Family

We just wrapped up the FHCC family Turkey Day meal. It was a blast! As always, we packed out the FHCC Campus with more food and people than it could handle, but it was well worth it. It was amazing tonight to watch so many different people, from so many different walks of life, hang out and genuinely enjoy one another! (I didn't see any fakers in the house.) Tragically, this isn't always the case in most churches. It's not that churches are bad, or worse than any other social environment; they're just made up of "people," and people disappoint. But do they have to?

In case you haven't caught on yet, Christmas season is upon us. This favorite holiday of mine, marks the time in history when God Almighty took the form of human flesh and dwelt among us, as one of us (John 1:14). In theological terms, we call this the "Incarnation." God did not forsake His divinity, He added to it by become completely human. This means that God was hungry, tired, happy, sad, had bad hair days, and was even tempted. He was like us in every way, except for one: He was sinless. Jesus never sinned. Jesus never put Himself first, belittled anyone, or even ignored anyone. Jesus never disappointed. (Heb. 4:15)

Perhaps the best part about Christmas, however, is that it is not the end of the story, but merely the beginning of the Incarnation & its effects. Jesus didn't come to simply show us how to live, He came so that we may live how we ought to! His death on the cross paid the price for sin, freeing us from all condemnation. His sinless life and righteousness have been imputed upon us, giving us divine favor and privilege. His life, death, and resurrection have purchased for us the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who renews all things and enables us to live the life God intended for us to live (Romans 8). We do not have to sin and disappoint anymore!

What made the FHCC family dinner so great was not a bunch of people will good intentions and great personalities. What made the evening so wonderful was that is was made up of people who have been changed by Jesus. They are not "people of the world," but rather "people of the Spirit." Whether they are talking about the challenges of life, or the crappy offense of the NY Jets, they can do so in a manner that glorifies God and allows His glory to shine through them. They have become a blessing!

It is a fantastic thing to not only be the pastor of FHCC but a member. I love my brothers and sisters, and I am so humbled by what God is doing in our neighborhood and city. If you have never taken Jesus or the miracle of Christmas seriously before, I beg of you to make this your year. Jesus changes people; I've seen the proof!

FHCChurch
Sundays @ 10am INSIDE the Midway Movie Theater
Mondays @ 8pm INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram)
www.fhcchurch.com

Sunday Preview: Nov. 29

This Sunday we wrap up Genesis chapter 20, and watch God use a pagan king to rebuke His elected patriarchal king. With the lie of Abraham now exposed to both Abimelech and his people, Abimelech calls on Abraham to give an account as to why he would lie and bring such evil upon the nation of Gerar. Yet, rather than take this fantastic opportunity to demonstrate Godly sorrow and repentance before the king, Abraham resorts to reasons of self-justification and blame shifting. Abraham fails miserably at both witnessing and obedient living before the Lord (Gen. 17:1-2).

You see, contrary to popular thought, the Bible is not full of "perfect" or "good" people, but rather sinful, hurting, proud people like you and me. No one is good, but God, and yet He faithfully chooses to pursue a people for His own. God does not reject Abraham as the covenant bearer and keeper, but instead actively preserves him and his family line all the way to the coming of Messiah (Matt 1.)

Join us this Sunday as Scripture reveals another clear example of the loving faithfulness (Hebrew: Chesed) of God towards a very unfaithful & unloving people. There is hope for you and me!

Genesis: Book of Beginnings
Sundays @ 10am INSIDE the Midway Movie Theater
Mondays @ 8pm INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St)
iTunes "Forest Hills Community Church"
www.fhcchurch.com

The Ministry

God is a God of order. This truth can be clearly seen and attested to through the Creation narrative, the marriage covenant, the Law of Moses, and the establishment of God's holy people, Israel. This divine requirement also carries over in to the New Testament church. How a church is governed, its leadership elected and administered, and the responsibilities of all its members is crucial for both an accurate representation of God and His salvific Gospel.

Tonight, we will address the biblical requirements for both church membership and leadership, the role of men and women inside the church, and the governmental structure that weaves all of these branches together. If you ever wondered how FHCC operates, or by what standards we adhere to, tonight is the night to attend.

For your added enjoyment, we will also spend significant time dealing with the nine Spiritual Gifts of I Corinthians chapter 12. These Spirit empowered gifts are the tools by which growth, unity, and maturity are to take place. Many wrong ideas and understandings will be debunked and challenged, while the truth of God's word will also set many more free to be used for His Glory.

See you tonight at UNashamed.

UNashamed: Bible Doctrines Class
Tuesday Nights @ 8pm
FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St)
www.fhcchurch.com

UNashamed Preview

Last Tuesday night, we defined the identity of the church and its three-fold purpose. The church of God is comprised of the Redeemed who have held fast to the covenant of the Lord and looked to salvation in the promised work of Messiah, Jesus, on the cross. The atoning death and resurrection of Jesus sanctifies the believer, giving them a new identity and purpose, and joining them with their fellow saints as ministers of the covenant. Evangelism, worship, and spiritual maturity now become a way of life for God's chosen people. In short, the church is the fulfillment of Old Testament Israel, and its people are the ministering priests. (I Peter 2:5,9)

This week we will look at the specific role of the minister. With ministry existing in so many different forms and fashions, and each person's personality and gifts varying in so many different ways, how are we to know if the mission of God is being advanced? Are all called to be vocational pastors and ministers? Are all to expect the same empowerment of the Holy Spirit for witnessing, and in what form? What does the bible say about church leadership and governance?

Join us this week as we discuss these and other cruicial issues regarding the ministry of the Church. UNashamed starts at 8pm, Tuesday nights.

UNashamed: Bible Doctrines Class

Tuesday Nights @ 8pm
FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St)
www.fhcchurch.com

Sunday Worship Set

This Sunday at FHCC, we worshipped to the following songs:

1 - "Here is Love" by Matt Redman, Album: Passion: Ancient and Modern

2 - "Oh you Bring" by Hillsong United, Album: Tear Down the Walls

3 - "Glorify Your Name" by Hillsong, Album: For All You've Done

4 - "Resting" by Rita Springer, Album: Created to Worship

The Kingdom of God and the Church

This week at UNashamed, we discussed the definition, purpose and functions of the church. We stated that the church, which Jesus established through the work of the cross, is made up of both visible and invisible members. The visible church is comprised of those who are active and serving in the world today, both individually and corporately. (Example: As an active believer in the work of the cross, I am the visible church. However, at the same time, I am also a member of the visible church, because the work of the cross unifies us for mission and worship.) Yet, while I am both the visible church and a part of it, I am also a active member of the invisible church.

The invisible church is made up of believers of all time (past, present and future). Someone rightly said, "The visible church is the church we see. The invisible church is the church that God sees." All of the prophets and believers who lived by faith, looking forward to the work of Jesus, the Messiah, during the time of the Old Testament are members of this church. The disciples, apostles and those who have confessed Jesus as Lord since the time of the cross are participants with us in this church. All of those who will come after us, who will cling to the work of Messiah and proclaim Him and His redemption to their lost and dying world, will comprise the Church, in which we too are a part. The church is truly the eternal work of the Lord, transcending time, space, ethnicity, culture, and the like. The church is God's beloved and His chosen means by which His glory, righteousness, and justice reside.

However, does this mean that the church is synonymous with the "Kingdom of God," which we read about so often in Scripture?

UNashamed: The Church & Its Mission

In an age where Christians are calling key practices of the church "optional," and when the secular are proclaiming themselves to be "the church," it is imperative that we examine the biblical position of what Jesus set out to establish through His death and resurrection. The Church is to be God's gift to the world. Jesus is it's founder and "Head," and as such, He has established rules and decrees to govern, sustain, and advance His redeeming work among humanity.

We encourage you to join us for this week's discussion on The Church and Its Mission. Come learn WHO is a part of God's church, HOW it is to operate, and WHY there seems to be so many options on which church to join. Our goal is for all to see that it is a privilege to not only belong to, but minister inside of, this body of God's Redeemed.

UNashamed: Doctrines Class
Tuesdays @ 8pm
FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram)
www.fhcchurch.com

Doctrine of Imputation

Genesis 19 is a very interesting passage to say the least. God prepares to judge the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by sending two angels on ahead to bear witness of their sin. Upon arrival into the city of Sodom, the angels find Lot (Abraham's nephew) residing and officiating oversmatters of the city. While his conscience may show evidence of God's conviction at time, it turns out that Lot is very much a fan of his new life in the city and even participates in their wickedness to various degrees. Yet, perhaps what is even more peculiar is Lot's incredible lack of faith.

No matter how hard the angels of the Lord try to persuade him and his family to leave the sinful city before destruction, he lingers. Even when the angels physically drag them out of the city and warn them not to look back and to take refuge in the hills, Lot doubts. Time and time again, Lot is proven to not only be a man of evil works, but also a man of little to no faith. Truly, there is nothing about this man to be counted unto him as righteousness (good), yet throughout the whole story God is saving him. Why?

Turns out the answer lies in verse 29:
So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.

Lot was not saved, because of anything about himself. Nor was he saved simply because God felt like saving him. Rather, the reason why Lot and his family were saved, was solely because of God's love for, and relationship with, Abraham. Abraham served as a righteous mediator and savior for the wicked.

Romans 5:18-19:
Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.

This occurrence of imputed condemnation and righteousness, is what theologians call the doctrine of imputation, and also serves as the means behind the saving work of Messiah, Jesus. No one goes to heaven because they deserve it; rather, we are permitted into heaven because Jesus' righteousness (perfection) was imputed (credited) upon us.

See you tonight for UNplugged: Interactive Bible Study.

UNplugged: Interactive Bible Study
Mondays @ 8pm
INSIDE FHCC Campus
6708 Ingram St.
www.fhcchurch.com

Sunday Worship Set

This Sunday at FHCC, we worshipped to the following songs:

1 - "Let Everything that has Breath Praise the Lord" by Matt Redman, Album: Heart of Worship

2 - "Here is Love" by Matt Redman, Album: Passion: Ancient and Modern

3 - "Created to Worship" by Rita Springer, Album: Created to Worship

4 - "How Great is Our God" by Chris Tomlin, Album: Passion: How Great is Our God

Sunday Preview

Gen. 19:28-29," And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD. And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace."

You do NOT want to miss this Sunday at Forest Hills Community Church! This week we wrap up chapter 19 of Genesis. The fire will fall, destruction will take place, evil will run rampant, and yet in the midst of all of this God's sovereign grace and mercy will be displayed. Come learn how the wickedness of one brings judgment on all, but the righteousness of one makes intercession for the many.

Sundays @ 10am INSIDE the Midway Theater
Mondays @8pm INSIDE FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram)
iTunes "Forest Hills Community Church"
www.fhcchurch.com

The Process of Sanctification

Sitting at the airport getting ready to fly out to Springfield, MO; the Assembly of God capital of the world. Planning on spending a couple days on the various college campuses and speaking with/recruiting students to come and work in NYC. (Also plan on stopping by HQs to see my newest boss over Interculural ministries.) And since they make you arrive an eternity in advance just to sit and wait, I figured I should get some dinner. Of course, the only option at the local airport was McDonald's.

For those of you who may not know, I hate McDonald's. It never tastes as good as it sounds, always cost more than it should, and always make you feel like a lard after eating it (even if it is a mere psuedo-ice-cream cone). Yet, forced to eat at this cesspool, I was forced to make the decision between all the lesser evils. I could get a semi-fattening, limp lettuce salad, or I could get a cheesy, mayo soaked, slab of frozen, dried out meat on a bun, and cover it with my favorite condiment, ketchup. Inside my heart cry out for the salad, but I ignored this voice of wisdom and went with the burger. Now, I feel like a fat, unhealthy slob, covered with guilt and living in fear that I have spent my calorie limit for the day, knowing that I still have 5-hours of travel before me.
Now, some of you may be wondering what my McDonald's experience has to do with Sanctification (the process of becoming like Jesus)?

Sanctification: Choose Life over Burgers
I Cor. 6:11, "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

When Jesus sets us free from our past, He washes away our sin (regeneration), gives us a new standing with God (justification), and then sends the Spirit to take up residency inside of us to enable our lives to live for Him (sanctification). While all of this is instant, the work of sanctification is one that continues on until we die and reach perfection in our new bodies in heaven. In the meanwhile, those of us who are Christians are forced to live life led by the Spirit, and choosing to submit to His will and desires.

Romans 8:13, "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."

The dilemma I faced at McDonald's is a very week/poor example of this daily battle we face each and every moment of the day. Life and Death are before us constantly, and the Spirit of God is calling us out to us, illuminating our heart and mind to the truth of God, revealing the foreseen consequences of our sin, and is praying that we make the right decision. He desires for us to choose Life so that we might walk in greater fellowship with Him, worship Him more intimately, and enable us to be greater witness for Him in this dark and dying world. In short, He is wanting to make us more like Jesus; but the choice is up to us to obey or reject. And when we reject the Holy Spirit and His wisdom, the result is much worse than an expanding waistline; it's eternal death.

May we all so "no" to the flesh, and "yes" to the Spirit so that we, and the world around us, may live!

Deut. 30:19, "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live..."

Learn more:
UNashamed: Doctrines Class
Tuesdays @ 8pm
FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram)
www.fhcchurch.com

UNplugged Rewind

Every Monday night we gather to dissect the previous Sunday's text. Going verse by verse, we examine how each verse relates to the other, and how the characters and truths in the story are being relayed to the reader. This open and critical approach to scripture not only allows us helps us to better understand how to read the Bible, but just as importantly, it provides us with a firm understanding of practical life application.

This week we tackled Gen. 19:12-22. And while there were many great lessons to be extracted from this passage, last night revealed the greatest: v.18-20

¹⁸ But Lot said to them, "No, my lords, please! ¹⁹ Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can't flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I'll die. ²⁰ Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it—it is very small, isn't it? Then my life will be spared."

We Are Lot:
Inwardly, Lot loved his life in Sodom. He had fame, security, and friends; but he also had condemnation and guilt. Graciously, the Lord came, trumped Lot's will, and offered him salvation in the nearby hills. Yet, rather than trust the Lord and find a new life in Him, Lot seeks a compromise where he can still be "saved," yet remain with all the familiarities of his sinful life (small city of Zoar).

How many of us have behaved exactly like Lot? Just as in the case with Lot, all of us who are Christians have received what we needed, but not what we wanted. If we were honest, we would admit that sin is fun, and we enjoy the false high it brings. Sure, we hate consequences, but we love the act. Nevertheless, the Lord comes and offers us salvation. He sets us free from sin, and then calls us to a new life found not in this world, but in His holy word. And how do we respond? Compromise.

"10% tithe? How about I give whatever makes me happy?"

"I can't sleep with my girl/boyfriend? How about we just "fool around?"

"I can't gamble? How about I just buy a lottery ticket?"

"I can't gossip? How about I just blog?"

And, on and on we go...forgetting that the Lord allowed Lot to have "his way," and that Lot's decision brought nothing but fear, disgrace, and a life void of God's presence. (Gen. 19:30-38)

UNashamed: Sanctification

This week's Bible doctrine: Sanctification.

When a person becomes a Christian, the righteousness of Jesus (His Perfectness) is immediately imputed (applied) to the believer's life. From the moment of conversion, a believer moves into right standing with God and is Justified. God's work has fulfilled all legal requirements; so now what? How is a believer suppose to live in this new glorious condition?

Sanctification, is the process whereby the believer allows the now indwelling Spirit to bring his/her life into the conformity of Messiah. Believers are not to live like non-believers, but rather like Jesus. But how is this possible when we are still human, and still very much tempted by sin?

Join us Tuesday for all the answers!

UNashamed: Bible Doctrines Class
Tuesday Nights @ 8pm
FHCC Campus
(6708 Ingram St, FHills)
www.fhcchurch.com

Missionary Jed

Last night, my family and several of the FHCC crew had the privilege of having dinner with one of our missionaries, Jed Lindstrom. Jed is from Minneapolis, and has a great story of how God supernaturally delivered him from a life that was going nowhere fast. God not only forgave Jed of all his sins, but placed a sovereign call upon his life to preach. Since then, Jed has been traveling around the US, going into the inner city and hurting places, proclaiming the Gospel to drug addicts, street thugs, Wall Street execs., prostitutes, and just about anyone else riding in a Subway car. And over dinner last night, Jed was full of new stories of what God had done and who He had saved. It was really encouraging.

But, I think the thing I love the most about Jed, is not the results of his ministry or even his bold no-nonsense approach. What I love about Jed, is his incredible love for the Lord. What motivates Jed to go where he is not wanted, with money he does not have, to be threatened, rejected, or worse, is not adrenaline, fear, or even human desire; it's the love of Jesus. Jed knows what God has done in his life, and he is grateful. Jed lives his life in response to God, resulting in God being glorified and people being saved.

Please remember to pray for Jed. He lives his life completely dependent on the Lord (housing, food, income, etc.). He is great brother, and we are honored to support him through our prayers and finances!

Sunday Worship Set

This Sunday at FHCC, we worshipped to the following songs:

1 - "Let Everything that has Breath Praise the Lord" by Matt Redman, Album: Heart of Worship

2 - "Consuming Fire" by Matt Redman, Album: Hillsong United: More than Life

3 - "Here in My Life" by Hillsong Australia, Album: Mighty to Save

4 - "Created to Worship" by Rita Springer, Album: Created to Worship

Sunday Preview

The text for this week comes from Genesis 19: 12-22. Here is a preview of what the Lord wants us to see and learn from.

¹⁵As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, "Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city." ¹⁶But he lingered.

Now with the identity and purpose of his guests revealed, it is time for Lot to "get out of Dodge." Yet for some reason, that is the last thing that Lot really wants to do.

Join us this weekend as we continue our study of one of the hardest chapters inside the entire Bible. What we will find is that God is greater than we could have ever hoped for, and we are far worse than we could have ever feared. Praise God, He loves us!

Sundays @ 10am INSIDE the Midway Movie Theater
Mondays @ 8pm INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram)
iTunes: "Forest Hills Community Church" Podcast
www.fhcchurch.com

Great Song About Worship

"Phenomenon" by Rita Springer, Album: Created to Worship

I am not here just to see a phenomenon
I am not here for experiential bliss
I simply come to the feet of the God I serve,
The one that I love

I am not here for the sake of the people?s praise
I have not come to see the thunder and rain
I simply come into courts of the King above
The one that I Praise

I want to find the way to his chambers
I want to be in the presence of the Lord
I am in need of his mercy and favor
Forever more

I am not here for the sake of a miracle
I am not here just to see the dead raised
Yes I believe in power supernatural
But that?s not way I?m saved

I?ve had enough of this life of a Pharisee
I want to know this Jesus who?s been loving me
I?m running into the temple just to see
The one that I love

I want to find the way to his chambers
I want to be in the presence of the Lord
I am in need of his mercy and favor
Forever more

I give my heart to the one they call Jesus
Seeking out first the very kingdom of God
You are the way and the truth I believe it
You are my phenomenon

You can move mountains whenever you want to
You can speak to the sea whenever it pleases you

Forgive me oh Lord if I?ve been a market place
Turn me upside down so I will seek your face
And if your presence comes into this place
So will the thunder and rain

Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

Our Doctrine on the Holy Spirit:

1 - The Holy Spirit is the Primary enabler of conversion - I Cor. 6:11

2 - The Fullness of the Holy Spirit dwells inside of every believer at conversion, and remains with the believer - Rom. 8:5-17

3 - Every believer, from the moment of conversion, has the capacity to be used by the Holy Spirit through any of His nine gifts of evangelism. - I Cor. 12

4 - Thus, it is the responsibility of the believer to seek the will of the Holy Spirit, and to submit fully to His evident power & gifts. - Acts 1:4-6, 8 & I Cor. 12:31, 14:12

Pentecostalism

Pentecostalism gets it name from the events that occurred on the Jewish holiday of "Pentecost," as recorded in Acts chapter 2. On this day, the baptism of the Holy Spirit was first "poured out" upon all the believers of the Christian church while they prayed in the Upper Room following Jesus' ascension back to the right hand of the Father. Certain signs and wonders accompanied this act of outpouring, namely the ability of the speakers to speak the wonders of God in tongues (languages) not native to them. As a result, not only were the believers encouraged and empowered to witness to the hostile world around them, but thousands of people were saved immediately.

Yet, what was truly amazing, was that the events of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 were not unique. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit continued to take place throughout the 30-year recorded history of the Acts narrative. Every time the Holy Spirit was made manifest, church empowerment and the subsequent salvation of the Lost always followed. A hunger and dependency on the Holy Spirit was the "norm" for the early church, and the events of Pentecost were the "watermark" for traditional ministry. Sadly, with the rise of intellectualism and church systems, the believers dependency on the Holy Spirit's spontaneity and manifestations subsided. People began to rely on their gifts and abilities, and not His.

Greatfuly, God is not a God who can be put in a box or ignored. He is the same God that created the world out of nothing, and He is the same God that empowered the early church to cast out demons, heal the sick, speak life into dead bodies, and call the mute to preach! The desire and ability of God to fill His church with "power from on high (Luke 24:29)" is still available to all believers today. God is desiring to do wonders unseen and unheard of in our city, if we will once again hunger for Him and submit to His awesome abilities.

Pentecost was not a "once and done" event; it is the standard for ministry! The early church were not "super Christians," they were sinners saved by grace just like you and me. What God did through them, He wants to do through us. Will you allow Him the opportunity? Will you stop trusting in your strength, wisdom, or bank account, and instead come broken and desperate before the Lord with a cry that He fill you and use you for His ministry?

Pentecost is real, and it is happening...

UNashamed: Baptism of the Holy Spirit & Tongues

This week's topic: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Tongues

There is probably no greater debate inside the evangelical church, than that of the "Pentecostal" debate. So much confusion, slander, and misinformation surrounds this vital and beautiful doctrine of the church, and we at FHCC are taking the issue "head on." Come see what the Bible actually says about the personhood of the Holy Spirit, the gifts He bestows, and how we are to receive them. God has promised this gift to every believer, and He wants you to enjoy Him more!

Join us Tuesday nights at 8pm for UNashamed, the Bible Doctrines class you will love! Every week people like you come to learn about the Bible and what it means to be a Christian from a strictly biblical position. We guarantee you will walk away smarter.

UNashamed: Bible Doctrines Class
Tuesday Nights @ 8pm
INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St, Forest Hills)
www.fhcchurch.com

Sunday Worship Set

This Sunday at FHCC, we worshipped to the following songs:

1 - "Beautiful One" by Vineyard Music, Album: Here I Am to Worship

2 - "Holy is the Lord" by Chris Tomlin, Album: Passion: Sacred Revolution

3 - "Breathing the Breather" by Matt Redman, Album: Facedown

4 - "God of this City" by Bluetree (Performed by Chris Tomlin), Album: God of this City