Quick Thought on Halloween

Truth be told almost all of our holidays have a pagan undertone (Easter = Ishtar, Christmas = Winter Solstice, etc.), but is this why we celebrate today?  No.  Are we even really aware of these things when we celebrate? No.  As far as I am aware, at no time when I am decorating Easter eggs with my kids am I thinking about a fertility god in any form or fashion.  Likewise, when I am going door to door with my kids collecting candy am I thinking about paganism or the devil? No.  Instead, I am simply enjoying the American aspect of family, treats, and the fall weather while getting my kids dressed up as superheroes.

Romans 14 and I Cor 8 are the key texts for Christian's living in a fallen world.  Knowing that I am doing nothing to glorify the devil in my celebration of fall costumes and candy giving, my conscience is clear for me to celebrate the American holiday of Halloween.  HOWEVER, I know this is not the case for all of my brethren.  If someone is against participation, then that is THEIR decision and I respect it without hesitation.  

The problem for me comes when the zealous in our ranks feel it their obligation to presuppose my motives or level of understanding when it comes to these sort of issues.  I think it is entirely wrong for Christians to tell me and others like me that we are honoring the devil by collecting candy and spending time with our family and neighbors.  This is especially annoying when we (as a family and church) use the day to witness with such ministries as "Light the Night."

As far as costumes, we make sure our kids are wearing God-honoring outfits.  No evil or gore allowed.  We also make sure that we teach our kids about the dark side of the holiday and remind them that we have NO PART in that aspect.  It's been good and beneficial for our family to take this approach and has also led to many conversations with our community about who Jesus, God and the devil really are.

The Poverty Gospel

While on the subject of evaluating the messages being preaching amongst the Christian church, I cannot help by mention and critique a prevalent thought making its rounds through Christian media and print.  It seems that everywhere you go you hear words such as "compassion," "justice," and the like.  Sadly, the reasoning behind this movement is not as pure or as biblical as they are currently being communicated.

Quite simply, being poor and needy does inherently make you closer to God or more valuable in His sight.  We must not allow the hidden message of the “Social Justice” to prevail that somehow God always sides with the poor (See also “Liberation Theology”).  Yes, God does command a love and justice towards the poor, but this is not favoritism, it is mercy.  We are directed to care for the poor and needy because this is the posture of God towards all humanity.  Every one of us is spiritually depraved and incapable of saving ourselves; we need the mercy of another.  By caring for the hurting, we demonstrate the mercy of God towards humanity and encourage an attitude of gratitude inside of us towards God.

Please care for the sick and poor, but do not equate their suffering with inherent righteousness.  The only reason why the poor were more quickly to receive the message and ministry of God was that they KNEW they needed help.  It was not because they were poor or sick.  The religious, on the other hand, largely ignored the Gospel and suffered rebuke, not because they may have been wealthy or middle-class, but solely because they felt that they were either entitled to God’s favor or did not need His assistance.

We are all poor, and we are all called to model the ministry of God.  No one is better, or more inclined, to the favor of God.

Hidden Jesus?

Our study of the book of John has been anything but predictable.  With each letter and verse we are constantly finding our preconceived ideas about Jesus and faith thrown into subjection.  Clearly, the Jesus of the bible is not the Jesus society and religion has created.

In this week's text, Jesus makes a very unusual statement and posture towards His followers.

John 2:24, "But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people..." 

Question:  Why would Jesus not believe in those who are believing in Him?  What does it mean that Jesus "knows" all people?

Once again we see that faith and belief are not at all what we think they are.  It is not about merely believing in Jesus, but more importantly about Jesus believing in you!

Come join us this Sunday as we examine the kind of people Jesus believes in and who He allows to experience His glory.  These are His words, people, and He wants us to know Him.

Forest Hills Community Church
Meeting Sundays at 10am INSIDE PS144
Full Childcare available
www.fhcchurch.com

Missed a Message?  www.fhcchurch.com

What is the Gospel?

What has become of the Church?  I know that to some this post is going to sound negative and judgmental, but please hear me out.  I am terribly heart sick about the way the American church communicates the Gospel.  The Gospel is about Jesus, the Glory of God, not the majesty and wonder of man.  (Psalm 8:4: What is man that you are mindful of him?)  Yet, if you visit the American church, especially the ones labeled successful and large, you will walk away with the feeling that man is wonderful and exists as the purpose of God.  This is wrong and heretical.

Yes, God loves man and man has significant worth, but it is not infinite or inherent worth.  Man only has value because God has chosen to allow a reflection on His image to reside in man (Gen. 1:27).  Without God’s intentional will granting him worth and purpose, man is but dust and ashes.  Man is not praise worthy, God is.

Beyond this fact, there is still the chosen disposition of man.  God chooses to bless man with magnificent universal worth, and man responds with rebellion and consequential depravity.  Every person voluntarily sins against the Holy, Righteous God.  The price for this treason is not only spiritual and physical death, but shame, guilt and a marred conscience.  Man sucks.  Even when we come to know God through Christ, there is still a tendency and desire to rebel and manipulate His works as our own.  There is no ground whatsoever for man to be praised or highly regarded as a direct object of worship in our churches or theology.  All glory belongs to God who alone is infinitely and inherent good and worthy.  Yet, when you visit the American church all you hear and see is the praise of man, with God as his servant.

Yes, God loves you and wants you to have a better life; but this is not to come with an attitude of entitlement or superiority.  The kindness of God is to lead us to humility and His praise.  Yes, Jesus wants to make you better, healthier and happier, but according to His will and plan, not yours.  The wonder of the Gospel is God’s mercy and sacrifice for a sick, depraved and evil creature (a.k.a. man) that has been given EVERYTHING freely.  The Gospel is: You suck, God rocks.

Why, why, why do we kowtow to the sinful psyche of Humanism and promote man-centered and glorifying churches?  Why isn’t the Gospel enough?  Why do we, as redeemed and regenerated beings, allow the sinful ways and desires of our former lives to not only manipulate the Gospel, but also celebrate the twisted and corrupted views of others?  Why isn’t God’s glory and grace enough?  Why do we have to promote man over or beside God?

I would argue that the need for such is worldly acceptance (Rom. 1:24-25).  The American church is not satisfied with the applause and glory of God, but still longs for the acceptance of his society.  Christians and their leaders know that the world will not stand for worshipping God unless they, too, get something out of it.  So, we cut corners, twist the truth, or downplay the parts that might offend.  We feed man’s sin.  (And then we wonder why the American church is so lazy, uncompassionate and ineffective…)

I don’t want a big church if it isn’t centered on God’s Gospel.  I don’t want to pastor people who understand God as a gentle grandfather who overlooks sin and wrong behavior so as to spoil them.  I want a God who loving calls out my depravity, satisfies His wrath against me through His son, and then grants me new life and a fresh start through His indwelling Spirit.  I want a Gospel that promotes only what is GOOD.  The American version of the Gospel is not “Good News,” it’s sick.  It promotes wickedness and vanity.  This is horrible news!

Oh, God, do not allow me a spirit of bitterness and conceited judgment, but do grant me zeal for Your Name.  I know that I have no business judging those outside of the church, that is for you alone to do on the Final Day, but God grant me influence to lead Your people, if only a Holy Remnant (Rom. 11:5), back to You.  Father, may Your Gospel and Your glory always be enough for me.

Baptism Results

Oct. 17, 2011 - Baptism Challenge Results

Earlier this week the Lord challenged the church to trust Him to save more people.  Once again, He delivered above expectations!

Following an incredible service inside of PS144, the Church took to their homes and neighborhoods looking for the "one more" who Jesus wanted to save.  Numerous conversations were had, some jubilant and some tragic (like the one man who said he never wants to ever hear about Jesus), but were had for the glory of God and the salvation of His people.

When the baptism service began, the church was full of excited family and friends.  Venus, a young mommy of two beautiful girls, was the first to be baptized, and she shared an incredible story of how God saved her from her past and has given her a new identity and future.

Next was August, a former addict who comes from a nominal religious family who is more into mysticism and the occult than Jesus.  Initially coming to the church to question the pastor, he quickly realized Jesus was real and truly changes people.  Within months, Auggie became a Christian and regular of the church.  Auggie loves his church family and knows that only Jesus can save Him.

Before the night was over, we gave opporunity for anyone else to be baptized.  With absolute certainty, a young girl who had never visited the church before stepped up and proclaimed her desire to become a Christian and be baptized.  While knowing of Jesus and His church, she had not fully committed to Him before.  After seeing and hearing the Gospel and its effects, she knew it was time for her to give it all to Jesus.  Dalia jumped in the funky green water, clothes and all, and professed Jesus as her Lord and Savior!

Despite what you may have seen or heard, JESUS CHANGES PEOPLE.  All we need to do is give Him opportunity.

Baptism Challenge Update #1

It has been less than 24-hours and already several in our church are seeing the results of God's "Baptism Challenge."  Anthony and Bill share this testimony from Monday night on Austin Street:

"Pray for Shaun. He's a young man that Billy and I had an opportunity to speak to at the park this evening. We talked to him tonight about sin, salvation in Jesus, and the significance of Baptism. And he enthusiastically said "I want to get baptized!" He wants to take that first step of commiting himself to a new life in Jesus so please pray for him. We hope to see him this Sunday."

We believe that Sunday, October 16, is going to be a big day at FHCC as we proclaim Jesus and celebrate His fellowship.  Please keep stepping out in faith and ask people to believe in Jesus.  God wants this week to be monumental.  BE the CHURCH. 

The plan:  We are not looking for spiritual debates, we are simply seeking the Lost.  In every situation we want to give people the opportunity to both become a Christian and participate in water baptism.

It's a new day, people.  This is not a fluke or a whim, but a holy calling.  Please don't miss out... 

Baptism and Membership Celebration

Sunday, Oct. 16 @ Genesis
5pm - 7pm
*Please bring a dish to share and friends are always welcome!

Spontaneous Conversions

Oct. 10, 2011 - Shocking News

This Sunday, October 16, is going to be a big day at FHCC as we proclaim Jesus and celebrate His fellowship.  We are canceling all L1 and L2 classes in preparation for the 5pm party and asking you to make this event monumental.

Here is the deal: YOU are the CHURCH.  Many of you are now members, and others of you are currently preparing to become members.  All of you are well-trained and Spirit-filled, and it is time to put into practice our purpose and calling as Christians.  This week God wants you to lead someone to Jesus and see them baptized on Sunday.

Some of you are freaking out and looking for the "delete" button now; but please don't.  If we take the Bible seriously, then there is no reason why people should not be saved today and baptized on Sunday regardless of their church attendance or affiliation.  What matters whether or not they want a fresh start (new identity) as a follower of Jesus.

Here is the plan:  First and foremost, commit yourself to the task.  Decide right now if you are going to step out in faith and invite someone to begin a new life with Jesus.  If you say "yes," then begin praying for God to open your eyes and ears to the Lost all around you.  It may be your family member or it may be a complete stranger.  Regardless, ask God to reveal them to you and then go to them.  Ask them if they are a Christian.  If they say "no," ask them why, but be sure to tell them why you are a Christian by choice.  If they say, "yes," then ask them if they have been baptized as the result of a free decision to follow Jesus' teachings.  (Infant and child baptism is not biblical and denies the message of the biblical practice.  It not sinful, but it is not the same thing as what is taking place in the Bible.)  In every situation give the person an opportunity to both become a Christian and participate in water baptism.  Make a friend and commitment for life, and then go find others.  God is going to do something great this week!!

Praying to Receive Jesus as Lord (sample prayer):
Jesus, I believe you are God and that you gave your life to save me from sin's effects.  I now put my life in You and will look to You in every situation.  Forgive me for how I have lived and grant me new life in You.  Thank you.

Please know that ALL of FHCC will be committing to this same task this week, including Pastor Jeremy in PA.  (He is even prepared to drive people to NYC on Sunday to get dunked.)  This is not a fluke or a whim, but a holy calling.  Please don't miss out... 

Baptism and Membership Celebration

Sunday, Oct. 16 @ Genesis
5pm - 7pm
*Please bring a dish to share and friends are always welcome!