Reaching and Applying

First Baptist Nashville adopted seven core values in 2008. They are at the core of who we are as a congregation. They state what's important to us as a church family. When someone sees our core values in print, we hope they present a compelling invitation to come join us on the journey of faith that we've been called to live at First Baptist Nashville. In the last issue of the Evangel, I wrote about two of our core values: Bowing the Heart in Worship and Bending the Knee in Prayer. In this issue I'm pleased to talk about Reaching People for Christ and Applying the Bible to Everyday Life.

Reaching People for Christ

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20

Applying the Bible to Everyday Life

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Jesus came that we might have life, not just information. A core value that emphasizes the application of biblical truth to life reminds us of the importance of reading, hearing, meditating on, and aligning our life's decisions and commitments with God's instructions found in the Bible. By doing so we avoid a lifetime of pain and sorrow resulting from poor choices made in our own strength and limited wisdom.
When you have a problem or a concern that seems to be overwhelming, you will discover that the Bible has a word of comfort that is always equal to the challenge. When you are tempted to give in or give up, the Bible brings a word of hope and encouragement pointing clearly to a better course of action. The Bible is true from beginning to end and offers the very wisdom of God to all who learn to apply its message with a trusting heart.
As a core value, biblical application is a priority in the teaching and preaching ministry of First Baptist Nashville. We will seek to live consistently with its message and communicate it faithfully in all we do.

Forgiveness Series

 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. Hebrews 8:12

Join us for a journey toward Easter this spring as our pastor takes an in-depth look at the meaning of forgiveness and the provision God made to offer it freely. You'll find the encouragement needed to get past life's hurts and to move beyond life's failures by applying the lessons Pastor Frank will share from God's Word in this study.
The Forgiveness series ends with the First Baptist Nashville Arts Festival on Sunday, April 19, with special musical guest Ken Medema singing during the morning worship celebration!

The Good News of Having a Forgiving God
March 8

Forgiveness: The Message That Got Jesus in Trouble
March15

Can I Be forgiven?
March 22

What Jesus Taught About Forgiving Others
March 29

A Covenant of Forgiveness
Palm Sunday April 5 with Lord's Supper

All Is Forgiven
Easter Sunday April 12

Arts Festival
April 19

Sunday School Xtravaganza

Attention all Sunday School Directors, Teachers, and Leaders...

Career Transition and Lunch

Thursdays
12:15 - 1:30 P.M.
Room 140
First Baptist Nashville
Please park in Lot D

We'd like to hear from you! Tell us what you need and how we can help. We have ideas we'd love to share with you too.
Contact: Marcus Marasco at 416-5164 or Lori Towns 664-6001

The career support group is an exciting endeavor First Baptist is initiating to respond to the needs of their congregation. The focus is to provide a place where individuals can obtain support, direction and assistance in finding employment. The key element to this program is spiritual support reminding all that during our darkest time, GOD has a plan and will reveal as HE deems appropriate.

We'll meet and discuss over lunch. You are welcome to bring a lunch or enjoy the lunch provided through Thursday Business Lunch.

Marcus Marasco was born in Oak Park , IL near the west side of Chicago where he spent most of his childhood. He is a graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Arts - Business Management and Human Relations.

Marcus spent seven years at the Physician Services division of HCA where he managed several teams including Customer Support, Security, Desktop Support, Masterfile Administration and Telecommunications. During his last few years, Marcus was recruited to reorganize and manage the Server Administration team.

In October of 2008, Marcus' career at HCA ended unexpectedly and he was without direction. Marcus immediately immersed himself in a full time position to find another job. Like many, timing was not conducive as the United States experienced extreme instability resulting in corporations reducing work forces by hundreds of thousands.

As Marcus continued to seek employment and heard of friends loosing their jobs, he found himself helping those in less desirable positions. Passionate about helping others, Marcus contacted Pastor Frank and Tom Crow to seek the help from First Baptist. With compassionate hearts and love of their fellow man, both took action and with the guidance of Rus Roach and Lori Towns , the Career Support group was implemented.

Open House

You might have noticed some improvements in our facilities over the past few months. On Sunday, March 1, we want to show off areas you might not have seen. Come to the welcome desk at the McGavock entrance anytime between 4 and 6 P.M. for a guided tour of the areas improved during 2008. These improvements were made possible through estate gifts and parking lot revenue. 

Missions Get-Together

An Event for Women
March 20 - 22, 2009
Gatlinburg Convention Center
To sign up, contact Mary Frances Turner by March 1 at mft930@comcast.net.

First Night/Business Meeting

A time of worship, prayer and business as a church family.
Sunday, March 1
6:00 P.M. in the Sanctuary

Seeking Balance

There is nothing like a good spring cleaning to get a fresh attitude and outlook. Not only does this apply to our home's physical appearance but it's also true about our family's schedule. By the time spring arrives, we're ready to look back at the commitments we've made the past school year and determine which ones need to be kept and which ones need to be tossed out. We also look ahead to the summer. We weigh the activities on our list and decide which ones we actually can or should commit to.

In all these decisions, I'm always seeking balance. It didn't take many times of being overscheduled and overwhelmed to know the importance of balance. Balance must be a top priority. There's constant readjusting and prioritizing of commitments. Each family member is learning that their own schedules must fit in with the other members. They have to accept the give-and-take. They know that they cannot say yes to every invitation.

I love to hear Pastor Frank stress the importance of rest in our lives. Keeping balance has become something even my children desire. They know it plays a very important role in our family. We don't always have balance but we are always seeking it.

"Success in all aspects of life is related to balance and focus." - Unknown

Calling All Artists

The First Baptist Nashville Arts Festival will be April 17 - 26, 2009. This year's theme is Forgiveness based on Hebrews 8:12:
"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
Art may be entered in any one or all four of the following categories: God Is a Forgiving God, Lessons Jesus Taught About Forgiveness, The Cost of Forgiveness, and Living Forgiven. More information is available at www.fbcartsfestival.org. Tell your friends and family members to check out the website also!

Senior Missions Fundraiser

Our high school seniors are making plans to minister in Wales this summer to spread the gospel in the community of Bangor. To help raise awareness and funds for the trip the 12th grade class will host a Spaghetti Lunch following morning worship on Sunday, March 8, in Fellowship Hall. The cost per person is $5. (Childcare will not be available.)

Come join us for lunch and learn how you can help support this international trip!