TSF Blog

Declare His Glory Among the Nations! An Interview with Steve Moses

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2011-12-14T10:09:37-06:00

For nearly 15 years, Steve Moses has educated, equipped, and mobilized college aged students to live out a World Christian lifestyle wherever the Lord places them. He served for two years with the International Mission Board in Northern Africa and the Middle East. He then served for nearly five years at Germantown Baptist Church. For three years, Steve served as the Executive Director of Mission Leader, which mentors church leaders in developing a biblical strategy for local and global missions. During this same time, he served as a consultant with the International Mission Board to help engage young adults in missional living. He continues to develop and implement mentoring strategies targeting college students and young adults.

Since 2009, Steve has served as the Refugee Coordinator at Christ Community Ministries. He seeks to bring greater awareness and exposure to the needs of local refugees by connecting volunteers to newly arrived refugees.

[ This interview is included in the December 2011 issue of follow which you can find here ]

The Gospel of John is online

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2011-09-14T09:44:02-05:00

We begin our classes this week and the first session of our study of the Gospel of John is now online. I am very excited about this study. Of the four Gospels, John presents the inexhaustible, profound beauty of Jesus most clearly. He desires that we become captivated by all the Jesus is just has he did. I hope you will plug into this study and that it is helpful in your following the Lord. You can go directly to the John page by clicking here.

2011 Classes Are Almost Here!

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2011-08-26T10:35:58-05:00

It is time to get our classes going again this year. We will be offering new MilktoMeat classes as well as a study of the Gospel of John. We are looking forward to a good year of learning and growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus. We hope you can come and join us. All our classes will start the week of September 12th.

To get more information about the classes, download our Newsletter which you can find here.

For Teens: Building The Relationship Cake

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2011-07-14T10:23:07-05:00

Kristen Thornton has been busy teaching this Summer and we are delighted to be able to offer another of her sessions. In this talk, Kristen teaches a group of teenage girls how to “build the relationship cake.” This is a fantastic talk that will be helpful to teens and parents alike.

>>Listen to or download the audio here.

>>Download the Visual here.

>>Download a PDF of the presentation here.

New Issue of follow now available

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2011-07-06T08:59:55-05:00

The July issue of follow is now available to download. In this issue, we map out our spiritual journey in terms of the stages of our growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We trace our steps from being “babes in Christ” to becoming “spiritual elders” - living examples of Christ to others. To get the emag, click here.

MilktoMeat: IMPACT Beginning this Fall

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2011-07-06T09:56:47-05:00

This September, we will be launching a new “program” called MilktoMeat: IMPACT and we would love for you to get involved. For the past several years, the question that has captivated my thinking about teaching and discipleship is “How do we move beyond information transfer to life transformation?” With our IMPACT program, we hope to do just that. Basically here is what we are planning to do:

Two Things Your Kids Can't Live Without Part 04

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2011-06-29T15:46:28-05:00

This is the Fourth part of Kristen Thornton’s series “Two Things Your Kids Can’t Live Without.”

>>Listen to or download the audio here.

>>Download the handouts for this session here.

Two Things Your Kids Can't Live Without Part 03

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2011-06-22T11:26:38-05:00

This is the Third part of Kristen Thornton’s series “Two Things Your Kids Can’t Live Without.”

>>Listen to or download the audio here.

2011 Summer Bible Study: The Power of Prayer

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2011-06-17T11:21:46-05:00

We have just started our Summer Bible Study this year and the topic is Prayer. In this six session study we are going to trace the ways the Scriptures instruct us in prayer from the Hebrew Scriptures through the teaching of the Lord Jesus to the pattern of the Apostles and the early Church. Our goal for this class is that we might all be more aware of the reality that praying is one of the most significant, important and powerful things that we do as followers of the Lord Jesus.

Click here to go to the study.

Two Things Your Kids Can't Live Without Part 02

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2011-06-16T15:19:47-05:00

This is the second part of Kristen Thornton’s series “Two Things Your Kids Can’t Live Without.”

>>Listen to or download the audio here.

Two Things Your Kids Can't Live Without Part 01

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2011-06-09T14:02:27-05:00

We are very pleased to share a series that Kristen Thornton is teaching in her home over the next several weeks.

Hey moms! What if instead of doing a million things so-so you could just focus on being really consistent with two things each day that would pay off huge in preparing your kids for life! Wanna know what I think those two things are? I'd love to share them with you! Please email questions, comments or feedback to Kristen Thornton at: kthorn10@hotmail.com

>>Listen to or download the audio for PART 01 here.

2011 follow eMag now available

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2011-01-03T14:30:14-06:00

We just posted the new issue of follow, our eMagazine. In this issue we list the 12 Authors whose books and work shaped the last decade. I am constantly getting requests for book recommendations and this list charts out the past 10 years in terms of the books that have made the greatest impact in our minds and hearts. Hope you enjoy it and that you might discover a ‘new’ book to read. You can click here to get to the follow page.

Advent Calendar: Great Way to Share Faith with Children

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2010-11-23T09:13:44-06:00

As Christmas is coming upon us, we thought we would share a resource that has been meaningful to many families in this Holy Season: The Advent Calendar and Candles. Matthew and Kristen Thornton have put together a fantastic resource to help you add this time of family sharing into your holy-days. Celebrating Advent using the calendar and candles is a great way to help your children experience the significance of the whole Gospel Story and can lay a foundation for your year round family growth.

>>Download the Advent chart and explanation here.

Phase 3 Living The Life now available.

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2010-11-11T20:42:29-06:00

We have just posted the first sessions of our MilktoMeat Living The Life study. This is the third workbook in our MilktoMeat 2.0 revision. We have the first two lessons posted as well as the first session lecture and discussion. Go here to find all the resources.

follow eZine is Now Available.

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2010-10-29T11:59:15-05:00

We have just posted our new eZine, follow, to the website. You can go here to download it. We are very excited about this new resource. We will be featuring articles, interviews and resources to help you “make your journey worthy of your destination.” If there is any question or topic that you would like for us to cover in the future, send us a note here. In our first issue we are focusing on Transformation. We hope you enjoy it and that it is useful for you as you desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.

Classes Have Begun!

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2010-09-15T20:39:37-05:00

All our classes started up this week and we are excited to begin a new year, growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our bible study this year is on The Book of Ezekiel. You can download the notes and lectures for that class by clicking here. It is not to late to join in on a class. Just let us know and we will get you connected.

Newsletter: Time for Classes!

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2010-08-26T10:56:29-05:00

Our new newsletter is out which has all the information about our Fall classes into. Download it by clicking here. We will have new MilktoMeat classes as well as a study through the Book of Ezekiel. Hope you can join us.

Maxie Dunnam and David Rhodes Speak Out at Dinner

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2010-08-26T10:37:06-05:00

This past Tuesday, we had our annual student and supporter thanksgiving dinner. This year we were blessed to have Dr. Maxie Dunnam give our keynote address and David Rhodes tell some of his story about his relationship with Tom Murray and Truth Seekers. Both of these brothers “knocked it out of the park” - encouraging us all and challenging us all. Dr. Dunnam focused on the Great Commission, the Mission of the Body of Christ and our part in Christ’s work in the world. This was one of the best messages I have heard this year. You can hear their talks by clicking on the following links:

Listen to or Download David Rhodes testimony.
Listen to or Download Dr. Maxie Dunnam’s keynote.

We also gave a few updates on MilktoMeat and some new resources that will be available soon. If you notice on the menu above there is a new link called “follow.” This link will take you to the download page for our new eMagazine called follow. This will be available in early September and will be a full-color, feature rich eMag focusing on discipleship and spiritual formation. We are also making great progress in completing the MilktoMeat 2.0 curriculum. We will be updating those pages here on the site very soon, so check back to find out more.

If you would like to keep in touch with us more regularly, you can subscribe to our email updates which come out a couple of time a month. Just send us an email here. Our newsletter is out now and you can download it by clicking here.

First Evan | EvenSong | The End is Coming...

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2010-07-12T09:35:19-05:00

July 11 - August 1 Stacy will be teaching a four week series called The END is Coming: How Knowing the End Gives Meaning to the Present. In this study, we will explore how the Scriptures’ description of the End of the present Age calls us to Hope, Holiness and Action. The EvenSong services are from 6-7pm in the Fellowship Hall at First Evan (735 Ridge Lake Blvd Memphis, TN 38120). We would love for you to come join us. You can download the notes and the audio for this series in the links below. (Please check back each week; we will update as we go)

>Download the Handout for this series here.
>Download Session 01 How Will It All End?
>Download Session 02 Knowing the End Motivates Us To Hope
>Download Session 03 Knowing the End Motivates Us to Holiness
>Download Session 04 Knowing the End Motivates Us to Action

Summer Study: The Heart of the Matter

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2010-06-10T10:41:10-05:00

This year our Summer Study will focus on the Heart. At the core of all human activity lies the heart. At the core of every thought, desire and emotion lies the heart. Obviously, we are not talking about the physical organ that pumps blood through our bodies; we are talking about the spiritual organ from which our life flows. Proverbs tells us, “Above all else guard your heart, for from it flow the springs of life” (4:23). To go to the page for this study click here.
In this 6 week study, we are going to consider the centrality of the heart in terms of what God is seeking to do within us as well as

New Class: The Thessalonian Letters

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2010-01-16T16:25:53-06:00

For the Winter/Spring term, we will be studying through the letters of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Two of the earliest letters written in the New Testament, these letters give us a glimpse into the life of the early church and call us to ponder the role affliction plays in growth and maturing of Christ’s people. You can follow the study by going here.

Is Intelligent Design Enough?

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2009-02-15T08:52:13-06:00

For by Him (Jesus) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

This past week, there has been a lot in the media about the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin who were born on the same day - February 12, 1809. Perhaps it is a “providential coincidence” that these two men with such different legacies should be born on the same day.

As Darwin’s legacy has been discussed, a couple of shows have focused on the battle between the Evolutionists and the Creationists. The latest form of the Creationist side is being spearheaded by the “theory” of Intelligent Design. This is simply a counter to the Darwinist position that everything just came into existence by chance. Intelligent Design says that the Universe shows evidence of intelligence that points to a creator. Many Christians (and even non-Chrisitans) are using this new “science” as a means to refute the Story of Evolution. But is the theory of Intelligent Design really enough?

"What will they do without us?"

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2009-01-13T08:53:17-06:00

One of the things that fascinates me about life is when different experiences come together in a moment to give an “epiphany” that opens up a new, clearer way of thinking. Most of my “epiphanies” are more like blinding flashes of the obvious. This is the story of one of those “epiphanies.”

For the past several months I have been teaching on the Spiritual Gifts, particularly the gifted people listed in Ephesians 4 - the Apostles, the Prophets, the Evangelists, and the Pastors and Teachers - who are given to the Body to equip the individual members for service. At the end of this passage Paul brings the whole section to a point in saying, “As each one does its part, the Body grows in love.” Every individual member of the Body of Christ plays a unique and indispensable role in Christ’s work among His people and in the world. This may be true and good theology, but do we really apply it?

The Life Transforming Power of Story

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2008-12-05T10:38:20-06:00

“Ivan Illich was once asked, ‘What is the most revolutionary way to change society: is it violent revolution or gradual reform.’ He gave a careful answer: ‘Neither. If you want to change society then
you must tell an alternative story,’ he concluded.”
(Tim Costello quoted in Organic Church, 123)

Story is central to our lives. We live in a “story” that we call life - it has a beginning, a middle and an end. We tell stories along the way as our lives unfold in order to make sense of things. In the modern era, story as a means of passing on our faith and values was replaced largely by “information transfer.” This has proved disastrous. Information alone can never captivate or transform the human heart and mind. Story, however, has the power to transform. In our times, many are returning to the use of story as means to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). This post will explore some key ideas and key resources related to understanding and using story as a means to think about and talk about our faith.

The ESV Study Bible

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2008-12-02T11:18:53-06:00

I am often asked to recommend study bibles and in the past I have suggested either the NASB or NIV study bible as among best. Now there is another excellent resource to add to the list - The ESV Study Bible.

The ESV Study Bible was just released in October of 2008. It is the most comprehensive study bible released to date with over 20,000 notes, 50 articles, 200 charts, 200 full color maps and many excellent full color illustrations. I have been scanning the introductions to the books and looking through the helpful articles and I have to say that this is one of the best study Bibles I have ever seen.

Ministry follow up

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2008-06-01T10:06:58-05:00

I had a fantastic time in San Antonio working with the students at His Hill. I think I learned more than they did! I was able to give a broad overview of the MilktoMeat curriculum in about 12 hours. This has really helped clarify what to do for a 12 hour “bootcamp” introduction to MTM. I would encourage you to check out His Hill and the Torchbearer schools. They are doing an awesome work training students in the Word, equipping them to live life for the glory of God in Christ. You can find out more about them here.

I appreciate all your prayers for this. Keep on praying for the opportunities that are still ahead to spread the truth of the Gospel. / ST

What is new on the Website?

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2008-09-07T09:12:31-05:00

Over the past several weeks, we have been working to improve the website. We have had several of you say how much you have enjoyed being able to listen to the classes online and download them to your computer or iPod. Here a several new things that you may want to check out:

what is happening in 2008

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2008-01-26T11:41:50-06:00

We have a lot going on in the first part of 2008. In February I will be teaching a four week overview of the Book of Daniel at First Evan here in Memphis. I have to cover 12 chapters of some of the most difficult material in the prophets in four weeks! I am praying for wisdom on this one. I will also be speaking at the ECS chapel on Thursday February 7. In May I will be teaching for a week at His Hill in San Antonio TX.

Larry Crabb's Seven Questions

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2007-07-23T10:45:47-05:00

I recently rediscovered a message that Larry Crabb delivered at Dallas Theological Seminary in the Fall of 2006. The title of the Message is "Chess Players or Poets: To Whom Does God Reveal Himself?" In this 30 minute presentation, Crabb gives a "big picture" overview of what God the Father working in Christ the Son through the Holy Spirit is seeking to do in and through us. This is one of the best messages I have ever heard on the "big picture" of God's desires for us. I wanted to share this with you because I know that you will be encouraged by this message as well.

To go to the DTS website and watch, listen or download this message, click here.

Kristen Thornton / Lessons from the Master Gardener

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2009-05-07T20:14:38-05:00

On April 21st, Kristen Thornton (Tom and Jeannie’s daughter) gave a talk for the women’s ministry at First Evangelical here in Memphis. She shared much of the wisdom that her father Tom cultivated in her life about raising kids and shaping the heart. Kristen did an awesome job and we wanted to share this with you.
>>Listen to or download the audio here.

New Resources: Life Transformation Groups

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2009-07-21T11:58:01-05:00

On Thursday, July 16th we hosted a student and supporter “thank you” dinner and First Evangelical here in Memphis. We were over joyed to see so many of you there and want to provide links to some of the resources mentioned that night. If you were unable to attend, we are posting the recording of the evening in the following link:
>>Listen to or download the audio here.

We also circulated some brochures about a new resource that we are going to test out called Life Transformation Groups. We need more than just “classroom” time to cultivate the transformation that comes about by focusing on Christ. These small groups meet to 1) hear the Word, 2) share life - celebration and confession - and, 3) motivate one another to mission. If you would like to read more about these, you can download the brochure here:
>>Download the Life Transformation Group brochure here.

We are also working on several new MilktoMeat resources and tools. We will let you know more about them as we get closer to the Fall. If you would like to receive an email newsletter update about current events and new resources and opportunities, please let us know by contacting us here.

Thanks to all of you who support this ministry with your time, financial sacrifice, prayers and participation. We are excited about the days ahead, looking forward to the opportunities that our Father will surely give us all to proclaim the excellence of His unique Son Jesus!

2009 Summer Bible Study

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2009-03-11T13:24:57-05:00

Defending Our Hope: What Can We Do When Our World is Falling Apart? This year, in light of all the current crises in our nation and land, we are going to explore the ways we can prepare ourselves to “give a defense of the hope that we have” (1 Peter 3:15). As a follow up to previous years’ studies, this study will focus on how we live out our faith in hopeful and loving ways even in the most difficult of times. The study will run June 18th-July 23rd in the Chapel at First Evangelical here in Memphis. If you would like more information, give us a call or send us an email.

Tom Murray Archive Updates

connect@tsfmemphis.org — 2009-01-20T13:22:35-06:00

We just added Tom's study of Angels to the archive and the study on the Messiah in the Hebrew Scriptures. Soon we will be adding Tom's MilktoMeat lectures. You can access the Archive on the navigation menu above the banner or by clicking here.