“It is he who made us, and we are his” (Psalm 100:3).

On Sunday, September 8, 2019, I will conclude my ministry at Immanuel Church Nashville. From the earliest days of Immanuel, I told the elders I should leave by the time I turn 70, to make way for a younger man. My 70th birthday will be on September 7. So I am breaking my promise by one day, I suppose. And that younger man is already chosen by the members, Pastor TJ Tims, a magnificent pastor:

My heart is overflowing with gratitude to the Lord for the privilege of serving this wonderful church. Here are some reasons for my gratitude, in no particular order. And this is just for starters.

I love the Immanuel Mantra:

I love her Call to Worship every Sunday:

I love her people:

I love her pastors and leaders:

I love her Jesus-focused mission:

I love her music. I heard the Beatles live, and the Immanuel band is way better:

I love our Acts 29 Network, led by men who aren’t out for themselves but only for Christ:

I really love the fact that no one open to Christ has anything to fear at Immanuel Church:

I could go on and on. But the best part is this: “It is he who made us, and we are his.” Immanuel Church does not stand as a monument to our glory but as a movement of his grace. Really. That isn’t an empty slogan. I cannot account for what this amazing church has become in any other way except, Jesus did this. He gave this. He gave us himself. There is nothing greater, nothing more satisfying. I am profoundly grateful.

The Lord be with you, Immanuel.

This post was originally published on The Gospel Coalition