by Dr. Frank R. Lewis
I love preaching about forgiveness. As we continue the Forgiveness series on Sunday mornings we come to Palm Sunday, April 5, where we will pause to remember the tremendous sacrifice that secured our forgiveness by taking the Lord's Supper. Together we will remember the Covenant of Forgiveness made possible when Jesus took our sins to the cross. I know you will want to be here as we worship together in preparation for Easter's Celebration.
April 5 is also an important day for the members and friends of our congregation as we demonstrate our covenant of fellowship by participating in a "catch-up" offering. We started off the year with gifts that were far below our budget needs but have done a good job recovering in recent weeks. On April 5 we are asking everyone to help us catch up completely. We'll enter the summer months soon where ministry expenses run higher than anticipated gifts. It is important that those who can be generous during our difficult economy do so, but it's even more important that everyone be faithful. The tithe belongs to the Lord and our ministry depends upon your faithful giving. Together, we can enter the second quarter of the year in a stronger position if you will do your part.
Easter Sunday at First Baptist Nashville is always a special day and this year should be no different. We'll look forward to seeing students home from college, family members visiting from far and wide, and first-time guests in the community who are looking for a great worship experience. I know you will do your part to make every person you meet feel welcome. Please be in prayer about someone you can invite to be your guest with us this Easter!
Finally, mark your calendar and be sure to be present on Sunday, April 19, for an inspiring Sunday morning worship experience featuring our good friend, Ken Medema. Ken will join us to bring the gift of music to the visual gifts of artwork that will fill our foyer for this year's Arts Festival. We've learned to expect God to minister in unexpected ways when Ken has been with us in the past. Plan to be here and by all means invite a friend.
Church, we're turning a big corner! We're closing a chapter in one book and beginning to write the first chapter in a new volume! These are exciting times. The past is prologue, the present is unparalleled, and the future is as bright as our faith in God!
Blessings!
