Sunday, February 14, 2016 a.m. Service

"The Power of Fasting"

Matthew 6:16-21 & Esther 4:1-17

Rev. Joseph Marshall

The Power of Fasting:

We Need the Power of God in Our Lives

I.   What is Biblical Fasting?  (Matthew 6:16-21)

        "When a disciple of Jesus humbly volunteers the absence of physical substance for a specific time for a spiritual purpose."

          King Jehoshaphat and Judah in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30

II.  What is the Purpose of Biblical Fasting?  (Esther 4:1-17)

        Why were the Jews fasting? (1-3)

        Why did Esther want the Jews to fast for her? (15-17)

Today's Challenge & Application:

Are you hungry of God?

Will you consider Biblical fasting?

Jonathan Edwards prayed, "Lord, give me New England!".

What will you pray, "Lord, give me _____________!"?

Sunday, February 7, 2016 a.m. Service

Conduct of the Saved:  "God'sWork - We Stand United in Christ"

I Peter 2:5, 9-12

Rev. Joseph Marshall

Why does God unite His witnesses?

I.   Unity is a Privilege (9-10)

II.  Unity has a Purpose (5,9,11-12)

          A.  United for Worship

                    Preparations for the Priesthood

                       Called

                       Cleansed

                       Consecrated

                       Clothed

                       Commissioned

                       Conditioned

                    What Sacrifices do the Priests Bring?

          B.  United for a Witness

                       Proclaim

                       Behavior

                       Day of Visitation

Today's Challenge:

Unite with TGBC in our worship and in our witness!

Sunday, January 31, 2016 a.m. Service

Claims of the Saved:  "God's Work - Uniting His Witnesses (Part 2)"

I Peter 2:5-10

Rev. Joseph Marshall

How does God unite His Witnesses?

It is by God's mercy that he unites His witnesses!

I.  As Living Stones, We are a House of Priests (5,9)

          A.  In the Old Testament

                1.  Spiritual House

                2.  Priests

                3.  High Priest

          B.  In the New Testament

                1.  High Priest

                2.  Priests

                3.  Spiritual House

II. As Living Stones, We are a Holy People (9-10)

          A.  In the Old Testament

          B.  In the New Testament

Today's Challenge:

Claim God's work as He unites His witnesses!

Have you experienced God's mercy?

Sunday, January 16, 2016 a.m. Service

Claims of the Saved - "God's Work - Uniting His Witnesses"

I Peter 2:1-8

Rev. Joseph Marshall

How does God unite His Witnesses?

I.   The Taste Test:  Craving the Scriptures (1-3)

II.  The Treasure Test:  Cherishing the Stones (4-8)

       A.  The Value and Beauty of the Cornerstone (4, 6-8)

               What makes the Stone so valuable?

       B.  The Value and Beauty of the Church (5)

Today's Challenge:  Passing the Test!

Are you craving the Scriptures?

Are you cherishing the Stones?

Sunday, January 10, 2016 a.m. Service

Claims of the Saved – "The Uniqueness of the Word"

I Peter 1:22-25

Rev. Joseph Marshall

I.   Uniqueness in the Son (23)

                                           Have you ever been born again?

II.  Uniqueness in the Scriptures (24-25)

                    A.    It Endures Forever

                    B.     It is Inspired by God 

                    C.     It is Truth

                    D.    It is Flawless

                    E.     It has Life-Changing Power

                    F.     It is Relevant to Everyday Life

                    G.    It Does NOT Return Empty, but accomplishes the purposes of God

Today’s Challenge:

“Discovering the Uniqueness of God’s Word”

Sunday, January 3, 2016 a.m. Service

"Our Motivation for Reaching the Lost"

Luke 10; Luke 16

Rev. Joseph Marshall

As Christians...

What motivates our behavior?

What is our motivation for reaching the lost?

"Reaching people is one of the core marks of disciple-making!"

I.    The Call from Above

          The Great Commandment and the Great Commission

            Example of Peter:  John 21:15-25

II.   The Call from Below

            Example of Lazarus and the Rich Man:  Luke 16:19-31

III.  The Call from Without

           Example of Paul and the Macedonian Call:  Acts 16:6-40

IV.  The Call from Within

           The Holy Spirit transforms our hearts and minds into the likeness of Jesus, giving us an internal motivation to do the will of the Father!

Closing Application:

What is my "Spiritual Resolution" for 2016?

Will you commit to join TGBC to reaching the lost in 2016?

Sunday, December 27, 2015 a.m. Service

"The Five Songs of Christmas:  The Song of Simeon"

Luke 2:23-35

Rev. Joseph Marshall

The Song of Simeon is the Fifth Christmas Carol!

Who is Simeon?

I.   Characteristics of the Christ-Centered Singer

          A.  Sought the Son of God (25)

          B.  Brought by the Spirit of God (26-27)

          C.  Wrought by the Word of God (28-32)

          D.  Taught the Will of God (33-35)

II.  Characteristics of the Christ-Centered Song - Why did Simeon burst into song?

          A.  Praise Him for His Promise

          B.  Praise Him for His Position

          C.  Praise Him for His Peace

          D.  Praise Him for His Preparation

          E.  Praise Him for His Purpose

Today's Challenge:

It's all about the condition of the heart!