The Daily + Tonight at Immanuel!
Good morning, Immanuel. There is astounding beauty in a gospel community that joyfully reflects giving and receiving to the glory of Christ.
“And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:45).
Nostalgia has a way of airbrushing history, so we only imagine an idealistic version of events. But we all know that real life is not idealistic. Neither is church community. Thankfully, the Bible recognizes and accounts for that reality. Take Acts 2:45, for example. Fresh off the news of the resurrection of Jesus, the gospel was creating a new community of beauty, joy, and peace. We may be tempted to look back at the early church with rose-colored glasses, imagining an idealistic Christian experience where everything was perfectly in order. But Acts won’t let us get far with that train of thought. Right in the middle of this new gospel community was a four-letter word—need. “And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:42).
Isn’t it amazing that God’s new community included need? And why did God design it that way? Why didn’t salvation make all our needs disappear in this life? One reason is that need creates opportunities for the church to participate in the joy of giving and receiving! The gospel is the good news of God’s generosity towards us in Jesus. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16a). It was God’s joy to give up his only Son for us, and it is our glory to receive his Son with the empty hands of faith. There is astounding beauty in a gospel community that joyfully reflects giving and receiving to the glory of Christ.
In Christ, we can have something better than an idealistic community. We can have real community where the risen Christ dwells, and we all share in the joy of his fullness together.
MIDWEEK UPDATES
Celebration Sunday…
Watch the Sunday Service - Our sermon series in 1 Timothy continues. If you missed this past Sunday, you can catch up here.
Tonight…
Wednesday Night at Immanuel - Join us for a night of Theology, Community, and Honesty as Pastor Sam Allberry addresses the question, What about other religions?
NEW WED. NIGHT SERIES IN FEBRUARY - We are honored to announce that our friend, Dr. Gavin Ortlund, will lead a new Wednesday Night series in February at Immanuel. Stay tuned for more details!
Looking Forward…
Discover Reception - Want to learn more about Immanuel? Our next Discover Reception is just around the corner. Join us on February 11th at 10:45 AM in the cafe. Learn about Immanuel, meet a few new people, and ask any of your questions. Please RSVP here.
Weekly on Fridays - Join us every Friday at 6 am in the Cafe for prayer as we seek the Lord for a long-term home in Nashville. Let’s see what the Lord will do!
Hallelujah, thank you Tony 🙏🏼