Frank and to the Point

PUBLISHED IN THE EVANGEL // January 17, 2008

Pastor Frank Lewis

Changes

Life is all about change. People move. Jobs come to an end. Children grow up. Goldfish die. Graduation, work-force reduction, immigration, regentrification, retirement, transfer, downsize, upgrade: all these words and more remind us of ways change is introduced into our lives. If you are not facing change, you probably are not living.

We’ve experienced some changes at First Baptist Nashville and I anticipate a few more on the horizon. The make-up of our staff is changing. The neighborhood around us is changing. The way we communicate our message is changing. The way we engage our mission is changing. Fear comes with change, but so does opportunity. Between the two, there are other stages or seasons that we must experience in order to benefit from and grow with change. The process cannot be manipulated or hurried. It must be experienced with patience and trust.

The one constant is God. Scripture tells us that He never changes. His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness!

I cling to that in these days and I hope you do too. I know that as much as I love the church, and even as much as you love the church, God loves it even more. He’s not going to leave us to our resources nor treat us as orphans. God is on our side, and He’s an experienced (timely and seasoned) helper (Psalm 46).

One thing you can do is pray for your church as we move through the change cycles that are before us. New committees are in place to assist us with staff searches. Pray for them. Another thing you can do is practice faithfulness. That may seem insignificant at first, but your commitment to being in your place each and every Sunday matters. Be present, be engaged, be ready to worship, be willing to serve, and be as positive about our future as you’ve ever been.

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

Chris Harsson, Director of Development for the Tennessee Right to Life Campaign, will be our special guest on Sunday, January 20, in the foyer following morning worship. You will have an opportunity to purchase a “front plate” for your automobile showing your support for the work of Tennessee Right to Life. The plates cost $10.00 with proceeds going to offset the legal costs involved in securing the Choose Life specialty plates for Tennesseans wishing to show their commitment to the Pro-Life Movement. Look for Chris in our lobby on Sunday and prayerfully consider your support for the work of Tennessee Right to Life.

All Things Roman

Thanks for your continued enthusiasm for our study of Romans on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. There’s probably not a greater text for us to embrace than this timely letter so full of grace and truth to anchor our hearts and minds as we enter the new year. See you Sunday as our study continues through this wonderful book.

January 20 - Grace for Life’s Storms

January 26 - Grace for Life’s Struggles

February 3 - The Holy Spirit’s Role in the Life of Grace

February 10 - Experiencing Grace without Embarrassing God

February 17 - Living for Christ While Paying Your Taxes

February 24 - How to Live For Christ and Impact the World