The Trumpet
The Benefits of Christ’s Resurrection
Every year, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
What benefits accrue to us because of Christ’s resurrection?
The Heidelberg Catechism Question 45 asks, “What benefit do we receive from the resurrection of Christ?” The answer is as follows:
First, by His resurrection He has overcome death, that He might make us partakers of the righteousness which by His death He has obtained for us. Secondly, we also are now by His power raised up to a new life. Thirdly, the resurrection of Christ is to us a sure pledge of our blessed resurrection.[1]
The first benefit of Christ’s resurrection is justification. Jesus’s resurrection assures us that his righteousness is credited to us. The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, saying, “ ‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
The second benefit of Christ’s resurrection is sanctification. When we are justified by faith alone, we also become new creatures in Christ. Our entire lives will be different because of Christ’s resurrection. The apostle Peter wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
And the third benefit of Christ’s resurrection is glorification. We can be sure that one day, our bodies will be resurrected, too. We will receive glorified bodies like Jesus’ glorified body. The apostle Paul told the Romans, “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5).
So, as you contemplate Christ’s resurrection this year, think of the incredible benefits he has obtained for you by his resurrection: justification, sanctification, and glorification. Amen.
[1] Heidelberg Catechism, Heidelberg Catechism, Revised Edition (Cleveland, OH: Central Publishing House, 1907), 58.
- Freddy Fritz
Reformed Rib-Ticklers
The Chief Editor had to reign in his Co-Editors who wanted to include some April Fool's jokes in this month's newsletter, but where there's a will for shenanigans, there's a way, so enjoy these knee-slappers!
- What do you call a Calvinist fish? (Charles Sturgeon)
- Most Reformers ring doorbells...but John Knox.
- Why did the chicken cross the road? (He was predestined to do so.)
- What did the Calvinist say when he fell down the stairs? (He cried out for help because the fallen can't save themselves.)
And for our single members, feel free to consider these in your courting endeavors:
- Girl, is your name Grace? Because you're irresistible.
- You and I were meant to be together before the foundation of the world...you know, God's decrees.
- If I could rearrange TULIP, I'd put U and I together.
- You're looking for a knight in shining armor? Well, I just happen to be wearing the armor of God.
- Tom Moore & Holly Mickler
Praying for Missionaries
We will start a series on how you can pray for TBPC missionaries and others around the world. Pray constantly, pray believing God will answer the prayers according to his will and purpose, pray wherever you are during the day, and pray for the Holy Spirit's help in prayer -- by bringing to your mind what and who to pray for.
Additionally, pray for the Missions Committee as they select 2 to 3 missionaries to be part of our team that are working to share the gospel to unreached people groups.
- Michael Bridges
Women's Bible Study Update
The WBS has been doing a study in Acts. I am blessed in that I am able to enjoy the Bible study Monday evening via Zoom and Tuesday morning in person. So far we are 14 chapters into Saved, Experiencing The Promise of the Book of Acts by Nancy Guthrie. I am really excited to dig deeper into Acts and understand more deeply how God is working out his plan to spread gospel message to the world afterJesus' resurrection.
We have seen the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to Jews and Gentiles, and we are seeing how not all of the Jews were excited to see God's plan working out. We are all looking forward to the rest of this deeper dive into Acts that complements Pastor Freddy's sermon series.
- Ruth Clarke
Women's Ministry
- Submitted by Brandi Shultz
Men's Ministry: Pop Stroke & Outdoor Games
On February 22, 2025 the Men’s Ministry had their very first PopStroke miniature golf event. Waldo and Daniel Kemp and Alisa and Brian Carrier hit the links, while David Lehman was there to support all the golfers. The weather was perfect, and the sky was beautiful for the many folks out playing that evening. Waldo Kemp and Alisa Carrier were the big winners, both shooting a 41 for 18 holes. Brian Carrier finished with a 45 and Daniel Kemp rounded it out with a 51. We were all hoping for a few more people, and we hope to have this event again in the future. Ultimately our goal is for each man to bring friends to enjoy some of the events and then join us for church on Sunday mornings.
Men, don't forget about Men’s Bible Study every Saturday morning at 8 a.m. led by our own Rod Proctor. We are now studying letters addressed to Jewish Christians by Jack B. Scott. We are working our way through the books of Hebrews, James, and Jude, and we will be study Ephesians, Philippians, and Corinthians starting in April. Thank you again for the support of the Men’s Ministry and Men’s Bible Study.
- Submitted by Brian Carrier
NTCA
Dear TBPC Family,
What a wonderful time we had getting to dress up for Dr. Seuss’s birthday week! The children came to school with fun hats, silly socks, even “wacky” clothes. Every age group joined in the fun. Then we wrapped up our week with Family Fun Night, which was truly a great evening. We were excited to join with our NTCA and TBPC families for a time of fellowship, games, and of course, fun! We are grateful to everyone that helped make this event such a huge success.
We are now preparing to celebrate Easter and are excited for our Easter Centers. This is a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel to our children, and we look forward to sharing the true story of Easter.
As we are coming to the end of our school year, we ask that you join us in praying that God be glorified in everything we do. We pray that God will draw families to himself as we continue to share the truth of God’s word with every child at NTCA. Thank you for the continued prayer and support.
- Susanne Gonzalez, NTCA Director
Laurent and Erica Calcul
Laurent and Erica first started attending TBPC about a year ago, but they didn't share the same last name until a few months ago. We are excited to get to know them in their newlywed couple-hood!
Tell us your story!
We first crossed paths in February 2020 at an event we both attended at the University of South Florida. Over the next few months, we occasionally met on campus and exchanged text messages. However, it wasn’t until about a year later that our connection began to flourish. In March 2021, I (Erica) invited Laurent to my home to enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the serene lake view. It was during this afternoon that we discovered a deeper understanding of each other's interests, backgrounds, and shared values. Our bond grew stronger over the following months, with frequent moments spent sharing home-cooked meals, working out, and exploring the Tampa Bay area together. We seamlessly integrated our lives, effortlessly transitioning from friends to an engaged couple. On December 28, 2024, we joyfully exchanged vows, marking the start of our lifelong journey as husband and wife. We are overjoyed to reach this significant milestone and eagerly anticipate the many adventures and memories that await us as we continue our journey together.
How is God working in your family recently? What lessons has he been teaching you? God is working in our family by reminding us to lean into him completely. A lesson that he has taught us recently is that his plan is perfect.
What is your favorite verse from Scripture? Psalm 46:1
Jacob Rush Professional Profile
Jacob Rush has been profiled helping to advance software functionality that enhances the ability of himself and others in the field of video production and potentially many other applications. The YouTube video below communicates how he was able to coordinate with software developers to complete this work.
Significantly, the developers were unaware there was a need for this dimension in their platform until Jacob brought it to their attention. Congratulations to Jacob for this important contribution in his vocation, and a "well done" for the quality of this video, which is an example of Jacob's work product.
- Tom Moore
The Benefits of Art
Brazilian artist Mathiole once said, "Art speaks where words are unable to explain." When we look at a sunset-painted sky, there's no question God, the ultimate creator and artist, understands expressions of art that can both be our words and leave us speechless.
TBPC member Melissa Noel has long enjoyed painting, but with the recent loss of her husband George in June 2024, she began to use her God-given gift in a different way. She is in the process of putting together a series of paintings that express what it has been like for her on her grief journey. "Light in the Darkness" is shown here and explained below.
Not only has God allowed Melissa to benefit from these paintings, but she will also feature them in an art show on April 4, 2025 to benefit Sunrise of Pasco County and the Green Dot Program of Saint Leo University, both of which work to assist in the areas of domestic and sexual violence. Melissa would be delighted for anyone to attend and support these good causes.
- Holly Mickler
(Photo/Melissa Noel)
Birthdays
- David Lehman - April 4
- Florence MacLeod - April 4
- Youjung Choi - April 7
- Waldo Kemp - April 10
- Charlie Cacioppo - April 11
- Ashley Powe - April 11
- Janice Thompson - April 11
- Michael Bridges - April 15
- Robert Almonte - April 17
- Jack McNulty - April 17
- David Otero - April 17
- Richard Thompson - April 18
- Grace Lee - April 22
- Rohan Linton - April 23
- Fidelia Mas-Beazel - April 24
- Isaac Dishman - April 25
- Marsha Otto - April 27
- Tiffany Stringer - April 27
- Tom Yu - April 27
- Caleb Massie - April 30
Someone asked me, "If God has a plan and everything is God’s will, what good are our prayers?" I firmly believe in prayers but was taken aback by this question and am so ashamed that I didn’t know how to respond.
God knows what we need before we ask Him, and in His providence He meets those needs. Yet, if God knows what we need, why do we pray? To understand the relationship between God’s providence and prayer, we must have a right understanding of prayer. While God certainly knows what we need and the desires of our hearts, He calls us to verbalize our needs to Him. The reason He does this is not because He needs to be nudged out of some slumber to act on our behalf, but because prayer benefits us and deepens our dependence on Him.
A.W. Pink said, “Prayer is not designed for the furnishing of God with the knowledge of what we need, but it is designed as a confession to Him of our sense of need.” Calvin explained that the Lord instructs His people to pray, “for He ordained it not so much for His own sake as for ours. Now He wills … that His due be rendered to Him.… But the profit of this sacrifice also, by which He is worshiped, returns to us.
"Concise Systematic Theology" by Dr. John Frame
More Delicious than Your Easter Chocolates
Dr. John Frame is arguably the most highly respected Reformed theologian living today. All of his theological volumes are dense and scholarly, except for Concise Systematic Theology. Here Dr. Frame is readable, even warmly chatty, and quite accessible to inquisitive youth, aging grandmas, and everyone in between.
Better to not read like you’re trying to win the Daytona 500, but linger over the lines like you are savoring your triple chocolate fudge brownies.
In places, Dr. Frame will seem like he has indeed given you something like a box of chocolates from which you randomly pick one up, put it in your mouth so it begins to melt over your taste buds, then sends you into a bit of chocolate ecstasy.
Here’s a morsel like that from Dr. Frame that could melt in your heart so you will savor it in worship to Jesus for days…
“Holiness means that God is supremely righteous and good, and that he must cross a great barrier to have any fellowship with sinners like you and me.”
- Submitted by Eileen Fritz
Porcelein Upgrades
As reported last month, one of the many things the Diaconate completed recently was the replacement of several conveniences in the main restrooms. The attached photo illustrates that all did not always go easily, and the work was not completed without moments of mighty struggle. Another big thank you to Brian Carrier and Derk Shultz for providing their time and talents, demonstrating yet another unique way to serve in the mission of TBPC.
- Tom Moore
(Photo/Derk Shultz)
PCA Administrative Committee Launches New Digital Tools
As part of our vision to coordinate resources to support our branch of Christ’s Church, the AC is providing improved digital access to the Book of Church Order (BCO) and its related documents. Up to this point, the BCO has only been available in print or as a PDF. Now, it is also available as a digital document that can be navigated easily and quickly by section and chapter. Point and click to jump to different chapters of the BCO or search for keywords and phrases.
The Book of Church Order is a vital tool for communicating the guiding principles of our system of government, enabling us to conduct the business of the Church decently and in order.
Additionally, you can now access a live BCO Amendment Tracker on our website. It includes a regularly updated dashboard that reflects the Assembly’s votes, presbytery votes, and amendment language for the upcoming 52nd General Assembly in Chattanooga.
Previously, commissioners had to wait until the commissioner’s handbook was published to discover the official tally of presbytery votes. In a recent collaborative handoff, a frequently referenced amendment tracker managed by TE Scott Edburg is available as a new AC resource. Now, this tracker provides real-time updates as they are officially reported by presbytery clerks.
We are excited to make these tools available and pray they will be a resource to further the peace, purity, and mission of Christ’s Church.
