UNplugged Preview

This week we pick up where we left off in Genesis chapter 24. Abraham knows that his time is fading and that the time has now come for his son, Isaac, to mantle the covenant of God. Isaac will now serve as God's ambassador as he lives among fallen people in a fallen world. Much is riding on his life, and Abraham knows that he simply cannot do it alone. Just like his great-great-granddaddy, Adam, Isaac is going to need a wife to accomplish his God-given task (see Gen 2:18). Thus, Abraham commissions a matchmaker to wander to the town of his brother to secure a wife for Isaac.

Upon arrival in this distant land, however, the servant becomes overwhelmed with his task. How can he possibly find a girl who will meet the very specific and stringent requirements given? What if the girl says "no?" What if the servant makes a mistake? What if... The possibilities for failure are astronomical, yet this servant refuses to quit. Instead, he calls upon the Lord and relies on His character and abilities to deliver him and reveal this chosen woman.

Join us we look at Genesis 24, verses 10 through 28. Discover not only the incredible faithfulness of the Lord, but also the characters and qualities we all should be looking for in ourselves and our spouses. We promise an incredibly real and applicable discussion on where you are at in your life today. We'll see you at UNplugged!

UNplugged: Interactive Bible Study
Monday Nights @ 8pm
INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St)
www.fhcchurch.com

UNashamed: Evangelism Preview

This Saturday our UNashamed: Ministry School returns in full-force with a 1-day intensive on the Biblical teaching of evangelism. From a secular perspective we all assume to know exactly what this means: a guy on TV preaching into a camera lens, a group of "Christians" standing outside a subway with posterboards, or worse case scenario, a guy with a bull horn wandering the streets. Either way, it is not a very attractive image, nor is it all that accurate to its biblical origin and command. The teaching and ministry of evangelism has been hijacked, and it's time to set the record straight! People do need to know about Jesus, but they need to hear in the methods and principals that God intended to accomplish this task.

Join us as we rediscover the biblical command and practice of evangelism. It is not a "New Testament" or "Christian" creation, but rather the original ministry of God since Genesis chapter 1. God is a "Missionary God," and we His image bearers have been called and empowered to partner in His labor. Whether you are in extrovert, introvert, college grad, or high school dropout; you have a gift and calling to share Jesus, and He is waiting for you to begin. He guarantees that your life and your world will never be the same!

Topics include:
Evangelism in the Old Testament
Role and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
Gospel Contextualization (Preaching in a language people understand)
"Compassion/Felt Need" Ministry
Evangelistic Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Evangelism at FHCC

Tomorrow's class is filling up FAST, and only a handful of seats remain. There is no charge for the class, however, lunch will be provided for a nominal $5.00 fee payable at the door.

Class Schedule:
"Christian Evangelism" - What is it? Who should do it? How should it be done?
Saturday, January 9th
11am - 4:30pm
FHCC Campus

Enroll Now

The Avatar Hype

I see there is much discussion taking place as a result of the pop-culture flick, Avatar. A couple of us from FHCC took the opportunity this week to see the movie, and I would like to take a minute and clear up some common talking points...

First off, I liked the graphics...

Second of all, the movie was very "spiritual." The primary teaching regarding religion was that of a theistic/animistic perspective (there is "a" god, and all is a part of god). No wonder, since it is the primary teaching in our world today as made evident by the global environmental movement. (Remember, for a movie to be "successful" it needs to have GLOBAL appeal, not just American appeal.)

I believe the basic/core RELIGIOUS teaching from the movie was that each person's god is just as legitimate as another's god. There is no absolute god, much less a sovereign understanding of "god." Each person's experience, belief and lifestyle is just as valid, beautiful, and great as another's.

Thirdly, this was PRIMARILY a SOCIAL and POLITICAL movie, above all else. Do not miss this!

Regardless of the stupidity of movie, I am glad you all enjoyed hanging out together. It was a fun movie, and thank God there was no nudity, sex, or gore to make it unbearable. Let's just laugh it off and realize that we have a big messed up world outside our door to preach to.

Thank God we are saved!

Joy: Giving for the Sake of Others

UNplugged Preview

Let's face it; dating is hard and quite miserable. First you have to find an attractive potential, then you need to examine their personality, then you need to examine your compatibility, then you need to struggle with the whole hormone thing, then it is on to the extended family and so on. And the whole time that these steps are occurring, you feel like you are walking on eggshells because the whole thing could fall apart at any moment and then you would be back at square one. And then the fear kicks in..."Am I going to be alone for the rest of my life?!? Why doesn't anyone love me?!? Where have all the Cowboys gone!?!?!" (Or something like that...)

This may be how the world dates, but it certainly is not how God intends us to date. Yes, dating is always going to have that emotional twist to it, but it does not need to be a Six Flags roller coaster. In His word, God has given us ample guidelines for how to date in a manner that not only protects us from some of the unnecessary evils, but also allow us to honor Him at the same time.

Join us tonight for UNplugged: Interactive Bible Study, as we tackle one of the most comprehensive teachings on dating and marriage. Like all of us, Isaac has approached that point in his life when he needs to be thinking about the future (i.e. marriage and kids). The problem, however, is that he is a lonely sheepherder, who is kinda awkward with the girls, and a prophesied Patriarch of God's covenant (in other words: He was a Christian in a land of non-Christians. Sound familiar?). Graciously, however, Isaac was not alone in his quest for a bride, but had a loving father and friend to intercede on his behalf. Through their Godly council, Isaac will not only secure a hot, God-fearing wife, but also be protected from heartache and sin.

Bring a friend, and I will see you TONIGHT at 8pm!!

UNplugged: Interactive Church
Monday Nights @ 8pm
INSIDE the FHCC Campus (6708 Ingram St)
www.fhcchurch.com

UNashamed Returns

This Saturday, January 9th, UNashamed: Doctrine's Class returns in full force! These comprehensive teachings on key elements of Biblical truth and Christian living have proven to be great ways to not only grow in your faith, but also share your faith with others. Many from FHCC, as well as others from neighboring churches, have made these classes a priority and are seeing growth as a result.

For our Winter Term we are offering something different from the way we did things in the past. Instead of spending weeks on a topic, we are now offering 1-day intensives. These 5-hour classes will feature five 45-minute sessions, provide period breaks and offer ample time for Q & A. Lunch will also be provided for a nominal $5.00 fee.

Class Schedule:
"Christian Evangelism" - What is it? Who should do it? How should it be done?
Saturday, January 9th
11am - 4:30pm
FHCC Campus

Enroll Now for January

"Church Government" - How should Christians interact with each other, both inside and outside, the Church? (This class is required for FHCC Church Membership.)
Saturday, February 27th
11am - 4:30pm
FHCC Campus
Enroll Now for February

Sunday Preview

This Sunday we are all invited to a wedding! The time of Abraham has slowly been drawing to a close, and now it is time for Isaac to rise to the occasion and replace his father as the patriarch of the covenant. And just as was the case for his father, Isaac's journey of faith is not going to be easy, nor will the covenant find completion in his lifetime. Isaac will need to father other children according to the promises of God. So, I guess he needs a wife, right? But where could such a woman be found? Poor Isaac is an only child, lives in a foreign land, and he's a nomad; not very datable qualities. What is a lonely patriarch to do?

Fortunately for all of us, God is in control. Through the leading of the Spirit, Abraham will commission the first ever dating service (kind of like eharmony without the internet). Composing a list of compatibility requirements, Abraham will send his trusty servant out into the world to find the perfect wife for Isaac. It will not be an easy task, as no mere common girl will do. This future matriarch must be a woman of faith, integrity, and service; she must be a suitable helpmate to Isaac. But, how and where could such a girl be found? Guess it is going to take a miracle...

Join us this Sunday as we continue our "Genesis: Book of Beginnings" series. As we begin our study of chapter 24, we will discover God's intentions for marriage, and biblical principals for finding and keeping the right mate for life. All people, both married and single, will greatly benefit from this week's text. Make plans to join us, and bring a friend!

Genesis: Book of Beginning
Part III - Abraham
Sundays @ 10am INSIDE the Midway Movie Theater
Monday @ 8pm INSIDE the FHCC Campus
www.fhcchurch.com