A Sanders Second

A woman praises and Judas hazes

2013-02-17T18:41:00.001-05:00

What a great week at Torch! 66 people squeezed into our Receptional hall for an full morning of new exciting ministry opportunities, powerful worship, a Biblical message, sharing the Lord's Supper together, and then capped off with a beautiful special music moment. It's amazing that we fit it all in to an hour! Except that we didn't, we went about and hour and a half. :) But I think everyone would agree that it was worth it.

The encouragement this week from John 12:1-11 as we discuss Mary annointing Jesus from the oil in her alabaster jar is 2 fold:
First, be like Mary. Let your praise of Jesus be full and complete. What is beautiful about Mary's act is that her praise and value of Jesus is equal to His glory. She is willing to sacrifice and serve Jesus with everything she has, giving Him her absolute best for the simple reason that she believes He is worth it! And she believes this because that is how He how loved her. Her actions are a reaction to His abundant life and love. Does your service to Jesus look like Mary's?

Second, don't be like Judas. He masks his selfish motives behind the curtain of altruistic ministry to the poor. But Jesus isn't fooled. And his sin will only get worse as this story precludes his betrayal. Don't play with sin. Celebrate others successes without jealousy. And trust other Christians. That's what love does, it trusts.

So, who are you living more like? Does your service to Jesus look more like Mary's or Judas'?

Lazarus, Come Forth

2013-02-11T09:45:00.005-05:00

This week's sermon was a wonderful and encouraging account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the grave. Jesus claims to have brought life in John 10, then in John 11, He claims to be life. But He isn't just full of empty words. Then He demonstrates His power and calls Lazarus forth from the dead. That's my Jesus! Steve Cable shared an arousing thought with me after the service as well. Do you know why Jesus had to say "Lazarus, come forth"? Because if He wouldn't have said Lazarus, every tomb in that cemetary would've come to life! Think about that. He is powerful.

And His purpose is to show us Himself and His glory. Yes, He could've come a few days earlier and healed Lazarus from sickness before he ever died. It would've saved Lazarus extreme pain and his sisters their extreme grief. But Jesus' purpose isn't to spare us suffering, but rather to bring us more of Himself. And so in His deep love for them, He let's them mourn. Then He weeps with them. Then He does something far more miraculous than merely healing an illness. And that's what He wants to accomplish in your life too.

This Sunday's message will be on the woman anointing Jesus from her Alabaster Box from John 12. Jesus proclaimed He is the Life in ch 10. He then demonstrated He is the life in ch 11. He is now beginning to be prepared for burial in ch 12. Join us as we worship together and share in the Lord's Supper together this Sunday morning!

See ya at Torch,
BJ Sanders

Man Born Blind

2013-01-28T22:44:00.001-05:00

Have you ever tried walking around your house with your eyes closed? I mean, just try it. For 10 minutes, just close your eyes. Or if you aren't disciplined enough, then blindfold yourself and challenge yourself to place your self into the world of a blind person for a while. It's hard. It's genuinely very difficult. Chances are, by the time your finished, you'll have a few new bruises and a little more humility from the the experience. Yet, when Jesus encounters a man born blind from birth in John 9, he doesn't immediately heal him. Think about it. He requires the guy to go off and find the pool of Siloam with mud all over his face. Indeed, following Christ can sometimes be very difficult. But it is in his obedience that he is blessed with restoration, which gave him a resolve for Christ, which brought about Jesus' rescue, that concluded in the man's repentance. Yes, Jesus has power, and His power will be made known in our lives, when we too live in obedience to Him.

As difficult as it would be for us to navigate our way through life with our eyes closed, so it is with someone who does not yet know Christ. How difficult even the simple hardships in life must be without eternal vision. If you have experienced his restoration in your soul, then I too hope that like the man in John 9, you take a stand for Jesus and have the courage to tell your story. Others need to see. They are blind, and you have the answer to their spiritual darkness. Who is someone you need to share the light with today?

Speaking Truth when it's hard

2013-01-22T13:06:00.000-05:00

I must admit that as a pastor, I do genuinely want people to like me. Maybe it's just my human nature, maybe my insecurities. But preaching a sermon like this past Sunday's message "Walk the Line" was hard. Because I know that I am speaking against the comfortable standard that we have come to accept in American Christian culture. Nominal (or Carnal) Christianity is the expectation of the day. But as I read Scripture and experience my own relationship with Christ, that style of Christianity creates frustration, disappointment, and misery. So I do encourage each of us, give Christ all you have in total surrender. Don't live with one foot in Christ and the other in the world. You cannot straddle the fence or walk the line of Christian living.

As we discussed on Sunday, the first step to a Christlike lifestyle is to overcome the sin that so easily entangles. You know the one in which I speak. That darling sin that you have continued to struggle against, but continue to fail. Share that sin with someone and begin walking the journey to recovery today.

We are facing our first hurdle with Torch. We have consistently run out of space. Yes, it's a good problem, but a problem nonetheless. Pray that we will be able to discern God's next step for Torch and in the meantime, discover creative ways to alleviate the issue.

Forgiving and being Forgiven

2013-01-06T17:12:00.002-05:00

This week at Torch, we had a truly exceptional experience. Gabby led us in some truly Spirit-filled worship as Kris took a week to refresh. We discuss the compelling story of the Woman Caught in Adultery in John 8. It's amazing to see such anger and spite from the religious leaders countered by such love, grace, and compassion from Jesus. This woman met an angry mob, and the pain of that experience could've caused her to walk away from this with anger and resentment in her heart. But that would only lead her to become like those religious leaders. But what began from this painful experience ended with an encounter with her Creator. It took this angry mob to throw her into the arms of Christ. And that makes it worth it! So what does this all mean for us? It means that we cannot allow resentment towards those who have cause us pain to rule our lives. It means two things: First, others will sin against you in your life...forgive them. Second, you will sin against God in your life...accept His forgiveness. The more fully we realize that we are no longer condemned because of Christ, the more we desire to go and leave our life of sin! So, Christian, who do you need to forgive today?

Another exciting part of our worship this morning was the exciting announcement at the end. I had the exciting privilege to introduce 2 more young men who have received Christ into their lives over the past week. That makes 4 salvations in the past 2 weeks!! God is moving and people are encountering Christ as powerfully as the Woman Caught in Adultery!!!

Pray for Torch, pray for me.
BJ Sanders
Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.

Leading my son to the Father

2012-12-30T14:12:00.002-05:00

This Sunday morning at Torch, I was brought to a place of true worship. There was a presence in that reception hall at PeeWee's Place as God's children engaged in authentic and powerful worship. There is no question that whatever this week holds in store for me, good or bad, I am more ready to encounter this week because I met with God this morning in community with His people.

But it was the end of the worship service that I enjoyed most. Last Sunday, we concluded a Gospel message with an opportunity to receive Christ. God moved and one woman in attendance prayed to accept Christ as her Savior. But my 6 year old son, Luke, also raised his hand to receive Christ. So this past Thursday, I sat down with him and talked through the Gospel. Then I was privileged to guide my son in committing his life to Christ. There are few things more exciting as a father than introducing my son to his Heavenly Father! And I had the great honor to introduce our newest Christian at Torch Community Church to his new church family this morning. What an exceptional morning it was!!!

Pray for Torch, pray for me.
BJ Sanders

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.

My letter of Commendation for the officer who helped us get to NY

2012-12-20T14:39:00.002-05:00

I post this because I want everyone to know there are still great people our there.

To whom it may concern:

My name is Pastor BJ Sanders and I am writing this letter as a form of commendation for Sergeant Bryan J Cook, whose actions and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty provided my church group with great comfort, if not also preventing more tragic circumstances.

On Sunday, December 2^nd, 2012, a group of 6 individuals from Torch Community Church were on our way to New York to volunteer in recovery efforts for the Hurricane Sandy Relief. We were around 30 miles west of Columbus, OH traveling in our Chevy Suburban on I-70 headed westbound. Around 2:00pm, I had the unfortunate privilege of being behind the wheel when our rear right tire unexpectedly blew out. After pulling onto the shoulder, we realized that not only was the tire blown, but in the explosion, it had also severed a coolant hose that passed through the wheel well. We began unpacking the stacked luggage from the back compartment and placing it in the grass in order to find the spare tire and jack.

The entire time, safety was a major concern. There was little shoulder room for a large vehicle like ours, especially with the right side having to be jacked up. Tractor trailer trucks flew by us causing gusts of wind that made us all very uneasy. We had one 15 year old boy who we asked to stand well off the road in case something happened.

Around only 5 minutes into our situation, we were pleased to see a police car pull up behind us and turn on his lights. Sergeant Cook stepped out and observed our situation. He offered some guidance. He then proceeded to set up flares behind his car for our safety. He advised us on where we could find a repair shop to look at the severed coolant hose. Then, as we continued struggling with the jack, he intervened and was able to quickly assist us in jacking the vehicle up in order to remove the blown tire. He was gracious, kind, and comforting to have there. Only as some of the other men continued to put the spare on did I hear the rest of Sergeant Cook’s story, which further impressed me. He did all this off duty! He was driving east on I-70 on his way home to the Cincinnati area (where we also are from). He saw our vehicle on the side of the road going the other direction, and without hesitation, he u-turned to come to our aid. This confirms for me that Sergeant Cook is truly passionate for the public safety of the people of Ohio. This is very encouraging for me as a citizen. The group of 6 individuals owes Sergeant Cook a great deal of gratitude for his actions. Because of his willingness to help, we were able to quickly and SAFELY get back on the road. We made it in to New York that night and experienced an incredible week paying it forward as we helped those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Sergeant Cook deserves due recognition for his actions, and he deserves my deepest heartfelt Thank You.

Pastor BJ Sanders

Torch Community

Prayer for people in tragedy

2012-12-17T11:33:00.000-05:00

This Sunday was a strange mixture of melancholy and relief, and appropriately so. We were all unsettled by the tragic events that took place Friday in Connecticut. And while we daily rejoice in our salvation, to have tried and created a spirit of celebration in our worship would've certainly been forced. The highlight of our Sunday morning was most definitely hearing the testimonies of those who journeyed to New York to serve with the Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts. It fit, hearing how we made such a positive impact in the aftermath of one disaster immediately on the heels of another. So a conversation about tragedy was appropriate. I have to admit, Sunday's message about God in Tragedy may very well have been the most difficult message I've ever had to deliver. I'd much rather preach a sermon about joy than suffering, abundant life than despair. But the suffering and despair that has shocked our culture demanded otherwise. So, we love our friends, family, and children a little more authentically this week. We pray for those affected. As in genuinely beg and plead with God for His mercy and compassion for them, and His protection for us. Sin is overtaking our world. But not forever. The violence of God's love will win. So we pray for Him to make Himself known. And we grieve. Grieving is a natural and appropriate response to the hurting that is felt.

Next Sunday, however, is going to be our Christmas celebration. It will be a unique Sunday, and I genuinely look forward to it. It all begins with a free Breakfast Buffet at PeeWee's starting at 9:30!!! This buffet is going to be the FULL spread!!!

Pray for Torch, pray for me.
BJ Sanders

I know I always close with this passage, which has become sort of a theme for this blog. But I hope that in light of today's post, you really read and understand it. How fitting it is.

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.

Why I can't wait to work with Samaritan's Purse again

2012-12-10T11:39:00.001-05:00

The week of December 2nd-December 8th, I had the distinct honor to lead 7 members of Torch Community Church in a week long mission experience working with Samaritans Purse in Island Park, NY in Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. I had worked with Samaritans Purse in the past as a day worker and had seen from surface level the greatest relief and recovery organization on the planet in action. But spending the entire week opened my eyes to just how powerful of a force Samaritans Purse really is in both relief efforts as well as spiritual impact.

Quickly on the relief effort side of things, Samaritans Purse is incredibly organized and well structured. With workers coming and going on a daily basis, Ed, our volunteer coordinator handled the crowd, created teams, and managed the people resources available with the greatest of efficiency. Todd Taylor, the project coordinator, handled the overwhelming task of delegating work orders with an incredible expediency. More than a few times while working, we would hear homeowners, neighbors, or people in the community talking about other recovery organizations who would leave a home in worse shape than Sandy, but not Samaritan's Purse. Those orange shirts became in the community a symbol of hope and excellence.

But far more than merely helping people recover from the physical damage of the storm, SP is healing victims spiritually. The BGEA Chaplains were working alongside the SP workers, talking with the homeowners helping them to sift through the devastation of Sandy on their lives rather than merely their house. The volunteers are encouraged to engage in conversations with the homeowners to let them tell their story. For it may be just one more time of sharing their story that they can begin healing emotionally and spiritually. Baseboards and drywall can be replaced, but no insurance can cover the emotional and spiritual damage these homeowners are experiencing. These conversations were my second favorite part of the week. We were blessed to witness 2 separate homeowners give their lives to Jesus. And at another, a large manly older gentleman, hardened by decades of life, was brought to tears as we prayed with him. Disasters have a way of opening people up to being loved. Getting forced out of the comfortable dependencies of life that we so easily take for granted causes a certain hunger for greater things. These homeowners were ready for healing that has been needed in their lives long before Sandy blew into NY. This was so much more gratifying than snapping up flooring with a prybar, enjoyable as that actually was.

But the most rewarding aspect of working with Samaritan's Purse this week, the reason I will be coming back many times and I would encourage anyone reading this to work an extended period in one location, was relationships developed with the most amazing Christian men and women that I have ever been around.

Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

I have never been so encouraged and motivated to wake up at 5:30 in the morning after only getting 6 hours of sleep for 7 straight days than I was this week. This for one primary reason, the great cloud of witnesses surrounding me. Other groups who flew in from all over the country like California, South Carolina, and even as far as Maui. The young man who came with his girlfriend to work for a weekend. But told her to go home without him, that his work here wasn't finished. He was still there after we left, still unsure how he would even get back home to Columbus, OH. The young man who traveled on a MegaBus alone all the way from Kansas City to NYC. The young woman who came by herself from right here in Cincinnati. The young woman from CA who flew to NY by herself to work because, as she said, "The world is full of talkers. I don't want to be a talker anymore." And the many repeat workers, retired men and women who struggle to come alongside Samaritan's Purse like an addiction. These are without a doubt, the greatest Christians in their churches and communities, who have formed the great fraternity of workers. Those who like all the rest of us, have plenty of reasons and excuses not to go, but will not allow any barrier to prohibit God's call on their life to love others. Love. Their great motivation. The intensity of their love for God has become a well of living water overflowing within them, and as God pours out His love in them, it compels them to go. To find others who are empty. And to pour love into them. To do...something. The amount of work may be overwhelming. But anything is better than nothing. And so they go.

If I were to somehow be able to create a church full of SP workers, we'd be the greatest church in America. But I am glad to know that I am a part of that family, the universal church...even if I'm the "special" brother who lives in the amazing shadow of my great family.

First 3 days of Mission Project - Hurricane Sandy Relief

2012-12-04T23:20:00.002-05:00

I have the distinct honor this week to work alongside 6 other amazing individuals from Torch Community Church whom I get to call friends as we minister to those in New York who were affected by the Hurricane Sandy disaster. We are serving with the well-oiled and Gospel focused disaster relief organization ran by Franklin Graham called Samaritan’s Purse. My goal upon arriving was to update everyone as to our adventure every night, but I didn’t realize how busy and exhausted we would be! But what an adventure is has been, and we are only half way through.

While I have a passion for missions and reaching out to people who are genuinely in need, a large part of my hope for this trip was to begin building into the DNA and identity of Torch Community Church the same vision and passion for missions. I knew the best way for this to happen was for the 7 of us from Torch to witness not merely the physical recovery we are participating in, but rather to witness the spiritual recovery. So my prayer in the weeks leading up to this was for us to discover the joy of being a part of the process of someone’s salvation by one of the homeowners in whose house we were working to accept Jesus as their Savior.

Well, that was my hope. But my plan was for us to be here early Sunday night, get a good night sleep, and be ready to work Monday morning. That was, until the left rear tire on our Suburban decided to explode just outside Columbus, OH. And when it did, it severed the coolant hose that ran adjacent to it. We can replace the tire with a spare, but we could not drive 600 more miles without coolant. We took about 45 minutes to change the tire (long story), and then drove the SUV to a T/A Truckstop off the next exit and pleaded with them to help us out as they typically only service semi-trucks. After explaining the purpose of our travels, they obliged, and within another hour, we were back on the road all fixed up!

After only getting about 4 hours of sleep, we got up Monday, and spent the day working for a lady who is a retired NYC police officer. We spent the day completely gutting her basement. Her house was around 7ft under water, and currently unlivable. She was very nice and even purchased real NY Style pizza for everyone’s lunch! We took out drywall, insulation, toilets, and a whole bunch of screws, getting her basement down to the framing to begin dying out. Sand from the ocean water sat a few inches deep INSIDE her walls! As we worked, the BGEA chaplains talked/prayed with her. And that’s when it happened. On our first day, my prayer was answered and our first homeowner gave her heart and life to Jesus!!!!! It gives me chills to think about.

But wait, it gets better! Tuesday, we go to a younger man’s house who is a volunteer fireman. We do generally the same thing, except it’s actually the first level of his house that was underwater rather than a basement. He kitchen floor was still saturated with water as we removed the linoleum flooring, a month after the hurricane. Let’s just say I’ll be OK if I never remove another nail or staple out of a sub-floor. At the end of the job, I was privileged to be the one to present the SP Bible to him, a gift they extend to every disaster victim they serve. And we left as the BGEA chaplains stayed behind and talk/prayed with him. Yep, you may already know where this is going. We discover back at camp that when my Father wants to bless, He does so abundantly, and my prayer was yet again answered in the first two homes we work at. I can assure you, this isn’t normal or nearly that common! There’s been dozens of homes work on these 2 days, 4 salvations, and we were blessed to be a part of 2 of those. God is abundantly good.

Let’s just agree that I look forward to tomorrow’s experience.

BJ Sanders

Walk on Water for Cyber Monday

2012-11-26T10:09:00.002-05:00

Happy Cyber Monday. I hope that you find all kinds of great deals online today. But as we talked about yesterday, nothing that you can purchase online or in a store can ever satisfy you. Only Jesus, His Holy presence can bring you joy, peace, and satisfaction. But that is the danger in the faith. We often times confuse our satisfaction IN Christ with satisfaction from Christ. The crowds of people clamored around Him when He filled their hunger with bread. But He wants to be more than a Genie-in-a-bottle Jesus. He wants to be our bread. And He shows this to His disciples by sending them out on the boat in the middle of the night in the middle of a storm. And all the sudden, there were in a position where all the materialistic possessions on the planet wouldn't help them. Only one thing could save them and that was Jesus, but He was back on shore! Or so they thought.

And as He strutted across the water, their fear turned to joy as they took him into the boat. And they learned the all important lesson that we all too often forget in the faith. Jesus' goal isn't to provide us with "stuff," Jesus' goal is to provide us with Himself. It's His presence, not His possessions, that satisfy. The disciples learned that. And I hope we remember it as well in the middle of life's storms when it appears as though all hope is lost. For it may be only moments away from Jesus walking across the water to reach us.

This truth and promise encourages us to live both generously and courageously. We can be generous with what God has entrusted to us knowing that he will always leave for us a basket of bread with our name on it that in and of itself will be more than we could eat. And we can live a life taking risks for Him knowing that no matter how dangerous or unpredictable tomorrow may be, He holds tomorrow. And He is willing to walk across the water to comfort and care for us in that storm when it's in obedience to Him. So be generous with your time, resources, and joy. And take risks in the faith. The disciples would've never witnessed the miracle of Jesus walking on the water if they all would've stayed on the shore. If you want Jesus to get in the boat with you, then you'll have to first get in the boat yourself!

Pray for me, pray for Torch,
BJ Sanders

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.

A Spirit of Thanksgiving

2012-11-20T03:51:00.001-05:00

You know, you never can anticipate what to expect when you show up at PeeWee's Place to join Torch Community Church for service on a Sunday morning. And this past Sunday morning certainly provided the evidence of that. We were throwing surprises at you from every angle. The entire worship experience seemed very backwards from a typical Sunday. Which in many ways provides for us a metaphor of the reversal that we need to have in turning our attitude of ingratitude into a spirit of thanksgiving.

We are truly a blessed people. And the extent in which we fail to realize that or even take advantage of it will in many ways determine the extent of God's continued blessings. For the Sunday before Thanksgiving, as well as communion Sunday, we examined another feast of sorts, the feeding of the 5,000. And in our study we understand that there are countless ways in which God is at work using our inadequate abilities and resources to work miracles in our church and lives. It then becomes in many ways our responsibility to develop and intentionality to recognizing and praising Him for his many blessings.

But don't enter into this exercise lightly. For to recognize a reason to be thankful often comes purposed with a challenge for us in our daily living. I thank God that He's a big God, but this demands that I trust Him to provide in everything. I thank God that He has a plan, but this demands that I live without buffers, totally dependent on Him. I thank God that He doesn't need but wants to use me, however, this demands that I give everything I am to Him, that I give Him my all. These are just some examples from the story of the feeding of the 5000 in John 6! So be careful becoming a grateful Christian, because it in many ways challenges you to become a great Christian. Indeed, a grateful Christian is a great Christian.

So I challenge you to start keeping a list of praises. Starting today, write one thing every day for which you are thankful. Develop a system. Use a calendar. Work through the alphabet. Think of things that make you happy. But just do something to keep you thinking about thanking.

Pray for me, pray for Torch,
BJ Sanders

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.

Mission Minded People

2012-11-12T12:09:00.003-05:00

The main thrust of Sunday's sermon was that Jesus is the Living Water in whom we can have our souls refreshed. That it is in Him alone that we find satisfaction and fulfillment for our deepest longings. And that He will provide for us a cool deep drink of the blessing of His Holy Spirit whenever we come seeking Him. And sometimes, when we are too weary to go looking, we find Him there, sitting beside the cracked empty well of our life, waiting to restore us, refresh us, and lead us in finding rest for our souls.

But I'd like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the amazing people at Torch Community Church for the effort they put into filling other people's cups as the Living Water overflows out of their lives.

Yesterday, in a church of around 50 people, we collected 13 Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes for the Samaritan's Purse ministry. That's incredible. Many churches of 150 won't collect that many. And we're just getting started.

Also, December 2nd-8th, we are planning a trip to assist in the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in the name of Christ. We already have 4 people committed to going, and about a half-dozen more still working to figure out the logistics with work schedules and family responsibilities in order to be able to go. Most church of 500 people will do nothing more than take a collection.

I'm so proud of the great Christians we have as a part of Torch Community Church. We are doing much more than most churches twice our size in the area of missions. Jesus could have taken up a collection in Jerusalem, and sent it to Samaria to support the Woman at the Well. But that's too impersonal, too easy. We have a personal God. He steps into the very thick of our lives. And He meets us at our well. I'm excited to say that I'm a part of a church that looks a lot more like Jesus than any other church I've ever served.

Thank you Torch,
BJ Sanders

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.

Come Together

2012-11-05T18:31:00.002-05:00

In the classic rock anthem from the 60's "Come Together," the Beatles speak unprecedented Christian truth when they encourage us to "Come together, right now, Over me." Sunday, we had our first Torch fellowship, and it was a blessing. Now I use the term "fellowship" loosely. True Christian fellowship entails God's people coming together right now over Jesus. Sunday, following a worship service where the presence of God was present and the music was powerful and Spirit-filled, we then all headed back to my house to come together right now over Jesus, but also the Bengals. It goes without saying that Jesus is far more satisfying than our Bengals as they lost yet again. But I must admit, it was the most enjoyable loss I believe I have ever watched. Because the Christian conversation and just being together with God's people, my church family, overshadowed the football game. It was indeed felt like a family reunion.

Our topic from Sunday sermon was that of humility. Remember your challenge this week.

If humility is indeed found in serenity, then beginning this week, start the journey of discovering contentment in every area of your life. Read a book. Share the Gospel. Be more concerned about honoring God in obedience than you are about impressing others with your image.

If humility is indeed subtle, then this week, bless someone else without them knowing it was you. Serve God silently.

If humility is indeed submission, then wherever in your life you've been holding back from God, let it go this week. And fully allow yourself to fall into step with His plan for your life.

I look forward to seeing you at Torch next Sunday morning.

Pray for me, pray for Torch,
BJ Sanders

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.

Happy Halloween

2012-11-01T12:27:00.002-04:00

Every person in the graveyard has something very similar in common with us. We are all going to die. You’ll notice that on every one of the gravestones there are two dates. One to mark their birth and one to mark their death. But what’s in between, that dash in between these two dates is what really matters. Death is not something for us as Christians to fear because we are not our bodies.

We should teach our children to think no more of their bodies when dead than they do of their hair when cut off, or of their old clothes when they have done with them.—George McDonald

Hebrews 9:27 says “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement.”

Judgement for what?? Surely not the way you died. Each one of us will be judged according to the dash. How will we be judged according to the dash?

1 Corinthians 3:10b-15 says “But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other that the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved but only as one escaping through the flames.”

We know here that Paul is speaking directly to the Christians. It’s important to note that there isn’t any punishment. There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. If you know Christ as you personal Savior, then no matter what your dash looks like when that final date is written in, you will escape the flames. But if you build your life on the foundation of Christ with materials such as gold, silver, and costly stones, then you will receive your reward. What does it mean to build your life out of gold, silver, and stones?

Guys, the dash is what counts, the dash in between is what you will be judged on. What does your dash look like so far? You will not be punished on that Day, but you cannot take your wealth, relationships, or influence with you into Heaven.

On December 17, 1912 Bill Borden boarded ship for China. Borden was born into an upper-class family on Chicago’s Gold Coast, heir to a fortune in real estate and milk production. His mother became a Christian, and young Bill began attending Chicago’s Moody Church with her, soon becoming a Christian himself. Shortly afterward, when Pastor R. A. Torrey challenged worshipers to dedicate their lives to God’s service, William quietly rose. He stood a long, long time while the service went on and it was a consecration from which he never retreated.

Later at Yale University, Bill became well known as a star athlete, good-looking, worth $50 million, and committed to Christ. At a student missions conference in Nashville, he was deeply moved by Samuel Zwemer to reach the Muslims; and following graduation he announced he was giving his immense inheritance to the cause of world missions. He joined the China Inland Mission, planning to evangelize the Muslims in China. But first came language study in Egypt. On the eve of his departure, his widowed mother wondered if Bill had done the right thing, giving up fortune and homeland. “In the quiet of my room that night, worn and weary and sad, I fell asleep asking myself again and again, ‘Is it, after all, worthwhile?’ In the morning as I awoke, a still small voice was speaking in my heart, answering: ‘God so loved the world that he gave his only beloved son. … ’ ”

A month after arriving in Egypt, Borden contracted spinal meningitis. He was dead in two weeks, but he left a final message on paper stuffed under his pillow: “No Reserve! No Retreat! No Regrets!”

The story of his sacrifice was retold in newspapers across America and the publication of his biography resulted in a dramatic leap in numbers of young people offering themselves as living sacrifices for Christ.

Consumed by John 3:16

2012-10-29T12:07:00.001-04:00

This Sunday, we enjoyed sweet fellowship and worship together as a church. There is a warm Spirit of real family unity among Torch Community Church. And I truly believe that as long as we continue honoring God by doing church the right way, that He will bless us with the continual presence of His Spirit.

We discussed the simple idea of being overwhelmed and consumed by John 3:16. Being consumed by this verse allows us to Live out our Purpose, Live Theologically, and Live Loved. Being consumed by John 3:16 allows you to be a brightly shining Torch for Christ in you community and transparent and accountable internally. It also helps you to understand God's amazing love for you and the entire world, giving His only Son to die on a cross for the forgiveness of EVERYONE's sin.Finally, I sincerely hope you know yourself loved right now. And that in the midst of life's storms, you can find rest in His love. Real rest for your soul. Be consumed by John 3:16 today.Some Quick Announcements::
Church Fellowship: This Sunday, after the morning Worship service, BJ and Jennifer invite everyone back to their house for lunch! We will grill out hotdogs and hamburgers outside on our back deck, and have the Bengals game on inside. Everyone just bring a dish (side item or dessert) as we take advantage of what may be our last Sunny and warm Sunday before Winter sets in.

Missions:
Operation Christmas Child - For the next 2 Sundays, we will be collecting OCC shoeboxes to be shipped around the world to children who don't get Christmas, creating an opportunity to share God's love practically as well as the Gospel message with these children. You can find out more information, including following your box, at www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC

Hurricane Sandy - This is just a word to get ready. In the coming weeks, as the devastation from Hurricane Sandy is calculated, we at Torch will partner with other Christian organizations and figure out how we can get involved. So if you are interested or able, save those vacation days for work, because we plan not only on giving, but on actually GOING!

Life Groups: Be sure to attend one of our Membership Matters Bible Studies, either on Sunday morning at 9:30 at PeeWee's, or on Tuesday evenings at 7 at Kris Cardosi's house. They are identical studies, so the nights can be interchangeable for your convenience. Our goal is to launch out of this with a few Life Groups to connect with starting the week of November 18th!

Budget update:

October offerings
10/7/2012: 636.00
10/14/2012: 682.00
10/21/2012: 546.00
10/28/2012: 530.00

Pray for me, pray for Torch,
BJ Sanders

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.

High and Lifted Up

2012-10-22T09:26:00.000-04:00

Torch,
I hope that today finds you overwhelmed and satisfied in Jesus. I know that yesterday, spending time with you over breakfast, into worship, celebrating communion, talking about Jesus; all of that filled my soul. I am ready for the week because of the joy, fellowship, and peace given my soul through the church family I get to call my own at Torch Community Church. If you were there yesterday, you understand what I mean. I have a challenge for you. Everyone who was at Torch yesterday, think about someone who wasn't there, and give them a call to let them know you care and that they were missed! Right now!

Nicodemus had quite a conversation with Jesus. A conversation that contains for us many practical and important spiritual truths. As a reminder from yesterday's message:

Through Christ, we encounter a Real Savior.
Nicodemus so filled his life with religion, that in the end he was left empty and desperate for something real. Desperate for God. And there comes a point in all of our lives where empty religion is just too shallow. All the sudden, the churches, religious institutions, and even other Christians have nothing more to say or offer us. There comes a point when nothing but a deep relationship with the real God, the true God, will do. It is in that place that we come like Nicodemus to find God in the middle of the night. Get desperate for God.

Through Christ, we experience Real Life.
The purpose of Jesus’ uplifting, as was the purpose of the uplifting of the bronze serpent in the wilderness, was the salvation (deliverance) of those who believed. By comparing Himself to that serpent Jesus was teaching that whoever trusted in Him and His death would receive eternal life.

What are you doing to experience more life in Christ? To grow in Christ? Three strong suggestions:
1. Get involved in Life Groups (Come to our Membership Matters Bible Study to discover more on this).
2. Get involved in serving.
3. Get rid of sin. Sin leads to death.

Next week, we will be discussing the incredible and powerful verse of John 3:16. You've seen it in the stands at basketball games, now discover anew for yourself.

If you missed yesterday's message, you can listen to it here.
Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook.
Also, if you'd like to become a member at Torch, start here.
And we ask that everyone gets busy nominating Elders and Deacons here.

Pray for me, pray for Torch,
BJ Sanders

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.

Jesus Clears the Temple

2012-10-15T11:10:00.001-04:00

This Sunday was smaller as a few families were out for Fall Break, but God was moving just as much. And He wants to keep our temple clean, both our church and our lives. So remember:

Have the confidence to know that Jesus will fight for you. He will stand for your when no one else will. You’re going to have moments when you need that in your faith. Some of you have needed that recently because of your church. Jesus will always choose you.
Your faith shouldn’t be convenient. We live in a culture of convenience. But when you try to make your faith easy, you will miss it altogether. When you serve, serve where God has called you, or where you are most passionate, not the least time-consuming least demanding. Never take the easy way out in your faith.
Don’t confuse your Christianity with materialism. God will not tolerate the unholy mixture of worldly things with spiritual.
There is only one appropriate response to Jesus, to believe and worship Him with the temple of your life and body.

We also seemed to take a lot of steps forward as a church this week.

First, if you'd like to become a member at Torch, you can do that here: http://www.torchcc.org/Membership.htm
Going along with that, starting this Sunday, we will be having a Bible Study called Membership Matters. For more information on that, go here: http://www.torchcc.org/Membership-Matters.htm

We are taking nominations for Elders and Deacons to be voted on in December. You can very simply submit nominations here: http://www.torchcc.org/Leadership-Nominations.htm

It continues to seem as though every week, we are moving forward and have more and more going on as God continues to grow Torch into the church He wants us to be. This week was no different. I encourage you to listen to the message on the podcast (upper left). Through it all, God was powerfully moving on Sunday. And we were honored to be the witness of His Holy presence.

Pray for me, pray for Torch,
BJ Sanders

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.

Let the Miracles Begins

2012-10-08T10:59:00.001-04:00

I believe that God works miracles. Everyday. Around us, in us, through us. He is working miracles, often subtly, sometimes miraculously, but always certainly. And as we connect with Him, we will be opened to witnessing the miracles He is producing and begin to see Him working the miracle of our life into His good, pleasing, and perfect will.

That's what we see when Jesus turns the Water into Wine, His first of many miracles that prove He is God. Very subtly, God walked into a wedding and changed people's lives for the better. What is amazing about this is that the groom and bride as far as we know remained completely unaware that God was in their presence working miracles in their lives. The servants knew, Mary knew, and the disciples knew. Everyone else at the wedding just kept on having a good time oblivious that God was there with them. But for those who did see Him, for those who beheld His glory, He promised them His presence, proved His power, and personally transformed their lives. I hope you see that. It wasn't just the wine that was transformed that day. Because of His glory revealed, the disciples believed. Before they had dared to hope, but now they believe.

I have confidence that God is going to work in Torch to transforms people's lives like He transformed the water. That He will bless us in abundance. That He will bless us in excellence. That He will begin to overwhelm our lives as He takes us from bland Christianity to abundant living in Christ. And I believe that this Sunday, while nothing spectacular, was another step in that direction. 58 people gathered together to worship Him and begin looking for God in our midst. And I believe that for those who looked, we found Him, encountered Him, and are progressively being transformed.

Next week, we will talk about Christ clearing the temple. There's a lot wrong with "church" and the reality is, that should anger us. We should not be content with mediocrity and we should not allow hypocritical leadership and lifestyles. Oh yes, I believe this Sunday will be an interesting and fun discussion.

Pray for me, pray for Torch,

BJ Sanders

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.

For the last service in Sept, we have a little worship, little baptism, a lot of fun.

2012-10-01T11:11:00.001-04:00

Another fantastic Sunday service at Torch Community Church yesterday. 63 were in attendance and, well, it was crowded. We fellowshipped together, worshiped together, prayer together, and studied God’s Word together. I believe that the sentiment of Torch’s Sunday morning service is unanimous that God was present there with us as we celebrated Him.

We discuss together how we can be more like Andrew or Philip, who bring people to Jesus. Here’s one thing we know, people need Jesus. Everyone. Without Him, life is bland and eternity is austere. And we are the ones who have been entrusted with proclaiming with message of Salvation. Perhaps we aren’t all called to be like Peter, but we can certainly all be like Andrew, simply inviting other to be introduced to Jesus.

My challenge to each of you is simple, yet scary. This week, I want everyone to present the Gospel with at least one person this week. It can be your neighbor, co-worker, or stranger sitting at the table next to you at Starbucks. But one person. Because I love you, and want you to come back next week, I’m going to give you an out. You can directly present the Gospel, or you can indirectly share your faith through invitational evangelism. Meaning, at minimum, invite someone to come to church with you.

What is the Gospel?

God created us to be with Him. (Genesis 1-2)

Our sins separate us from God. (Genesis 3)

Sins cannot be removed by good deeds. (Genesis 4 - Malachi 4)

Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again. (Matthew - Luke)

Everyone who trusts in Him alone has eternal life. (John)

Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever. (Acts - Revelation)

But the true HIGHLIGHT of the day, came in the afternoon, when Jeff Moore and Tonya Arvin followed Jesus’ example in believer’s baptism. We all met together at 2:30 at Anchor Church, and celebrated this very special moment with them in their spiritual journey. Spirits were high and there was intimacy and unity in the atmosphere at Torch Community Church. Congratulations to both Jeff and Tonya. We are praying for you as we take this next step with you.

One prayer request from Sunday: Kevin Pawsat, who has been faithfully attending Torch with his family, left in the middle of our morning worship service with discomfort in his chest. He was admitted to St E, and remained overnight as his EKG showed abnormalities. This was obviously a big scare for the family, and we pray that Kevin will make a full recovery so as to be able to join back up with us next week.

Don't forget we have a business meeting after service for about 45 minutes this coming Sunday.

Pray for me, pray for Torch,

Bro BJ Sanders

Jesus, Lamb of God

2012-09-24T12:27:00.001-04:00

We shared in an intimate time of fellowship and worship yesterday at Torch Community Church. Kris Cardosi proved to us once again that God will meet our every need and bless us beyond our expectations. In my conversations, everyone unanimously experienced worship that was genuinely Spirit-filled and connected with God on Sunday. Many, more powerfully than perhaps in their entire life. God is moving and He does have a plan. Great plans, I believe, for Torch. All we need to do is remain faithful and don't allow ourselves to get in His way!

Our challenge Sunday was merely to behold Jesus as the Lamb of God. Jesus' title as the "Lamb of God"

1. Describes Jesus' nature - The title “Lamb” combines in one descriptive term the concepts of innocence, voluntary sacrifice, substitutionary atonement, effective obedience, and redemptive power like that of the Passover lamb, and it should be for us the most beautiful of title’s for Jesus.

2. Defines Jesus' Purpose - The title “Lamb of God” presented Jesus as the Lamb that God would provide as a substitute sacrifice for people’s sins.

3. Details Jesus' Provision for our lives - Both His Exceptional Provision and Eternal Purpose. So the question for us all is Do we truly trust Him. Are you trusting Him with your eternity? And if you are, then are you trusting Him with your today?

The question in the Old Testament is first asked by Isaac, ‘Where is the lamb?’ In the four Gospels, the emphasis is ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’ Here He is! After you have trusted Him, you sing with the heavenly choir, “Worthy is the Lamb!’

Indeed, Torch Community Church, God is planning and doing big things. Are we trusting Him fully in this? If we are, then we should tell someone. That will be the emphasis this coming Sunday as we explore the Andrew Effect!

Pray for Torch, pray for me,

BJ Sanders

God of Grace

2012-09-19T10:52:00.000-04:00

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19

This Sunday was another success. Our time taking communion together for the first time as a church was a special and meaningful experience. And we learned about God's incredible grace in our lives. That though we deserve hell, He came in grace and truth, but that He has multiplied His grace upon grace! What a glorious thought, that His wrath was satisfied and through His grace, therefore we can have peace. And we can know that He will provide for us in our lives and as a church just as He has provided for our salvation.

That's probably been the most incredible part of these past few weeks. Just sitting back and watching God meet our needs. Many times without ever having even asked! Pastoring Torch feels in many ways like raising a newborn baby in a sense that every week, indeed almost every day, something new happens or there is more wonderful news that pronounces not only God's approval but much more His provision. Every week, there is another "First." From quite randomly discovering PeeWee's Reception Hall, to having equipment donated such as an entire sound system, to having the right people enter into our fellowship at just the right time. Our newest grand news is that we have a new Worship Leader!! And unlike me whose leading worship is merely offering the opportunity for others to join into worship as I worship. Rather someone who has encountered God in a powerful way and has the passion to engage others into a moment of experiencing Him through music on Sunday mornings and through a life well lived throughout the week. Personally, this has been my most desperate prayer to God. And without even having any awareness in the incredible ways God was already at work to supply our needs, His glorious riches have proven themselves to be abundant and God's mysterious humor has proven satisfied. I just wonder as He sat on His throne hearing my request how large He smiled knowing that He was working out the answer to my prayer right under my nose, and I was completely oblivious! So PRAISE God, everyday, for His provision in our salvation and lives. And come praise Him on Sunday in a new and exciting way. I can guarantee this, our worship will be better than it has EVER been so far in the life of Torch Community Church!!

Also, another way He has provided for us is in opening the door at Anchor Baptist Church for us to hold a baptismal service on September 30th at 2:30 in the afternoon. Already, Jeff Moore and Tonya Arvin will be baptized at this service. And if you would also like to be baptized, or you have thought about it, but aren't sure if you should or need to be, then please talk to me and we'll have a great conversation to help you in taking the next step in your relationship with God!!

Pray for Torch, pray for me,

BJ Sanders

Grand Opening

2012-09-10T09:58:00.002-04:00

Sometimes, things go so well, so smoothly, that you know you couldn't have orchestrated or planned it that well. You know in those times that the God of all creation has made an appearance. That was evident yesterday at our first Worship Experience at PeeWee Reception Hall!! 81 people showed up for a fantastic breakfast and powerful worship. 81!! Just a few weeks ago, a handful of about 30 people were still beating around the idea of planting a church. And already 81 people are showing up to be a part of what God is doing and how He is working in Torch Community Church! But the most exciting part of all was the decision at the end of service. Quite honestly, after doing Student Ministry for the past 12 years, I'm a rookie at the whole alter call moment. Yet in our first service, a wonderful woman came forward desiring to be baptized and wanting to commit to growing deeper in her relationship with Him. I know God loves us and cares and is more passionate for our success than I could ever be, but even still, He exceeds my expectations. Perhaps it is time I quit limiting what God has in store and begin preparing the crops for rain!

We began what will be a very exciting and adventurous journey through the Gospel of John. We examined the first 13 verses of chapter 1 together and learned the important truth that to know Jesus is to know God because in a most remarkable moment, God became flesh. Only through a relationship with Him can we truly have life because in Him was life. Though our sins have separated us from God, He entered into our world to take our penalty and punishment on the cross that we may be forgiven of our sins. Though we are dead in our sins, He resurrected from the grave that we may have life in Him. And that in doing so, to all who have received Him and believed in His name, He has given the right to become children of God. Have you received Him?

As God's children, we also discussed how our lives ought to be a testimony to His light and life. John testified about the light so that everyone might believe through him. Is your life a witness to the light? Do others believe in Christ through your testimony? Christ has come! The whole world needs to hear! Are you a Torch in dark places? Are we?

Every week, I pray that we become more and more the church that God intended. There is a peace and a welcoming energy and spirit about Torch. As any brightly burning torch would create, this past Sunday felt VERY warm and refreshing. I pray that continues. I pray God continues using Torch as a light in dark places for generations to come.

Pray for Torch, pray for me,

BJ Sanders

Keep moving forward

2012-09-04T20:54:00.000-04:00

My favorite scene in one of my favorite movies, Rocky Balboa, is when Sylvester Stalone encourages his grown up son to encounter life, get back up, and keep moving forward. You can watch that scene on Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp7psE585Ek

Or if you are too lazy for that, this what he says:
"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done! Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that! I'm always gonna love you no matter what. No matter what happens. You're my son and you're my blood. You're the best thing in my life. But until you start believing in yourself, ya ain't gonna have a life."

This week, Torch keeps moving forward...and so do I. There is no question that the past few months, even years, have been very hurtful and spiritually tramatic for me. Men I trusted because I was taught to trust and respect those in leadership turned and hit me really hard. I interviewed at a few other churches after I was layed off, and I was so wounded that great opportunities didn't interest me in the least. And I didn't want to get back up. But God had other plans. He rallied people around me who looked to me and said, "We want you to help us through this." Well truth is, I'm the one who needed help. But God began to work in our situation, and together, we rose up. It was hard, and painful. We still have a long way to go. And I know that not everyone has worked through the grief process. But we are moving forward, individually, together, and in the name of Christ. And we're creating a place where others have the freedom to do likewise.

Things were wonderful at Torch on Sunday. there were 56 people crowded in my house. People were sitting on the floor and everywhere. Thank goodness we move in to the reception hall next week! I cannot begin to express how excited I am about how I feel God is moving in creating Torch to be a place after His own heart. God is already bringing about such healing not just in my life but others as well. The worship was powerful Sunday. That many people crammed in a space that was too small made it a very moving experience. There was another lady who left in tears at how connected she felt with God and how refreshed she felt after our Sunday service. She is coming from a whole different church situation that has apparently wounded her and her family pretty deeply too. And God saw fit to bring her to Torch to catch her breath, spiritually. I still love the people in my previous church, but as far as I'm concerned at this point, God has moved on, and so will I.

I know this should be more focused on the exciting fact that we are moving into the Reception Hall adjacent to PeeWee's Restuarant this Sunday. And my excitement for that cannot be underestimated. But I just felt the need, at least tonight, to share my heart...and the healing thereof.

The schedule for this Sunday is:
Free Breakfast Buffet from 9:30-10:30
Worship Service from 11-12.

Hope to see you there. Pray for Torch, pray for me.
BJ Sanders

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.

One small step for the church, one giant leap for Torch

2012-08-28T04:55:00.001-04:00

It was sad news to hear this past week about the passing of Neil Armstrong. It is never easy to learn of death, but especially concerning an American hero. And what made him a hero? That he was part of something unimaginable and seemingly impossible! In fact, it's incredible to think how quickly from the onset of a Space Program being written into existence that Neil is stepping out onto the moon! It's amazing how quickly things can move forward when people rally together behind one common purpose, vision, and goal.

This is especially true when God is involved! It's amazing to think how quickly God is moving and working in Torch. It seems like only a few weeks ago that 20-something of us met together to decide that we not only want to commit together to launching a church, but that it was legitimately possible. Probably because it WAS only a few weeks ago! Now God has dropped a virtually perfect facility in our laps! And this Sunday will be the final Sunday meeting together at my home. We will begin meeting Sunday Sept 9th in the Reception Hall adjacent to PeeWee's Place Restaurant on Anderson Rd off Buttermilk Pike. There's already a Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/events/384689574931510/

But together, we have some work to do to prepare for Sunday the 9th. First, as we discussed last Sunday, we must all be growing and committed to right living. This means more than merely avoiding sin or being a bad influence. This means that we are actively living in such a way that we are setting an example to others in our speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. And we will examine 1 Timothy 6:6-19 this Sunday and learn to have a right focus, preparing ourselves to be passionate for Christ alone and ready to fight the fight of faith.

But more practically, we need people from our launch team ready to set up and break down, host and greet visitors, work with the children, etc. This has been fun, and I mean the past few weeks have been by far the most enjoyable of my entire ministry career. But we haven't arrived at our destination. Indeed, we must become the building blocks of what is becoming a "church." Our goal and vision must expand beyond ourselves and into reaching others for Christ through Torch. If you'd like to become a part of the Sunday morning ministry machine starting Sept 9th, let me know! It's time to get to work and begin experiencing the joy only discovered on the other side of ministry. We need you!

To God be the Glory,

BJ Sanders

Isaiah 60:1-2
Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord shines over you.
For look, darkness covers the earth,
and total darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will shine over you,
and His glory will appear over you.