Signs of the Season

The portable warning lights flashed on Morrell Road last Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. Normally reserved to warn you about accidents or other oncoming hazards, the sign warned of impending doom in the parking lot of West Town Mall. It read,

“LOCK YOUR DOORS”
“HIDE ALL YOUR VALUABLES”
“TAKE YOUR PURSE”
“REMEMBER YOUR KEYS”

Far from a happy seasonal greeting, the mall’s marquis gave me a sign for Advent. Some see the season prior to Christmas as warning and gloom. They are bred by fear, grief, cynicism, and apathy that accompany the madness of the mall.

“DON’T BE MATERIALISTIC”
“AVOID TALKING ABOUT GRIEF”
“WATCH OUT FOR HOLIDAY THIEVES”
“BE CAREFUL NOT TO RUN YOURSELF RAGGED”

This season, we’re writing new markers to prepare our lives for Christmas. Instead of fear, apathy, cynicism, and grief, we’re replacing them with new signs of life. They are hope, peace, joy, and love. Instead of flashing on the highway, we hold them proudly on our hearts, in our lives, around our homes, and in our worship. When we come together as people of God we sing,

“O COME, O COME EMMANUEL!”
“I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY”
“JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD IS COME!”
“LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS”

Looking for signs of the season? You’ll find one posted here at First Baptist.

Ministering in the Center of the City

John 4 tells a very interesting story that if we will let it live in us, can show us how to live as Christ in our community.

You know the story, it’s the story of a Samaritan woman. Her encounter with Jesus challenges our church to ask questions that lead to relationships for Christ.
Everyone knew she was thirsty.
¨ She could not worship at the Temple, and she was thirsty for a place to worship.
¨ She had five husbands and was thirsty for authentic relationship.
¨ She was a sinner, and she was thirsty for a Savior.

But Jesus was just as thirsty as she.
¨ He needed a drink of water.
¨ He wanted a relationship with her.
¨ He wanted to show her authentic salvation.
Instead of showing her first how He could meet her need, He asks her to meet His. Jesus asked the woman. “Will you give me a drink?”

In the center of our city, Knoxville, are all kinds of people: students, creative class, empty nesters, the poor. All are thirsty—some who know they are, many who don’t. They are thirsty for authentic relationship. We desire to know them. As a church, First Baptist Church of Knoxville must focus on asking questions that allow us to enter the story of these city dwellers’ lives.

Over the next few days, I will be posting several steps we are taking to minister in the center of the city.

Zambian Vocal Group

The Zambian Vocal Group will perform in the Sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Knoxville on Wednesday, November 28, at 7:00 pm. The public is cordially invited to this free concert. This group is comprised with seven young men who have brought a new definition to the word “a cappella.” They came half way around the world from Zambia, so we may experience the unique combination of traditional African rhythms, vocal percussion, and complex vocal harmonies. First Baptist Church of Knoxville, founded in 1843, is located at 510 West Main in downtown Knoxville. Parking is available in the Bank of America Parking Garage located on the west side of the church. Nursery provided.