Eyes Open To See Wonders + Midweek Updates & Resources
Good morning Immanuel. Let's take a moment to reflect on the wonder of Christ!
“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” (Psalm 119:18)
The Word of God is true, and this is one of the most important things we can say about the Bible, but it isn't the only thing to say. Not only is the Word of God true, but it is also wondrous! This is David's prayer; that God would open his eyes to behold wondrous things out of the Law. The mind needs truth to understand; the hands and feet need goodness to pursue, but the eyes of the heart need beauty to behold! Whatever truth we know and whatever goodness we affirm would be mere empty religion apart from a divine and supernatural light shining in our hearts to unveil the wonder and beauty of God.
Psalm 119:18 is a longing that God loves to answer. He loves to open our eyes so we may behold wondrous things out of His Law. Two thousand years ago, the Word became flesh, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). In Jesus, we saw what all the Law and the prophets spoke of. We saw a life fully devoted to loving God and to loving His neighbor. This devotion to God and love for neighbor was displayed supremely at the cross, where Jesus laid his life down for the guilty! In Jesus, the veil that once separated us from God was torn, and as we look to Jesus by faith today, we see the wonder of the throne of grace that speaks peace, redemption, and comfort to us!
"...For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed." (2 Cor. 14-16)
"...having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might." (Eph. 1:18-19)
November 2, 2022 - Immanuel At a Glance
Sunday Updates
EPHESIANS - Pastor Barnabas Piper continued our Ephesian sermon series from Ephesians 2:4-7. View the sermon here.
SIDEBAR PODCAST - This week on the Immanuel Sidebar Podcast, Tony and Barnabas discuss grace, love, and assurance from Sunday’s sermon.
Wednesday Updates
THE BOOK OF ACTS - We continue our study in the book of Acts tonight! Feel free to invite a friend as we consider the real Jesus together! Doors open at 6 PM.
CHRISTIANS & POLITICS - A few months ago, Dr. Russell Moore gave a helpful talk on Christian unity in a politically divided world. You can listen here if you haven’t had a chance to check this out.
On the Horizon
DISCOVER LUNCHEON, NOVEMBER 13 - If you or someone you know is new or newish at Immanuel, the discover luncheon is an excellent opportunity to get a basic introduction to Immanuel, meet a few pastors, ask questions and discover your next steps. RSVP for the November 13th Discover luncheon here.
SEMINARS BACK TO NORMAL SCHEDULE - All seminars will be back to their regular schedule this upcoming Sunday!
9 am: Studying the Bible Together in the Staff Lounge (ongoing)
9 am: First Word (Genesis 1-11 seminar) in the Cafe
9 am: Student Seminar in the gymnasium (ongoing for grades 5-12)
10:45 am: Session 1 of Next Steps in the Staff Lounge (ongoing)
BREEZEWAY LOGISTICS - Just a reminder that the breezeway between the iKids building and Worship Center remains closed on Sunday and Wednesday nights. As our leaseholder Rolling Hills expands its use of the property, Immanuel has adjusted our foot traffic pattern. Please read here to learn more.
Also, consider how your generosity can help Immanuel find a long-term strategic location in Nashville to make the real Jesus non-ignorable for generations to come. Learn more about our Tenth Generation Campaign here.