This month we have been closely studying the wonderful gift called “marriage” through a series entitled “Happily Ever After.” As the foundational human relationship given by God to mankind it is critically important that couples enjoy godly, healthy marriages. However, it is obvious from the widespread effects of divorce and the common struggles of so many families that we have much to learn. I have been blessed by the onstage conversations I’ve been able to have with real couples with real marriages in real life. The common thread has been that our real God has blessed each one through the good times and bad times with His presence and strength.

Yesterday we  continued our look at marriage with another special couple, Steven Curtis & Mary Beth Chapman, who has walked through both wonderful and difficult days but has discovered that the grace and love of our Savior is just what they needed in both. There is always hope in the arms of Jesus!

I realize that each person in our congregation is not married and that some have been through difficult marriages in the past. Please understand my heart is not to pile on guilt for the past or to leave anyone out of the focus of the messages this month. My hope is that we can all learn and grow together so that every relationship in our life will be enjoyed for the glory of God. And that our relationship with God will be and always remain the most vital and intimate of our lives. That is the only way the relationships we have in this life will thrive and honor our great God!

Live for Jesus!
Pastor Tim

Marriage is a one of those topics that seems to touch the very fabric of society. Last Sunday we began a biblical look at marriage through a study called “Happily Ever After!” That phrase captures the heart of the dream couples share as they exchange wedding vows and make their commitment to each other as husband and wife. But that dream is often challenged by the daily struggles we face in the real world, and by the unexpected traumatic events that catch us by surprise and unprepared. This entire month we are dedicating ourselves to learning together how to have a marriage that honors God in the real world. Last Sunday Clay and Emily Osbourn encouraged us all by sharing valuable lessons God has taught them through their nine years of marriage, and yesterday Carey and Denise Colson will joined me in sharing what God has shown them over the last nineteen years.

Please read this advance notice about this Sunday! As our series on marriage continues next Sunday I will be addressing some topics that are certainly adult subject matters. If you normally bring your children (5th Grade and Under) with you to worship you might want to consider having them attend their LifeGroup for the 9:30AM service and Elevate for Children at 11:00AM. While I will be very careful about the language I use to deal with these issues the subject matter will be of an adult nature so I wanted to give you advance notice.

Have a great week and live for Jesus!
Pastor Tim

“Go God!” is one of Tony Nolan’s favorite expressions!  We agree with him!  Many people made decisions while Tony was here last Sunday.  It was awesome to see men, women, youth and children respond to the Gospel!  In fact, July has been a fantastic month as we have had special speakers here every Sunday!

Yesterday Michael Franzese was with us.  He is truly a man with a past and a hope for the future.  Just a few years ago, Michael was “one of the biggest money earners the mob had seen since Al Capone, and the youngest individual on Fortune magazine’s survey of the ‘The Fifty Biggest Mafia Bosses,’” (Vanity Fair magazine), ranking #18, just 5 behind John Gotti. His autobiography, Blood Covenant, tells his story from the early days in the mob and rise to power through his Damascus road experience that changed his life forever and led him to do the unthinkable, the unexpected, and by some, the unbelievable - Quit the Mob and follow Jesus.

Franzese is now a man on a mission.  Determined to use the compelling experiences of his former life for the benefit of at-risk youth, professional and student athletes, corporate executives and for anyone seeking the inspiration to beat the odds and make positive changes in their lives, he has become a highly regarded motivator and a source of invaluable information – the truth of the Gospel! Michael tells how there are two truths – You can’t escape the long arm of the law – and you sure can’t escape the longer arm of the Lord.

Thank You Michael!!  Praise God for your incredible testimony!

God is doing some amazing things through our faith family as we boldly share God’s story with the people He connects us to!  I am excited to hear how He is extending His Kingdom through the short-term mission teams we are sending out!  The Lebanon GO Team returned last week after sharing the good news of the Gospel in that part of the world.  Several have come to Christ during recent services here and as you have faithfully shared your faith!  Praise God!

It was wonderful to have Tony Nolan of TNT Ministries with us yesterday.  Tony is a true friend of Eagle’s Landing, having spoken here many times.  He is passionate about “helping people get it about God’s great love and salvation!”  His love for Jesus naturally flows, whether through a personal conversation or public speaking engagement.

Tony is often traveling on tour with Christian music artists like Mercy Me, Third Day and, of course, our own Casting Crowns! He is an author and producer of several popular teaching resources. He wrote the cutting-edge devotional book, “Faith Fuel – A Refueling Journey.”  Check out Tony’s ministry website at www. tonynolan.org.

Tony is a graduate of The Criswell College for Biblical Studies in Dallas, Texas. He lives in Woodstock, Georgia with his wife Tammy and their three children, Christy, Wil and Bradly.

Thank you Tony!  We praise God for what HE is doing in your ministry!

As we continue with special speakers for the month of July, Scott Dawson gave a challenging message to us yesterday.  Scott is no stranger to Eagle’s Landing having spoken here on several occasions. God is doing some amazing things through Scott’s ministry.

Scott lives in his hometown of Birmingham, Alabama with his wife Tarra, their son, Hunter and daughter, Hope.  The Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association is all about the Gospel and taking it to where people are.  From Scott’s “Safe at Home” events that catch the excitement of minor league baseball to his “Strength to Stand” and “Wake Up America” conferences, God is calling people to Himself through the faithful ministry of SDEA.  Check it all out at www.scottdawson.org.

Thank you Scott!  We praise God for how you are “living for Jesus!”