Film & Theology: The Incredibles (Saturday 2/9)
Saturday 2/9 | 7:00 p.m. | Bay View
Film & Theology events are evenings where we watch a film followed by an exposition, small discussion of the film’s cinematic and philosophical elements. It’s a time to enjoy film with others as well as we dive deeper into what storytellers have to say through the art of cinema. At Mercy Hill, we believe God is the ultimate storyteller and within us is a yearning toward narrative; either to create or to partake.
Additional Information
Worship Experience | This Saturday 2/2
Saturday, 2/2 in Bay View
Join us for a time of worsip, prayer and reflection. We'll be serving free pizza at 6PM. Worship will start at 6:30PM. For more info contact Pastor Kevin at 262-672-9996 or kevin@mercyhill.org.
Fervent Prayer: Missions
In the modern-day American church “missions” many times is not considered an important part of the ministry of the church. There is usually some form of missions done, however, because it is a “good thing to do,” or “those poor people really need our help” or “Gee, foreign travel is exciting!” Missions is usually relegated to an add-on if there happens to be some leftover time or resources.
“Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him- to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.” Romans 16:25-27
In the modern-day American church “missions” many times is not considered an important part of the ministry of the church. There is usually some form of missions done, however, because it is a “good thing to do,” or “those poor people really need our help” or “Gee, foreign travel is exciting!” Missions is usually relegated to an add-on if there happens to be some leftover time or resources.
At Mercy Hill we often hear that we need to “be the church.” While this phrase, indeed, can entail many different aspects, being the church ultimately boils down to fulfilling the main purpose of the church which is the glorification of our God. The church exists to worship God and bring Him glory. In his book Let the Nations Be Glad, John Piper states, “Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” And worship cannot exist except through belief in the one, true gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul establishes this throughout his message in the book of Romans. In chapter one he states, “Through him and for his names sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith” (v. 5). Then in 15:8-9, “For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy…”
Let us pray with the Psalmist, “Let the peoples praise you , O God, may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy…” (Ps 67:3) and “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Ps 96:3). Let Mercy Hill be part of what God is doing among the nations and bringing forth the message that Jesus “with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them a kingdom of priests to serve our God…” (Rev 5:9). Amen.
Jeff Luecke
Elder of Mercy Hill Church
Fervent Prayer: Justice & Poverty
Like me, perhaps you've found yourself overwhelmed by all the social media noise, social justice movements, statistics on poverty, late-night infomercials, et cetera, et cetera. We get to the point where we don't know where to start. Let our prayer be that we not worry about eliminating poverty, but that God show us where to simply start. In a very small, yet tangible way that if we have, we shall supply the need. Just as the apostle Paul urged the Corinthian church to provide for those in need in Jerusalem:
Like me, perhaps you've found yourself overwhelmed by all the social media noise, social justice movements, statistics on poverty, late-night infomercials, et cetera, et cetera. We get to the point where we don't know where to start. Let our prayer be that we not worry about eliminating poverty, but that God show us where to simply start. In a very small, yet tangible way that if we have, we shall supply the need. Just as the apostle Paul urged the Corinthian church to provide for those in need in Jerusalem:
13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 15 As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.” - 2 Corinthians 8:13-15
When we simply put this into practice in our everyday lives instead of trying to make it some big movement, you'll be surprised at what God can do, personally, through community groups, through our church and the overall Church.
Ernie Evangelista
Elder of Mercy Hill Church
Fervent Prayer: Pray for those in our Government
We recently had a polarizing election in the United States. Who did you pray for? What did you pray? Did you pray? Did you know that those in governmental authority are placed in their positions by God Sovereignly whether they are good or evil?
We recently had a polarizing election in the United States. Who did you pray for? What did you pray? Did you pray? Did you know that those in governmental authority are placed in their positions by God Sovereignly whether they are good or evil?
Rom 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
At the time Paul wrote these words inspired by the Holy Spirit the Roman Emperor was Nero, the Cesar who murdered multitudes of our brothers and sisters in Christ, the one who made human candles to burn and light up the palace gardens at night. Some years later Paul also wrote to his protégé Timothy that we all should pray for kings and all who are in governmental positions. So, what prayers did Paul exhort to be made?
1 Tim 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
FIRST, we are to pray that we might have a peaceful and quiet life. Many times throughout history governments do not leave Christ’s church free to live godly lives with dignity. Today throughout our world many of our brethren are being murdered and harassed daily by those with power in government. Did you know today there are about 100,000 thousand martyrs every year? History has repeated itself over and over again that the governments of man need to be prayed for so that people will be free to simply live our lives for the Father’s kingdom.
SECOND, while we are praying that we may lead peaceful and quiet lives we are to pray that those people in Government would be saved and come to know the Truth, Jesus. So while Nero and the Roman Empire was on their murderous rampage Paul asks everyone to pray for their salvation.
Friends, do not be deceived into thinking that there are “good” guys and “bad” guys. There is no one who is good; no one who seeks God. You and I, those in Government, everyone are either people who have been saved by Jesus from the last judgment that is certainly coming or we are people yet still condemned in our sins waiting for our just judgment. It’s no wonder we are exhorted by the Holy Spirit to pray in all kinds of ways not just for Kings and those in high positions but for all people.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 This is good and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Chris Peterson
Elder – Mercy Hill Church
Fervent Prayer: MH Ministries
The ministries at Mercy Hill, the programs, the things we DO, are simply designed to help facilitate the BEING. If the ministries of the Church become about growth or about having more ‘amenities’ at church, we’ve lost sight of our mission and what it is to BE.
1 Corinthians 5:17-21
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Matthew 22:34-40
34 But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
If you’ve been around Mercy Hill for any length of time, you’ve heard me use our tagline, “We are not BUILDING a church- we are BEING the Church.” This is really the heart of the leadership here at Mercy Hill, but what does it mean? Simply put, we hope to be a community of faith that is:
-Consumed with the glory and magnification of Christ (Hebrews 1).
-Strong in loving service of Christ, His Church, and our community (Matthew 22:34-40)
-Actively engaging in the Ministry of Reconciliation- to the Glory of God (1 Corinthians 5:17-21).
The ministries at Mercy Hill, the programs, the things we DO, are simply designed to help facilitate the BEING. If the ministries of the Church become about growth or about having more ‘amenities’ at church, we’ve lost sight of our mission and what it is to BE.
Today, let’s pray that the ministries at Mercy Hill Church, that WE as His Church would:
-Continually exalt and magnify God, giving Him the Glory that is due Him.
-Love and serve His Church with the many gifts and talents that He has given.
-In light of have been reconciled to God because of Christ’s loving work, we would love and serve our community, so that others might also be reconciled to Him- to the Glory of God.
Fervent Prayer Week: Church Leadership
This passage, along with many others, shows the great tension found in church leadership. Elders in the church are to be people of character, maturity, compassion and courage having a responsibility before God for the spiritual condition of the church. But ultimately church leaders are like any other member of the church. They are people striving to serve as the body of Christ for the body of Christ. Far from being supermen they are simply stewards who have a responsibility to care for the church. A true leader is to be a disciple of Christ and is to follow his example to serve and sacrifice for others.
Hebrew 13:17-18
17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things
This passage, along with many others, shows the great tension found in church leadership. Elders in the church are to be people of character, maturity, compassion and courage having a responsibility before God for the spiritual condition of the church. But ultimately church leaders are like any other member of the church. They are people striving to serve as the body of Christ for the body of Christ. Far from being supermen they are simply stewards who have a responsibility to care for the church. A true leader is to be a disciple of Christ and is to follow his example to serve and sacrifice for others.
As such it is vitally important that we, as a church, consistently spend time in prayer for our elders and church leaders. Regardless of the area of ministry each leader is integral to the function and heart of the church. We ought to pray that God would protect the hearts and minds of our leaders; keeping them from the sin, pride, self-reliance and religiosity that can so easily distract. We ought to pray that God continues to raise leaders from within the body of Christ: men and women devoted to the Word and to the church. In all these things we should pray that our leaders fulfill their responsibilities with joy and grace as a reflection of God’s love and mercy on us. Finally, we must all consider where God would have us serve His mission. No one is exempted from the call to serve, and true leadership is service.
Fervent Prayer Week: Led to Repentance
Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:3-4
Fervent Prayer Emphasis Week
SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2
We will seek the heart of God during this time dedicated to prayer. The week will include a special daily prayer focus, a prayer gathering, and daily devotionals posted on our blog.
Little Dresses for Africa | Saturday, 1/12
Saturday, 1/12 9a to 12p at Bay View location
Join us as we gather together to sew dresses for the Little Dresses for Africa missions group. If you have any materials or supplies that could be helpful, bring them along. For more information, contact the church office at bayview@mercyhill.org or 414-755-6772
Ecclesia Semper Reformanda
Today is Reformation Day and it commemorates the day Martin Luther nailed the 95 thesis on the door at Wittenberg setting off, finally, the protestant reformation. Every time I think of the Reformation I am reminded of the phrase "ecclesia semper reformanda", the church always reforming, and it challenges me to remember the call to daily reform both individually and as a church and the call to reformation always reminds me of a "pre-reformer", Jan Hus, and the image of Christ.
In 1402 Jan Hus was appointed the pastor of Bethlehem Chapel in Prague, Czechoslovakia and it was at that place that he began his journey calling for the reformation of the church that ultimately ended in his being burned at the stake. You see, on the walls of the chapel there were paintings contrasting the behavior of the Popes and Christ; the Pope rode a horse; Christ walked bare foot. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet; the Pope preferred having his feet kissed. Hus was so moved by the images of Christ that he had no choice but to call to the most “spiritual” in his society and condemn their betrayal of those images.
Seeing Jesus
The book of 1 John opens with the testimony of John's personal relationship with Christ:
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us...
John wants people to know he met Jesus and really knew him. It is the testimony of his personal experience but it's the change in his life as a result of this meeting on which he focuses. He says, "I met Jesus and because of that I need to proclaim Him to you. I want you to know that you can know this same Jesus and in knowing him we will have fellowship together, we will have fellowship with God and we will be cleansed of our sins finding joy, complete joy". I point this out because it is so instructive how when John saw Jesus it compelled him to show Jesus to others.
To experience Christ, to see Jesus, inevitably leads us to want others to experience Him and the more we know Him the more we want others to know Him. I believe one of the reasons we in the church move away from showing others Christ is because we have moved away from seeing Christ. Often times when we first come to know Jesus we are excited for others to see Him too but over time we move from the central focus of Christ onto other things. We get too caught up in actions and practice and methods and turn from the face of Christ. We abandon the central focus of Christ and His Gospel life embracing behavior modification and good advice and as such lose an enthusiasm for others to see Him too.
John had that every day experience with Jesus, he walked with Him daily, talked with Him daily, gave his life to the pursuit of a relationship with Him and as a result his central desire was that others would know Him too. His focus wasnt on building a bigger church or better life but helping others see Jesus.
If we keep our focus on the face of Jesus, if we approach His word with the intention of having Christ's image daily impressed on us we will not only see Him more clearly but we will help others to do the same.
Friend's Day in Lake Country This Sunday
This Sunday is our annual Fall Friends' Day in Lake Country and also kicks off our new series BELOVED, a study of 1 John. Make sure you are there with a car-load of friends!
Receive Power
As I prepared my message last week I was particularly moved by the correlation between the gift of Holy Spirit power and the mission of God's people as described in Acts 1.
It's a fairly common verse that we all have heard but I wonder if we get the powerful implications of Christ's admonition:
7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
The most often emphasized element of this passage is the calling. Christ tells us, "Be my witnesses, not just at home, but throughout the world." There is no doubt that this command is central to the mission of the church but I fear for many this direction by Christ has become far too sanitized. The word that is translated as witness is the greek word martys. Just a quick reading should give you a clue to the magnitude of this calling. This is where we get our word martyr. The Websters dictionary defines it like this: one who chooses to suffer death rather than renounce religious principles; one who makes great sacrifices or suffers much in order to further a belief, cause, or principle. We Christians so often blithely go about our lives, "living as Christians" and inserting a message of Christ when the opportunity arrives and consider that a fulfillment of being witnesses but the command to martys is so much greater then simply this lifestyle. It is to martyrdom. For all. Now, we might not be stoned like Stephen or beheaded like Paul or burned at the stake like Jan Hus but we are all called to lay down our lives; to die with Christ, as Paul puts it in Romans. The commitment to Christianity is not simply about a prayer or joining a spiritual community but an active sacrifice of personal will, comfort and purpose. The Christian walk has become far to cheap a calling and when that is the case we don't really understand the role the Holy Spirit must play.
When you understand Christ's charge to the disciples, to us, to be martys you really understand why he told them to go to Jerusalem and tarry until the Holy Spirit came upon them. You understand more clearly why Christ said he had to leave so "the Comforter", God's Spirit, could come. They needed, we need, the power of the Holy Spirit to fulfill this calling. Francis Chan wrote a great book about the importance of the Holy Spirit entitled "Forgotten God" and the premise that motivated this book was the belief that many in the American church have forgotten the Holy Spirit's vital role in the believer's life. I agree with his assessment and I believe one of the greatest contributers to this condition is how unaware we are of the great sacrifice, and even suffering, that is required to follow the path of Jesus. We have made Christianity too cheap and too easy in an attempt to make it attractive.
If we are going to truly be His witnesses, His martys, we will need to receive power. May we seek the power of the Holy Spirit and may it manifest in our lives and in our church.
Powerful Humility
This last week's message was on the 6th prayer in the series "Dear Father... Pastoral Prayers for Mercy Hill" and it was the prayer of humility:
Dear Father, we pray this morning that we would turn away from spiritual pride. That we would be convinced of the destructive nature of arrogance in the heart of the believer and the life of the Church. May the image of Christ's humble Gospel inspire us daily to emulate his service and sacrifice. Father, may our deepening love for Christ produce a true love for others.
As we were studing the foundational importance of humility in the life of the believer and community of Christ that is expressed in Philippians 2 I was struck by Paul's emphasis on the depths of Christ's example of humility.
When you look at verses 1-4 Paul aggresively is calling the church to unity. He says if you have "any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy," then be unified. He is essentially saying if you get this "Christian thing" at all, be unified. Now, when you look at the state of most churches in this day and age, with the commonality of division and politics, you are immediately struck with what a large challenge this calling is for us as Christ followers. But as is often the case, Paul provides the means by which this is acheived; humility through a Gospel call that empowers us.
5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Paul is saying look to the example of Christ's Gospel humility, be conformed to that image and the church will find unity. But look at the intensity of humility to which we are called; "He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, EVEN DEATH ON A CROSS." It's like humility that causes death isnt enough, he has to remind us that it was a death on the cross. For many of us, 2000 years removed from the ancient image of the cross, we might not understand the significance of that emphasis but I believe Paul is trying to call the church to a humility that is so counter to our humanity. You see, Paul is emphasizing the unfair brutality of Christ's humbling. A death on the cross was reserved for criminals, for those who's punishement was well deserved. It was brutal and painful and was meant for those who earned it. Christ humbled himself, preferred others, sacrificed his rights even when he didnt deserve it, even when they didnt earn it.
I can't tell you how many times I have been called into the middle of disputes between brothers and sisters in Christ and heard the defense, "I didnt deserve to be treated that way. I was nice and generous and he took advantage and mistreated me. He's the one at fault not me!" We as human beings, especially as Americans, are great defenders of our personal rights, advocates of personal fairness but when we are only willing to reconcile, to exercise humility, to prefer others when it fits into our sense of justice we will not find the unity to which Paul is calling us.
May we be conformed to the image of a humbled Christ, even Christ on the cross.
Worship Experience | This Saturday 8/25
Pizza @ 6p
Worship @ 6:30p
Join us for a time of worsip at our Bay View location, prayer and reflection. We'll be serving free pizza at 6PM. Worship will start at 6:30PM. For more info contact Pastor Kevin at 262-672-9996 or kevin@mercyhill.org.
Water Baptism Postponed | Now Sunday 9/9
Sunday, 9/9 at 12:30 PM
Summer Gallery Night on Friday, July 27
- Doors open at 7:00p. Music starts at 7:30p.
- Questions: contact kevin@mercyhill.org