Forest City Church Podcast

7th FloorDevotional Day 13: ”Jesus and the Gospel above All Else”

DEVOTIONAL DAY 13 - “Jesus and the Gospel above All Else.”

Remember, seventh-floor culture is a culture of radical hospitality where there is extraordinary effort and emphasis placed on making people feel welcome. It is hospitality that overflows with acceptance, is filled with generous grace, and is beautifully diverse around the person of Jesus Christ.

Why is this so rare today? I suspect it is because we have often substituted less critical issues at the expense of more important ones. Indeed, within the Christian community, we have allowed our politics, for instance, to color our whole worldview. In doing so, we have elevated our political views above our vision for Jesus and the Gospel, dividing us from fellow believers. And the same can be said for cultural issues. 

Here is something to consider. Neither Jesus nor Paul said almost anything about politics. Instead, Jesus said much about himself, the Father, and the Kingdom of God that He ushered in. His focus was on the Gospel and what God was up to in our world. The same was true with Paul. In fact, he was unequivocal that our focus needed to be on what was essential to God's work and not on those things that would divide His people. 

If we want to overflow with acceptance, it will mean that we are intentionally open to the views of others. Generous grace means that we will extend understanding and compassion to those who have very different backgrounds and experiences than we have. And a commitment to diversity will always test our ability to be flexible, open, and teachable by those whose story is not ours. 

In each of these instances, we have a choice. Do we put our preferences, politics, or worldview first, or do we choose to prioritize the people we are with as Jesus did? His conversations were never around secondary things but always around primary things, namely what it meant to follow Him. He would not get pulled into secondary discussions even with the Pharisees who tried to trip Him up. For Jesus and the New Testament writers, the Gospel and people took precedence over other issues. 

Again, Paul's words to us in Ephesians 4:1-6. "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." These are the essential things. Let's focus on these and allow the other things to sort themselves out as we build a church of radical hospitality.

Our prayer for today: Dear God, thank you for your example through the person of Jesus. We pray today that your Spirit would help us to keep the main things the main things, forever holding peace and unity in the faith as priorities in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.

7th Floor Devotional Day 12: ”Reconciliation and Unity”

DEVOTIONAL DAY 12 - “Reconciliation and Unity.”

Let's be candid. Diversity may be beautiful, but it is not always easy. For example, suppose you come from a large family like I do. In that case, you realize how challenging it can be to navigate all the different perspectives and personalities in your family. Throw in ethnic and cultural differences, and you have a real challenge. 

What is the secret to making diversity work in the church? Remember what Paul said in Ephesians 2. In His death, Jesus came to create a new humanity and a new family around the person of Jesus Himself. 

This is not about simply being accommodating to those different from us. Instead, it is a willingness to be in a relationship with people and, through the relationship, to be changed along with them into something new, more beautiful than we could have imagined. This is what the Holy Spirit does as He knits us together in relationship and fellowship with other believers who are different from us. 

In His High Priestly prayer in John 17:23, Jesus says that through our unity, the world will know that He was sent by the Father and is one with the Father. The proof of His divinity would be the unity of His people. 

This takes work. Paul told the Ephesians what it would take for this "new humanity,” this "new family" to be successful. "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." 

One of my life's great blessings has been working with people from over 60 nations (T.J Addington). In that process, I have learned the richness of each of those different cultures and perspectives. Each of those relationships has changed me in some way. That is what Jesus wants for us as we build a new community of beautiful diversity around the person of Jesus Christ. 

So here is your prayer for today: Thank you, Jesus, for the blessing of diverse communities and mindsets. Please, equip us for the challenge of intentional diversification. Go before us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

7th Floor Devotional Day 11: ”Beautiful Diversity”

DEVOTIONAL DAY 11 - “Beautiful Diversity.”

We live in an increasingly polarized world. We are divided by everything from tribes, politics, race, social groups, and even our football teams. 

But into these divisions comes Jesus and the seventh-floor! Seventh-floor culture is a culture of radical hospitality where there is extraordinary effort and emphasis placed on making people feel welcome - all people. It is hospitality that overflows with acceptance, is filled with generous grace, and is beautifully diverse around the person of Jesus Christ. Why? Because Jesus died to make it possible for us to be at peace with God and at peace with one another. 

Look back at the ancient world! They were divided as well; Jews were separated from Gentiles, slaves from free, men from women, and the list goes on. But Jesus came to destroy that animosity and hostility. "His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility" (Ephesians 2:17)."

Did you catch what Paul said? The purpose of Jesus was to create in himself one new humanity where peace reigns and hostility is put to death. This is Seventh-floor culture where all are welcome and have a seat at the table no matter their story, ethnicity, social class, or background. A new family rooted in Jesus is created, making us one through the cross. 

In His family, diversity is intentionally cultivated because it is in our coming together that you and I are changed. Together, we become greater through Jesus and our relationship. This is our new humanity, our new family that Jesus died for. So, at Forest City Church, we embrace the whole family of God. He cared enough to give His life for that family, so we will spare no effort to make that family a reality. And, we won't be satisfied until our congregations look like the communities we live in: Beautifully diverse.

So here is the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, we pray that our church would reflect the beautiful cities it serves. And that no walls of division would stand to divide your people from one another. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

7th Floor Devotional Day 10: ”The Power of Your Table”

DEVOTIONAL DAY 10 - “The Power of Your Table.”

Where does radical hospitality start? It starts around dozens of tables in dozens of homes as we invite friends, neighbors, co-workers, and others to the simple ritual of a meal together. Nothing fancy. Simply a gathering of friends and strangers around a table where Jesus and conversation are the common themes. 

You may not realize this, but your table has power! When you invite someone into your home, you invite them into your life. The table is an intimate place where the opportunity to share and open your heart is more natural than elsewhere. Your home is part of who you are and to share food is to share the essence of life. And, because an invitation to your table is an invitation to your life, it is also an invitation to Jesus because He is part of your life. 

Jesus knew this, which is why many of His most intimate conversations were at the table. In fact, at the table, you can speak with remarkable candor because that is what one does at home. And the table is not a place of hurry but of rest and slow pace. The Middle East, where Jesus lived, is a place of long dinners with laughter, sometimes raised voices around things of conviction, and an invitation for all to be who they are. The table is an invitation to a place of honesty and acceptance.

Everyone has a unique story; few places are better suited to hear those stories than the table. Growing up in Hong Kong, we had strangers at our table three to four times a week (T.J Addington), and the magic of those meals was terrific. Once on a plane as an adult, the lady sitting next to me saw my name on something and asked if I was related to Dr. Gordon Addington. I said, yes, he is my father. She said, my husband, Cory, spent Christmas with you in 1965 when he was in the service, and he will never forget that Christmas. That is the power of the table. It can be the power of YOUR table! 

If you want to see lives changed - including your own, invite people to your table just as Jesus did. You will be amazed at what happens.

Here is your prayer for today: Dear God, thank you for the power of the table. I ask that you would lead me in opening my life to all those I encounter with the hopes of them seeing your goodness through me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

7th Floor Devotional Day 9: ”Reclaiming our Tables”

DEVOTIONAL DAY 9 - “Reclaiming our Tables.”

Food and the table figured prominently in the life of Jesus. There is something special about inviting people into our homes for a meal. It is different from a cup of coffee at Starbucks because in your home, around your table, surrounded by your family, there is an intimacy shared that can not be obtained from a meal elsewhere. It is an invitation into your life.

In many parts of the world, there is nothing more central than a meal together. I have had meals in the Middle East, for instance, that start at 9:00pm and finish at 2:00am (T.J Addington). During that time, there is great food, loud laughter, major disagreements and debates, more food, more laughter, times of levity, and times of serious conversation. 

Read the Gospels, and you find Jesus at dinner parties regularly. He knew many of the most significant conversations happened in someone's home. In fact, Jesus was regularly criticized by the company He kept at the table. 

Hospitality is a lost art in some circles. We can be private and insular, focused on our own lives. But Jesus taught a new way: A way of radical hospitality. And who was there? Friends and strangers. Those who He wanted to spend time with and those who wanted to spend time with Him. Here is the God of the universe breaking bread and drinking wine with those many despised in society. 

Why? Because in that intimate setting, the things of life get talked about. We realize that the struggles of others are our struggles as well. We also have the opportunity to develop deeper relationships which lead to deeper conversations. 

How intentional are you in inviting people to your table? Not just close friends and family but others that you meet? No one who comes will ever forget your gracious hospitality. And, it may well open opportunities for eternal conversations. So, become a person of the table as Jesus was, and your life will be more prosperous as you enrich others.

Here is your prayer for today: Heavenly Father, thank you for your word. I pray that you would transform my heart and mind so that I might be a person of the table, opening my life and home to all those you send my way. In Jesus' name. Amen.

7th Floor Devotional Day 8: ”Overflowing Acceptance”

DEVOTIONAL DAY 8 - “Overflowing Acceptance.”

Our nation seems to know little about how to be accepting of people not like us. Think of the political divides that can separate families. Or the racial tensions that keep cities divided by attitudes, relationships, and even rivers. I am sure that each of us has personal stories of those who have judged us, didn't accept us, marginalized us, and treated us as less than they should have. And unfortunately, we may have even done the same to others. 

Often, our attitude can be, "If you live up to my expectations, I will accept you." But, this reverses the order of Jesus, who came full of grace (first) and then truth. What drew people to Jesus was His tremendous acceptance of each individual: His love, mercy, and nonjudgmental attitude. He was always willing and ready to share the truth, but it was only in the context of overflowing acceptance and love. Grace always comes before truth. Overflowing acceptance of others is the key to living like Jesus.

We are probably familiar with the account of Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman at the well. The account is found in John 4. Jesus was in Samaria on purpose. Most Jews walked around Samaria, but Jesus chose to walk through Samaria because He was always about people. On that journey, He sat down at a well and asked a Samaritan woman for a drink. Jesus uses an ordinary conversation to bring her into a discussion regarding living water (spiritual things).

The conversation here is interesting. The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water so I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." "Sir," the woman said, "I can see you are a prophet."

Notice that there was no condemnation in Jesus' words. On the contrary, He was "matter of fact" without judgment, and she took no offense. She recognized that He must be a prophet, and she returned to her village and said, "Come see a man who told me everything I ever did. Can this be the Messiah? 

The result was that "Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony. So when the Samaritans came to Him, they urged Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. And because of His words, many more became believers."

Think about this. Would any of this have happened if Jesus had not led with grace and overflowing acceptance? Not a chance. When we follow the example of Jesus in our relationships, people are attracted to us. Many people don't respond to Jesus because they don't like the judgmental and insensitive attitudes of those who call themselves Christ followers. Seventh-floor culture takes its cues from Jesus, who came full of grace and truth and showed overflowing acceptance to those who came across His path.

So here is your prayer for today: Lord, thank you for your overflowing acceptance and love. Please teach me how to accept and honor all people as your image bearers. In Jesus' name. Amen.

The House We Are Building - Trevor McDonald

Today's message by Campus Pastor Trevor McDonald is titled The House We Are Building. 

7th Floor Devotional Day 7: ”Where Acceptance and Grace Meet”

DEVOTIONAL DAY 7 - “Where Acceptance and Grace Meet.”

There is a fantastic account of a dinner with Jesus in Luke 7, where grace and acceptance meet in an extraordinary way. Let's read it together.

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, He went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind Him at his feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, He would know who is touching Him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." So Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.

"Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

Then He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little." Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

This is a beautiful example of radical hospitality that overflows with acceptance and is filled with generous grace. Simon found it hard to understand, but that is the magic of Jesus' love for people. We are quick to judge those we do not understand, but radical hospitality welcomes the broken and, like Jesus, offers them acceptance and grace. Can you imagine a church that looks like that? This is seventh-floor culture!

So here is your prayer for today: Jesus, thank you for being our ultimate example. Help us to open our hearts to offer acceptance to those we don't understand and shower them with generous grace that brings them nearer to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

7th Floor Devotional Day 6: ”Radical Hospitality”

DEVOTIONAL DAY 6 - “Radical Hospitality”

Seventh-floor culture is a culture of radical hospitality where extraordinary effort and emphasis are placed on making people feel welcome. It is a hospitality that overflows with acceptance, is filled with generous grace, and is beautifully diverse around the person of Jesus Christ.

When you think about the tables Jesus graced, you see this radical hospitality in action. There was always room for the person who wanted a seat at the table. If they were a marginalized misfit in society's eyes, they were still welcome at the table with Jesus. Even people who were not comfortable with those in authority and the religious figures were at home with Jesus. They didn't have to prove anything to Him. They just needed to want to be with Him. 

Most of these people were broken and needy. Yet, in the presence of Jesus, they found generous grace unlike any they had ever experienced. They came as they were, and He healed their hearts. And it was beautifully diverse. A woman who made her money on the streets, a tax collector, a blind beggar, fishermen, and commonfolk. At Jesus' table, all were welcome. His table cut across social status, reputation, economic circumstances, and all the conventions of society.

At Forest City Church, we say that we are a place with long tables and low walls. We will always put another leaf in the table to welcome a new person in our midst, and we will keep the walls to finding a home here low. Why? Because this is what Jesus did. We want our tables to overflow with acceptance, be filled with generous grace, and be beautifully diverse around the person of Jesus Christ.

So here is the prayer for today: Father, thank you for being a God of radical hospitality. Please help me to create a space where people find a home at my table just as they did yours, in Jesus' name, Amen. 

7th Floor Devotional Day 5: ”Making Time”

DEVOTIONAL DAY 5 - “Making Time.”

We live in a hectic world. How many of us wish we just had room to stop and breathe? There is always something fighting for our attention, but Jesus didn't design us to live that way. In fact, if people are our priority, there must be space in our lives to accommodate opportunities to minister to them along the way. Sometimes, being like Jesus is simply being available to people who God brings across our path. 

There are many examples of Jesus stopping and taking time to minister to hurting people. For example, take the story of Blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46-52. "Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus ("son of Timaeus"), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!"

Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road."

I love this account because of the contrast between Bartimaeus, who believed in Jesus, the crowds around him who told him to shut up and go away, and Jesus, who called out to Bartimaeus and healed him. How often are we like the crowds who consider someone in need a nuisance or a hassle? After all, we have obligations to keep and things to do. But remember, sometimes, being like Jesus is simply being available to people who God brings across our path. The crowds were too busy with their own stuff to care about Bartimaeus. But Jesus was never too busy to take time with those who needed Him.

Do we have the margin to be available to those God brings across our path? Seventh-floor culture always takes the time to be with those in need. When was the last time you went out of your way to do just that?

So here is the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, thank you that you are a God that always takes time to tend to those in need. Help me remove the clutter in my life, so I have time to minister to those you lead my way. In Jesus' name, Amen.