News & Updates

Lee Strobel is Coming!

Jeff Wilson — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:26:07 GMT

Jesus Christ: Fact or Fiction?

How can a book written many centuries ago be trustworthy?
Who was the baby in the manger 2000 years ago?
There are many religions to choose from, so why is Jesus Christ the only way?

Do you have trouble answering these questions when you find yourself with someone asking them? Are you wondering about the answers to these questions yourself?

Internationally known author, Lee Strobel, will be addressing these question on September 7th at Henderson Hills - Edmond.

Lee Strobel

Lee will be speaking Sunday, September 7th from 7-9 pm at the Edmond campus, in which Lee will discuss the topic “The Case for the Real Jesus.” No tickets are needed, but there is a suggested donation of $5 at the door. Come join us in Edmond for the very unique evening!
He has authored nearly twenty books including: The Case for Christ, The Case for Christmas, and his brand new The Case for the Real Jesus. He is also a New York Times best-selling author
You will not want to miss this opportunity!
For more information, you can write Leigh Hudson or call 405.513.7525 at the Edmond campus.

Biography

Atheist-turned-Christian Lee Strobel, the former award-winning legal editor of The Chicago Tribune, is a New York Times best-selling author of nearly twenty books and has been interviewed on numerous national television programs, including ABC's 20/20, Fox News, and CNN.

Described by the Washington Post as "one of the evangelical community's most popular apologists," Lee shared the prestigious Charles "Kip" Jordon Christian Book of the Year award in 2005 for a curriculum he co-authored about the movie The Passion of the Christ. He also has won awards for his books The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, The Case for a Creator, and Inside the Mind of Unchurched Harry and Mary.

Lee was educated at the University of Missouri (Bachelor of Journalism degree, 1974) and Yale Law School (Master of Studies in Law degree, 1979). He was a professional journalist for 14 years at The Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, winning Illinois' top honors for investigative reporting (which he shared with a team he led) and public service journalism from United Press International.

After a nearly two-year investigation of the evidence for Jesus, Lee received Christ as his forgiver and leader in 1981. He joined the staff of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL, in 1987, and later became a teaching pastor there. He joined Saddleback Valley Community Church in Lake Forest, CA, as a teaching pastor in 2000. He left Saddleback's staff in mid-2002 to focus on writing. He is also a contributing editor and columnist for Outreach magazine.

Lee's other books include God's Outrageous Claims, The Case for Christmas, The Case for Easter, What Jesus Would Say, Exploring the Da Vinci Code (co-authored with Garry Poole) and Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage, which he wrote with his wife, Leslie. For two seasons, Lee was executive producer and host of the weekly national network television program Faith Under Fire.

Lee is also co-author of the Becoming a Contagious Christian training curriculum, which is used around the world, and his articles have been published in a variety of magazines, including Discipleship Journal, Marriage Partnership, The Christian Research Journal, Guideposts, and Decision. He has appeared on such national radio programs as The Bible Answer Man and Focus on the Family. In addition, he has taught First Amendment law at Roosevelt University.

Lee and Leslie have been married for 33 years and live in Southern California. Their daughter, Alison, is novelist whose second book will be published in 2006 by WaterBrook Press, a division of Random House. Their son, Kyle, is currently earning his third master's degree at the Talbot School of Theology; his first book is forthcoming from Baker Books.

Over 1,000 Children Helped

Jeff Wilson — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:26:31 GMT

The School Supply Drive was a HUGE success. Thank you so much for your generosity. It was overwhelming!

Last Wednesday we saw 700-800 children and their families come to receive school supplies. They were greeted in the parking lot, at the doors, by those registering, and then helped with their supplies by our guides. After they recieved their supplies they enjoyed free food and games outside. There were so many smiling faces, both those receiving and those giving.

In addition to the 700-800 children helped on Wednesday, Henderson Hills, also helped 185 children with ALL their school supplies through Adopt a Child. All of those backpacks have been delivered.

On Thursday we gave more supplies to teachers who attend Henderson Hills. They acted like it was Christmas! What a joy to help those who invest in our children throughout the year. Then on Friday we took the remaining supplies to these schools: Orvis Risner, Ida Freeman, Will Rogers, and Northern Hills. Again the response was, "Why are you doing this for us?" What fun it was to say it was a gift from the Lord and Henderson Hills.

It's amazing what God did and what He is doing through this effort. We are still receiving calls, email, and comments about the drive. Those who were helped were amazed that we would give so much and be so friendly and welcoming. Way to go church!

Below are a few photos taken at the School Supply Drive. To see a slide show of the photos taken click on this link: School Supply Drive Photos.

Again, thank you for all you did to make this a success!

Charlie Hall Concert

Jeff Wilson — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:06:58 GMT

Time is running out to get your tickets to experience Charlie Hall live in concert THIS Sunday, August 17th at 7 pm! Tickets are only $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Tickets now are only available at the door.

This is a special CD Release concert to celebrate “The Bright Sadness”, the latest effort by Charlie Hall. Charlie has led worship around the globe and has been dubbed as the “voice” for the Passion movement, performing on all 8 Passion albums which have sold over 1 million copies.

Concert begins at 7:00 pm, and doors open at 6:15 pm. Invite your friends and join us for this fantastic evening of worship!

Book Review - The Shack

Dennis Newkirk — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:26:00 GMT

I’ve been hearing a lot about “The Shack” recently. Just in case you are not aware of the book, it is an extraordinarily popular theological fiction novel by William P. Young. It is well written, intense, entertaining, and an illustration of an unbiblical movement known as the Emergent Church Conversation. I do not recommend the book, even though there are redeeming qualities, and it is a compelling story.

Would you like a review of the book from a biblical perspective? Click on the following links:

http://www.challies.com/archives/book-reviews/the-shack-by-william-p-young.php

http://www.insight.org/site/PageServer?pagename=shack_details

http://www.carm.org/features/theshack.htm

http://www.reformedbrethren.com/2008/05/the-shack-a-popular-book-full-of-heresy/

http://www.breakpoint.org/listingarticle.asp?ID=7830

Also, listen to the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary’s radio program that reviewed the book at http://www.almohler.com/radio_show.php?cdate=2008-04-11.

As Christians, we must be spiritually discerning. So many of us are misled by Oprah’s version of new age religion, Joel Osteen’s unbiblical positive thinking message, the Emergent Church writers, and this book by William P. Young! Read with a clear view of what the Bible itself says and be cautious when reading “Pop-Theology” and Christian self-help books.

Dennis

Free School Supplies!

Jeff Wilson — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:22:23 GMT

WeNeedSchoolSupplies.com has been a huge hit! Thousands upon thousands of dollars and school supplies have been raised and collected for families with need in Edmond, and now it’s time to distribute them! On Wednesday, August 13th, at 6:30 p.m. we will be giving away all of the school supplies we've collected, for free, to any Edmond K-5th grader who needs them. There will be no forms to fill out, and no economic questions to answer. Simply bring proof of Edmond residency and pick out your new school supplies!

There will be a “store” in the Gym for the children to “shop” or pick out their supplies as well as free food, games, music, a moon bounce and more. If you live in Edmond and could use free school supplies, or if you know of a family that could use some, make sure they're there Wednesday night.

We'd also like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who gave so generously to the School Supply Drive and to all of you who are planning on serving on Distribution Night. It's going to be one amazing night.

For more information about Henderson Hills' efforts to provide a 1,000 kids with school supplies visit WeNeedSchoolSupplies.com

In-Depth Bible Study is Essential for Spiritual Maturity

Dennis Newkirk — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:54:04 GMT

(...continued from previous posts. To read more from Dennis click here)

"For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant." (Hebrews 5:13, NASB95) This is the bottom line to the story: You must have the deeper things of God’s word to grow into the mature believer that God intends for you to become. There is no way around it. You doom yourself to spiritual childishness when you fail to take Bible study seriously.
One of the greatest compliments a pastor can give Christians is a message that demands that you wrestle with the passage and seek to understand it. Why? "I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able," (1 Corinthians 3:2, NASB95) "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food." (Hebrews 5:12, NASB95) When a pastor doesn’t deliver the deeper things of Scripture, it is either because he is lazy or doesn’t think that the congregation is mature enough to receive it.

Your Pastor,
Dennis Newkirk

Charlie Hall in Concert!

Jeff Wilson — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 14:29:16 GMT

Charlie Hall is headed back to Henderson Hills for a CD Release Concert Sunday, August 17th at 7 p.m! His new album The Bright Sadness won't be in stores until August 19th, but will be available early to all those who attend the concert.

You can purchase tickets online here: Charlie Hall Concert, at the church offices, or at the church before or after each worship service.

Theology is the Foundation of Every Aspect of Our Lives

Dennis Newkirk — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:31:45 GMT

(Continued from previous posts. To read more from Dennis click here.)

How can you think systematically and logically about whom to marry, whether you will stay married, how to raise your children, the way that you conduct your business or profession, or how to manage your money without knowing what your Creator says about it? Deep Bible study not only tells you how to have a happy marriage but what the foundation, purpose, and direction should be for you and your spouse. Did you know that God’s purpose in marriage is to reveal the way that Christ loves His church? Do you understand why God wants your marriage to be a witness for your neighbors? Have you considered the impact that a dysfunctional Christian marriage has on lost people? This is just a minor example of why you need to pursue in-depth personal Bible study and insist that theology is taught from the pulpit of your church. Take a few minutes to read the Books of 1 and 2 Timothy. Do you see the emphasis on why theology is important? If we take the easy way out and preach/teach “how to” sermons, the plan of salvation over and over again to saved people, messages that are flashy and feel good, the impact on church members will be experienced negatively for years to come. Again, don’t shrink back from in-depth Bible teaching and theology, pursue it earnestly.

Embedded in every in-depth Bible study and theological explanation, you will find practical direction for life. Often they will be pointed out to you; sometimes you’ve got to dig them out on your own. When we consider the characteristics and attributes of God, think about how that relates to your marriage, thought life, and habits. When we talk about justification by faith, rejoice in what Christ has done for you and attack doubt and fear with the knowledge of full acceptance. If all you know is three tips for tough times, when tough times come, they will not stand up during the strain and neither will you.

(more to come...)

Dennis Newkirk

School Supply Drive Update

Jeff Wilson — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 02:03:00 GMT

There has been quite a bit of media buzz surrounding our School Supply Drive with even more to come. The deadline to turn in any donated supplies is Monday, August 4th, meaning time is quickly running out!

Below you will find a list of supples that we are collecting. Think about it...in order for us to help 1,000 kids, we need 1,000 backpacks, 1,000 bottles of glue, 4,000 pocket folders, 3,000 spiral notebooks and on and on. That's quite a big task!

There are collection boxes at all of the Edmond Walmarts, Office Depot, Mardels, Transformation Fitness Center, or in the Henderson Hills Gathering. If you don’t have time to shop in the next week or so, you can make an online donation or you can purchase school supplies online by going to WeNeedSchoolSupplies.com. Thank you for serving these kids and our community!

• Backpacks
• Glue sticks
• Crayola crayons
• Crayola water color paints
• White glue bottles
• Fiskar student scissors
• #2 pencils
• Wide ruled spiral notebooks
• Pink erasers
• Wide ruled loose-leaf paper
• Pocket folders
• 12” ruler (inches and metric)
• Zip-loc bags
• Dry-erase markers, non-toxic
• Index cards
• Hand sanitizer bottles
• Box of tissue
• Yellow highlighter pens
• Colored pencils
• Plastic school box (8”x5”)
• Red pens
• Wet wipes
• Washable wide-line classic color Crayola markers
• Washable fine-line classic color Crayola markers
• Pencil bag with zipper

We're to Love God with all Our Heart, Mind, and Soul

Dennis Newkirk — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:11:08 GMT

During the past decade or so, many Christians have considered Christianity an emotional experience. If they get “charged up” or teary-eyed in a worship service, then it’s a good worship experience. If they haven’t had some emotion, there must be something wrong with the service. Is that healthy? No! Is that biblical? Definitely not! Now, I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with a heartfelt emotion during a worship service. Frankly speaking, I don’t know how people go to a worship service, turn their hearts toward God, speak to Him, sing to and about Him, and listen to the Bible being read without feeling some emotion. That, however, is not the goal or a prerequisite for a good worship service. When people demand experience they encourage the leaders of the worship services to focus on creating emotions rather than thoughtful understanding and life changing confrontation with the word of God.

Why do we often struggle with faith? There are many reasons but at least part of the answer is that the Bible teaches that faith comes from hearing God’s word explained. An emotional charge lasts a very short period of time. It is like riding a surfboard, it is fun while it’s happen but it’s not happening long. We are to earnestly desire to understand God’s word because it has the power to change us, not emotions.

I’d suggest that there is another issue at work here as well. We are called to love God with all of our minds but we may actually be in love with our emotions. Let’s face it, a chill up and down your spine when you recognize God’s presence, a cathartic cry after the confession of sin, and a moment of being “caught up” in awe can be very exciting. We tend to enjoy it. Yet even this is a very poor substitute for the resolute comprehension of what God says. That is something on which you can build your life. Our emotions are so fickle. They can be affected by our own dysfunctional thoughts, sin, Satan, barometric pressure, even the bean burrito and hot sauce that we ate the night before. The next time that you are feeling insecure and questioning your salvation, being tempted by someone at work, or have been hurt by a friend, do you want to be led by Romans 8 or last night’s bean burrito?

Your Pastor,
Dennis Newkirk

(More to come...)