New Year Reflections - Part V

What a way to end the first month of the year, the last Sunday in the Midway Theater, and the end of our study of the book of Genesis!?!?! This week's service was an incredible time of worship, fellowship, unity, and sacrifice as everyone came together to worship Jesus and put feet behind the call He has placed on our lives and church to reach this city for Him. And as we go forward into this new year and chapter of the church, it is only appropriate that we remember the theme of Genesis, and the legacy of our church thus far: faithfulness.

Resolution #4:
It's always all about faithfulness. God has done great things and has promised us an even greater future. However, unless we are faithful to His word, it's means nothing to us. Yes, God will have His way and accomplish His will, but we may not be on the winning side of it. God is looking for FAITHFUL people. People who are willing to go forward in obedience, not simply rest on promises and let others do the work.

As we enter into this exciting time of the church, let's be more faithful than ever! God has already proved Himself glorious and worthy. All we need now is look to Him and put to use the many righteous tools He has givens us. A new building, new kids and youth ministry, new staff, and fresh section of our neighborhood to reach. We can do it!

The best is yet to come, FHCC, but we must be faithful in all that we do: finances, time, and talent. The best is yet to come!!

New Year Reflections - Part IV

Giving is biblical. Giving is what God did to make the world. He spoke the world into creation and gave it rules and subjugation to His authority and will. With God the universe simply would not exist. Yet, God not only gives in the "good" times; He gives all the time, even when it costs Him.

John 3:16 is no slacker statement. It clearly reveals the fullness of the generosity and extravagance of God's sacrificial nature. Romans 5:8 goes even further by describing the relationship that exists between God and man at the moment God gave it all for man: enemies. Yet despite man's sin, hostility, and inability to repay God, God gave His Son to make us new and forgive us our debt of sin against Him. Giving is Goldy, and it is very costly; yet, we, as imitators of God (Eph. 5:1) are called to do likewise.

Resolution #3:
This year let us commit to give financially to the ministry of the Lord. No, we are not just talking about tithes and offerings to the church. As important as they are (and commanded in Scriptural), it is just as important to give tangibly to those hurting around you. Help your neighbor take out the trash. Offer to babysit for free. Buy your coworker lunch. GIVE! And when you do, tell them why. Tell them you give, because Jesus first gave to you. Give God the glory and you will not only be a "Godly giver," but God will be pleased and bring His blessing into your life (Luke 6:38 and 18:29-30).

New Year Reflections - Part III

Three weeks into 2011, and I am already ecstatic over what this year holds for the future of the Church. So much of what we have been studying in the book of Genesis and in our weekly discussions is a direct reflection of the challenges currently facing FHCC, and the promises of God to work miracle in every direction. No where is this promise more urgent and exciting, than in the area of giving.

Tragically, only 20% of those who attend FHCC give to FHCC; and we are not just talking about finances. While money certainly is a great tool in ministry and indicator of spiritual maturity, it is but only a part of "what" expects us to give to His service. Time (volunteering and faithfulness) is also a treasure God has invested in us, so that we may invest it in Him and His people. How different would church, outreaches, and gatherings be if everyone who calls FHCC "home" would attend every week? How much easier would your life be, personally, if everyone would attend church regularly? There would always be someone to talk to, always someone to watch your kids, always someone to laugh with, pray with, and assist you? Life wouldn't feel quite so lonely if everyone would simply give their time to the Lord?

Resolution #2
This year, let us pledge to give our TIME to the Lord and His service. All of us are busy, and have schedules that are way too crammed as is; but, why should we punish God and others? Maybe instead of saying "no" to Jesus and His church, we should start saying no to partying, making an extra buck, or plain old laziness. Maybe instead of enjoying a morning in bed, we could go to church, volunteer in Kids Church or Hospitality and give parents a break?

Many are already making this pledge of faithfulness with their time. Will you join us?

New Year Reflections - Part II

Looking back on 2010 there is much to rejoice over. Of primacy is the season on growth we experience in the Fall. Out of nowhere, and with no alteration in either or service program or outreach, attendance spiked 50%. New families and individuals of every age just began attending and doing so on a weekly basis. It was a tremendous miracle and added much life and excitement to the church. Sadly, we failed to adequately introduce these new people into the life of the church and many have fallen away or have made their attendance more sporadic.

Resolution #1:
This year we must commit to being the family of God horizontally, not simply vertically. Many will come into the church and direct all attention to God (vertical), but will resist the opportunity to connect with those to the right and left of them (horizontal). Being the family of God means loving Daddy, as well as His other children.

When you come to church, don't just come to hear from Jesus. Come to hear about what He is doing in the lives of others. Celebrate their joys and commit to holding them up during their times of trials. You will NEVER know the full joy of being a Christian until you love your neighbor as yourself.

Be family, not acquaintances.

New Year Reflections - Part I

Well, it is that time of year again. Time to put last year into perspective and to humbly plan for the now present new year. 2010 was remarkable, but I firmly believe it will pale compared to what God is going to do in us and through us in 2011.

Over the next few days and weeks, I plan on reflecting publicly about the successes and failures of the last 12-months (yes, we dropped the ball on a few things for better and worse), as well as share specific plans and fears regarding the opportunities that lay ahead.

In the meanwhile, and always, I ask that you please pray, read your bible and BE a Christian. These small, yet critical, acts alone will make a huge difference in distinguishing 2011 as the greatest year to date.

Obedience over sacrifice...