We are a sabbath fellowship.
Nashville Sabbath Fellowship assembles on the seventh day, the biblical Sabbath, to remember the holy day God sanctified at the time of Creation. The Sabbath day is a day of peace. It is a day for setting aside the troubles of our world. On the Sabbath, we enter into the calm spirit of peace that comes from the presence of Messiah.
The prophets tell us that when Messiah comes, all mankind will keep the Sabbath: "'From Sabbath to Sabbath, all mankind will come to bow down before me,' says the LORD" (Isaiah 66:23). Every time we keep the Sabbath, we experience a small foretaste of the perfect Sabbath rest that will be ours in the Messianic Era and the World to Come.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
We strive to restore the role of the nations in God’s kingdom.
In the Apostles’ days, Jewish and Gentile believers in Yeshua worshiped together as co-religionists. They participated in the prayers, rituals, expressions, and customs of daily Jewish life while embracing their unique national identities.
Most of us are Gentile disciples of Yeshua who seek to align ourselves with the Jewish people, honoring their calling and following their lead. Like Yeshua's earliest followers, we understand the person and teachings of our Messiah from within the context of first-century Judaism and the Torah worldview.
We feel called to follow the Jewish calendar, celebrate the weekly Sabbath, and enjoy the Jewish holidays. Like other Christians, we believe in the divine nature, virgin birth, death, resurrection, ascension, and second coming of Yeshua of Nazareth.
We follow Israel’s lead without taking Israel’s place.
We reject supersessionism (replacement theology) in all forms and affirm the validity of God's enduring covenant with Israel and the Jewish people. This includes other harmful forms of replacement theology such as one-law theology, sacred name theology, two-house theology, belief in an alternate calendar, and others.
What do we believe?
Nashville Sabbath Fellowship is part of the modern Messianic Jewish movement as a post-supersessionist congregation. Tap the button below to read our Statement of Faith.
We are committed to discipleship.
Since we are followers of Yeshua, our lives should be guided by the desire to imitate our Master's character and live righteously as he did. The ancient practice of Jewish discipleship entailed a close relationship between a teacher and his students. As disciples of Yeshua, it is our duty to:
memorize his words,
learn his traditions,
imitate his actions,
and raise up more disciples.
We believe the proper response to the Good News (“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”) is repentance from sin and discipleship under Yeshua. Discipleship is a daily resolve to take up our cross and follow Yeshua through making wise decisions and representing Messiah in our lives. While no one can work their way into the kingdom of heaven, we believe it is still our responsibility to “walk in the same way in which he walked.”
“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.’”
— Acts 10:34-35
FAQs
Where does the congregation meet?
We love visitors at Nashville Sabbath Fellowship! We are meeting at a church that has graciously opened its doors to us in the Inglewood area. Please plan your visit by sending us a message. We hope to see you soon.
Can I contribute to the luncheon?
If you are a visitor, we really hope you will stay and eat lunch with us—it's our pleasure to provide the food for you. Our kitchen is not kosher according to Jewish law. However, we only serve certified kosher meat and keep dairy separate. If you’d like to contribute to our luncheon, please consider donating.
What should I wear to service?
On Friday nights and Saturdays, it is customary and appropriate to dress up as nicely as we can in honor of the Sabbath. Button-up shirts are a good idea for men. We place a high value on modest dress. Clothing should be gender-appropriate. Shorts are discouraged.
What should I bring?
If you have a favorite Bible, feel free to bring it or use one of ours. All you really need to bring is an attitude that is excited to learn and experience new things.
Please leave electronic devices such as tablets, computers, cameras, and games at home. If you have a mobile phone with you, please silence the ringer and do not take photographs.
What is Messianic Judaism anyways?
Messianic Judaism refers primarily to Jewish believers in Yeshua who continue to practice Judaism. Most people who attend Nashville Sabbath Fellowship are not Jewish, but they practice Messianic Judaism in imitation of Yeshua of Nazareth. We are part of the larger Messianic Jewish movement.
What day is the Sabbath?
The seventh-day biblical Sabbath begins at dusk on Friday nights and concludes after dark on Saturday nights.
Why do you observe Jewish traditions?
Jesus was (and is) Jewish and practiced Judaism while he was among us. At Nashville Sabbath Fellowship, we strive to be like Jesus in everything we do, which includes observing Jewish tradition when applicable and appropriate for Gentiles.
Do you use the Sacred Name of God?
Scripture tells us to sanctify the name of God and not to take the name of God in vain. We refrain from using the personal name of God in keeping with the practice observed by Yeshua, the early believers, and the rest of Judaism.