East Tampa Christian Church
Welcome to East Tampa Christian Church
Welcome to our website! We are a restoration plea fellowship of independent New Testament churches that have been serving our community for over 50 years. Our church is open to all who seek to deepen their faith and grow in the love of Jesus. We invite you to explore our page to discover the daily devotional, the latest on the calendar, our From The Word Weekly Bible Verse, and learn about the various ministries and missions we offer.
Our worship services are based on the Bible and we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us in our faith journey. We observe the Lord's Supper every Sunday as a way to honor and reflect on Jesus' sacrifice for us.
We believe in the importance of repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We invite all who share these beliefs to join us in proclaiming salvation and unity to those in need of hearing the message of Jesus Christ.
Good Friday is a somber day for Christians, as we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. It is a day to remember the great love and mercy that God has shown us, as He sent His only Son to die for our sins.
The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8 that "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Jesus willingly suffered and died on the cross so that we may have eternal life and be reconciled with God.
On this Good Friday, let us take a moment to reflect on the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Let us remember the agony and pain that He endured on our behalf, and the love that motivated Him to do so. As we look at the cross, let us be reminded of the depth of God's love for us, and let us respond with gratitude, worship, and obedience.
Prayer:
Dear God, on this Good Friday, we remember the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. We are grateful for the love and mercy that you have shown us through Him. Help us to never take for granted the incredible gift of salvation that we have received through His death and resurrection. May we respond with lives of gratitude, worship, and obedience. Amen.
From The Word
When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you and have taken possession of it and settled in it, and you say, “Let us set a king over us like all the nations around us,” be sure to appoint over you a king the Lord your God chooses. He must be from among your fellow Israelites. Do not place a foreigner over you, one who is not an Israelite.
Deuteronomy 17:14-15
4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah.
5 They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.”
6 But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord.
7 And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.
8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.
9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.”
10 Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king.
11 He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots.
12 Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots.
13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers.
14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants.
15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants.
16 Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use.
17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves.
18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.”
19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us.
20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.”
21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the Lord.
22 The Lord answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.” Then Samuel said to the Israelites, “Everyone go back to your own town.”
1 Samuel 8
Calendar
Sunday:: Sunday School: Adults, 9 a.m., Children, 9 and 10 a.m., Worship, 10 a.m.
Tuesday: Hunger-Free Mission food sharing, 10 a.m.
Wednesday: Bible study and prayer meeting, 6 p.m
Ministries
We are excited to share with you all of the amazing ministries and opportunities for growth and service that are available here at our church. Although many of these programs are currently in the planning stages, our goal is to make them a reality through the support and involvement of members like you.
Our Men's Ministry is focused on building strong, godly relationships among men of all ages. We offer Bible studies, retreats, and events that are tailored to the unique needs and interests of men. Our goal is to help men grow in their faith and become leaders in their homes, church, and community.
Our Women's Ministry is designed to help women connect with one another and with God. We offer Bible studies, retreats, and events that are tailored to the unique needs and interests of women. Our goal is to encourage women to grow in their faith and become leaders in their homes, church, and community.
Our Young Adult Ministry is designed to help young adults connect with one another and with God. We offer Bible studies, retreats, and events that are tailored to the unique needs and interests of young adults. Our goal is to encourage young adults to grow in their faith and become leaders in their homes, church, and community.
Our Senior Adult Ministry is designed to help seniors connect with one another and with God. We offer Bible studies, retreats, and events that are tailored to the unique needs and interests of seniors. Our goal is to encourage seniors to grow in their faith and become leaders in their homes, church, and community.
Our Counseling/Care Ministry is dedicated to providing emotional and spiritual support to those in need. We understand that life can be challenging and that everyone needs someone to talk to at some point. Our team of trained counselors is available to provide a listening ear, guidance, and support.
Our Health and Wellness Ministry is focused on helping people live healthy and whole lives in mind, body, and spirit. We offer a variety of programs and resources to help our church members and community stay healthy and active, including fitness classes, nutrition workshops, and support groups for those dealing with health challenges. Whether you're looking to improve your physical health, manage a chronic condition, or simply learn more about healthy living, our Health and Wellness Ministry is here to support you.
Our Technology Ministry is dedicated to providing support and guidance to those who need help with technology. We understand that technology can be confusing and overwhelming, and we want to help make it accessible and easy to use. Whether you need help with your computer, smartphone, or other technology, our team is here to help.
Our Hospitality Ministry is dedicated to making everyone feel welcome and at home. We understand that visiting a new place can be intimidating, and we want to make sure that you feel comfortable and at ease. Our team is available to provide tours, answer questions, and make sure that you have everything you need.
Our Small Group Ministry is focused on connecting people through meaningful relationships. We believe that small groups are an essential part of the church experience and that they provide an opportunity for individuals to connect with others, share their faith, and grow spiritually. Our team is available to help you find a small group that's right for you.
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We invite you to take an active role in bringing these ministries to life and helping us create a thriving community where everyone can grow and flourish in their faith. So don't be discouraged by what may seem like a work in progress - we are confident that with your help, we can make these programs and services a reality for everyone