is bound to the promise.
Providence is sought by praying, working, & watching.
Providence is received with praise & thanksgiving.
Providence centers on the salvation of God.
We Believe
When: Wednesday | Nov 29 | 7:00pm
Where: Church Office | 219 E. Madison Ave
It is a monthly course unpacking our statement of faith & helping us to live in light of its truth. This month we will be looking at Creation, Providence, & Man’s Sin & Its Effect.
Prepare Him Room Concert - Knoxville
When: Friday | December 1 | 7:00 pm | Cornerstone Church of Knoxville
Sovereign Grace Music will be at Cornerstone Church of Knoxville for a Prepare Him Room Christmas Concert. The event is free but you must register first to attend.
Lessons & Carols
When: Sunday | December 3 | 10:30am | YMCA
Join us for a special time of devotional teaching and Christmas Carols as we prepare our hearts for the joy of the Christmas season.
Christmas for YCAP
When: Sunday | December 3 | 10:30am | YMCA
As a church, we are partnering with the YMCA and the students and families who are part of the YCAP program. Pick up your student’s information this Sunday, Nov 26 and return your items of clothing and books on Dec 3.
