Dear Friends and Family, And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk… (Revelation 21:22-24a).
A day is coming when church planting will no longer be needed. A day when the meeting place of the people of God will no longer be buildings made with human hands, for the Lord Himself will be the temple! Neither sun nor moon will be needed in this place because Christ----the radiance of the glory of God----gives it light (Heb. 1:1-3). This divine place will house a redeemed people----a mosaic from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation---who will walk harmoniously in His light (Rev. 5:9). Maranatha! Amen, come Lord Jesus! Until that glorious day, would you join us in praying for Grace Church to be a catalyst in the hand of the Almighty to speed the second coming of His Christ as we proclaim the gospel of Christ’s kingdom to the whole world as a testimony to all peoples (Matt. 24:14). This is our calling, this is our purpose, and this is our joy!
God is calling Grace Church into existence to follow Him and be a light for the gospel of Jesus Christ to sin-darkened downtown Memphis. Beginning seven weeks ago (Sept. 10) our pastoral team has been leading a series of Interest Meetings as we are seeking to unfold the vision, values and distinctives of this new church. Our scope has been both wide and narrow beginning with the big picture of overall vision then focusing in on the theological foundation. Jesus Christ has been put forth as the Head, central focal point, and chief end of Grace Church. May God grant to us the joy of finding our souls satisfied, and the grace to minister effectively to a needy city, in Christ alone! Please pray with us to that end.
Lord willing, Grace Church will host two more Interest Meetings. One will be spent praying together for the Lord’s direction, and the other given to worshiping God as we consider how He alone is to be glorified in His church (Eph. 3:20-21). Then, if the Lord wills, we will begin worship services on November 5th. Until the end of the year the services will remain on Sunday evenings at 5:00 PM. Beginning January 7 we eagerly anticipate transitioning to Sunday morning worship services as we will be drawing ever closer to the first Grace Church Covenant Affirmation Sunday on February 18. Pray that the Lord will incline the hearts of the right people to covenant with Grace Church. Unless He builds the house, it is all vain.
Several helpful developments are currently underway such as our website, a longer rental agreement with Bridges, a new job for Nathan, a potential job change for Bryan, and many new ministry relationships in the city. Most importantly we are praying for the salvation of 15 specific individuals. Please join us in praying for them! Please pray also for the more than 70 adults and 20 children who have attended the Interest Meetings. Thank you all for your prayers and support!
In Christ, John 3:30
Jordan (for Bryan & Nathan)
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