Monday, December 21, 2009
Announcement
Saturday, December 19, 2009
SUNDAY SERVICE CANCELLATION
Friday, December 18, 2009
Anouncements
We're taking on the Christmas Project along with the Children's Church to raise money to feed homeless and needy people on Christmas Morning. The money will go to the Sunday Morning Breakfast Mission in Philadelphia. Any money designated for Missions or specifically to this project in December will go to them. So far, we've raised $147.00.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Quotable Quote
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
This Week At Zoe
Afterward, we'll go back to the church for hot chocolate and cookies. The hot chocolate will be ready, but we'll look forward to the cookies everyone brings!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday Series - The Right Stuff - "Frustrating People"
God knows about dealing with frustrating people. The Israelites never seemed to "get it" that they could trust God. Every time a crisis hit, they blamed God and forgot all the situations He'd brought them through. Sometimes God overlooked their unbelief. Other times He dealt with it.
Jesus gives us examples on how to deal with frustrating people. Before He began teaching and healing, John identified the Pharisees as troublemakers. (Matthew 3:7-12) Jesus gave them a clean slate and teaches openly. Once they revealed their true colors, Jesus switched to teaching in parables.
Eventually, there's open conflict between Him and the religious leaders. First, the Pharisees question Him on taxes. Then the Sadducees ask about the resurrection. Finally, the Pharisees want to know what is the greatest commandment. Scripture makes it plain they're not really interested in the answer. They're trying to trap Him with His words.
Jesus answers their questions with wisdom and grace, but then turns the tables on them with a question of His own. He goes on the offense. We cannot deal with everyone in the same way. Yet, if we follow the principles Jesus showed, we'll be okay. 1) He gave them a clean slate. 2) When their true motives became apparent, He worked around them. He did not try to persuade or engage them. 3) When they tried to entrap Him, He finally went on the offensive. He taught us not to believe what people say about their purpose. Believe their actions.
Dealing with frustrating people will anger them. Not dealing with them often angers others. Perceiving and doing what is needed pleases God.
To listen to the full message, check the website Sermon Player. And remember...you're always welcome at Zoe Christian Fellowship, 1111 Easton Rd., Rt. 611, Warrington, PA, (215)343-7686.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Announcements
We will be collecting donations for the family during the month of December. Just write, "Pastor Rodney" on the blank line of your offering envelope. Thank you.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Christmas Project
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
This Week at Zoe
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday Morning Series - The Right Stuff - "Dealing With Frustrations"
After Ahab and Jezebel die, Jehoram becomes king of Israel. While he stops the worship of Baal, he does not tear down the other idols. Therefore, the scripture designates him as an evil king. Unlike the southern kingdom of Judah, the northern kingdom of Israel had no righteous kings.
During the lifetime of Omri and Ahab, Moab payed tribute to Israel. They saw Jehoram as weaker and refused to pay any longer. Naturally, Jehoram wasn't too happy about this and decided to attack Moab. He approached King Jehoshaphat, of Judah, and asked him for help. Instead of seeking the Lord, Jehoshaphat agreed without hesitation.
The king of Edom joins their company. They ask each other which route to take to Moab. As a result, they end up in a dry area with no water for the troops or livestock. They've stumbled into a bad situation. Is it God's fault? No. They didn't even ask Him for direction.
Did you ever notice how people blame God for all the bad things that happen? A baby dies, and they say, "God took him." Yet, when good things occur, they'll attribute it to luck. Don't blame God for bad things that result from the enemy's work or sin.
Jehoshaphat asked Jehoram if there's a prophet around, and is told that Elisha is close by. The prophet tells them if it were not for Jehoshaphat's presence, he wouldn't bother with them. It doesn't mean God approved of all Jehoshaphat's decisions. He used poor judgment in aligning himself with Jehoram.
Elisha gives them instructions from the Lord to dig ditches and utterly destroy the Moabites. They obey partially. The ditches are dug. The waters flow into them, and the Moabites are delivered into their hand. However, they allow some of them to survive. Years later, bands of Moabites raided their towns. If they'd done what they were supposed to, they wouldn't have had a problem.
To hear the message in detail, visit our website, and check out the Sermon player. If you're visiting the area or are looking for a church, we meet at 1111 Easton Rd., Route 611, Warrington, PA. Sunday morning service begins at 10:00 A.M.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Announcements
Please turn off your cell phone or at least put it on silent mode during services. Thanks for your cooperation.
Thanks to all those who brought in food for Thanksgiving Baskets. Four baskets were put together to bless some families over the holiday.
Christmas Project
Thank you in advance for helping.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Quotable Quote
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
This Week at Zoe
On Sunday, 12/6/09, we'll have our covered dish dinner. Please bring a main dish and a salad, side dish, and/or dessert (depending on the size of your family). We'll start right after the Sunday service and end around 2:15 - 2:30 P.M.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday Morning Series - The Right Stuff - What About John?
What are the enemies of gratefulness? I've always said, "Don't let Satan turn your blessings into curses." Today, Pastor Steve added more to my understanding of how that occurs. I like his version better: "Don't allow unthankfulness to corrupt your blessings."
Despair is an enemy of gratitude. When you start asking the following questions, watch out!
1. What do I do now?
2. Was the time I gave for nothing?
These kind of questions produce a fertile ground for Satan's seeds of sin. He's always trying to get us to question God's purpose, punctuality, Word, love, gifts, and plan.
After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples saw him. However, they knew his earthly ministry was over. What were they supposed to do now? Their jobs had been eliminated. They no longer ushered, took the offering, assisted with ministry, etc.
Peter decides to go back to his old trade of fishing. Several other disciples join him. Well, they go fishing, but don't catch anything. As they head back toward shore, they see someone on the beach. One of the disciples recognizes Jesus. Peter pulls on his coat and swims to shore. The scripture doesn't say it, but I think maybe he might have wanted some one-on-one time with Jesus. After all, he'd denied Jesus three times.
Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. He uses the Greek word, "agape," for love, which is the God-kind of love of total commitment. Peter answers that he loves Jesus with the Greek word, "phileo," or friendship love. He's honest. He remembers his failure, and can't say for certain if he can totally commit. Jesus gives him special assignments: feed my lambs (new believers) and feed my sheep (shepherd the flock). Peter is to be a fisher of men not fish. He's given a second chance. He's not cast aside because of his failure.
By this time, the others join them. Jesus prophesies over Peter concerning his future martrydom. Peter points to John and asks the Lord what about his future. Jesus tells him that's not his concern. How many times do we get envious of other's ministries or giftings? Just remember that greater callings and greater gifts require more maintenance and sacrifice.
When I despair, I specifically doubt God's purpose, plan, and punctuality. When I feel like a failure, I specifically doubt God's Word, plan, and gifts. When I envy, I specifically doubt God's purpose, plan, and love.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Odds and Ends
We'll have communion on Sunday, December 6, 2009, at 10:00 A.M., during our worship service.
Please mark your calendars. On Sunday, 12/6/09, we'll have our next covered dish dinner immediately after the morning worship service. Please bring a main dish and a salad or dessert.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
A friend and I used to play the "Thanksgiving Game." Whoever could list the most things they were grateful for won the game. Have you ever written a "Thanksgiving List?" Take the challenge and see how many things you can write down for which you're thankful.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Quotable Quote
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
This Week at Zoe
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday Morning Series - The Right Stuff - Maintaining Thankfulness
We've been talking about thankfulness. What are some of the phrases to watch for that endanger gratitude?
1. That's not fair.
2. Why not?
3. I'm disappointed.
4. I deserve better.
5. Nobody likes me.
6. I quit.
While you can think or utter these words and still remain thankful, it's difficult to be grateful with these patterns. A thankful mentality is to be mindful of how God has blessed you. An unthankful mentality is to be mindful of what God, others, or life in general has denied you.
Don't let your thankfulness tank run low. Embrace it. Colossians 3:12-17 urges us to let the peace of God rule, be thankful, let the word of Christ dwell, sing with grace in your hearts, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and giving thanks to God. These attitudes will keep your tank filled to the brim.
For the remainder of this message, check out our website. It may take a few days for this message to appear on the site. You can download it to your MP3 player, podcast, or listen via the Sermon Player.
If you're visiting in our area or looking for a church family, we'd love to meet you. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), Warrington, PA 18976. If you need more information, contact us at (215) 343-7686.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Announcements
Please remember to turn off or put your cell phone into silent mode during the services. Thank you!
Do you have a testimony about answered prayer or how the Word of God worked for you? We would love for you to share it with the congregation. Just let an usher know. If you'd like it posted on the website or blog, write it down or e-mail it.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thank You!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Quotable Quote
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
This Week at Zoe
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday Series - The Right Stuff - "Under the Surface"
How does someone like Judas Iscariot become a betrayer? He probably left a good job to follow Jesus. Luke 22:1-7 says that satan entered Judas. There had to be steps in between that led to this terrible end.
We usually talk about the types of soil in terms of planting good seed (God's Word). However, the enemy can also plant seed in good soil. When satan left Jesus, he planned to come back at an opportune time. Yes, satan is keenly aware of opportunities. He doesn't have to create them. Life gives opportunities.
In Matthew 26:1-16, we see the story of the woman pouring the alabaster box of ointment on Jesus' head. All the disciples saw it, but one spoke out his displeasure - Judas Iscariot. Wrong seed can be sown in good ground without satan entering. I Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Satan jumps at the opportunity.
What reason did Judas Iscariot have to be dissatisfied?
He had the best shepherd (Jesus).
He had responsibility (was the ministry's treasurer).
He received the best teaching (from Jesus).
His needs were met.
He had ministry opportunities.
What did he lack?
A place to call home. (They constantly traveled.)
Someone to follow his plans. (He had his ideas of how Jesus should come into his kingdom.)
He probably made more money before following Jesus.
Others received more attention than him.
Ungrateful, unthankful thoughts accelerate the growth of bad seed. As faith gets God's attention, ungratefulness gets the devil's attention.
To hear the full message, check out the website. You can listen via the sermon player, download it to your MP3, or podcast. Please note: It might take some time for the message to appear on the site.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Life Principle
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Announcements
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Quotable Quotes
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
This Week At Zoe
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday Morning Series - The Right Stuff - Grateful Thanksgiving
At the beginning of Chapter 6, we read the story of the King of Syria sending people to kill Elisha. Of course, God protects him, and the prophet feeds and sends them away in peace. Ben-Hadad, king of Syria, repays Elisha's kindness by coming against Samaria (capital of Israel) and laying seige to the city.
Things get so desperate that people are paying a fortune for a donkey's head and the excrement of doves in order to survive. A woman calls out to the king and asks him to make her friend kill her son, so they can eat him. Does the king repent or call the people to repentance for all their sins? No, he blames the messenger of God for their predicament and sends an assassin to the prophet's door.
Elisha prophesies that food will be plentiful and cheap the next day. The messenger expresses his doubt. As a result, he's told he will see the prophecy come to pass, but will not participate in the blessing.
When reading these stories, it's good to put ourselves in the place of these people. Suppose someone told us that gas would cost two cents per gallon tomorrow down from $6.00? A lot of people would have difficulty believing that prediction.
The next day, four lepers decide to approach the Syrian camp and beg for food. What do they have to lose? If they stay outside the city gates, they'll starve. If the Syrians kill them, their misery will be over. They find the camp abandoned, and gourge themselves on food and drink and carry off valuables from the tents. Out of fear, they decided they'd better let the king and the people know of their discovery. They are thankful, but did they have an attitude of thankfulness? Did they want to share the good news? They told the others to protect themselves.
To hear the entire message, check out the website sermon player, download it to your MP3, or podcast. Pastor Steve shows the difference between being polite and being gratefully thankful.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Book Club
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Collecting Non-Perishable Foods
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
This Week at Zoe
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Men's Ministries
Let Pastor Steve know what you think of this idea or suggest an alternative activity. We will send the final details in an email this week.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sunday Morning Series - The Right Stuff - When I Am Not Thankful
Pastor Stephen Hecht looked at Jehoshaphat's response to a big problem. He gets word that a great multitude is coming against them. Situations will cause fear to rise up, but he didn't allow fear to paralyze him. He went to God.
It's fascinating to see his approach. He set or positioned himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. The people joined him in the house of the Lord to seek Him. Jehoshaphat leads the people in prayer. He praises God and acknowledges His power and might. He points out that the very ones God told them to spare are coming against them. He asks God to judge them because they have no might against such a great force.
There's no record that Jehoshaphat or the people bickered and complained. They don't declare their own demise. They don't blame God for their predicament. Instead they seek God's help and declare His power. Someone once taught "there is no place between unthankful and thankful." These people showed the attributes of thankfulness.
Can you pray without getting entangled in doubt or unbelief? Can you pray without griping and moaning? Can you pray without succumbing to doom and gloom?
Judah was spared because of their obedience to God's instructions. In this case, God told them to go before the army, praising the Lord. When they did so, God delivered them.
To hear the full message, visit our website. You can listen via the Sermon Player or download the message FREE onto your MP3 player. Podcasting is also available for your convenience.
If you're in the area, you're welcome to visit. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. For more information, check out the website or call
(215) 343-7686.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Quotable Quote
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Announcements
The book is available in hard back for $10.00. See Jim for more information.
Do you enjoy the Zoe Christian Fellowship Blog? If you'd like to comment on a post, click on the word "comments," type your comment in the text box, enter your gmail address in the username box, and your password in the next box. When you hit, "Publish," your comment will show up. It's easy!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Quotable Quotes
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
This Week At Zoe
On Friday, October 30th, at 7:00 P.M., we'll enjoy a formal banquet at the church. Josiah has worked hard planning this event for his senior project. Childcare will be provided in the Children's Church area. If you don't have a ticket (Free), contact Josiah or Sharon.
The monthly Ladies' Brunch will be held Saturday morning, October 31st, at 10:00 A.M., in the Children's Church area. Please bring a breakfast item and your Bible.
On Saturday, October 31st, from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M., we'll have our annual Hallelujah Night at the Philadelphia Sports Club, 1 High Point Dr., Chalfont, PA. right off County Line Rd. Enjoy laser tag, walleyball, and dodgeball, as well as yummy snacks, and candy. Please bring a snack food item and a bag of bite-sized candies.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Right Stuff - "Is It In You?"
How do we approach the Lord? Do we come into his presence griping? Since he's God, maybe we'd better heed his instructions. Psalm 100:4 and Colossians 3:15 tell us to come before him with thanksgiving and praise. Gratitude is high on God's priority list when it comes to our relationship with him.
One popular sports drink says, "what's in you is going to come out." Another says it has, "good stuff." What's in our hearts will come out when someone pushes our buttons, ramps up the emotional pressure, or hurts us. What kind of "good stuff" do we want to come out of us in difficult situations?
1. Love
2. Thankfulness
3. Patience
4. Kindness
5. Humility
6. Faithfulness
These are just a few positive qualities we want to exhibit in stressful situations.
In order to get a picture of a grateful person, sometimes we need to define the characteristics of someone who lacks thankfulness.
1. Focuses on what's lacking - what they don't have.
2. Looks at what others have not done.
3. Focuses on what could be better.
4. Feels angry and cheated.
On the other hand, a grateful person:
1. Counts their blessings.
2. Assists and helps others.
3. Thanks God for all they've been spared.
4. They feel joy, gladness, and blessing.
Pastor also gave examples of how a lack of thankfulness affected Adam and Eve, Jeroboam, and others in Scripture. This message was chockfull of practical and thought-provoking nuggets on how thankfulness can protect us from temptation.
Check out our website for the rest of the message. You can download it FREE to your MP3 player, podcast, or listen via the sermon player.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Announcements
The book is availabe in hard back for $10.00. The first meeting will be a brief one next Sunday, 10/25/09, after church to get things started. See Jim for details.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Hayride
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Sunday Series - Reigning in Life - Don't Give Ground!
1. Belief and Confession - Matthew 8:17 & Isaiah 53:4 tell us Jesus took our infirmities and sicknesses. Romans 10:9-10 & Matthew 21:22 talk about belief and confession. Don't mix your confession with unbelief. If you're confessing the Scripture, but negating it with your words about your situation, you're not going to get an answer.
2. Another way to receive healing or an answer to prayer is through the Prayer of Agreement. Matthew 18:19 & Mark 6:7. Find someone, who will pray and believe with you for what you need.
3. Anointed with Oil - James 5:14-15 tells believers to call for the elders and have them anoint with oil and pray. In this context, it's talking about healing.
4. Laying on of hands - Jesus often laid hands on people for healing.
5. Gifts and anointings - Some people are gifted to pray for others' healing, while some have a special anointing for a particular disease or illness.
What do you receive? Healing power. When Jesus went to a man's house, the Word says the power of God was present to heal. Yet, only the man, whose friends let him down through the roof, received healing. God's power was present to heal, but they did not receive it.
The first three ways to receive healing or answers to prayer require that we ask. When we ask, we are making it known that we're ready to receive.
A lot of people have been healed, but find themselves attacked with symptoms later on. Most react with the words, "I thought I was healed, but I guess I wasn't." The battle to keep your healing is most associated with the last three ways of receiving because they involve less of you and your faith. You must know how to hold onto it.
Anything you receive from God will come under attack. The enemy will try to steal your victory. Keeping and maintaining depends upon your faith. God's goal is to get you well, whether it's by medicine, healing, or a miracle.
There are three ways that will open the door to allowing the enemy to steal your healing or answer to prayer:
1. Disbelief and doubt
2. Disobedience
3. disregard - paying no attention to your healing, ignoring what God has done.
To hear the entire message, go to our website. It's available FREE through our sermon player, downloads to your MP3 player, or podcasting.
If you're in the area, you're always welcome to worship with us on Sunday morning or Wednesday night. You can get information from our website.
Friday, October 16, 2009
General Announcements
Don't forget to turn your CELL PHONE off or at least into silent mode during church services. Thank you!
Mark your calendars: Friday night, October 30th, is a special dinner. See Josiah, Sharon, or Connie for details. It is Josiah's Senior Class Project. He must have a picture of you for a special presentation by Saturday, October 17th. To get a ticket to this dinner, you must give him a picture.
On Saturday, October 31st, we're planning our annual Hallelujah Night at Highpoint. We'll have more details as the month progresses.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Quotable Quotes
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thank You!
Pastor Steve & Connie
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
This Week At Zoe
The Men's Breakfast will be held in the Children's Church area on Saturday, 10/17/09, at 8:00 A.M. Please bring a breakfast item and your Bible. Invite a friend!