God of Grace

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

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.