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| Journey to "Kingdom Come" |
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I sometimes feel torn about putting on the Web all the great and amazing things the Spirit of Christ is doing with and in the Greater Nashville Church. We want God to get the glory, not us! However, I have such good news burning inside, I can hardly keep it to myself. What I want to share with you is why I believe the Spirit of Christ brought me to the Greater Nashville Church. Since I arrived in the Greater Nashville Church some two years ago, I have prayed for the Spirit of Christ to help the church take the next divine step in our faith. As I prayed those words, I had no idea what would come. What came began a journey of faith for myself and the entire church. Together we embarked on this journey beginning on January 17, 2009 with a step of faith to called "All the Way to Kingdom Come." This step of faith had one focus, "Father, your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth just as it is in Heaven." In short, in this "Present Age/2009" we are seeking to be a little outpost of Heaven, right here on earth through living the Kingdom life through the church and our 242/LIFE Groups. Thus far, this journey of faith has been one of the most exciting, most intriguing, and in many, many ways... the most challenging in all of Scripture and our lives. However, before I go any further, I must say this, we have NOT arrived. In fact, in this journey of faith, we are just at the beginning. With hearts wide open and surrendered, we are exploring this vast and glorious mountain called the Kingdom of God. Jesus called every disciple to obey everything He commanded. For many, there are Scriptures we have grown comfortable with, or even numb to because we have read them so many times. (For example our “First Principals” study series). We may have falsely assumed that this was enough or that this was all there was. We have now seen that there is so much more than we had ever thought! It is here that we have set out to understand and obey everything that Jesus has commanded of us... even when it hurts! The ministry staff along with the elders and teachers are meeting regularly to study the Scriptures in order that we can lead the way in living out all that Jesus commanded. The divine transformation that is taking place has been brought about an increase in our Sunday attendance, many new first time guests who are returning each Sunday, many former members are returning, new guests who are eager to study the Bible with us to hear Jesus’ call to the kingdom life. The first step began with the series mentioned above entitled, "All the Way to Kingdom come."
Session I: The Kingdom is Coming -- Old Testament view of the Kingdom of God by Steve Brown Session II: The Kingdom is Here – Jesus and the Gospel of the Kingdom of God by Frank Williams Session III: The Kingdom is Now – The church living the Kingdom life by Tom Jones Click here to listen to series online. Currently as a church we are studying Matthew 5-7 between January and May. I have never in my walk with Christ been more inspired and humbled. The impact on the church has been breath taking to see. Faith is exploding, hearts are being challenged and God is bring former members home as well as many new guests than ever before! Praise God alone!
We have even heard from those in other places who have listened online to our kingdom seminar. From a brother in Mumbai, India: “I have been listening to the kingdom sermons online. I should say it has opened new doors for me. My perspective on the Bible has totally changed. I am challenged to live a kingdom life on earth, instead of[just] looking forward to go to heaven after I die.” From a young disciple currently traveling with two friends visiting churches all over the U.S.: “The other day I stumbled upon the Greater Nashville Church's website and found an online seminar called, "All the Way to Kingdom Come." I was soon enveloped in it, and haven't been able to keep quiet about it since. . The lessons were convicting, inspiring, and true; and I [have it on] my heart to share this with many.” From a ministry leader in the Mid-West: “I about fell right out of my chair when I came across you Kingdom seminar. Hallelujah and thank you! … My heart burns within me when I hear, talk, preach, think and pray about what the Kingdom of God really is and what it means to be a Kingdom person. … A Kingdom identity provides us much needed and more authentic identity and motive for mission without resorting to exclusivity, arrogance, and drawing distinctive, small circles around ourselves. If we as a fellowship would find our identity in Kingdom principles, our lives would look even more committed, loving, and surrendered than ever but our motivation would be based on something so much bigger and indescribably incredible than anything else we have ever been motivated by. Brothers, I think we’ve found a golden nugget here…I’d like to suggest that maybe you are the men to help fan this fire around our fellowship. The advancement of this teaching needs established, respected and proven men who will be listened to. Our fellowship needs to hear it.”
It is one thing to preach the good news of the kingdom. It is another thing to live it. The disciples on the Emmaus Road said of Jesus, “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. “ Preaching the word of the kingdom is where we start, but we must also have deeds and the life. And that means going far beyond where we have already been. But we are excited to see how God, by his grace, will take us there and pray for many more to join us on the journey. Please pray for us to remain united in heart and mind as we continue to explore the Kingdom of God in all of its glory! If you are ever in the Nashville area, join us on this greatest of journeys that will take us all the way to Kingdom come! Humbly,
Frank Williams Congregational Evangelist of the Greater Nashville Church
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| Last Updated: Tuesday, 03 March 2009 |
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The Greater Nashville Church embarks on a "Kingdom Come" journey that is transforming lives. Evangelist, Frank Williams, shares some thoughts.