R U A FANATIC?

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

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

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!

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!