Seriously, We Eat at Every Service

Earlier this week, we informed you that there are great changes taking place at our church in order to be "more like the Family of God."  This includes sharing meals when we come together for worship (Acts 2:42-47).

Please make plans to bring a dish to share with your church family this Sunday night.  It does not have to be elaborate or large.  Just make enough for a family of four and bring it.  (Example: The Sweetens are bringing potato salad and pasta.)  The point is that we learn to trust God for provision, learn the joy of sharing, and get to spend greater time in relaxed conversation at church.

This is more than a meal, it is a MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY.

Please help us live the life Jesus promised.  Let us never allow church to be just "church."   Let's trust God for something more: a divine family.

I'm looking forward to eating and worshipping with you!
-pastor jeremy

What if the Church was a Family?

Acts 2:42 - 47
The image above is from Acts 2:42-47, a passage that comprehensively describes life in the New Testament church.  Our goal as Jesus' followers is to imitate their example.  Therefore, we are making some wonderful changes at the church...

1 - Our Gatherings will be more "Family" Oriented

The practices of the early church resemble a family, not an institution.

A.  Services will be Outside on the Lawn

Getting people out of the pews and the kids out of the basement is a great way to foster that "family feel." No more assigned seating or segmentation.  Now the kids can run and play in a green, fenced in area, and the adults can mingle. (Plus, we now have really cool "Tiki-Torches" to make it resemble our backyard.) Weather permitting, all services will be held on the lawn at OSL.  Folding chairs will be provided, but feel free to bring a blanket if you wish to sit on the grass.

B.  There will Always be Food

Families eat together, and now we do, too!  Every member is encouraged to bring a dish to share each week.  This can be side or a main dish, but it does not need to be "large."  If everyone would make enough to serve a family of four, there will not only be enough food for everyone, but there will be ample "leftovers" to take home or give away.  We believe that in simply sharing a meal, we will see more miracles take place!

C.  The Service will be Conversational

Instead of one or two persons doing all the talking or leading, all will be encouraged to participate.  The format for our gatherings will be 3-part: Fellowship, Worship and Teaching.  When you arrive, we hope that you will release your kids to play and that you will gather with us around the food table.  When the time is right, we will sing to the LORD or give others a chance to share something that God is doing in their life (I Cor. 14:26).  There will then be a time of Bible-teaching for both the kids and adults.  We have a great kids program, and the adults will continue to study the book of John during the summer months.  Teaching will exceed no more than 25-mins, total.  The goal is to provide more opportunity to "do," rather than simply "listen."

D. Specific, Rather than Vague

The early church had a clear mission and they did it together.  Each week we will present a simple and specific objective that we will all seek to accomplish together.  These goals will vary each week, but will revolve around a single, superior goal of worshipping Jesus and proclaiming Him to our community.  This week's goal is simple: to play together at Flushing Meadow Park on Saturday, June 23rd, from 3-5pm.

2 - We are Eliminating Podcasting

While we understand that there are some who cannot make it church for legitimate reasons, we also know that there are many more who use this feature for the wrong reasons (like avoiding "community").  The truth is that you cannot fully practice the Christian-life outside of Christian fellowship.  "Hearers" need to become "Do-ers."
3 - Glo-cal Involvement

Every effort of the church will be to impact both the global and local, external and internal, community.  If God is providing for those inside the church, then we want to mediate His work to those outside the church.  There will be greater emphasis and opportunity given to community projects both in Rego Park and around the world. 

(Get your passport ready!)

So, there it is.  Our first steps to becoming an even stronger, biblical church so that more people can know Jesus.  We're not interested in competing with others (churches or otherwise), we just want to know and experience God's love and power.  It's not about how many come to church, it's about WHO comes to church; and we pray that YOU will join us this Sunday.

www.genesisnyc.com

Forest Hills Community Church is moving into Our Savior Lutheran Church in Rego Park, effective Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012.  A morning service will no longer be available.

Our new service time will be 6:00pm and full childcare will still be offered.

Directions
92-14 63rd Drive (at Wetherole Street)

Rego Park, NY 11374

Our Saviour Church is located on 63rd Drive, between Queens and Woodhaven Boulevards in the Rego Park Section of Queens. Church is at the corner of Wetherole St and 63rd Drive

By car: Turn south off of Queens Blvd on to 63rd Drive and proceed 3 blocks. Church is on the left at the corner of Wetherole St. OR turn north on 63rd Drive off of Woodhaven Blvd. (at the Dunkin Donuts store) Church is on the right two blocks past the railroad underpass (next to Key Food).

By subway: Take the local (M or R) from Roosevelt Ave (going east) or from Forest Hills-71st Ave (going west) and exit at 63rd Drive. Walk 3 blocks south on 63rd Drive away from Queens Blvd.  The church is on the left at Wetherole St.

By bus: The Q38 stops at the Church. The Q11, Q21 and Q53 on Woodhaven Blvd stops at 63rd Drive. Walk north to the church. Q60 Queens Blvd & 63rd Drive. Walk 3 blocks south on 63rd Drive to the church.

Our Values: It's About Christians Serving the World Like Jesus

Value #4:  It’s all about Christians serving the World like Jesus.

At Forest Hills Community Church we seek to live life on a mission.  We recognize the power, grace and mercy of God and want to communicate that truth to everyone.  We also understand that our lives are not our own to satisfy our desires and needs.  We are “image bearers of God” (Gen. 1:27), and seek to do His will and pleasure with every breath.  Therefore, we go and do what most people (including religious people) do not often do.  Our model for life is Jesus who left the glory and pleasure of Heaven for the despair and pain of earth (Phil. 2:4-8).  This does not mean that we seek misery (we’re not sadist), but rather that we do not flee from it when it leads to the benefit of others.

At FHCC we give our time (our being), our treasure (our resources), and our talents (our unique gifts and abilities) to the welfare of others meeting and knowing Jesus.  This means that we go everywhere people are to introduce people to Jesus.  Whether this means crossing the street, country or globe, we’re doing it!  And when we, personally, are not able to go to the other side of our neighborhood, country, or street, we send money and resources so other Christians can.  And just as Jesus came to earth culture and context, sparing no method or cost, we, too, seek to reach all people in their language and culture.

At Forest Hills Community Church it’s all about Jesus, which means it’s also about us living and serving the world like Jesus.

Our Values: It's about Christians Living Like Jesus

Value #3: It’s all about Christians Living like Jesus.

At Forest Hills Community Church we have great disdain for hypocrites.  Not only do their words and behaviors hurt, but they also destroy any credibility of the person or his message.  The bible calls such behavior “sin” bearing the consequence of death (Rom 6:23).  Jesus came to save us from this deadly lifestyle and grant us right standing.  As human beings, our sole purpose is to live a lifestyle in accordance to God’s glory (Gen. 1:27).  This means that we must live “holy” lives, and God knows this impossibility of this task in our own power and strength.  No one can live right without the power of God motivating and inspiring from the inside out.  Again, God knows or weakness and His commandment, therefore, He has given all Christians the person and power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5 and I John 4:13).

The Holy Spirit is not personal force or inner-conscience of man. Nor is He an impersonal attribute of God.  The Holy Spirit is God, just as Jesus and the Father over all.  He shares the same power and essence and, like the other two members, He has a unique role and gift towards Creation.  Specifically, for those who believe in Jesus as Lord, He is the gift of power and holy living (living how God directs us to live) (Rom. 8:12-17). Jesus saves us from sin, and the Holy Spirit leads us away from future sin.

Yet, the gift of the Spirit is not just to protect us from negative consequences, He also inspires and empowers us for positive effect: Christian witnessing (Luke 12:12).  As Christians who are part of Forest Hills Community Church we strive to live a life pleasing to God and attractive to the world around us.  In doing so, we not only bring glory to God, but also hope and salvation to the world Jesus died to save.  We never want to be labeled hypocrites, which is synonymous with sinners and a curse word by our culture.  We are not people who hide behind a belief, but seek to proclaim in word and deed the power of Jesus.  Therefore, we live like Jesus to that the world might both see and hear Jesus, and believe.

Our Values: it's all about others meeting Jesus

At Forest Hills Community Church we care very much about those who do not know or believe in Jesus, because we were once one of them.  Even if one of us grew up “in the church,” this does not mean that we did not sin or think lesser of Jesus than He is.  All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God we were called to bear (Rom. 3:23 and Gen 1:27).  Yet, in God’s great love and mercy He sent Jesus to forgive sin and save us.  That salvation came not through a great epiphany, but through a Christian witness.  All us know Jesus because someone who already knew Jesus came and shared Him with us.  We are the product of both God and others' mercy.  In fact, this is what being a Christian is all about: telling the world about Jesus (Matt. 28:19-20).  Therefore, while we love hanging out with one another and enjoy our common belief and fellowship, we recognize that our duty is to serve others, not ourselves.

At Forest Hills Community Church we are committed to being active OUTSIDE of the church building.  We hit the streets before and after work and hand out invitations to church.  During our lunch hours we invite co-workers to have lunch with us to talk about Jesus and answer their questions (not merely hear our story or belief).  When we come to church, we give both our time and treasure to reaching people who do not know or believe in Jesus.  We are committed to speaking the language of our community and communicating Jesus in the context of our culture.  This does not mean that the Bible message changes, but rather only the practices of telling these eternal truths.  Like Jesus, we seek to meet Lost people where they are.

We know what its like to be without Jesus.  We know the emptiness, the dissatisfaction, and rationalizing of misery.  We know that life without Jesus is hollow and hurting.  Therefore, we, as people in love with Jesus, are committed to seeing Lost people reached for Jesus.

Our Values: It's all about Jesus

At Forest Hills Community Church we desire to possess a Passionate Love For Jesus in all things.  This may seem like a no-brainer for a church, but tragically most people merely use Jesus as a stepping-stone to personal enjoyment, fulfillment, or spirituality.  At FHCC, we know that not only is such a position nonsense (illogical), but more importantly heretical.  The truth is that is God, and when He occupies any other position that such in our lives, everything fails and falls apart.  In fact, it is precisely this low-view of Jesus that leads most people to despair of life and the Christian faith.  When people go through life only proclaiming Jesus rather than leaning on Jesus, they fail and Jesus gets all the blame.  The bible teaches us that Jesus can only save you, if you’re hanging on to (believing in) Jesus. (When “faith” is referenced in regards to salvation, it is almost always in verb form “believing in.”  In fact, the Hebrew of Gen 15 actually draws its meaning from the image of a baby clinging to/resting securely in its mother’s arms.)

At FHCC, we love Jesus because He is God and He alone saves us.  As beings created in the “image of God (Gen 1:27),” we can either live in dependence on God or rebel by doing our own thing.  When we choose life outside of dependence (faith) in God, we fail and come under the condemnation of God and sin (John 3:18).  We’re literally dead men walking and incapable of saving ourselves from our consequences or death.  Hence the glory and majesty of Jesus!  He comes by His own will and merit to save us from ourselves.  He does not save us partially, or temporarily, but eternally (Rom. 8:1).  Jesus is our hero and we love Him for it!

At Forest Hills Community Church it’s all about Jesus, because it has to be.  He alone is God and good.  Therefore, we love praying (talking to Jesus), reading our Bibles (hearing from Jesus and receiving His instruction), going to church (learning more about Jesus from others and helping others grow closer to Jesus), and going out into the world proclaiming Jesus (in both word and deed to a people, who like us, are undeserving).  Jesus is our everything.

Christmas Outreach

The second biggest Christian holiday of the year is upon us, and God has given us an incredible means to carry out His command to invite our neighbors to hear about Jesus.

We all know that we should tell others about Jesus and invite them to church, but it always so hard.  You never know what to say.  You never know if you are making any sense?  And you never know if your conversation had any real effect?  Well, we have a tool that can change all of that!

A major Christian publisher has put together the perfect invitation kit.  Each kit contains:
    •    1 door-hanger bags
    •    1 ESV Outreach New Testaments, Christmas Edition
    •    1 copies of Max Lucado's tract, The Good News of Christmas
    •    1 invitation to FHCC Christmas Eve service

FHCC will be order several of these kits, but we need to know how many to order.  Instead of order a generic number, we are only ordering the amount that YOU pledge to distribute.  Each kit only costs $1.

How many of your friends and family will you introduce to Jesus this year?

Please prayerfully consider participating in this incredible opportunity.  You can pay for your order this Sunday at FHCC.  No amount is too great or too small.

Turkey Day Review

Last night FHCC hosted its annual "Thanksgiving Day Pot-Luck."  Once again we rented out the PS144 cafeteria and invited all of our friends and neighbors..  There was more food than anyone could handle, the place was packed, and the Karaoke machine was abused in all the right ways.  Bottom line: the night was a huge success.

But what stands out the most is the LOVE that was experienced throughout the night.  I cannot speak for everyone, but I can say that everyone I talked with after the event could not articulate the experience they just had.  It was not just a night of good food.  It was not merely a night of comic relief.  It was a night where the church regular and the first-time guest was valued and involved in the ministry of Forest Hills Community Church.  The night was all about Jesus!

Regardless of "why" people initially came, the night was dedicated to Jesus (even the off-key singing and horrible dance moves of a certain pastor).  It was His love that brought us there, and it was His love and mission that compelled us to drop our guards, talk to strangers and have uncontrollable fun in the process.  Once again, FHCC demonstrated that we are a FAMILY created in and by Jesus the Messiah!

I love this church and am honored to not only be a member, but its pastor.  Rock on, FHCC!!

December Play Date

It's back!!!

Fellowship in the church isn't just for grown-ups! Bring your little ones to Genesis for a time of interaction and play between the kids and fellowship amongst the parents. It will be a fun, laid-back afternoon for all our families to enjoy being part of God's family!

Contact VENUS MARTINEZ with questions or email info@fhcchurch.com

Thanksgiving at FHCC

It's that time of year again, time for the annual Forest Hills Community Church POT-LUCK Dinner!  Yes, the hallowed tradition that keeps getting bigger and better every year.  And this year we are bumping up the "fun factor" with a Karaoke machine!  Oh, yeah, it's going to be that good...

Please make plans now to join us on Sunday, Nov. 27th, at 4:30pm for a dinner like no other.  PS 144 will again be the host location so that we can accommodate as many people as possible.  Last year's attendance was over 75, and I believe we can do even better this year.  More people, more food, more fellowship.

The church is God's family, and we want you around His banquet table!

FHCC Pot-Luck Thanksgiving Dinner
Sunday, Nov. 27th at 4:30pm
PS 144 Cafeteria (69 Ave and Juno St, FHills)

No Cost, just bring a dish to share.

All are welcome, including family and friends!

John Chapter 3

I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about teaching and living John chapter 3 with Forest Hills Community Church.  There are very few portions in Scripture that get as much coverage and citation as this one, and so many of its statements are dynamic and independent.  But are they?

I do not mean to say that they are not dynamic, but are they really stand alone verses?

How many times have we seen John 3:16 plastered on a piece of poster board?  Thousands.  But how many of these posters also cite vs.17-18?  Pretty big oversight given the statements these later two verses declare in regards to God's position towards humanity.

Or how about John 3:3?  All the evangelicals go "ga-ga" over the command to be "born again," but where is the explanation of what this means, especially in light of the conversation from which the statement stems?  What does it really mean to be "born again?"

Please make a commitment to attend every service at Forest Hills Community Church.  I dare you not to be challenged, your love for God and His church increased, and your life to have greater meaning and implication.  I dare you.

Remember, we're just a church who loves Jesus.  We're not our to prove ourselves; just the opposite.  We exist to prove the righteousness of God, the glory of the Savior and the power of the Spirit in broken vessels called "us."  Come as you are this Sunday at 10am inside PS 144.  Bring a bible or pick one up courtesy of the church.  Come reThink:Jesus.

November Dinner Dates

November is the month of good eating, and you can never have too much of that, especially when you are with good company. We have broken the church roster into three groups, and have invited each to host its own dinner at Genesis. This will be the perfect opportunity to get to know new people and show off our church's incredible cooking. Dinners are Pot-Luck and open to all your friends and family.

Each Dinner is designed to host a unique group of individuals.  Please be sure to register with your assigned party.

 

Last Names A-F - Saturday, Nov. 12 @ 5pm
Contact Monica Bernal

Last Names G-L - Wednesday, Nov. 16 @ 7pm
Contact Mark and Nicki Lite

Last Names M-Z - Sunday, Nov. 13 @ 6pm
Contact Freddie and Magaly Faria 

 

To Sign Up please email INFO@FHCCHURCH.COM

FHCC Play Date

Fellowship in the church isn't just for grown-ups! Bring your little ones to Genesis for a time of interaction and play between the kids and fellowship amongst the parents. It will be a fun, laid-back afternoon for all our families to enjoy being part of God's family!

Contact VENUS MARTINEZ with questions or email info@fhcchurch.com

Women's Bible Study Returns

“The Rooms of a Woman’s Heart” is an intimate look into the passions, desires, dreams and priorities found hidden in a woman’s heart. It is a spiritual blueprint which colorfully portrays the activities that take place in every nook and cranny of a feminine heart. You will feel His presence in every room of your heart: restoring, remodeling, tearing down and then building on again. There is a corresponding workbook with daily devotions available for $15 (not required, but beneficial). Speak to Christina Rickheeram or email info@fhcchurch.com for more details.

Light the Night Success

Instead of waiting for "the holiday of the devil" to simply pass us by, members of Forest Hills Community Church decided to invade the darkness with the Light of the World!  Constructing a table full of bibles, candy, and children's activity books about Jesus, the church took to the busiest intersection in the community on Halloween night.

As a church of 50 weekly participants, 22 came out to participate in distributing the evangelistic items and sharing their testimonies of who Jesus is to them.  The night was a huge success with over 3,000 invitations to church going out and countless testimonies shared.

THANK YOU to all those who made it possible through your prayers, participation and financial gifts.

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.