A Note from Michael Gossett
No, this is not a scam!
Have you ever felt like you did not get what you paid for? I believe this happens pretty regularly for most people. The advertising industry is paid to make people believe that what they are getting is actually better than what they paid for. When I was in high school, I knew that I needed a new baseball bat. It would make me play better, hit harder, get on base more often, score more runs, and lead our team to win in the playoffs. The problem is that the new bat did not fix my swing, did not fix fielding errors, and did not carry us to the playoffs. There are moments in life when you place your trust in someone or something that does not hold up their end of the bargain. Have you ever felt this way before? Have you felt ripped off? Many people think of the idea of church, Jesus, or prayer in the same way.
There are people who think that church, Jesus, and religious activity in general, are just another scam to avoid in life. How can true followers of Jesus help people understand that this is not a scam? What is our role in this dilemma?
Matthew 5:13-16 says, “13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
The only way people will know that Jesus is not a scam is by the way we live our lives before the world. A scam is for salt to lose its saltiness. A scam would be for a light to not shine. However, for us, we are called to be the salt of the earth and a light that will shine so bright that people we see our good works. When you and I live in this way, it will give glory to God rather than cause suspicion about God. Let this be your prayer today. How are you being the salt of the earth and a light in the midst of darkness? Here are two ideas for you to be the light today and the rest of your days:
- Invite 5 people to come to church with you this week. This is a simple task. Text / Call / Visit five people today and invite them to come and sit with you in worship.
- Pray for your waiter/waitress and invite them to come to church with you and share the hope you have in Christ.
If you and I would take this invite challenge seriously, then we will not have enough room in our church for all the people finding out that this “religion” thing is not a scam. Real transformation can take place in their lives. No, this is not a scam!
Golf Tournament / School of Ministry
I cannot say enough great things about our third annual Green Acres Classic this past Monday! Every dollar raised goes directly to our School of Ministry to help train and support future leaders in ministry, ensuring a legacy of leadership and gospel advancement! I especially want to thank all these generous sponsors who are investing in the next generation of ministry!
Presenting Sponsors
Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System
Express Employment Professionals
Tournament Sponsor
Renicker Wealth Management of 2911 Wealth Advisors
Willow Brook Lunch Sponsor
Chick-fil-A at Broadway Crossing
Titleist Pro Shop Sponsor
Fairway Auto Group
Beverage Sponsor
Center for Aesthetic and Laser Medicine
Cart Sponsor
Southside Bank
Prize Sponsor
Don’s TV and Appliance
Driving Range Sponsor
Signature Tours
Team Sponsors
ETBU
ET Fasteners
Gillen and Gillen Attorneys
Mike Murphy
Bernhard
TTI Tubulars LTD.
Mewbourne Oil
Dixon Services, Inc.
Hub Coleman
Stephen Childs
Impressive Image Works
Clader Homes LLC
Dairy Queen of Tyler
Texas Filter Service
Higginbotham Insurance
Fitzpatrick Architects
HighGround Advisors
Roberts & Roberts Law Firm
Bauman and Smith, PLLC
Danny Nordyke
Duckhorn Consulting, LLC
Morris Drywall Systems, Inc.
Humo
The Cleaning Company
Nathan Hughes, DDS
Mercedes Benz of Tyler
Sadler
Baerg
Hole Sponsors
Tyler Corrugated Box
Collins Investigations
Dairy Queen of Tyler
Clader Homes LLC
G&R Gutters and Garage Doors
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen
Thompson Hicks Insurance
Jasper Ventures
Texas Bank and Trust
Texas Filter Service
Residency Program Supporter
Multiply Ministries
Residency Program Supporter
Residency Program Supporter
Bad Bear Roofing and Construction
Refreshment Sponsor
Moran Refreshments
New Deacons!
I am so excited to share with you that we will be installing ten new deacons to add to our growing and loving church. Deacons are committed to being the lead servants of our church and I want to introduce you to the new deacons that are being placed before you to consider in this role: Colten Claxton, David Enright, Josh Hooper, Kyle Jackson, Troy Mitcham, James Moran, Adam Renfroe, Gary Salyer, Ben Scott, and Floyd Williford.
I want to invite you to join my wife, Katie, and me on a journey of a lifetime. We are going back to visit the sites primarily focused on Paul’s second missionary journey, October 26-November 4th, 2025. I have mentioned these sites in my sermons from Philippians because it was on Paul’s second missionary journey that the Lord brought him to Philippi. However, there is much more on this trip! Here is the itinerary of all the places we have planned to visit.
DAILY ITINERARY
DAY 1 (OCT 26): BEGINNING OF YOUR TOUR: Depart from DFW for an overnight flight to Thessaloniki, Greece. Bus to/from DFW is included in the price.
DAY 2 (OCT 27): INTO THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL: Arrive in Thessaloniki. Meet with the guide and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.
DAY 3 (OCT 28): THESSALONIKI/KAVALA/PHILIPPI: Begin the day traveling near the port of Kavala, where Paul landed with his disciples, Timothy and Silas. This port was also a destination for Luke the evangelist when he sailed from Troas. See a Byzantine castle, the Roman Aqueduct, and the ruins of an acropolis. Follow the Via Egnatia, a remnant of Rome’s highway system, viewing Roman and Greek tombs. Next, stop in Philippi, where Paul preached his first evangelical sermon and sowed the seeds of Christianity. Among the ruins located on the rocky ledge above the town’s main road is the prison into which Paul and Silas were thrown. Meander down the riverbank to the site of Lydia’s baptism, the first baptism on European soil. Return to Thessaloniki, where Paul planted a church that would later receive two New Testament epistles. Visit one of the most beautiful basilicas in the city, St. Demetrius. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. Lunch included.
DAY 4 (OCT 29): THESSALONIKI/BEREA/KALAMBAKA: In the morning, spend time in the ancient city of Thessaloniki. Explore the ruins of the Roman Forum and see the Rotunda. View the triumphal Arch of Galerius and continue along the waterfront to the massive White Tower. Next, travel to Berea (Veria) to see the ancient bema, where Paul spent many hours sharing the Gospel. Head south to view the awe-inspiring rock formations of Meteora. Dinner and overnight in Kalambaka.
DAY 5 (OCT 30): METEORA/THERMOPYLAE/ATHENS: Take in the striking monasteries of Meteora that seem to hang in the air, crowning the summits of these pinnacles with their wooden galleries and corniced rooftops. Dangerously hanging over the stunning abysses, these primitive dwellings compose one of the most fascinating sites on earth. A special treat awaits with a visit to one of these timeless monasteries to see the exquisite specimens of Byzantine art on display. Journey through the amazing countryside, taking in the beauty of Greece. Stop at the mountain pass of Thermopylae, the location where the Greeks victoriously fought for their freedom during the Greco-Persian wars in 480 BC. See the statue of Leonidas, king of the Greek city-state Sparta. Continue to Athens for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6 (OCT 31): ATHENS/LAVRIO/MYKONOS: Begin the day with a drive to the Port of Lavrio and step aboard The Discovery to start a 4-day Greek Islands cruise. Spend the afternoon exploring the Island of Mykonos, world-renowned for its lovely windmills, small cobblestone streets, and countryside. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.
DAY 7 (NOV 1): EPHESUS, TURKEY/PATMOS, GREECE: Step off the ship at Kusadasi and into nearby Ephesus, Turkey, Asia Minor’s greatest archeological site. This Greek and Roman city has been remarkably preserved. Step along the broad marble where Paul walked. Gaze at the Temple of Artemis (Diana), the Temple of Hadrian, and The Celsus Library. Marvel at the massive theater where Paul was opposed for speaking boldly about Christ. In the afternoon, enjoy cruising aboard The Discovery to the island of Patmos, built on a mass of volcanic rock. The island marks the site where the apostle John was exiled. Visit the Monastery of St. John and the cave where he received the vision he recorded in the book of Revelation. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. Lunch included onboard.
DAY 8 (NOV 2): CRETE/SANTORINI: Arrive in Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands and the cradle of the Ancient Minoan Civilization. This island is where the Apostle Paul spent time as he was being transported to Rome as a prisoner and where Titus remained to help the churches. Take a leisure walk through Heraklion, the capital of Crete, and enjoy the shopping and local culture. Board The Discovery for an afternoon cruise to the famous island of Santorini, formed by the half-submerged crescent of a volcanic caldera. Perched atop high cliffs, savor the island’s breathtaking views from Oia. Dinner and overnight on the ship. Lunch included onboard.
DAY 9 (NOV 3): ATHENS/CORINTH: Early morning arrival in Athens to begin the day’s excursion. Proceed to Corinth through the Bay of Salamis and the Saronic Gulf. This city was home to the apostle Paul for over a year and inspired two of his most familiar letters. Spend time at the Corinthian Canal, then tour the ruins of this ancient city. Return to Athens to view the world-renowned Acropolis and marvel at the ancient glory of the Parthenon, built 2400 years ago. Gather at Mars Hill, where Paul addressed the intellectual men of the most informed city of the time, pleading for the cause of Christianity. Dinner and overnight in Athens. Lunch included.
DAY 10 (NOV 4): ATHENS/USA: Transfer to Athens airport for your return flight to the USA with your heart full of memories from spectacular views and unforgettable experiences.
Come and join us on this incredible trip! You can sign up here! Space is limited, so please sign up as early as possible.
THIS SUNDAY! We continue our series in Philippians, In Christ. We will study Philippians 3:1-11. You do not want to miss out on our church gatherings. I want to encourage you to be a part of what God is doing in your church and within our church family. This is the time we will gather to worship, hear God’s word, and challenge one another to live out God’s calling in our lives. I cannot wait to see you this Sunday at 9:30 or 11:00!
You are loved and prayed for!
Michael Gossett