June Sermons

So, Abraham went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abraham was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. He took his wife Sarah, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there. Abraham traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So, he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him. From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.

Recognition of Divine Presence

Commitment to Faith

Legacy

·         Both erecting altars and making offerings serve to remind practitioners of their spiritual journey.

·         They create opportunities for reflection, gratitude, and a sense of community with the divine.

·         These practices encourage individuals to pause and recognize the abundance in their lives, fostering a non-transactional relationship with God based on love and appreciation.

Sense of Belonging: TTOGC fosters connections among members, creating a strong sense of community.

Spiritual Development: Through worship services, Bible studies, and prayer, we facilitate spiritual growth and help individuals deepen their faith.

Pastoral Care: We offer coaching services and resources for those facing personal challenges, providing essential emotional and spiritual support.

Community Service: TTOGC organizes projects that enable members to engage in meaningful acts of service, promoting justice rooted in biblical principles.

Educational Resources: We provide workshops and seminars that encourage personal and spiritual development.

Family and Youth Programs: Our church offers a safe environment for families and youth to learn, grow, and fellowship.

Crisis Support: TTOGC assists during difficult times, offering financial aid and support to those in need.

Operational Sustainability: Regular contributions ensure that the church can maintain its operations smoothly, allowing for uninterrupted worship and community services.

Staff Support: By supporting salaries, TTOGC reflects its commitment to a skilled staff, fostering a motivated work environment.

Online Presence: TTOGC maintains a robust online presence, utilizing technology, equipment, and staff to reach a wider audience and provide virtual worship experiences.

When we come together, bringing our offerings of time, talent, and treasure, we create a powerful altar of faith that can change lives through God’s love.

Remember that each offering—no matter how small—has the potential to create waves of change, touching lives far beyond our own.

The act of giving an offering teaches us to trust in God's provision for our own lives. Biblical giving is not just about monetary contributions; it encompasses our time, service, talents, and resources.

“The Lord had said to Abraham, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.””

• In our desire for more, we crave what is new and next, seeking instant gratification.
• We want to grow faster, learn quicker, and achieve enlightenment at a pace that simply isn’t sustainable.
• Fast faith often crumbles under pressure, as it lacks the depth and grounding that comes from slow, deliberate growth.
• This mentality can lead to a superficial understanding of faith—where the rush to keep up with trends overshadows the deeper, more meaningful aspects of spiritual transformation.

• Slowing down allows for introspection and connection with the Divine.
• In this space, we can cultivate authentic relationships with ourselves, others, and God.
• It is in the quiet moments of waiting and contemplation that we often encounter profound insights and growth.
• The sacred slow reminds us that we cannot hurry God; Divine timing is essential for genuine transformation.
• Embracing the sacred slow can lead to a more resilient faith. When we take the time to nurture our spiritual lives intentionally, we build a foundation that can withstand life’s challenges.

The gradual is not a sign of God's absence, but a testament to God’s profound wisdom. It allows us to:

• Develop Character

• Learn Dependence on God

• Deepen Our Faith

The key is to find balance between appreciating the immediate blessings and embracing the gradual process. We must:

• Be Open to God’s Immediate Interventions

• Embrace the Slow Work of Transformation

• Find Joy in the Journey

• Trust in God’s Perfect Timing

• God, thank You for Your immediate blessings and for the slow, steady work of transformation in our lives.

• Whether we experience God’s grace in an instant or through a gradual process, let us always remember that God is present, working, and faithful.