by Dr. Frank Lewis, senior pastor
A few years ago on a Sunday morning when I was visiting in another city, I attended a church of another denomination. I sat alone in the pew having arrived just a little early for the service until a sweet couple asked if they could join me. Their genuine care and concern for a "visitor" was evident. They were warm and friendly and assured me that I was sitting in the most wonderful congregation in their city. After a well-worded sermon and worship experience, they walked with me to introduce me to the pastor of the church. Again I was made to feel very welcome. I was just a little disappointed that I was only in town that one Sunday. I'd have gone right back to that church the following Sunday had I been looking for a place to call my church home.
Kent Ira Gruff writes in The Soul of Tomorrow's Church, "Seekers are craving to experience the three most popular lines around the world: Welcome Home, I Love You, and Supper's Ready."
We say "Welcome Home" every time we gather for worship and extend hospitality to one another and the guests in our midst. Let's not forget that the welcome we extend to others is really our greeting in the name of Christ to those who enter our church buildings each week. They need to experience a genuine, warm welcome.
"I Love You" is the message. It's what I try to communicate in sermon and it's what we communicate in song. It's God's message. If the sermon doesn't say that, the sermon is incomplete (the sermon I preach and the sermons we live).
"Supper's Ready" may be the actual experience of the Lord's Supper--believers gathered around the table of the Lord, remembering Christ's body, thankful for Christ's sacrifice. The sacred moments of worship celebrated in baptism, prayers, dedications, and more should remind us of the feast that is ours in Christian worship and experience.
We are in the midst of our Season of Prayer at First Baptist Nashville. For seven weeks, someone is praying on the hour, every hour, for the spiritual renewal of our nation, our community, and our church. 168 prayer warriors are making up our prayer watch praying at the same hour each week during our Season of Prayer. Others were not able to make the commitment but have joined us by finding various times throughout their week to pray with us. We thank each of you for your willingness to pray.
Easter Sunday is just around the corner. Please take advantage of the opportunity you have to invite someone to be your guest for worship and Bible study on Easter, April 4. It's one of the days that most non-churched individuals say they'd be willing to attend church if they only had an invitation from someone they knew. While our church is praying for the community, step out in faith toward someone you know who needs to experience Christ. You'll be glad you did.
The Service of Word and Table takes place the first Sunday of each month at 8:15 a.m. in our Chapel. It's an opportunity for us to participate in the Lord's Supper more frequently, and to listen to the words of Scripture, responsive readings, and guided prayers.
