Grand Opening

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

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.