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This Week's Services

Sermon Series:
GENEROSITY: The Key To Unlocking Your Best Life 1 John 4:19

"Generosity of Time" Luke 18: 1-8, 15-17

 



This Month’s Scripture

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

 

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2011-2012 MINISTRY PLAN SUMMARY

View a downloadable version of the TBC Ministry Plan for 2011-2012



scholarship team

The Scholarship Team will be meeting soon to discuss the 2012-2013 Scholarship Process.  Updated information will be posted in the Trumpet and Church website within the next few weeks.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

"Generosity of Opportunity"

(Luke 18: 9-14, 21: 1-4)  How everyone can become rich. What does it mean to be rich? Seeing God’s possibilities for others helps us better to see God’s possibilities for our own lives. Look in the mirror and see who you are in light of God. Then let that mirror become a window through which you see other people’s possibilities in light of God. Read More
Posted by fmartinez@trinitybaptist.org at 10:00 AM | 0 comments
Sermon Brief

Sunday, March 04, 2012

“Grow the Life You Want to Live”

I. MAIN IDEA : In God's hands, the seemingly insignificant becomes significant. Place yourself in God's hands to know your priceless and eternal worth. Then grow yourself into becoming that person of great significance. The God of wonders can make a wonder of your life if you understand who you are in light of Him.       II. "4 Small Parables, 1 BIG Promise"Matthew 13:31-32 The mustard seed is the smallest seed in Israel but when planted,grows to become one of the... Read More
Posted by at 4:59 PM | 0 comments
Sermon Brief

Sunday, February 26, 2012

“What Is Your Life Condition?”

     Matthew 13:18-23      Jesus’ life and teachings show us how to live in the 21st century. He gives us a faith for life. God’s best for: family life; prayer; work; friendship; private and personal time;living by what’s most important; releasing our talents; worship; being young; growing wise; getting along with difficult people; sexual integrity and joy; retirement; recovering from failure; Bible study; character formation; making a better world;... Read More
Posted by at 10:33 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, February 19, 2012

"Faith for Life"

Jesus promises us, “Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) So it is important that what you A.S.K. is connected to God’s best desires for your life and our world. Read More
Posted by at 9:16 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, February 12, 2012

“Crossing the Jordan into Our Future”

     We step into a prayerfully prepared future on February 19th. We will honor God, meet the needs of many people, and have a lot of fun by our Trinity on Sunday mornings launch.   We will celebrate the day with the following morning schedule:      8:00 Worship Leaders Orientation      8:30 Sunday School Gatherings in each area of the Mulberry campus; ... Read More
Posted by at 9:46 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, February 05, 2012

“When Jesus Calls Your Name”

"When God Calls You By Name"It's party time. Then Levi (Matthew) after being called out by Christ, "held a great banquet in honor of Christ at his house."  Luke 5:29   When God calls us by name, It means we can:           1) Feel the joy of knowing that we matter to God. Whether it is the recognition of God's good pleasure or that we matter enough to Him that He will warn us,correct us, when we are heading in the wrong direction.... Read More
Posted by at 11:13 AM | 0 comments
Sermon Brief

Sunday, January 29, 2012

“When Jesus Calms the Storms in Your Life”

Matthew 8:21-27: 21 Another disciple said to him, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”   22 But Jesus told him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.” Jesus Calms the Storm  23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”   26 He replied,... Read More
Posted by at 9:43 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, January 22, 2012

“To Jerusalem and Back”

 We hunger to be at home with God. We thirst to know God’s love. We ache to know thetruth which sets us free. We yearn to love and be loved. We strain to know our place inthe world. All of this can come together by a trip to “Jerusalem”. Jesus, as a 12 year oldboy, shows us the “Jerusalem” we need to know.   Luke 2:41-52 Read More
Posted by at 9:22 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, January 15, 2012

“The Missional Church"

     Daniel Vestal has been a voice for Christian discipleship for more than 40 years. He is a leader within the Baptist denomination and has been involved in ecumenical efforts and interfaith dialogue. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Baptist World Alliance and the Steering Committee for Christian Churches Together in the U.S.        Since 1996, he has been Executive Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and was... Read More
Posted by at 4:15 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, January 08, 2012

“The Unselfish Christian, The Unselfish Church"

 “Living the Jesus Way:Building to Last”Luke 2:25-40   Luke 2:25-40 Read More
Posted by at 10:27 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, January 01, 2012

“ARE YOU - "Building to Last?"

“Living the Jesus Way:Building to Last”   Matthew 2:1-12 Read More
Posted by at 11:22 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, December 25, 2011

“Living the Jesus Way:Building an Eternal Day”

“ARE YOU - "Building an Eternal Day?"    Luke 2:12-20 Read More
Posted by at 11:05 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, December 18, 2011

“Living the Jesus Way:Building a LOVE Story for the Ages ”

“Living the Jesus Way:Building a LOVE Story for the Ages” Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:16-25 Read More
Posted by at 11:07 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, December 11, 2011

“Living the Jesus Way: Building JOY into Our World”

“ARE YOU - "Building JOY into Our World?"  Luke 1 Read More
Posted by at 8:49 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, December 04, 2011

“Living the Jesus Way: Building a FAITHful Life”

“ARE YOU - "Building a FAITHful Life?"   Galatians 4:4; Matthew 1:1-3, 5-6, 16-17 Read More
Posted by at 10:48 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, November 27, 2011

“Living the Jesus Way: Building HOPE Into Your Life”

“ARE YOU - "Building HOPE Into Your Life?" John 1:1-14; Micah 5:2 Read More
Posted by at 10:50 AM | 0 comments

Sunday, November 20, 2011

“ARE YOU - "Living a Grateful Life?"

“Living the Jesus Way: Living a Grateful Life?”   Luke 17:11-19 Read More
Posted by at 2:37 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, November 13, 2011

“Living the Jesus Way: Seeing as Jesus Sees....to Find Your Way in Life”

“ARE YOU - "Seeing as Jesus Sees....to Find Your Way in Life"  Luke 16:19-31 Read More
Posted by at 10:53 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, November 06, 2011

“Living the Jesus Way: Claiming Your Life Mission?”

“ARE YOU - "Claiming Your Life Mission?" Matthew 9:35-38 Read More
Posted by at 11:08 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, October 30, 2011

“God’s Future For Trinity”

Happy endings are God’s specialty. Write a happy ending for your life by daily living this Prayer of prayers. Live with the King in His Kingdom. Be empowered by His power. Know the glory that never fades. Amen. So be it!Matthew 5: 1-2; 6: 9-13; 28: 18-20 Read More
Posted by at 11:12 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, October 23, 2011

“And Lead Us Not Into Temptation But Deliver Us From Evil?”

 We benefit from God trumping evil if we trust God during life’s dark days. Temptations are lures used by evil’s fishing attempts to hook us into thinking that bad is good, and good is boring. God exposes evil for what it is - boring, bad and deadly.   Matthew 18:1-11 Read More
Posted by at 10:37 AM | 0 comments

Sunday, October 16, 2011

“The Giving of Forgiving”

Forgiveness is the biggest “game changer” we can make. When and why we choose to forgive or not forgive reveals our strength to build a future better than the past, or to doom ourselves to waddle in a failed past. The choice is ours to make.    Matthew 6:12, 14-15; 18:20-35 Read More
Posted by at 9:25 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, October 09, 2011

“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread?”

Immediately after teaching the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus highlighted bread. Why? What is the connection of daily bread to successful living through a day?   Luke 11:1-13 Read More
Posted by at 8:26 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, October 02, 2011

“Trust Falling Into God’s Will:

Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done On Earth As It Is In Heaven?” -Understanding and living God’s will is possible but not easy. So we find ourselves asking, “Is it really possible to live a heavenly life on earth or is Jesus just messing with us?”.     Matthew 6:10, 26:36-46 Read More
Posted by at 11:33 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, September 25, 2011

“Name and Claim God’s Importance to You”

9/25 “Name and Claim God’s Importance to You” - John 4:19-26 If we don’t worship God we will worship anyone or anything? Therefore, getting worship right helps us to get everything else right. How does God want to be worshiped? How do we want to worship? What if the two don’t connect? Jesus shows us how we can know the joy of true worship - the holy experience of encountering God. Read More
Posted by at 11:20 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, September 18, 2011

“Heaven: We Are Not Home Yet”

9/18 “Heaven: We Are Not Home Yet” - John 14:1-6 What is heaven like? How can I know whether or not I will be in heaven? When we die what happens to us? Jesus shows how these and other questions that we ask ourselves can be answered as we learn how God connects heavenly powers into our earthly affairs. Read More
Posted by at 10:46 AM | 0 comments
Sermon Brief

Sunday, September 11, 2011

“Will We Ever Be the Same?”

9/11 “9/11: Will We Ever Be The Same?” - Matthew 6:9-13 During the crisis of 9/11/01, Americans found themselves praying The Lord’s Prayer. Why did this prayer become our nation’s prayer language? Also, on and after 9/11 Americans said, “We will be forever different”. How do these two connect, being forever different and praying the Lord’s Prayer?   Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day... Read More
Posted by at 10:06 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, September 04, 2011

"The Lord's Prayer: Our Father"

FALL 2011 SERMONS  “Everyday Faith Heroes: "Living the Lord’s Prayer”    Matthew 6:9-13  How on earth can we meet the demands of our daily life? Everyday faith heroes answer that question by trusting God in everything they do, during each and every day. Which is why Christ gave us the Lord's Prayer. By learning how this prayer was lived out by Christ, we will know how to live by this prayer in our daily lives. And in the process God will grow us into everyday... Read More
Posted by at 11:16 AM | 0 comments
Sermon Brief

Sunday, August 28, 2011

"Success: The Winning Ways of a Champion"

David is forever known by how he defeated Goliath. You too, can defeat your "Goliath" to have a key victory which becomes a life-long reference point of what it means to succeed by being at your very best and by trusting God's best to be at work through you. Winning through God's way then becomes a daily habit. 1 Samuel 16:6-7, 10-13; 17:32-37, 55-58; Psalm 37:4. Read More
Posted by at 11:20 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, August 21, 2011

“Giving: Through Giving Life Becomes Rich”

The young man Timothy learned the importance of giving to others what God had given to. Read More
Posted by at 11:06 AM | 0 comments
Sermon Brief

Sunday, August 14, 2011

"Humility: Seeing Ourselves Through God’s Eyes”

Job was stripped of everything that was dear to him - his faith, family, friends, freedom, wealth and health. Then Job discovered a life that was remarkably remade by humility. Life overwhelms us unless we give all we have and all of who we are to God. Job 42:1-6, 10-12a, 17; Matthew 5:5, 8 Read More
Posted by at 10:59 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, August 07, 2011

"Failure: Falling Foward in God’s Grace”

All of us know the pain of failing. Only by facing our “shadow”, our weakness within, can we be free to succeed - to fulfill our mission. Learning from our failures by leaning into God’s redemptive power enables us to finish strong. Read More
Posted by at 9:14 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, July 31, 2011

"Enthusiasm: Releasing God's Energy from Within You"

God gives us the excitement of energy to do what we need to do, when we need to do it. We can then pray, 'only through You, Lord, can I do this and through You I can and will do this. Read More
Posted by at 11:16 AM | 0 comments
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Friday, July 22, 2011

"Challenges: Seeing God’s Future as Your Future"

Caleb and Joshua looked into The Promise Land to see how the challenges set before them were God’s way for them to succeed. Ten others, looking at the same situation, only saw the challenges as obstacles that could not be overcome. What made the difference?...Focus verses are Numbers 14:24 and Joshua 1:9. "Challenges: Seeing God’s Future as Your Future" By asking the three Turning Point questions, we can more clearly see the right challenges by which to see God's intended future for... Read More
Posted by at 4:28 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, July 17, 2011

"Temptation: When Wrong Dresses Up as Right"

There are key moments in our life when we become forever different. For better or worse, our life is never the same after that turning point. From that point on we see God, ourselves, and our world in a different way. By trusting God, we can turn turning points into a way of making life forever better. The following are ways that turn us in the right direction. Money, sex, and power are God given resources for happiness. But in the Devil’s deceptive hands, they pretend to be... Read More
Posted by at 11:25 AM | 0 comments
Sermon Brief

Sunday, June 26, 2011

"Work: Perspiring With Purpose"

Luke 19:10-26 Living is hard work. So trust God and do the work. With our VBS children, we see that faithfulness is shown by our work ethic in trusting God with the talents He has given us to use on His behalf. Read More
Posted by at 10:30 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, June 12, 2011

“DECISIONS: USING YOUR HEAD AND HEART TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS”

There are key moments in our life when we become forever different. For better or worse, our life is never the same after that turning point. From that point on we see God, ourselves, and our world in a different way. By trusting God, we can turn turning points into a way of making life forever better. The following are ways that turn us in the right direction.   “DECISIONS: USING YOUR HEAD AND HEART TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS” How did God help Gideon to trust his heart... Read More
Posted by at 10:40 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, June 05, 2011

"Summer Sermon Series:"

Turning Points There are key moments in our life when we become forever different. For better or worse, our life is never the same after that turning point. From that point on we see God, ourselves, and our world in a different way. By trusting God, we can turn turning points into a way of making life forever better. The following are ways that turn us in the right direction “FRIENDSHIP AND FORGIVENESS: REALIZING WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER” Friendships are God’s built-in ways for... Read More
Posted by at 7:18 AM | 0 comments
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Friday, May 20, 2011

“Family Graduation”

Graduation is forward movement. There is no turning back. And when one person graduates, everyone in the family is affected. Consequently, building strong families requires families to have graduating events that move them forward in God's purposes, love, abilities, and opportunities. We see how this happens in Jesus' graduation story, as told in Luke 2:41-52. Read More
Posted by at 4:32 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, May 15, 2011

“When Marriage Is Worth the Effort”

1. (Ruth 1:1-2) When drought robbed Naomi’s fields of their crops, she and her family moved from Bethlehem to the previously forbidden land of Moab. How can a family successfully make this move? 2. (Ruth 1:3-5) Naomi’s husband died, followed by one son and then another. How would you or have you handled such grief? 3. (Ruth 1:6-22) Defeated, Naomi returns to Bethlehem. Her anguish at first left her unrecognizable to old friends and relatives. She then declared her name to... Read More
Posted by at 9:54 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, April 24, 2011

“Because He Lives”

Christians live with joy because Christ lives. Through our joy we become a proof of Christ's resurrection. We become a living message for others to see that Christ is alive in us, and for all who are willing to believe. Each time a seeker becomes a believer, resurrection happens. A few days ago I saw this wonder played out from the scene of a local hospital's Intensive Care Unit. While visiting with a person whom I have loved thru the years, we focused our conversation on his... Read More
Posted by at 11:04 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, April 17, 2011

"Hosanna"

On that day we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem. He took it all in, for what it was and was not. By our being grasped by Jesus, we can grasp what that day means for us today. John 12:12-19 12; Jesus always reports to work...     Would Jesus come to Passover in spite of the threats against His life? That was the question the swollen crowd of 100,000 people asked themselves. Are you wonder- ing if Jesus will come for you? Jesus gave a clear answer... Read More
Posted by at 11:16 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, April 10, 2011

"How to Have a Blessed Life"

A blessed life is the best life. Living our best possible life is what God makes possible for each person. How, then, do we live a blessed life? We can learn four lessons about the blessed life from the John 12 story of Jesus' worship experience in the Temple. 12:20 - Worship: Since God is the source from "whom all blessings flow", our quest for bless- ing must begin with God. Wisely, the seekers went to seek their blessings by worship- ing in the Temple. From seeking, we are... Read More
Posted by at 10:57 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, April 03, 2011

"Worship During Troubling Times"

Worship is the holy experience of encountering God. Worship begins by being aware of God's presence... Are you aware? Have you begun? Worship connects us to God's best for our lives as we give praise, thanksgiving, confes- sion and commitment... Are you connected? How much of yourself are you giving? Worship empowers us by allowing God's molding touches to shape us... Are you em- powered? How are you being shaped? Worship's inward work produces outward results as we feel... Read More
Posted by at 10:44 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, March 27, 2011

"Do You Live in the Spirit?"

Who is God? God cannot be fully described by one name. We know God's unity as: our Father who creates us, the Son who redeems us, and the Spirit who empowers us. Do you know God's fullness? How does the Holy Spirit work? The Spirit convicts us in our human weakness by con- fronting us with God's best. The Spirit then shapes us into people of spiritual conviction. Are you a person of conviction? What are the results? The Spirit comforts us by healing hurts and counsels us with divine... Read More
Posted by at 9:03 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, March 13, 2011

“What is Heaven Like?”

Heaven...is that place everyone wants to go BUT not yet. We want to arrive there in the distant future, like the perfect retirement plan. We find comfort in knowing that heaven is God's provided way for us to not be afraid of life after death. This is especially true given the choice between hell and heaven, only masochists or aimless rebels choose the former. What can we know about heaven? Well, a lot more than I used to think was possible. Our key is following Jesus' pathway. My... Read More
Posted by at 4:36 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, March 06, 2011

“Are You Jesus Friendly?”

While in Louisville, praying to understand God's leadership about coming to Trinity, I received three distinct messages/signs. Once here, I received a fourth. And two of the four were directly related to Jesus' message in John 15. Their focus was and is: "I will trim/shape you to be Trinity's Pastor. The shaping will come in stages." And the second message was, "Just be with Me. Abide in Me. I will lead you." What do Jesus' promises of John 15:1-17 mean to you? JESUS SAID: ... Read More
Posted by at 4:12 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, February 27, 2011

“The Miracle of Love”

Jesus offers the way for any of us to live our best life. The offer comes into clear view during his concluding talk with Peter. Peter had publicly denied Christ three times, so three times Jesus asked him the same basic diagnostic question. Peter had betrayed living his best life three times. So Christ gave him the same prescription by which to be healed from his self inflicted wounds and sinful cowardice. We need to be asked the same questions and we need to be healed by the same answers. ... Read More
Posted by at 4:07 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, February 20, 2011

“The Miracle of Prayer and Resurrection”

Through prayer we can live a resurrected life by: Bringing our troubles to God (11: 1-4) Trusting God’s timing (11: 5-16) Engaging God’s presence (11: 17-37) Responding to God’s authority (11: 38-44) Read More
Posted by at 4:03 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, February 13, 2011

“Seeing With Your Heart”

Trinity’s leadership demonstrates our commitment to help people transform their lives. Because of your commitment, I am inviting you to an opportunity I think you will enjoy. Open Table is a can do approach to empower people, who are homeless or on the edge of homelessness, to have their lives transformed. This becomes possible through the collective talents and energies of a small group, called an Open Table. Also, this model enhances current approaches, without being competitive or... Read More
Posted by at 3:59 PM | 0 comments
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Saturday, February 05, 2011

“Ride ‘em Cowboy”

When Jesus did the unexpected by walking on the stormy sea to reach the disciples, He showed us His ability to calm our stormy lives. We can know that when our life conditions get stormy, we can see our way forward by trusting in God's presence, staying focused on God's best, and applying our life skills to deal with the storm. John's four descriptions of this miraculous scene show us how. "The sea was becoming rough": Life conditions do not always make for smooth sailing. By knowing... Read More
Posted by at 3:55 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, January 30, 2011

“When A Little Becomes A Lot”

A Little Boy Made a Big Difference One day on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, more than 5,000 men, women and children wanted to be fed physically and spiritually. With a mischievous humor, Jesus asked his disciple Philip—“How are we going to feed all these people?” Left to himself, Philip couldn’t. But when a boy offered Jesus his sack lunch, a little bread and a few fish—Jesus had all He needed to satisfy the physical hunger of everyone present. Jesus blessed the boy’s generosity,... Read More
Posted by at 1:33 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, January 23, 2011

"For Our Families"

A strong family life is important to all of us. Consequentially, we have designed a practical and excellent resource for you, and our community. We invite you to our January 30th "Building Strong Families Workshop". We have the right workshop for you - whether your interest is in strengthening your marriage, blended families, parenting children and teenagers, family finances, grand-parenting, or understanding your child's design. This free Sunday afternoon event provides childcare and... Read More
Posted by at 1:30 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, January 16, 2011

"Satisfying Your Life Thirsts"

Miracle #2 -By learning the "how" to of Jesus' promise, that He is “the living water”, we can do as Jesus asked - "Drink of Me, and you will never thirst again", we can know how to thrive by allowing God to heal our life wounds. A desperate thirst to live threads through the story line of John 4. The woman at the well is clueless to Jesus’ identity until she begins to listen carefully. Then she realized Jesus is “the Saviour of the world.” She shared her story with the Samaritan town... Read More
Posted by at 1:21 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, January 09, 2011

"JOHN: Living Your Best Life"

(life lessons from the Gospel of John) The Gospel of John is fascinating. Reading or listening through these 21 chapters grabs us by the collar to deliver this message, "Pay attention. If you really want to live your best life then listen to my Jesus stories and Jesus will show you how best to live your life in any given situation." Consequently, I have developed the following preaching and teaching series from John's Gospel. "My Teaching Thru The Bible" series on Wednesday evenings... Read More
Posted by at 1:01 PM | 0 comments
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Friday, December 24, 2010

"Merry Christmas!"

We know that Christmas is an ongoing experience, not just an annual event. Like all the key players in the Gospel Christmas story, we know we have our part to play in God’s great love story. Their stories of faith and experience have become models for us in the 21st century. Their witness lives — Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zechariah, John, the Shepherds, the Wise Men, citizens of Bethlehem, Anna, Simeon and the angels. The unseeable became the seeable. The untouchable became touchable.... Read More
Posted by at 12:41 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, December 19, 2010

"With Eyes to See & Ears to Hear"

Luke 2: 9-20 No one likes to be fooled. We want to know if what we think is real, is really real. We use our eyes & ears to help us to know what is trustworthy. So during Jesus' ministry, He would say, "if you have eyes to see then see me. If you have ears to hear then hear me." Our eyes & ears play important roles in opening God's Christmas Gifts. With eyes of faith we can see the meaning of what our physical eyes are recording. With ears of love, we can hear the... Read More
Posted by at 12:26 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, December 12, 2010

“You’ve Got to Be Kidding”

Matthew 1: 18-25 Christmas Conversation with Family & Friends The Christmas season is a natural time of the year to visit with family & friends. Talking & listening is a natural part of what happens when we get together. Following are some suggestions to discover more about each other and yourself. Choose the level of conversation by what you want to know, and how you want to be known. I. The easy holiday talk: ... Read More
Posted by at 12:10 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, December 05, 2010

"Who Are You Going to Believe?"

Luke 1:26-38 Trust is essential for faith to grow. Faith is the essential life line for salvation to flow in our soul. This Christmas, trustingly lean into God so your faith can grow. Which is why Mary's conversation's with God's messenger is so powerful. Track her trust to see how her faith empowered her to do the seemingly impossible.     Luke 1:26 "The Lord is with you."            1) Trust that God is... Read More
Posted by at 12:01 AM | 0 comments
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Sunday, November 28, 2010

“HOPE: KNOCK. KNOCK. WHO IS THERE?”

JOHN 1: 1-18 Today is the first Sunday of Advent. The Latin word means “to come,” and is a celebration for the first coming of Christ and helps to prepare the Church for Christ’s second coming. The worshiping season of Christmas is therefore called Advent. Advent starts the fourth Sunday before Christmas and leads us into all the seasonal preparations. With our buying and decorating, we need to gear our soul into the God who is behind the reason for all this activity. ... Read More
Posted by at 11:11 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, November 14, 2010

"MORAL VISION: 10-10 VISION"

EXODUS 20:1-8, 12-17; MATTHEW 19:16-22 I remember when I was told that I needed glasses. Mrs. Perhamus, my 2nd grade teacher, told my folks that I had trouble seeing the board work. My eye sight certainly wasn't 20-20. I did not want to wear glasses because of their "inconvenience" and the fear of my playmates calling me four eyes. But I did want to see better. So when the doctor prescribed glasses for me, I was hesitant to wear them. However my desire for improved vision overcame my... Read More
Posted by at 11:51 PM | 0 comments
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Sunday, November 07, 2010

"The Sweaty Work of Faith & Freedom"

Exodus 15: 22-16:4a; John 6: 47-51 Food, water, and shelter are necessary for physical survival. Faith, hope, and love are the life-line for spiritual living. The freed Hebrews needed all of these resources to make it through the wilderness.   Between the Red Sea and the Promised Land lay the brash wilderness. The wild side of God’s call would be the only promise they could count on to get them through the rocky desert. Their challenge was knowing on... Read More
Posted by at 11:56 PM | 0 comments
Sermon Brief

Sunday, November 07, 2010

"The Sweaty Work of Faith & Freedom"

Exodus 15: 22-16:4a; John 6: 47-51 Food, water, and shelter are necessary for physical survival. Faith, hope, and love are the life-line for spiritual living. The freed Hebrews needed all of these resources to make it through the wilderness. Between the Red Sea and the Promised Land lay the brash wilderness. The wild side of God’s call would be the only promise they could count on to get them through the rocky desert. Their challenge was knowing on what to focus in... Read More
Posted by at 11:54 PM | 0 comments
Sermon Brief

Sunday, October 17, 2010

“Called and Changed by God”

Exodus 3: 1-14; John 8:12 The Burning Bush: God Reveals “I AM WHO I AM” Moses would be changed forever by the “burning bush” encounter. During that holy experience, God revealed Himself as I AM WHO I AM ( Yahweh). From that revelation, God commissioned Moses to lead His people to freedom. The world would be forever changed with what happened on that fateful day. Moses would become God’s leader for the Exodus journey to the Promised Land. Humbled by life experiences, Moses was... Read More
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Sunday, September 26, 2010

"Living With God's Protection"

"Living With God's Protection" God equips us to live successfully in this world. But we must live God's way to know God's success for our lives. The Apostle Paul explained how we can do this through the forceful images of Ephesians 6:10-20. While being unjustly imprisoned for his faith, Paul studied the armor of the soldier who was guarding him. Paul then made a comparison to how Christians are protected by putting on the life of Christ. Consequently, we wear God's "armor" all the time.... Read More
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Sunday, September 19, 2010

Graciously Submitting

Ephesians 5:22-6:4 Graciously submitting means to trust and be trustworthy. The following guildelines enable us to form trusting relationships. The manuscript of my sermon is available at the Mulberry entrance door. CONNECTING God’s Love Enables Us to: 1) Relate in love, “Perfect love casts out fear.” 2) Work Together to bring about God’s best. 3) Focus through love to work out differences and not be distracted by grudges, envy, jealousy, pridefulness, blaming, and “my way or... Read More
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Sunday, August 29, 2010

David: Facing Our Fears, Living Our Faith

David: Facing Our Fears, Living Our Faith "The 'So Can We' of David's Legacy" II Samuel 23:1-7; II Kings 2:1-4 Legacy is what we pass on from ourselves to others. So what can we learn and apply from how David "faced his fears & lived his faith"? The six links of his legacy are: DAVID was a shepherd who became a King. We can rise to God's heights for our life. DAVID defeated Goliath. Thru God's strength, we can take on the big challenges. DAVID did not kill King Saul to... Read More
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Sunday, August 22, 2010

David's Thirty Mighty Men

Focus: be a person of godly influence by championing noble causes, especially when the cause seems to be lost. Thirty men bonded together to champion the causes that King David pursued. What did they see in David that inspired them to bravely do the right action, despite the cost. Five inspirations stand out. When at his best David would: 1) Take the right action for the right reason 2) Defeat Goliaths so the little person could freely live 3) Turn wrong side situations. right side up 4)... Read More
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Sunday, August 15, 2010

A Parent’s Worst Nightmare

I. The Point - David's lament, "O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you," is among the most remorseful lines in the Bible. Understanding what caused this tragedy can help families avoid David's regret and/or triumph over family tragedies that have already occurred. II. The Pain - When David received his son, Absalom bowed down with his face to the ground. This ceremonial act of humility stirred the father-king to bless his son with a ceremonial kiss (14:33).... Read More
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Sunday, August 08, 2010

Worshipping Like David

I. Introduction Something is radically wrong! II. Reflection A. Why I worship God Reaction to who He is Reaction to what He has done B. How I worship God "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the out- ward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Sam 16:7 "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." 1 Cor 13:2 C.... Read More
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Sunday, August 01, 2010

When Bored with What's Next

II Samuel 11:2-15; 12:1-13a Psalm 51: 8-19 Sin expands one's appetite for more sin. David's sinful trail began by coveting his neighbor's wife and was followed by adultery, lying, and murder. David's unraveling did not stop until the prophet Nathan confronted and convinced him of his sins. Repentance is the sinner's only hope to be released from sin's deadly cycle. Repentance begins with soulful remorse and ends with soul-filled renewal. David's attempt to insulate himself from guilt's... Read More
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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Making the Most of Your Success

What made David successful? When at his best, David acted on past success to build future success. And when he failed, he typically learned his lesson and applied his learning. Consequently, he grew one God-provided success into another God-provided success. He realized that real success comes by our becoming all the person God creates us to be and doing all that God calls us to do. David grew success as a shepherd boy into becoming a shepherd king. He grew success from being overlooked as the... Read More
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Sunday, July 18, 2010

Making It Through Tough Times

1 Samuel 27:1-7; Psalm 22:1-5,11 Tough times come to all of us. How we respond to them define us. Are you currently going through a tough time? Or do you see storm clouds on the horizon? Have you just gotten through one? Tough times are so common that we cite familiar phrases to help us through. Sayings like: "when the going gets tough, the tough get going... Prepare for the worst, work for the best... Save for rainy days..." Wedding couples vow to each other, "for better, for worse; for... Read More
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Sunday, July 11, 2010

God’s Moments for God’s People

I Samuel 26:8-25; Psalm 18:1-2 TRINITY 2015 VISION Our vision, focused by 7 objectives, positions us to grow spiritually & numerically: 1) Worship for our multi-generational community. Our desired outcome is for people to worship with awe, obedience and connectedness. By December, 2015, we want to have 1500 people worshiping on Sunday mornings (or other weekend services). Our current worship attendance is typically 750. 2) Growth through "Each one, reach one". Our desired outcome is... Read More
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Sunday, July 04, 2010

Everything...Everything!

Colossians 3:12-17 Mark D. Roberts, Ph.D. FOCUS: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (3:17, NIV) THEME: As God's special, dearly loved people, we are to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus...everything! This challenge helps us to see and experience life differently. It will be an integrated whole, no longer divided into the sacred (God's part) and the secular (the rest of life). Every... Read More
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Sunday, June 27, 2010

With the End in Sight

While riding down the highway years ago, Ruth Graham noticed a sign beside the road: "End of construction - Thank you for your patience." With a smile, she said that those were the words she wanted on her gravestone. After she passed away, her request was honored. Today when you visit her gravesite on the grounds of the Billy Graham library, you will see that her epitaph is also connected to the Chinese character for righteousness. With the end in sight, we can work today to realize... Read More
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Sunday, June 20, 2010

A Father's Influence

When Fathers are among the constellation of heroes in our lives, God's best plans are working. God intended for fathers to be heroes for their children. Fathers do this best by living & modeling God's ways as the way for their children to live. Consequently, the pathway of heroes in general and the high calling of Fathers in particular is highlighted in the Scriptures. God inspired the biblical stories to be written in light of people's strengths & weaknesses -- which means we are... Read More
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Sunday, June 13, 2010

When Facing Your Goliath

Promising to trust God's promises changes us. Because God's promises then mark the pathway we travel, which is what led David to confront Goliath. He entered the Valley of Elah as an errand boy for his father. He delivered food to his three oldest brothers who were serving in King Saul's army against the Philistines. David trusted God's promise to "honor his father and mother." Once there he realized that Saul and his men were terrorized by the taunts of a giant named Goliath. David did not... Read More
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Sunday, June 06, 2010

DAVID: Facing Our Fears, Living Our Faith

What did it mean for David to "be a man after God's own heart" and how can our hearts be shaped by God's heart? This life giving question is answered in the vast 42 chapters (I Samuel 16 - II Kings 2) the Bible devotes in telling us about David. More of the answers are revealed by David himself through the poems, songs, and psalms he wrote. My summer sermon series will be a biblically based, felt needs approach of connecting our lives to lessons learned from David. How did a shepherd boy... Read More
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Sunday, May 30, 2010

Lifestyle: 24/7/365

The Outcome of Spiritual Transformation: Trinity's spiritual vitality is our essence. God graciously transforms us through the following disciplines of discipleship. 1) Love: by loving God with our whole being and loving others as we love ourselves; 2) Prayer: by praying and worshiping with intimacy; 3) Character: by forming virtues from the habits of moral excellence; 4) Spirit: by experiencing the Holy Spirit's empowerment & our spiritual gifts; 5) Compassion: by forming a more just... Read More
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Sunday, May 23, 2010

Passionate Spiritual Community

ACTS 4: 32-37; 15: 25-40 Our Youthful Future God's renewal of Trinity Baptist Church takes a major step forward with the Youth Pastor Search Team's unanimous recommendation that Gavin Rogers be called to lead our Middle & High School ministries. Our national search has led us to a 5th generation Texan who currently leads a vibrant San Antonio youth program. Gavin is passionate about youth, talented with youth, and committed to our building a world class youth ministry. His love for... Read More
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Sunday, May 16, 2010

Scripture: Reading & Sharing the Good News

Acts 16: 1-5; 1 Timothy 6: 11-16; II Timothy 2:15, 3:14-16 CENTRAL PROMISE: God inspired the Bible to be written so we could live inspire3d lives by reading the Bible. And from this we can know how to share the good news of God's love with others. I. The Bible's Trustworthiness The Bible was written over a period of 1,500 years, by more than 40 authors living on three continents, in several languages, around God's central theme of salvation. The Bible has been under more scrutiny... Read More
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Sunday, May 09, 2010

#5 Compassion: Caring Like Jesus

Acts 27: 1, 27-36, 41-44 Central Theme: Because God loves you, God cares for you. And through His care, you are equipped to care for others. This "Jesus style" of caring is called compassion. And by Christ's compassion you can help to create a more just world. I. The Story One of the most dramatic sea stories ever written is told in Acts 27. Though Luke's detailed accuracy was the best from his day, what astounds us is how one of the passengers in the story trusted God enough to... Read More
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Sunday, May 02, 2010

John: Living By the Spirit

John 3: 4-9; 14: 25-27; Acts 13: 1-5 I. Understanding the Holy Spirit God is so magnificent & powerful that one name cannot fully describe God. Our church's name, Trinity, connects us to the three names that help us most to understand & experience God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Which is why Jesus said in the Great Commission, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." The Spirit was God's presence at creation... Read More
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Sunday, April 25, 2010

Stephen: Christian Character

Acts 6: 8-15; 7:55-60 I. Christian character, as noted by Richard Foster, is formed by "the habit of moral excellence." From our character we make decisions which shape our life. From our character we choose how to use our time, spend our money, invest our talents. From our character we form our attitudes by which we respond to surprises, challenges and pain. From our character we set our comfort zones, mold our preferences and connect with people. From our character we are known by... Read More
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Sunday, April 18, 2010

Prayer's Transforming Powers

ACTS 9:1-9; MATTHEW 6: 9-13 PRAYERFUL INTIMACY God's promises are released in our lives by prayer. The book of Acts, through 31 instances, passionately conveys the stories of early believers being transformed as they prayed. These accounts connect to our 21st world as we lean into God's presence. Aligning our will to a prayerful awareness of God's will becomes the key for successful decision-making. As our human will seeks alignment with God through prayerful intimacy, our lives are... Read More
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Sunday, April 11, 2010

God's 8 Transforming Promises

ACTS 1: 1-11; GALATIANS 2:20 I. BRIGHT SUNDAY Today is Bright Sunday. We wear bright clothes as a fun expression of living in the brightness of Christ's resurrection. The brightness also connects us to the historical practice for Christians to enjoy the humorous side of faith after we have experienced the seriousness of Holy Week. God is renewing Trinity Baptist Church by renewing people's trust to be the "body of Christ." We are an Easter peo/ple. We are a people of life... Read More
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Sunday, April 04, 2010

Your Destiny

JOHN 20: 1-18 I. What's at Stake Easter shows us God at work. The miracle comes through the power of the One who created the heavens and the earth. Touched by it, we sing-"Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph over His foes." With Christ's resurrection comes our resurrection. With Christ's resurrection comes Satan's ultimate defeat. With Christ's resurrection is the victory of heaven over hell; love over hate; hope over despair; forgiveness over sin. Like the early... Read More
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Sunday, March 28, 2010

The Week Which Changed Our World

Mark 11:1-11; Revelation 1: 1-3 Holy week is the Hall of Fame week in world history. Why? Because Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday reveal God's power to give meaning to Every Day of our lives. Because of what Christ did those days we can know these days how to live daily with salvation's joy. Is your daily life filled with this joy? As Jesus entered Jerusalem that Sunday, everyone in the region realized from that moment on there was no turning back.... Read More
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Sunday, March 21, 2010

Paul: Living in God's Power

Ephesians 6:10-20 What would you write if you were unjustly jailed? The Apostle Paul, imprisoned for his faith, wrote a Spirit inspired letter to fellow believers in Ephesus. Martin Luther King's letter from a Birmingham jail ignited a Civil Rights movement. Thoreau's jail house communication with Emerson shaped a consensus of conscience. Paul's letter challenged the church to change the world by living in God's strength. All of Paul's writings were letters initially addressed to... Read More
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Sunday, March 14, 2010

Acts: Our Good News' Story

ACTS 16: 6-15 The Bible is God's storybook. God wants us to know His story. Not because He thought everyone would love Him because of the stories, though that was His hope. Not because He thought everyone would get it, though that was His aim. Not that he thought everyone would live better lives because of lessons learned from the stories, though that motivation moved Him. He had the stories recorded because they give witness to His glorious acts of salvation and that whosoever had... Read More
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Sunday, March 07, 2010

Thomas: Doubts from a Broken Heart

John 11: 5-9, 16; 14: 1-6; 20: 24-29 Doubting Thomas is what most people call him. The nickname "doubting" stuck to the Apostle because three times, at key points in Jesus' ministry, he asked Jesus to explain himself. Does asking God to clarify Himself mean that we lack faith? Maybe. It can be our way of stiff-arming God to keep Him at a distance, and our commitments to Him at a minimum. Or, asking questions can be our faithful response of wanting more information, insight, and... Read More
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