Archive for the ‘ Steve’s Thoughts ’ Category

ARE YOU AMONG THE WALKING DEAD?

For the last few weeks at TNC we have unpacked EASTER’S marvelous message, “I AM DEAD TO SIN AND ALIVE TO GOD!”  Through His death and resurrection Jesus sets us free to no longer be DEAD IN SIN but DEAD TO SIN, and alive to the POWER of GOD in us.  During this series I’ve invited you to memorize Galatians 2:20, with me, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  I’m hoping and praying that you’ve taken the invitation seriously and have put it to memory.

This Sunday we will finish THE WALKING DEAD series with a message EVERYONE needs to hear, GETTING PAST MY PAST.  I can’t emphasize how important that it is for you to be at TNC on Sunday.  BUT NOT JUST YOU, many of your friends, family members & co-workers who have given up on themselves, God and the church, need to be here as well!!! Many, many people are in bondage to their past and Jesus wants to set them free Sunday!!! I hope you will ask someone to come with you and I’m praying that MANY, MANY hearts will be SET FREE as a result of what GOD does through our services! Will you join me in praying for HIS SPIRIT TO MOVE MIGHTILY as we gather in our services?!

This series has brought RENEWAL in my life and I can’t wait to share His truth with you again Sunday. I’m so glad to be one of the WALKING DEAD, aren’t you??

Dead to Sin & Alive to God!

Steve

2012
04/26
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CELEBRATING TRANSFORMATION AT TNC!

We had another exciting Class 101 this past Monday.  Forty people showed up to enjoy a complimentary dinner, and to hear the mission and vision of TrueNorth Church.  Many of those attending, made a commitment to join the TNC FAMILY!  Even more important, was hearing the story of God’s work in their lives.

 

I make it a goal at every Class 101 to talk with as many attendees as possible during dinner and break times.  As I visited with young and old alike, it was amazing to hear how God is transforming the lives of singles, couples and families!!! Many of those, have only been attending the past 4 or 5 months.  It is so inspiring to see the excitement for Jesus and his church in their eyes!!! IT PUMPS ME UP!!!

 

Every Class 101 reminds me how thankful I am for the MANY VOLUNTEERS that GIVE THEIR TIME at TNC!!! Your willingness to SERVE OTHERS WITH EXCELLENCE, and to create a WARM & INVITING ENVIRONMENT each SUNDAY is so VITAL.  Every person that sets up, tears down, parks a car, serves a cookie, loves on a baby, teaches a child, or cares for a guest, plays a HUGE ROLE in allowing GOD to do his TRANSFORMING WORK. Of course GOD is the ONLY ONE that can change a HUMAN HEART, but HOW WE CARE & PREPARE kids and adults to come FACE TO FACE with GOD is a BIG DEAL! You know it and I know it! THANK YOU TNC VOLUNTEERS for BEING FATHFUL & SERVING OUR KING every SINGLE WEEK. GOD is changing lives and people are falling in love with JESUS as a result of your efforts!!

 

I can’t wait for Sunday! I pray that you will come READY TO CELEBRATE! I know GOD is going to set some people FREE as a result of the message SUNDAY!

 

I LOVE YOU, and I LOVE SEEING GOD TRANSFORM LIVES!

HOW BOUT YOU????!!!!!

 

Steve

2012
04/20
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IT’S FRIDAY, BUT SUNDAY’S COMING!

It’s GOOD FRIDAY TNC!! Only two more days until we celebrate EASTER TOGETHER! Don’t forget we will ONLY have 2 services in the NAHS gym. Service times are @ 9:15 am & 11:15 am.   You don’t want to MISS IT & you don’t want your friends, family or co-workers to miss it! Be sure to BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU!

On this GOOD FRIDAY, I’m reminded of Author, Pastor and Sociologist Dr. Tony Campolo’s phrase, “It’s Friday, But Sunday’s coming!” Dr. Campolo tells the story of a little preaching competition that he had with his pastor during services at the church where he attends. Dr. Campolo tells how he preached the “perfect” sermon, perfect in every way. He had taken the congregation to the heights of glory. And as he sat down beside his pastor, Dr. Campolo patted him on the knee and simply said, “Top that.” The older black pastor looked at him and said, “Boy, watch the master.”

It was a simple sermon, starting softly, building in volume and intensity until the entire congregation was completely involved, repeating the phrases in unison. The sermon went something like this.

 

”It’s Friday. Jesus is arrested in the garden where He was praying. But Sunday’s coming.

 

It’s Friday. The disciples are hiding and Peter’s denying that he knows the Lord. But Sunday’s coming.

 

It’s Friday. Jesus is standing before the high priest of Israel, silent as a lamb before the slaughter. But Sunday’s coming.

 

It’s Friday. Jesus is beaten, mocked, and spit upon. But Sunday’s coming.

 

It’s Friday. Those Roman soldiers are flogging our Lord with a leather scourge that has bits of bones and glass and metal, tearing at his flesh. But Sunday’s coming.

 

It’s Friday. The Son of man stands firm as they press the crown of thorns down into his brow. But Sunday’s coming.

 

It’s Friday. See Him walking to Calvary, the blood dripping from His body. See the cross crashing down on His back as He stumbles beneath the load. It’s Friday; but Sunday’s a coming.

 

It’s Friday. See those Roman soldiers driving the nails into the feet and hands of my Lord. Hear my Jesus cry, “Father, forgive them.” It’s Friday; but Sunday’s coming.

 

It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, bloody and dying. But Sunday’s coming.

 

It’s Friday. The sky grows dark, the earth begins to tremble, and He who knew no sin became sin for us. Holy God who will not abide with sin pours out His wrath on that perfect sacrificial lamb who cries out, “My God, My God. Why hast thou forsaken me?” What a horrible cry. But Sunday’s coming.

 

It’s Friday. And at the moment of Jesus’ death, the veil of the Temple that separates sinful man from Holy God was torn from the top to the bottom because Sunday’s coming.

 

It’s Friday. Jesus is hanging on the cross, heaven is weeping and hell is partying. But that’s because it’s Friday, and they don’t know it, but Sunday’s a coming…”

Sunday is coming TNC!

Steve

2012
04/06
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10 DAYS & COUNTING…..

SPRING BREAK and MASTERS WEEK in the CSRA is almost here! This is always a FUN time of the year for families, teachers, kids and golf lovers. I’m sure many have plans to enjoy the next several days together as we do at the Davis house.  I hope that you get the opportunity to enjoy some family time, travel, sun, beach, golf or whatever it is that refreshes you.  However, above all the activities I hope and pray that you are PUMPED about CELEBRATING THE RESURRECTION OF OUR SAVIOR ON OUR “MASTER’S SUNDAY” EASTER!

We are only 10 days away from GATHERING as HIS BRIDE to CELEBRATE and PRAISE our SAVIOR for HIS SUPREME SACRIFICE and SALVATION!!!!!  TNC is planning a STRATEGIC time of WORSHIP & MINISTRY for all ages on EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 8th. We will have ONLY 2 SERVICE TIMES (not three) @ 9:15am & 11:15am.  Our main services will be held in the NAHS gymnasium and KidzStuff will move to the auditorium for EASTER SUNDAY ONLY. We are expecting a HUGE DAY and expecting GOD to MOVE in a MIGHTY WAY!

I’m praying that every TNCER will bring someone with them!!! One survey of unchurched people shared that the #1 REASON they (the unchurched) have never attended church is because NO ONE HAS EVER INVITED THEM.  Combine that RESEARCH with the fact that UNCHURCHED people are more likely to attend church at CHRISTMAS or EASTER than any other time of the year, and I THINK IT’S A NO BRAINER TNC!!!! EASTER is an UNBELIEVABLE OPPORTUNITY to INVITE strangers, co-workers, family members, friends and anyone that “breaths”☺ to “COME & SEE” at TNC on EASTER SUNDAY! I promise you that they will be given a POWERFUL OPPORTUNITY to consider JESUS for new LIFE.  Please be sure to get some INVITE CARDS at GUEST SERVICES this Sunday at TNC, and let’s not miss the OPPORTUNITY to make some “INVITES” and see what GOD will do!

This Sunday we will finish up our WEIЯD series because NOЯMAL ISN’T WOЯKING!  You don’t want to miss it!

Finally, I want to mention that our new CELEBRATE RECOVERY ministry will be having a special guest testimony this Sunday night and EASTER Sunday night at 6 pm.  Our CR MINISTRY is off to a fantastic start as they continue to offer HOPE & MINISTRY to those dealing with hurts, habits and hang-ups. If you find yourself in bad place, I encourage you to check out CELEBRATE RECOVERY at THE BLOK on Sunday nights!

Have a safe SPRING BREAK!

Steve

2012
03/29
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COUNTDOWN TO EASTER BEGINS!

TNC has started its’ “COUNTDOWN TO EASTER.”  You can countdown with us by checking out our BILLBOARD on Martintown Road in North Augusta.  I’m HOPING that it will cause each of us to get excited about the most SIGNIFICANT EVENT in the history of the world, the DEATH & RESURRECTION of our SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST!   EASTER is the SUPER BOWL of our faith!!!  Followers of Jesus around the world will gather to CELEBRATE & HONOR the KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS for HIS SALVATION!

At TNC we are planning a SPECIAL EASTER CELEBRATION on Sunday, APRIL 8, to HONOR THE NAME OF JESUS!!!  Once again, we will HAVE TWO SERVICES @ 9:15 & 11:15 in the NAHS gymnasium to accommodate the MANY GUESTS that YOU WILL BE INIVITING to attend with you!

DON’T FORGET, MORE UNCHURCHED PEOPLE ARE OPEN TO ATTENDING CHURCH at EASTER than at any OTHER TIME OF THE YEAR!!! They just need SOMEONE to INVITE THEM to come. INVITE CARDS are available NOW at Guest Services.

We will begin a new series on EASTER entitled, WALKING DEAD. Without the death of Jesus, there is no resurrection. When we place our faith in Jesus, we unite with Him in death and in new life. This transaction offers us a fresh place of hope, and unleashes a new power in our lives. We will be talking about how it enables us to overcome sin, break free from religion, and get past the pain of our past.

This is an exciting time of the year for every follower of Jesus! I’m looking forward to a great day this Sunday as we continue our WEIЯD series.  You don’t want to miss it!! I look forward to seeing you SUNDAY at TNC!!! Be sure to grab some INVITE CARDS for EASTER SUNDAY as we COUNTDOWN TO EASTER!

I Love You,

Steve

2012
03/23
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WE HAVE A LOT TO CELEBRATE!!!

This weekend TNC will gather to CELEBRATE God’s work in our lives through

40 DAYS BETWEEN THE LINES.  As a community of faith we have LEARNED GOD’S WORD, LOVED HIS WORD and been CHALLENGED to LIVE HIS WORD the past seven weeks! Sunday we CELEBRATE A SMALL TASTE of what HE has done in our hearts. Here is some highlights of CELEBRATION SUNDAY!

  • We will hear video testimonies from TNCers who have been touched and changed through reading and studying the Bible.
  • We will see 20-30 people get DUNK’D in our 3 services, as people declare their FAITH IN JESUS through baptism.
  • We will give you the opportunity to “WRITE THE WORD” by helping us finish TNC’S writing of the GOSPEL OF MARK. You and your family members are encouraged to stop at A TENT outside in the plaza area and write a verse from the book of Mark in your handwriting. We will make TNC’S written copy of MARK available to you at a later date.
  • Over 250 students (YES I SAID OVER 250 YOUTH) will join us at our 11:30 service to culminate “180 WEEKEND” in our student ministry. We will CELEBRATE what GOD had done in their lives as a result of the weekend.

It’s going to be an INCREDIBLE time of WORSHIP, MINISTRY & CELEBRATION!!! YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS PARTY!!! I PROMISE THAT YOU WILL LEAVE SUNDAY MORNING FIRED UP ABOUT JESUS & HIS CHURCH!!!!

Please note that our 11:30 service is going to be EXTREMELY CROWDED because our “180” students will be in attendance. If you are an adult without youth and normally attend the 11:30 service I STRONGLY SUGGEST that you consider attending the 10 AM service this Sunday! It would really help us out, and to be honest, it will ASSURE THAT YOU HAVE A SEAT :-). Thanks for your cooperation ahead of time on this.

I want to give another SHOUT OUT to all the 8:30 ATTENDERS that continue to come early. YOU GUYS & GIRLS ARE UNBELIEVABLE! We’ve had over 300 people in attendance the past two Sundays, you GOTTA LOVE IT!!

It goes without saying, but this is a busy and full weekend at TNC. Many of you are serving, hosting and helping with students this weekend. Please pray for safety and God’s power on all that happens throughout the weekend, and Sunday at TNC!

MAY HIS TRUTH SET YOU FREE!

Steve

2012
03/01
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TNC YOU ROCK!!!!

I was at lunch today with a TNC staffer and we were marveling over the PEOPLE OF TNC! As most of you know our attendance the past 8 weeks has been OVER THE TOP in our 10 & 11:30am services! As a result we’ve been challenging our “committed attenders” to open their seats at the late service times for newcomers, and attend the 8:30 am service, which has plenty of open seats.  Two Sundays ago, I CAST A VISION and challenged TNCers to help us grow our 8:30 service over 300 people.  As I walked on the stage to preach Sunday at the early service I WAS OVERWHELMED and ALMOST MOVED TO TEARS, as 342 TNCERS greeted me with a LOUD APPLAUSE!!!!! IT WAS SO COOL!!! WOW!! I’M so HUMBLED to LEAD FOLLOWERS OF JESUS that CARE SO MUCH ABOUT OTHERS meeting JESUS!!!  What a PRIVLEGE to be your Pastor! By the way our 8:30 service, had an ENERGY and SPIRIT unlike anything we’ve experienced before! I CAN’T WAIT FOR 8:30 THIS SUNDAY, COME AND JOIN US!!!!!

Sunday I will be sharing the final message in our 40 DAYS BETWEEN THE LINES series.  As we get BETWEEN THE LINES of scripture, there is ONE MAJOR “GAME CHANGING” ELEMENT in allowing God’s truth to transform our lives. You don’t want to MISS this important VALUE!

Next Sunday we will gather for our “40 DAYS CELEBRATION!” We will hear stories of what GOD has done in the lives of our people as they have committed to reading, studying and memorizing His WORD.  We will also be BAPTZING those who have made decisions to follow JESUS! The festivities will also include a CULMINATION of our 180 WEEKEND for our YOUTH! It’s GOING TO BE A HUGE SUNDAY TO CELEBRATE what our GREAT GOD is doing to transform lives at TNC! MAKE SURE YOU JOIN US!

If you desire to be DUNK’D next Sunday, you can still do so!!!! Sunday we will have another BAPTISM CLASS @ 10 AM in the NAHS GYM. If you have PRAYED to RECEIVE JESUS in your life and have never GONE PUBLIC WITH YOUR FAITH, we encourage you to come to this class. It will explain the “ins and outs” of baptism and what it means for a follower of Jesus. COME CHECK IT OUT SUNDAY!!!

I hope you have been memorizing the scripture verse this week. ”Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”   Matthew 7:24

Let’s keep Loving the Word, Learning the Word & Living the Word together TNC!

Steve

2012
02/23
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“40 DAY” WAVE CONTINUES TO GROW!

As we arrive at the halfway point of 40 DAYS BETWEEN THE LINES, it’s obvious we are experiencing another movement of God at TNC!  Each week we are HEARING powerful stories of GOD’S work in individual lives, families and Journey Teams. (YOU WILL HEAR ANOTHER ONE THIS SUNDAY! DON’T MISS IT!) Every Sunday we gather another (non-holiday) attendance record is broken at TNC! Last Sunday we set another high mark, with 1,790 people on campus!!!!  Journey Land had its’ highest attendance ever, they were filled to the brim with babies and toddlers. Thank you to our incredible JOURNEY LAND staff and volunteers, your service to the KINGDOM never ceases to AMAZE ME.

 

Once again, I want to THANK each person and family that have committed to attending our 8:30 am service each Sunday. You are providing an INVALUABLE ministry to newcomers!!! Every Sunday we continue to have multitudes of first time visitors. We need every seat we can muster at our 10 & 11:30 am services. I want to continue to ASK more of our TNC members to SERIOUSLY CONSIDER attending our 8:30 service. By doing so, you are opening up your seat to the many guests that are filing into TNC each Sunday at 10 & 11:30 am.  Will you consider it? We are at capacity in the later services, and we don’t want to turn anyone away as the buzz of GOD’S LIFE in our church continues to GROW IN THE CSRA! THANK YOU for hearing me, and I pray that you will take that STEP if you can.

 

What an EXCITING TIME to be part of God’s Church!!!! Sunday we continue 40 DAYS BETWEEN THE LINES with another POWERFUL gathering of WORSHIP and FOCUS on GOD’S WORD. I am so PUMPED to share how GOD’S WORD enables Christ followers to SEE WHAT OTHERS CAN’T SEE.  I don’t believe SUNDAY CAN’T GET HERE SOON ENOUGH!!!

 

SPEAKING OF SUNDAY, TNC launches CELEBRATE RECOVERY Sunday night!! I’ve been hoping and praying to begin this ministry for several years. CELEBRATE RECOVERY is a CHRIST CENTERED, 12- STEP recovery ministry designed to LIBERATE individuals dealing with HURTS, HABITS and HANG-UPS. Under the leadership of Jay and Andra Armstrong, and a team of trained TNCers, Celebrate Recovery will be held at THE BLOK (TNC offices) on Martintown Rd.  An optional dinner is available at 5 pm for a small fee, and childcare is provided for ages 3 years – 2nd graders. The service begins at 6 pm. I can’t wait to see how God transforms hearts through CELEBRATE RECOVERY.

 

Let’s continue to LEARN THE WORD, LOVE THE WORD and LIVE THE WORD together!

 

See you Sunday!

Steve

 

PS:  DON’T FORGET another year of SECOND SATURDAY begins at THE BLOK on Saturday morning. A complimentary breakfast is served at 8:30 am for you and your family. At 9 am you will be transported to one of four locations in the CSRA to serve and make a difference! You will return by noon.

2012
02/09
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PREPARING FOR A SUPER SUNDAY!

This Sunday has become the most hyped Sunday of the year in America. You don’t need to be a football fan to know that it’s SUPER BOWL SUNDAY.  The NFL has done a magical marketing job the past 20 years to make SUPER BOWL SUNDAY more than a game. It’s an event! It’s filled with crazy commercials and a halftime show unlike any other sporting event. I enjoy SUPER BOWL SUNDAY because it provides the opportunity to enjoy a great time for the families of my Journey Team! I can’t wait for the food, fun, and fellowship!

 

Recently “SUPER” certainly has described our Sunday mornings when we gather at TNC!!! Our 40 DAYS BETWEEN THE LINES emphasis has been a catalyst for a TIDAL WAVE of spiritual awakening and growth at TrueNorth. The past two Sundays God has been moving in our services, igniting a hunger for His Word, and bringing record numbers of people to TNC! We’ve also been hearing stories of His work in individual lives away from our campus. Hundreds of adults and students are gathering in small groups (Journey Teams) every night of the week studying His Truth together. Beginning Sunday, I will be sharing a special story each week about what GOD IS DOING IN THE HEARTS OF OUR PEOPLE as a result of 40 DAYS BETWEEN THE LINES. Don’t miss it!

 

I pray that you are diving into His Word through the Daily Devotionals. This week we have been reading Mark 1-7. We’ve been using the PICTURE IT method as we read stories of Jesus in Mark.  Our memory verse this week is, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18 (NIV). I’m praying that every TNCer is opening their eyes to the wisdom and freedom we find in LEARNING HIS WORD, LOVING HIS WORD and LIVING HIS WORD, through this 40 Day experience together.

 

I look forward to kicking-off Super Sunday with you at TrueNorth Church! See you Sunday!

 

Steve

2012
02/03
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40 DAYS IS OFF TO AN INCREDIBLE START!!!!

Last Sunday we kicked off our new church-wide emphasis 40 DAYS BETWEEN THE LINES with a non-holiday attendance record of 1,760 people at TRUENORTH CHURCH!!!! It was an awesome day, the spirit of Christ was all over the place, and the energy of our people was unbelievable! You can sense the excitement when you walk on campus. People are pumped about getting BETWEEN THE LINES of God’s Word!

 

I’ve been challenged and encouraged by God’s Word this week in the book of Philippians. Remember we are supposed to read all four chapters before Sunday. I love the devotional study method that we are using this week, PRONOUNCE IT. One word in a scripture verse can speak volumes when you pause to reflect on it. How about you? Are you getting into God’s Word, so the God of the Word can get in to you?

 

I can’t wait for Sunday! This week’s message is one you don’t want to miss! We will discuss WHY WE CAN CONFIDENTLY TRUST THAT THE BIBLE IS THE DIVINE AND HOLY WORD OF GOD. If you have friends, family members or co-workers that often question or doubt the validity of the Bible, get them to TNC on Sunday. God has a special word for them, I guarantee it!

 

Speaking of Sunday, we are very excited about the growth of our 8:30 service. Last Sunday we had 242 folks attend!!!! However, with the capacity crowds at 10 & 11:30, we still need more of our TNC members to consider the vital ministry of giving their seat to first timers or new attenders, by attending our 8:30 am service. Will you give it a try?! Krispy Kreme doughnuts and the finest people you will ever meet, await you every Sunday at 8:30 am! C’mon and give it a try!!!

 

Finally, pray for Class 101 tomorrow morning, we have 60 people signed up to come!!! As we lift up JESUS at TNC, GOD is drawing people to join us in HIS MISSION to transform spiritual seekers into passionate followers of Jesus Christ.

 

I love you TNC, and I consider it the greatest privilege of my life to be your pastor. I will see you Sunday ready to proclaim the good news of our Great God!

 

Steve

2012
01/27
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