Series: 2013: We are here!
Introduction to the series:
Illustration: “We are Here, We are Hear” from movie” Horton Hears a Who!”
Clip from movie about 5 minutes.
The “Who” people with the help of Horton shouted, proclaimed, cried out and made themselves heard – it was life and death by the way – they did this to let the rest of the world around them know that they were there. They shouted and sang “We are here! We are here!” and eventually the world heard their voices and recognized their value no matter how small they were. The lesson is their singing and their shouting resulted in the saving of the “Who” world. It also took all of the who’s shouting and proclaiming that they were there to help the world know they were there.
This clip should help remind us of the importance of making our voices heard to the rest of the world and our society. I really do believe the fate of our society, our country and our world relies on the determination of the Christian community’s voice and message of Jesus. The Christian community has become way to quiet and withdrawn on the issues of the day and it should be reversed. We need to raise up our voices and be the whose who of the kingdom of Heaven because many who's lives depend on it.
So in light of the message from our clip and the message of the Bible I believe this is the year that we lift our voices up to those around us to let them know “we are here.” We need to cry out and declare the message of Jesus to this world.
You may be thinking what is Jesus message?
John 3:16-18 - The Message: 16-18 “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.
Here is one of Jesus main messages to us Christians about the importance of speaking , being heard and to remind us why we are here. It’s about proclaiming and living His message to this dark world and being as preserving force in it! But to do this people need to know that we are here!
Matthew 5: 13-16: Salt and Light
13 “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
Did you notice the phrase "You are here?"
Thesis of the series: We are here in 2013 as a church and as Christian individuals to declare the message of Jesus and to bring in God’s heavenly harvest of souls. We are here to be the salt and the light of this world.
I. We are here in 2013
a. Here means – We are present in this place and time. We are in this life in this moment. We are in this year at a particular place in history.
i. Are you here this year?
ii. Are you here and conscious of the fact that you are here and not there?
iii. Can you repeat after me – We are Here! We are Here!
1. Yes we are here – not there- not somewhere else but here!
b. Do you recall what you heard throughout last year - the rumors of the end of the world coming? But we know the world did not end on Dec. 21, 2012. All the talk made some of us wonder – right?
i. But the ancient Mayan prophecy or a mysterious planet colliding with the earth did not happen. No we are still here! We did not experience the end of the world as some hypothesized last year, no, we did not crash and burn. Instead we find ourselves here in 2013.
c. Now that we have clarified the fact that “we are here and not there” (point to Heaven) let me ask you a question: “So why are we here?” “So why are you not there?”
i. Think about these questions for a moment! (pause)
1. Why has Jesus not come back yet? Is He late? Or is giving us another opportunity to bring more people into the Kingdom of Heaven.
2. What crossed your mind?
d. So let me ask another question that is not so personal.
i. “Why is Christians Hills Church here?” Why are we sitting in the auditorium today corporately? Why did we worship together? Why are some of you listening to me preach?
ii. To help us answer these questions today I think we need to look back at where Christian Hills Church came from. So here is a quick review of our church history – I am reminding you of our history today because on April 19th of this year our church will be celebrating its 85th birthday!
1. History - where were we?
a. April 19, 1928, Christ Church Pentecostal was founded by Pastor Philip Wittich. For three years the small congregation met in a vacant church building at 70th and Elizabeth Street in Chicago. Not having been given the opportunity to purchase the building, our members found themselves without a church home in the midst of “The Great Depression”. The church was founded to be a spirit filled Christian witness in Chicago. To be light and salt to this great city.
In March of 1931 God led them to purchase the four-story Orr Business College building located at 6309 Yale Avenue for $32,500. The second floor was transformed into an auditorium. As additional floors became available, they were renovated for church use.
On April 22, 1935 Pastor Wittich passed away after serving the church for seven years. Gordon Swartz was then called to serve as pastor. He faithfully served the church for 37 years.
The congregation made a decision to move again in light of the City of Chicago’s plans to build the Dan Ryan Expressway. Property was purchased at 95th and Prospect. On April 19, 1953, the new sanctuary was dedicated and renamed Wittich Memorial Church. The congregation sold their existing property and within seven years their mortgage was paid.
In May of 1972 the congregation felt God’s direction once again in purchasing property in Westhaven (now known as Orland Hills). A twenty acre parcel was purchased with a five year option to buy an additional 20 acres. The church eventually bought the additional land. Plans were drawn up for a new building; a building that would sit up on a hill surrounded by farms. Unfortunately, Pastor Swartz died on December 23rd, 1972 before seeing the vision fulfilled. In the interim Wilbur Weides served as pastor for 10 months.
During this time the church sought out Pastor Osborne Arnes, former missionary, who was known for his thriving ministry in Liberia, West Africa. Pastor Arnes answered the call to serve. As the new building project was underway, the 90 plus congregation met in a school in Orland Park. May 15th, 1976 marked the great celebration and dedication of the new church building and a new name, Christians Hills Full Gospel Church.
The vision was now fulfilled and God’s favor was evident. God had a plan for this growing community and under the strong and anointed leadership of Pastor Arnes the church experienced tremendous growth. The congregation grew dramatically. During this time the church staff was enlarged, numerous missionaries were sent out, and many were called into the ministry as pastors. The church also became known for its thriving music ministry.
Out of this great time of revival God gave Loretta Malmgren, a member of the church, a vision for a school. The school was established and eventually grew to accommodate pre-school through eighth grade. The success of the school opened the door for the church to build once again in 1977 and add on a new educational wing. The school has stood the test of time and continues to thrive bringing the light of the Gospel to children in the school.
In 1988, Pastor Jerry Sherstad joined the staff as associate pastor. Pastor Arnes made the decision to retire and in 1991 Pastor Sherstad became the senior pastor. Under Pastor Sherstad’s leadership the church continued to offer excellence in ministry. Upon his departure in June of 2000 a search began for a new senior pastor.
Pastor J.L. Rivera, former pastor and founder of Cross and Crown Church in Chicago answered the call of God and was installed as senior pastor in April of 2001. For six years the church benefited greatly from Pastor Rivera’s tremendous teaching ability and knowledge of the Word. Pastor Rivera served until May of 2007 where he left to be president of Logos Bible College.
Pastor Michael E. McCartney answered God’s call from Northern Wisconsin to become Christian Hills new Senior Pastor in November of 2008. Since that time we have seen the church transform into a place flowing with Healing Waters, a place reaching out into our community bring the water of life to our community.
2. In April we are going to honor the past and rejoice at how the Lord has used this church to impact the world, Chicago and the USA but we are also going to look forward to God’s new mission and direction for the this church on the hill.
a. I assure each of you here today that we are determined as leaders of this church to be on God’s Agenda not our own agenda this year and onward.
i. So you may be thinking: “What is the primary agenda of God?” Hint: Jesus told us:
1. Matthew 28: 18-20: 18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
2. Acts 1:8: 8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
a. This is the primary reason the church – our church Christian Hills is here!
b. To be a witness for Jesus to bring in the harvest for the Kingdom of Heaven.
iii. Can I have another chant – “We are here! We are here!”
1. Let me see if I can address another question you may be thinking: “How are we here?”
a. We are here on top of a hill!
i. If you have not noticed this is highest point around for miles.
1. This makes our church stand out in this community – but it has to do more than just sit on the hill it has to shine with the glory and the presence of the Lord.
ii. On a clear day we have the ability to see the skyline of Chicago.
1. Which when I see it I am challenged to pray for this great city and the 11 million people associated with it.
2. I specifically pray for Chicago to see and experience a new revival and a spiritual transformation.
3. We are here on the hill and we see the skyline of this city to remind us not just to pray for the great harvest to come into this area but the city of Chicago as well!
a. The group of pastors I meet with every first Friday is praying for 600,000 souls in this city to come to Jesus.
4. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16: 14“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
5. We are here on this hill to be seen by those who are in darkness. God placed us here for that purpose!
a. So we need to shine!
b. We are here in Orland Hills! It is a city and village of 7,000 people.
i. According to the city mayor we have 1 million people in a 10 mile radius of our church.
1. This number of people means we have a vast and huge mission field or field for harvest that needs to be harvested for the Kingdom of God.
a. We need to be active in helping to bring in this harvest of souls and lives for Jesus.
b. We also need to be praying to the Lord for more laborers so we can bring in His harvest.
c. When God sent me here as lead pastor 4 years ago He gave me the following verse: Proverbs 14:4 “Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes and abundant harvest.”
i. This verse was and is a promise to me and to you Christian Hills Church that God is bringing in a new harvest.
ii. He will use us to be a part of this great event in the annual of the history of His Kingdom. We are seeing this starting to come to pass but get ready more is coming.
iii. Last year at this time we ministered to about 400 different people in a week’s time frame. But as we looked at the numbers this last year and month we are now ministering to about 600 people in a week’s time frame.
1. Get ready for the harvest is ready and God wants us more involved.
d. We are here at 9001 West 159th street or Route 6.
i. I have heard it said that about 20,000 cars a week pass by the front of Christian Hills Church.
ii. I do not believe we got this piece of property by accident – by the way when they built this church it was surrounded by corn fields – now look around!
iv. Reality Check: I know as the lead pastor of this church that - "We are here" for a divine purpose, for a divine plan and for a divine reason!
1. Jeremiah 29:11-13: 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
e. Over the last few months we have as leadership been praying about our theme for this year and also about focusing on “Why we are here?”
i. I just explained the general purpose and reason of why we are here but for Christian hills Church we also have some more specific reasons or purposes of why our church is here for the Kingdom of Heaven.
ii. I have identified along with our leadership 7 reasons we are here – We are calling these our new 7 Core values of Christian Hills Church:
1. Here are the new seven core values of Christian Hills Church:
a. We are prayer focused
b. We are Spirit empowered
c. We are worship driven
d. We are biblically relevant
e. We are multiethnic
f. We are mission minded
g. We are experiencing God
T.S – We will explore these 7 Core values over the next 7 weeks. In other words “Why we are here as a church.” Today I want to focus some time on our first core value:
