**Just to give you all a "head's up," a couple of these posts are geared toward those involved in ministry. This is not to say that they are irrelevant for the lay person, but rather that my intended audience is my fellow ministers.
It's is so easy to overlook the obvious because of our preconceived ideas and notions. We read a biblical passage and because we are familiar with it, or a complimentary theological idea, we gloss over its implications and keep on reading. Man, what a disservice we do to the Scriptures and our ministries!
Perhaps the greatest gloss on our part is in regards to the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9). Here we have God supernaturally interrupting Paul's life, saving him and calling him into ministry. I am not going to argue over the Calvinist or Arminian process, but suffice it say that the man had an encounter with God and was saved, period. It is an amazing story, and we who read it are all grateful that God did all the work to save this one man. But, what about the incredible implications this story carries with it, such as: if God could miraculously appear to Saul and save him, then why not do it for many others, if not all?
Now, I know all the academic and historical answers, but I want to challenge them. I do not think the answer is a matter of God's respect for man's "free will," cessationism, or any other nonsense. Sure, elements of these arguments may be true, but I believe they create as many questions as they answer. But what if the reason God singled out Saul was because of the biblical principle that it is not how many you save, but who you save?
Like it or not, we are all hung up on numbers, especially here in the West; the bigger the better is a common defense. Church planting and being a pastor is no different, it is all about how many people are attending your church. Again, I recognize that each person represents a soul and Jesus preached to thousands, but what about that underlying biblical principle that it is who your reaching, not merely how many?
Romans 9 through 11 reminds us that it is the remnant who will be saved and that it is God who elects the individuals to be saved. Might the church and world be better saved if the church would adjust its evangelism strategy to accommodate these elements? Perhaps instead of trying to make the Gospel palatable to the masses or assume that conversion equal disciple, we could focus on the one who God is investing and seeing the promise of God fulfilled through him/her. Quality always supersedes quantity.
I want to hear, "Well done, Good and Faithful Servant," not, "Well, you had a big church, but where are the Christians?" at the end of my life. Again, I am not saying that "big" is equal to "bad," but I would like us to question why it is we do what we do. God's ways are not our ways. Perhaps, the Kingdom exists in a MUSTARD SEED?
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Sunday, September 4, 2011
The Problem with Convictions
Nothing happens by accident. The past several months have been revolutionary for myself and the church. God has allowed us to go through so many hardships and victories, yet none of which we were able to anticipate. Both the highs and the lows have been nothing less than miraculous, but they have all stemmed from the sovereign eternal will of God for us and the church. The truth is that God allow these things to reveal His holy convictions for our lives and ministry.
The truth is that ALL of us allow our understanding of God's will to be corrupted and shaped by our personal preferences and experiences. Now in all fairness, it is also true that God allows our tendencies and experiences to reveal His will; but there is a difference between revealing and shaping. Revelation comes in a pure form, "shaping" implies alteration and manipulation. I believe God's will is REVEALED, not shaped. This may sound contradictory and like splitting hairs, but I challenge you to consider it...
Regardless, I am amazed at the beauty of God's intervention in my life, both before this summer and now in the midst of this amazing season of challenge and victory. The result is a greater revelation of God's will for the Sweetens and the church in NYC. In revealing His will He has revealed our convictions and calling. It is a bittersweet experience because they seem so unexpected, atypical, and controversial; but isn't that just proof coming from a God who is separate from this world and holy?
Yes, but is merely being unexpected, atypical and controversial proof that it is from God? No. What is validating, however, is what this divine call and conviction will accomplish: souls for the Kingdom.
Luke 19:10 declares that the sole mission of Jesus was "to seek and save the Lost." He then goes on to teach a parable about servants who were given their Master's minas (currency) yet failed to do His business. Although they were once called "servants" and members of his Kingdom, their failure to obey and continue His work resulted in banishment and death. The point is that Christians must ALWAYS be about seeking and saving the Lost, period.
Yes, this is hard and leads to places we would rather not want or expect to go, but we must if the Master is calling and has entrusted us with His business. We and the church have always known this truth and tried earnestly to carry it out, but we can't do it our way with our understanding for our set period of time. We must always be led by the Master to do the Master's work. This is what having convictions is all about.
Please don't read too much into this post and seek a message or assumption the text does not support. But do pray for us, the church in NYC, and you and your local church. Ask God is you are perceiving His revealed will or if you are allowing that will to be shaped and compromised by your preference and experiences. Also, please consider if you are doing the Father's work of seeking and saving the Lost. If you are leaving that work to someone else, please consider Luke 19:20-27.
Be led by His convictions...
The truth is that ALL of us allow our understanding of God's will to be corrupted and shaped by our personal preferences and experiences. Now in all fairness, it is also true that God allows our tendencies and experiences to reveal His will; but there is a difference between revealing and shaping. Revelation comes in a pure form, "shaping" implies alteration and manipulation. I believe God's will is REVEALED, not shaped. This may sound contradictory and like splitting hairs, but I challenge you to consider it...
Regardless, I am amazed at the beauty of God's intervention in my life, both before this summer and now in the midst of this amazing season of challenge and victory. The result is a greater revelation of God's will for the Sweetens and the church in NYC. In revealing His will He has revealed our convictions and calling. It is a bittersweet experience because they seem so unexpected, atypical, and controversial; but isn't that just proof coming from a God who is separate from this world and holy?
Yes, but is merely being unexpected, atypical and controversial proof that it is from God? No. What is validating, however, is what this divine call and conviction will accomplish: souls for the Kingdom.
Luke 19:10 declares that the sole mission of Jesus was "to seek and save the Lost." He then goes on to teach a parable about servants who were given their Master's minas (currency) yet failed to do His business. Although they were once called "servants" and members of his Kingdom, their failure to obey and continue His work resulted in banishment and death. The point is that Christians must ALWAYS be about seeking and saving the Lost, period.
Yes, this is hard and leads to places we would rather not want or expect to go, but we must if the Master is calling and has entrusted us with His business. We and the church have always known this truth and tried earnestly to carry it out, but we can't do it our way with our understanding for our set period of time. We must always be led by the Master to do the Master's work. This is what having convictions is all about.
Please don't read too much into this post and seek a message or assumption the text does not support. But do pray for us, the church in NYC, and you and your local church. Ask God is you are perceiving His revealed will or if you are allowing that will to be shaped and compromised by your preference and experiences. Also, please consider if you are doing the Father's work of seeking and saving the Lost. If you are leaving that work to someone else, please consider Luke 19:20-27.
Be led by His convictions...
Monday, August 29, 2011
Here We Go Again...
Been taking some time off from posting during the month of August for a variety of reasons. For starters, I had the awesome privilege of traveling the first week to Phoenix for the Assemblies of God General Council. this bi-annual event allows ministers and missionaries from all over the world the opportunity to come together for worship, encouragement, networking, and church business. While not a glorious task, the principles and notion of a unified organization (denomination) are, in fact, biblical (Acts 15) and I am honored to play a role in a fellowship like ours. Looking forward to seeing what God has next in store for the A/G.
Additionally, I have used this month to enjoy time with the family and the church. Our church is preparing for another season of harvest with the Fall fast approaching. The summer was very hot and very challenging. With the ruling of the Federal Court banning church use of public schools, many in the congregation decided that being a portable church involved too much effort and decided to worship elsewhere. I thank God, however, that the majority took to heart the biblical language and example of the church in Scripture. The "church" is not a building but a people. It does not exist for the needs of the saved, but for the purpose of redeeming the Lost. You don't come to church to "take," you come to give and be a part of God's mission. This is what it means to be a church, and this is what the 50 individuals of Forest Hills Community Church are giving their lives to!
So, pray for us as we enter the Fall season. We are still searching for a new meeting space and the options are slim. God is in charge and the fields are "ripe unto harvest." Please pray that workers will be sent out and that the CHURCH will emerge from homes, coffee shops and other public and private gatherings and that many Jews and Gentiles will meet Jesus!
Additionally, I have used this month to enjoy time with the family and the church. Our church is preparing for another season of harvest with the Fall fast approaching. The summer was very hot and very challenging. With the ruling of the Federal Court banning church use of public schools, many in the congregation decided that being a portable church involved too much effort and decided to worship elsewhere. I thank God, however, that the majority took to heart the biblical language and example of the church in Scripture. The "church" is not a building but a people. It does not exist for the needs of the saved, but for the purpose of redeeming the Lost. You don't come to church to "take," you come to give and be a part of God's mission. This is what it means to be a church, and this is what the 50 individuals of Forest Hills Community Church are giving their lives to!
So, pray for us as we enter the Fall season. We are still searching for a new meeting space and the options are slim. God is in charge and the fields are "ripe unto harvest." Please pray that workers will be sent out and that the CHURCH will emerge from homes, coffee shops and other public and private gatherings and that many Jews and Gentiles will meet Jesus!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thoughts on Healing
Been a hard afternoon, but one full of God's providence. In light of my upcoming trip to General Council, I have been working on a sermon two-weeks from now based on Acts 3:1-10. The passage is very familiar and powerful because it involves a supernatural healing at the mere mention of Jesus' name. So many have been encouraged by the story's very simple retelling of the events that led to a lame man being instantly healed; Peter and John command the man to stand and he does with praises unto God. It is so simple and challenging.
No sooner had I cracked the outline on the passage, then my phone and email inbox begin filling with prayer requests for healing. Brain tumors, cancers, mental anguish and anxiety, etc. are effecting my immediate world and friendships. People are suffering and in desperate need to God's mercy and power and the timing of these events cannot be coincidental. So, how should we respond?
WHY?
Before we address the healing, I feel it imperative to address the nature of sickness. With limited exception, sickness is NOT the fault of the afflicted (John 9:3). Yes, every man's sin furthers the plight of creation and breeds evil, but this should not lead one to the conclusion that if one is sick that he/she is being punished by God. The Bible is replete with the prophets, apostles and common people of God suffering the effects of sickness. Evil simply exists and effects all of us on this side of eternity, period.
WHAT MATTERS
After concluding that sickness is merely a component of living in a fallen world, the decision remains with how to treat it. Sadly, more people choose to focus on evil than its cure. Perhaps this is because of our carnal nature and obsession with the physical, but either way the practice is destructive. No good ever comes out of focusing on the problem, we must focus on the cure.
One of the many strengths of the Christian belief is that the biblical description of God is that He is sovereign. God is not limited by anything, nor does anything take place that is outside of His permissive will or ability. Additionally, the Bible declares that He is absolutely "good." This not only defines His essence, but also, by default, declares all of His works/actions/behaviors/ to be "good." These are important and imperative qualities when considering evil and its effects. Because God is sovereign and good, the effects of evil/sickness is never without purpose or cure. This is not to say that man can discern what this purpose is, this truth is reserved for God and God alone. Rather, by knowing that God has given purpose to evil/sickness it gives credence and necessity to look to Him in times of trouble. What matters is that God is always in control.
But His goodness is not abstract or merely theoretical, it's practical and demonstrated particularly in response to evil. The incarnation of Jesus (Jesus coming to earth as a man) proves that God's goodness and sovereignty are real and effective. God takes on the very thing that is susceptible to sickness/evil and overcomes it through the power of the Spirit. Additionally, He preserves not only His body, but he makes it priority to heal those who are sick and dead. God cares for the flesh and overcomes evil's effects toward it (Matt. 8:14-17).
As significant as God's concern for the flesh is, it is not the sole concern of the incarnation. The true significance of God becoming a man is so that He may suffer fully the effects of sin on our behalf and overcome them for all eternity (I Thess. 5:9-10). Jesus came to heal the soul, not merely the body and this is what matters most. I know this is hard to fathom from this side of eternity (John 11:35), but it is true. We should seek and expect God's healing in our physical bodies, but more important is that He be seen as the Healer and Victor over evil's effects on our soul.
APPLICATION
If you are sick, then pray to the Lord for healing (James 5:13). God has demonstrated His love, concern, power and will to heal, therefore, expect it with a gracious heart. But, do not major in the minors, loosing sight of God's greatest demonstration of His goodness and love for us: His salvation and healing of the soul. Receive Jesus for who is fully is: God the Healer and Victor over flesh and spirit. The flesh is significant, but far greater is redemption of the soul.
No sooner had I cracked the outline on the passage, then my phone and email inbox begin filling with prayer requests for healing. Brain tumors, cancers, mental anguish and anxiety, etc. are effecting my immediate world and friendships. People are suffering and in desperate need to God's mercy and power and the timing of these events cannot be coincidental. So, how should we respond?
WHY?
Before we address the healing, I feel it imperative to address the nature of sickness. With limited exception, sickness is NOT the fault of the afflicted (John 9:3). Yes, every man's sin furthers the plight of creation and breeds evil, but this should not lead one to the conclusion that if one is sick that he/she is being punished by God. The Bible is replete with the prophets, apostles and common people of God suffering the effects of sickness. Evil simply exists and effects all of us on this side of eternity, period.
WHAT MATTERS
After concluding that sickness is merely a component of living in a fallen world, the decision remains with how to treat it. Sadly, more people choose to focus on evil than its cure. Perhaps this is because of our carnal nature and obsession with the physical, but either way the practice is destructive. No good ever comes out of focusing on the problem, we must focus on the cure.
One of the many strengths of the Christian belief is that the biblical description of God is that He is sovereign. God is not limited by anything, nor does anything take place that is outside of His permissive will or ability. Additionally, the Bible declares that He is absolutely "good." This not only defines His essence, but also, by default, declares all of His works/actions/behaviors/ to be "good." These are important and imperative qualities when considering evil and its effects. Because God is sovereign and good, the effects of evil/sickness is never without purpose or cure. This is not to say that man can discern what this purpose is, this truth is reserved for God and God alone. Rather, by knowing that God has given purpose to evil/sickness it gives credence and necessity to look to Him in times of trouble. What matters is that God is always in control.
But His goodness is not abstract or merely theoretical, it's practical and demonstrated particularly in response to evil. The incarnation of Jesus (Jesus coming to earth as a man) proves that God's goodness and sovereignty are real and effective. God takes on the very thing that is susceptible to sickness/evil and overcomes it through the power of the Spirit. Additionally, He preserves not only His body, but he makes it priority to heal those who are sick and dead. God cares for the flesh and overcomes evil's effects toward it (Matt. 8:14-17).
As significant as God's concern for the flesh is, it is not the sole concern of the incarnation. The true significance of God becoming a man is so that He may suffer fully the effects of sin on our behalf and overcome them for all eternity (I Thess. 5:9-10). Jesus came to heal the soul, not merely the body and this is what matters most. I know this is hard to fathom from this side of eternity (John 11:35), but it is true. We should seek and expect God's healing in our physical bodies, but more important is that He be seen as the Healer and Victor over evil's effects on our soul.
APPLICATION
If you are sick, then pray to the Lord for healing (James 5:13). God has demonstrated His love, concern, power and will to heal, therefore, expect it with a gracious heart. But, do not major in the minors, loosing sight of God's greatest demonstration of His goodness and love for us: His salvation and healing of the soul. Receive Jesus for who is fully is: God the Healer and Victor over flesh and spirit. The flesh is significant, but far greater is redemption of the soul.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thoughts on the USAToday article
Many people have reached out to me from across the sphere these past 24-hours. I've had calls from lawyers looking to take our case (didn't know we had one), old friends and colleagues sending messages of encouragement, and have even had Christian news people call to inquire about the church. It has been an amazing experience, but I'm still waiting for that one call from someone who is not a Christian.Honestly, it's all about Jesus; not me. I didn't say those things on camera or in an interview to "fire up" the Christian community, I said them to provoke the Lost into considering Jesus. I just want people to stop seeing church as a building or a weekend social/religious hour. The church is the people of God at all times (Acts 2:42-47), and I pray this article simply furthers this truth and its implications.
Who knows, may be a few new people will show up this Sunday in PS 144 because of the article. I hope so. But even if they don't, I pray that the Christians who do attend, and those who have read the article, will incorporate the Biblical description and command of the church into their daily lives. Maybe non-Christians will not be directly impacted by this article, but maybe they will be indirectly saved as Christians live as the church from here on out.
It's all about people meeting Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and serving like Jesus as a missionary...
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
Many of you have been asking about the coverage we received last month when USAToday visited our church concerning a federal court ruling. Well, I am happy to report that the story as officially been released, and we made the FRONT PAGE !!
Please celebrate with us in this incredible testimony. It's not about numbers or publicity; it's all about Jesus! Our prayer is that through this experience the Gospel will be advanced and people will come to know Jesus and His church. It's not about Forest Hills or the Sweetens in any way...
Additionally, we want to thank you, our supporters, for giving each month. If it were not for your continued sacrifice we would not be able to be pastors and church planters. Thank you for giving!!
There is more to be done in this city and nation and we are resolved not to rest until Jesus returns. Let's rejoice in the victory and be the church.
-Jeremy & Christine Sweeten
Pastors and Church Planters in Jewish New York City
AG US Missionary # 293-4370
www.fhcchurch.com
Please celebrate with us in this incredible testimony. It's not about numbers or publicity; it's all about Jesus! Our prayer is that through this experience the Gospel will be advanced and people will come to know Jesus and His church. It's not about Forest Hills or the Sweetens in any way...
Additionally, we want to thank you, our supporters, for giving each month. If it were not for your continued sacrifice we would not be able to be pastors and church planters. Thank you for giving!!
There is more to be done in this city and nation and we are resolved not to rest until Jesus returns. Let's rejoice in the victory and be the church.
-Jeremy & Christine Sweeten
Pastors and Church Planters in Jewish New York City
AG US Missionary # 293-4370
www.fhcchurch.com
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Thoughts on Family
Being a dad, a husband, a son, etc. is tough. Let's face it, living in a community of any kind is difficult, because people are always taking or needing something from you, or you are taking or needing something from them. This is not a rash overstatement, but simple truth.
Some would argue over the reasons for this turmoil and come up with radical, illogical political or social solutions, but that would be missing the BIG PICTURE. You see, community is good and necessary. God has designed us to live together and never alone. In fact, He says that being alone is "not good" (Gen. 2), and this is precisely why He created man and woman in harmony with using the plural (Gen 1:27-28).
Community might be a pain in the neck at times, but that is because of sin. My sin and your sin, because all sin separates (Gen. 3). To live a happy life is not to live in solitude or in man-created communes, but to enjoy the redemption of Jesus and live in holy community with Him at the center (See Leviticus and Rev. 21). But, before we can enjoy this ultimate society, we must first learn to excel in the minors: family.
The redemption offered through Jesus not only cures our hostility with God, but also our hostility with our fellow man. When a person becomes a Christian, the first area of his life that is to be impacted is his household. (Check out the Bible: God saves households because one person is saved first.) If this does not happen, then something has gone terribly wrong or has failed to be enacted.
My question for all of us is this: Are we living in Holy Communion in our families?
Some would argue over the reasons for this turmoil and come up with radical, illogical political or social solutions, but that would be missing the BIG PICTURE. You see, community is good and necessary. God has designed us to live together and never alone. In fact, He says that being alone is "not good" (Gen. 2), and this is precisely why He created man and woman in harmony with using the plural (Gen 1:27-28).
Community might be a pain in the neck at times, but that is because of sin. My sin and your sin, because all sin separates (Gen. 3). To live a happy life is not to live in solitude or in man-created communes, but to enjoy the redemption of Jesus and live in holy community with Him at the center (See Leviticus and Rev. 21). But, before we can enjoy this ultimate society, we must first learn to excel in the minors: family.
The redemption offered through Jesus not only cures our hostility with God, but also our hostility with our fellow man. When a person becomes a Christian, the first area of his life that is to be impacted is his household. (Check out the Bible: God saves households because one person is saved first.) If this does not happen, then something has gone terribly wrong or has failed to be enacted.
My question for all of us is this: Are we living in Holy Communion in our families?
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