Blog Notice

The Zoe blog will be on hiatus until January 3, 2011. We wish you a blessed Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.

Quotable Quote"

"For a beggar to live at court is not so much as the King to dwell with him in his cottage." - William Gurnall

This Week At Zoe

Due to the Christmas celebration, there will be NO WEDNESDAY MEETING this week. On Friday, December 24th (Christmas Eve), we will have a Candle Light service at 7:00 P.M.

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit For God - On Display

Text: Luke 3:1-14, 2 Corinthians 9, Phil. 1:9-11, James 3:10-18

Since we have repented and have received the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, our fruit should be on display. Fruit can be seen and measured. God wants true fruit.

How do we increase fruit in our lives? In 2 Corinth. 9, Paul talks about their gift and not their tithe. You don't purpose in your heart to tithe; you purpose in your heart to give. Giving as God directs is an act of obedience and opens the door toward yielding other areas of your life to Him. If you hang onto your money when God is impressing you to give, you'll hang onto your anger, guilt, and depression.

To hear the full teaching, visit our website and click on the Sermon Player. You can also download the message to your MP3 player or podcast it.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we welcome you to worship with us on Sunday Mornings at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. The church phone number is (215) 343-7686.

Christmas Service Schedule

Wednesday, December 22, 2010 - NO Midweek Service

Friday, December 24, 2010 - Christmas Eve Candle Light Service, 7:00 P.M.

Sunday, December 26, 2010 - Morning Service at 10:00 A.M.

Quotable Quotes

"Rejoice, that the immortal God is born, so that mortal man may live in eternity." - John Huss

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 12/15/10, at 7:30 P.M., the Youth Group will meet in the Children's Church auditorium. Come out and bring a friend!

On Wednesday, 12/15/10, at 7:30 P.M., Pastor Steve will begin teaching on a new topic. It will be announced on our Facebook page on Wednesday.

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit For God - Fruit and Produce

Text: Matthew 7:15-29

Why does the term "false prophets" contain the word "prophets?" It's because they appear or present themselves as one of God's prophets, but they are attached to the wrong vine. Their emphasis is on the gift and not the source.

Does this mean that all prophets are false? Of course not! If there are false prophets, there are genuine ones. We're told not to despise prophesying.

So how can we tell whether a prophet is true or false? This scripture says we'll know (epiginosko - observe, fully perceive, notice attentively, discern, recognize) them by their fruit. A good tree produces good fruit. False prophets talk one way and acts another. Fruit isn't having a large meeting or seeing many miracles. It's about their life. Their words locate them: are they gossips, do they dishonor the Word of God, are they nasty or rude?

This is just a taste of the full message. To listen, check out our website, and click on the Sermon Player. You'll be able to download the message to your MP3 player FREE or podcast it.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to join us for our Sunday morning service at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. The church phone number is (215) 343-7686. We'd love to meet you!

Give Thanks

As we spend time with family and friends, let's remember to thank God for His many blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving from Zoe Christian Fellowship!

Quotable Quote

"Thankfulness flows out of a heart that is rooted in Christ. If Christ is the Lord of our lives, we will live in Him, be built up in Him, and be strengthened in Him. Ultimately, we will find ourselves overflowing with thankfulness to Him for all that He has done on our behalf." - Karl Graustein

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 11/24/10, Pastor Steve will finish teaching the Book of Esther.

If you want to listen to previous segments, they're available on our website or you can see Ray about a CD.

The Ladies' Brunch will be held on Saturday, 11/27/10, at 10:00 A.M. Please see Candy, and let her know what food item you'll be bringing.

Our theme for the brunch will be "spa treatment." Come prepared to be pampered!

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit for God - Yielding to Fruitfulness

We've talked about John 15:2 over the past several weeks. Jesus is the vine; the Father is the vinedresser; we are the branches. The fruit God wants to see in our lives is love. Joy, peace, patience, gentleness, etc. are all characteristics of love.

Our thought processes can determine our future. God prunes us either to remove something undesirable or to add a talent or move us in a new direction. He did this with Peter to change his mindset about ministering to the Gentiles.

2 Timothy 2:19-26 gives us some direction on what we must do to be fruitful branches:

1. Flee (V. 22) - People flee from spiders, snakes, and mice. When you're afraid of them, you don't hang around. You get out of there - fast! We're told to flee youthful lusts.

2. Pursue (V. 22) - We're to run after righteousness, faith, love, and peace.

3. Avoid (V. 23) - When the Caller I.D. tells us there's someone on the phone we don't want to engage in conversation, we don't answer. We're to sidestep, ignore foolish, ignorant disputes. They lead only to strife.

4. Teach (Vs. 24) - We must not quarrel but be gentle. Some people put exceptions to this command. I call it the, "NCPV," or "New Common Practice Version." I should be gentle unless my spouse, my kids, my boss, my friends aggravate me.

5. Correct (V. 25) - With humility, gentleness, firmness. Humility is not thinking you're worthless. Rather, it's not looking down on others.

Application: James 3:7-17 - What we practice, we become. If you practice being patient, humble, gentle, you'll become those things.

This is a short summary. If you want to hear the entire message, visit our website, and click on the Sermon Player. You can also download it to your MP3 player or podcast it for FREE.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, our Sunday Service starts at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. Directions are available on the website or call the church office at (215) 343-7686. We'd love to meet you!

Quotable Quotes

"Prayer is not speaking to God. It's a conversation." - Pastor Stephen Hecht

Mark Your Calendars

The Ladies' Brunch will be held on Saturday, 11/27/10, at 10:00 A.M. in the Children's Church auditorium. It is a spa day theme.

Please let Candy know what food item you plan to bring. For more details, see Connie or Phyllis.

Quotable Quotes

"When we bless God for mercies, we usually prolong them. When we bless God for miseries, we usually end them. Praise is the honey of life, which a devout heart extracts from every bloom of providence and grace." - C. H. Spurgeon

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 11/17/10, at 7:30 P.M., Pastor Steve will continue teaching on the Book of Esther.

The Men's Breakfast will be held on Saturday, 11/20/10, at 8:00 A.M. in the Children's Church auditorium. Please bring a breakfast item and your Bibles.

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit for God - Tracking Our Progress

Text: Matthew 19:16-22, 2 Timothy 2:15-26, John 4:1-42

When I send a package via UPS or FedEx, I get a tracking number. I can go online and find out exactly where my order is at any given time.

How do we know we're making progress in bearing fruit for God? The Scripture gives us three stages of the believer's development.

When a baby is born, they are need focused. They cry to let Mom and Dad know when they're hungry, need to be changed, unhappy, sick, or frightened.

The spiritual baby is also concerned mainly about their needs. Their prayer life revolves around what they need to stop, what they need to start, and what they need to receive. In this stage, they speak to God. They're religious in the sense of following rules.

In Stage 2 of spiritual development, they start thinking about what God wants of them. 2 Timothy talks about adoption. How can they be both born into God's family and adopted? In the original language adoption refers to the placement of sons. The present day term most are familiar with is the Bar Mitzvah. Before that time, the son is the heir, but he's under tutors and teachers. He's not mature enough to take his place in managing his inheritance.

During Stage 2, believers discover who they are in Christ, what they have in Christ, their calling, and their place in God's family. They've gone beyond requests. As a baby grows, he starts thinking about how he can please Mom and Dad. The believer now thinks in terms of pleasing God. Prayer is no longer speaking to God. It becomes a conversation.

Stage 3 brings a focus on the needs of others. People in the first stage of growth think of everything in terms of the natural. Remember how the disciples interpreted Jesus' statement about the leaven of the Pharisees? They thought He was upset because they forgot to bring bread. How silly after He'd just fed thousands.

In this stage, spiritual truth explodes inside us, and we have enough to give others. We don't get uncomfortable when someone asks us a question about the Bible. These folks look for the anointing in worship, in teaching, etc.

To sum up the three stages: Beware, Become, and Behold.

For the full message, check out the Sermon Player on our website. You can listen online or download it to your MP3 or podcast it for FREE.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, our Sunday Service starts at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. Directions are available on the website or you can call the church office at (215) 343-7686.

Thank You!

Thanks to all who helped put Hallelujah Night together. It was a great night of fun and fellowship. There were lots of different foods to sample, while others enjoyed laset tag, dodgeball, or other activities.

Mark Your Calendars

On Saturday, 11/20/10, at 8:00 A.M., the men will gather in the Children's Church auditorium for breakfast and Bible Study. Please keep this date open.

Quotable Quotes

"The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian." - A. W. Tozer

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 11/10/10, at 6:30 P.M., we'll have leadership prayer. At 7:30 P.M., we invite the congregation to join us for All Church Prayer.

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit For God - Excellence

Text: Daniel 5:11-14; Daniel 6:1-4 & Others.

Because Daniel was excellent, he was promoted. Someone once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. It is not an act. It is a habit." Excellence is something we cultivate.

In order to achieve excellence, we must examine our choices and select the best. What we choose to pick up will shape our degree of excellence.

Cookies made with real butter, chocolate chips, and vanilla taste better than those made with inferior ingredients. They might be passable, but they're not the same as the real thing. We might have a choice between something good and something excellent. What we choose will determine the quality of the product.

In Luke 24:13-45, Jesus asked the two men on the road to Emmaus what they're talking about. Lack of belief results in slowness of heart. Our view of what goes on around us changes. If you want to be excellent, make sure you avoid talking fear, doubt, and sickness.

The friends you surround yourself with will impact on your excellence. In I Corinthians 15:33, we're told evil company corrupts good habits. Romans 15:24 talks about how Paul enjoyed the company of believers. I Corinth. 5:9-13 warns us not to keep company with immoral people in the church.

Excellence is worth pursuing! Are you choosing what's excellent?

You can hear this message in its entirety on our website Sermon Player. It's also available as a FREE MP3 download or podcast.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, you're welcome to attend our Sunday morning service, at 10 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. Directions are available on the website or contact the church office at (215) 343-7686.

Praise Reports From Phyllis and Brandon

Phyllis: Her boss gave her a 1999 Hyundai Accent FREE OF CHARGE! She's rejoicing at God's provision. Phyllis says she thought of Psalms 35:27 that says, "Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant." She thought to herself, "That sounds like favor!"

Brandon: Wooster in Kenya is a spring semester program that includes an on-campus, academic component (0.75 credit) and an off-campus experience in Kenya (0.25 credit) over spring break. The overall goal of the Wooster in Kenya Program is to introduce students to the history, culture, and political economyof Kenya, with a special focus on environment, culture and development in Western Kenya.

The class meetings prior to the trip will prepare students for the in-country experience, and the post-trip meetings will allow for reflection and integration of the experience into the students' academic course of study. During the spring break trip, course participants will do short home-stays in two villages to learn about family and community life in rural Kenya today. Students will aslo work on environmental and agricultural projects facilitated by the Maragoli Comunity Development Foundation in order to learn firsthand about the opportunities and challenges in community-based development programs that are locally conceived and implemented.

Each student will be expected to conduct a research project, using both library sources and ethnographic material, and give a post-trip presentation. There were 60 kids who applied, 28 that got interviews, and 12 that got selected.

Not only did Brandon get selected, but he also received a $4,231 scholarship to pay for the trip!

Brandon has also applied to Teach for America in the Inner City, preferably Philadelphia. It's a two-year teaching commitment, which includes salary and health benefits, and a potential repayment of up to $10,700 toward student loans, as well as student loan interest, and eligibility for loan forbearance (repayment requirement postponed) during the two years. The decision comes on 11/6/10. He requested that we pray he gets accepted.

Quotable Quotes

"Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn." -
Charles Wesley

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 11/3/10, at 7:30 P.M., Pastor Steve will continue his series on the Book of Esther. Come out and bring a friend!

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit for God - Moving Forward

Text: Acts 10 & 11

Cornelius is a Gentile. We're told he feared God, gave alms generously, and prayed to God always. He has a vision of an angel about 3 P.M. in the afternoon. The angel gives him specific instructions for an unspecified reward. He obeys and sends his servants to find Peter in Joppa.

Meanwhile, God is preparing Peter for their arrival. He goes up to the rooftop to pray, but gets very hungry. While food is being prepared, he falls into a trance and sees a vision of animals that are considered unclean for Jews to eat. God tells him to kill and eat, but he declines saying he's never eaten anything unclean. God gives this command three times.

The men from the house of Cornelius arrive, and Peter and some others go with them. So, Cornelius summons Peter in obedience to the angel's instructions even though he doesn't know the purpose, and Peter goes expecting Cornelius to have questions.

He tells Cornelius it's unlawful for a Jew to "keep company or go to one from another nation," but he had come as God instructed him. Cornelius relates his vision, and Peter shares the Gospel. The Holy Spirit falls on Cornelius and his household, and they speak with tongues. Peter and those with him are amazed, and agree they cannot withhold water baptism since God already baptized them in the Holy Spirit. Peter understands that salvation is not only for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles.

While the initial pruning process is often to remove something negative, God also prunes to prepare for future assignments. Peter had teachings that hindered ministry to the Gentiles. God corrected him and demonstrated his favor on those Peter previously avoided.

Pruning may come in the form of instruction to take up a certain subject or hobby, so we can better relate to unbelievers. Perhaps the Lord impresses on us to learn a foreign language, so we can minister more effectively in the future. Pruning initially involves removal of things that hinder us. As we grow, it can also include things that hinder God to work in us.

To hear the entire message, go to our website and click on the Sermon Player. You can also download it to your MP3 player or podcast it for FREE.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, our Sunday Service begins at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. The church phone number is (215) 343-7686.

Hallelujah Night

Next Sunday is Hallelujah Night! We will meet at the Philadelphia Sports Club (formerly Highpoint) in Chalfont from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. The facility is located at 1 Highpoint Dr. just off County Line Road, and west of Route 202.

Please arrive about 4:45 P.M., so we are ready to start the games and activities at 5:00 P.M. There will be laser tag, dodge ball, and other activities for children of all ages. Of course, there will also be lots of candy for the kids.

Please bring some snack food items as we have a place for food and fellowship.

Candy for Hallelujah Night

We are collecting the bite-sized candies for Hallelujah Night all this month. It is next Sunday, 10/31/10, and you can bring candy Sunday morning or when you come for Hallelujah Night. A box is at the rear of the church for the candy.

Quotable Quotes

"It is always a mark of short-sightedness and weakness to be impatient of results." - Samuel Smiles

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 10/27/10, at 7:30 P.M., we'll meet for Bible Study. Pastor Steve just started teaching the Book of Esther.

The Ladies' Brunch will be held in the Children's Church Auditorium on Saturday, 10/30/10, at 10:00 A.M. Please bring a breakfast dish and your Bibles.

We'll be having a talk on nutrition and doing some exercises. Invite your friends for some food for spirit, soul, and body!

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit for God - Non-Resistance

Text: Acts 9

Last week, we saw the Father's role in taking care of the vine. He prunes, cuts off, observes, and cares for the branches. His intentions are for our good.

Paul was zealous for the Jewish faith, and viewed those following Jesus as a threat. He persecuted, consented to their death, and imprisoned them.

All that changes when he has an encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Jesus wants to know why he's persecuting Him and why he's "kicking against the goads." A goad is a pointed stick used to direct the ox. The Lord is nudging Paul in one direction, but he's going in another. He's fighting Jesus. In another scripture, Paul says he did this ignorantly, and he was an unbeliever.

Paul's conversation with Jesus changes his life forever. After the meeting, he's blind and stays at Judas' house on Straight Street. There he fasts and prays. The Lord shows him a man called, "Ananias," would be coming to pray for him so he would receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Meanwhile, the Lord speaks to Ananias and tells him to go see Saul of Tarsus to pray for him. Jesus gives him the address and the assignment. Ananias balks at the idea. After all, this is the guy persecuting Christians. Jesus tells Ananias that Paul has seen a vision, and he's a chosen vessel. In other words, he's attached to the vine now.

Pruning involves our obedience and submission to the word of God, whether written or spoken. When we resist, we have a problem. Both Paul and Ananias allowed God to prune them, which resulted in much fruit and the furtherance of the gospel.

To hear the entire message, check out the sermon player at our website. The messages are also available for FREE download to your MP3 player or as a podcast.

If you're visiting in our area or looking for a church home, we welcome you to join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd., Warrington, PA. You can get the directions at our website or call the church, (215) 343-7686.

Hallelujah Night

We are collecting the bite size candies for HALLELUJAH NIGHT all this month. This year, it falls on a Sunday night (October 31st).

Please put the candy in the box provided at the rear of the church. Thanks!

Quotable Quote

"The branch of the vine does not worry, and toil, and rush here to seek for sunshine, and there to find rain. No; it rests in union and communion with the vine; and at the right time, and in the right way, is the right fruit found on it. Let us so abide in the Lord Jesus." - Hudson Taylor

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 10/20/10, at 7:30 P.M., we'll have our mid-week Bible Study. We hope you'll join us and bring a friend.

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit for God - The Role of the Father

Text: I John 2 & others

We've talked about abiding in the vine (Jesus). What exactly is abiding? I John 2:6 says, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as he walked." So abiding is to walk as Jesus walked. No one can stop us from abiding and no one can make us abide. It is up to us.

How do we abide in the vine? I John 2:24-25 tells us to let truth abide or remain, and pursue the promise.

John 15 says the Father (God) is the vinedresser. He prunes us so we'll bear more fruit, cuts off unproductive branches, observes us, and cares for us. His intentions are for our good.

His motivations are love for us as individuals, love for His family as a whole, and love for a dying world. There's a distinction between the world and His family. We have special privileges. My son works for a hardware store, and he gets an employee discount. It is a perk others do not have because they do not work there. God would like those in the world to be born into His family, so they too may enjoy the benefits.

What produces fruit in our lives? It is the abiding in the vine that causes us to bear fruit. You don't have to be perfect to be clean and productive. An unproductive branch is one who resists what Jesus says to do.

To hear this message in its entirety, click on the Sermon Player at our website. You can also download it to your MP3 player or podcast for FREE.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to join us for Sunday Morning worship at 10:00 A.M. Our address is 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. You can also find directions on our website or call (215) 343-7686.

Announcements

We will be collecting the bite size candies for HALLELUJAH NIGHT all this month. Hallelujah Night falls on Sunday night this year (October 31st).

Please place the candy in the box at the back of the church designated for this purpose. Thank you!

Church Facebook Page

Remember, the church has a FACEBOOK PAGE with updates and notifications. We are even posting the topics to the next service. Let us know if you like seeing these.

You can locate us at "Zoe Christian Fellowship, Warrington, PA."

Quotable Quote

"Happiness is like manna; it is to be gathered in grains, and enjoyed every day. It will not keep; it cannot be accumulated; nor have we got to go out of ourselves or into remote places to gather it, since it is rained down from Heaven, at our very doors." - Tryon Edwards

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 10/6/10, at 7:30 P.M., Ethel Waters will speak at our Mid-week service.

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit for God - Gentleness and Self-Control

Text: Galatians 5:22 & Others

The word, "gentleness," comes from the Greek word, "praiotes." It means gentleness, mildness, meekness, humility.

A meek person isn't a weak person, but one who yields control to a set of principles (Word of God) above his flesh. The fruit of the Spirit is not about changing your flesh but getting you to respond to the Spirit.

We don't want fake fruit. To produce real fruit, get attached to the vine (Jesus). When confronted with a situation, ask the Lord how he would have you handle this instead of reacting emotionally. It's not about stuffing your feelings, but truly letting the offense go. Too many times, Christians have given the flesh control. Listen to the Spirit not the flesh.

The fruit of the Spirit gives us power to forego instant gratification. The world's way is not power over self, but to keep it caged up. We know how often that fails. It's like a dangerous animal in a cage. If it gets out, someone gets hurt.

A Gentle/Meek person has control over his attitudes. A self-controlled person has power over their appetites, physical urges, and desires. Don't settle for caging your reactions.

To hear this message in its entirety, please go to our website and click on the Sermon Player. You can also download it to your MP3 player or podcast FREE.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, our Sunday Service begins at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. Directions are available on our website or you can call the church office at (215) 343-7686.

Coming Event

Calling all ladies! Plans for our fall retreat should be set by the end of this week. At the moment, we have two possible dates: the weekend of either October 12th or October 18th. We'll be renting a house at Blue Mountain Christian Retreat.

Please keep those dates open. We'll give you details as soon as we confirm the date.

Announcements

Next Sunday (10/3/10), right after the morning service, we'll have our first Covered Dish dinner since the summer break. Please bring a main dish, side dish, salad, and/or dessert (depending on the size of your family).

A short church meeting will follow, and we will be finished by 2:15-2:30 P.M. We hope you can make plans to attend!

PROJECTOR - We're almost to our goal of $968.00 for the new projector. The total as 9/26/10 was $916.00. Thanks for your faithful support.

Quotable Quote

"Great victories come out of great battles." - Smith Wigglesworth

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday night, 9/29/10, at 7:30 P.M., we'll have our mid-week service. We hope you'll come out to study God's Word.

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit for God - Goodness and Faithfulness

Text: Galatians 5:22 & Others.

The word, "goodness," in this verse comes from the Greek word, "agathosune," and means uprightness of heart and life, goodness in the sense of being good to someone. It specifically refers to giving, sharing.

In the gospels the poor widow gave all the money she had into the offering. In the Old Testament Elijah came to a woman (another widow) God had prepared. He asked her to make a cake for him. He did not say he had a flour-producing anointing. Don't fall for the gimmicks. God spoke to her heart, and she obeyed Him.

Another word used in the New Testament (Luke 6:27-28) for goodness is, "kalos," which means good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends. In this context we're told to love our enemies. We're not to return evil for evil, but speak well of them, and treat them well.

In Acts 10:38 it talks about how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good (euergeteo - to be philanthropic, do good) and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Jesus healed the sick and was a philanthropist. The disciples didn't give it a second thought when Judas Iscariot, their treasurer, left the Last Supper. They figured he was going to distribute some funds to the poor. The ministry wasn't dripping in red ink. It had more than enough.

Faithfulness comes from the Greek word, "pistis," the character of one who can be relied on (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon). What are the attributes of a faithful person? They are devoted, trustworthy, dependable, dedicated, constant, and unwavering. I John 1:9 tells us Jesus is faithful and just. He doesn't forgive us if He's in the mood or is having a good day. He is dependable and faithful to forgive us. When we're abiding in the vine (Jesus), His nature flows through us.

To hear this message in its entirety, check out our website and click on the Sermon Player. You can also download it to your MP3 player for FREE or podcast it.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to worship with us on Sunday morning, at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. For directions, either call the church at (215) 343-7686 or visit our website.

General Announcements

Need prayer during our Sunday or Wednesday services? Please let an usher know.

Don't forget - while in church, turn your CELL PHONE off or at least put it into the silent mode. Thank you!

Projector Update

We're almost to our goal of $968.00 for the new projector. The fund currently stands at $807.00.

If you'd like to contribute toward this item, please mark "projector" on the blank line on your offering envelope and how much you're enclosing. Thank you for your support.

Quotable Quotes

"If we seek to feed the fire of our prayers with the fuel of God's Word, all our difficulties in prayer will disappear." - R. A. Torrey

Update on Wednesday Night Topic

For this week's Midweek service, we will cover the Parable of the persistent widow from Luke 18:1-8. The purpose of the parable is given in verse 1 - "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart..." That is the purpose and we will look at what this parable teaches us to that end, along with some of the false conclusions some have come to.

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 9/22/10, at 7:30 P.M., Pastor Steve will continue with the Parables of Jesus series.

The Ladies' Brunch will be held on Saturday, 9/25/10, at 10:00 A.M., in the Children's Church auditorium. Please bring a breakfast item and your Bible.

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit for God - Longsuffering and Gentleness

Text: Galatians 5:22 & Others

The word, "longsuffering," comes from the Greek word, "makrothumia," which means forebearance, patience, longsuffering. It's made up of two words, "makros," meaning long and "thumos," meaning temper.

In Revelation, when it speaks of God's wrath, the word used is, "thumos." So, it's a pretty strong word.

The fruit of the Spirit, longsuffering, is not what we might think it is. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not suffering for a long time, stuffing our emotions down, and not acting on them. The result of this is frustration.

According to Colossians 1:11, true longsuffering is accompanied by joy. The two go together. The word, "longsuffering," actually means: suffering long before you even get to the point of experiencing the emotion of wrath.

How do we come into the true fruit of the Spirit? In Colossians 3:12-13 we're told to put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, longsuffering. It takes effort, like putting on our clothes.

I'm a methodical person. The night before, I put out everything I want to wear the next day in a particular spot. It's usually dark when I get up, but I can get dressed with no problem because I know the location of my clothes. My clothes don't jump on me; I have to put them on.

Receiving direction from God and His Word, sticking to the plan He gives us, and adapting ourselves to others will develope the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Don't give up.

Our brand of longsuffering, which ends up in frustration, creates that emotion in others. Positive change won't occur. God's version of longsuffering with joy will bring out commitment to a mentor, dedication to a cause, and endurance to correction.

To hear this message in its entirety, visit our website Sermon Player. You can listen online, download it FREE to your MP3 player, or podcast it.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to join us for Sunday morning worship at 10:00 A.M. Children's Church is available for the youngsters. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. Directions can be found on our website or you can call (215) 343-7686.

Projector

We are moving along toward our goal to raise the money for the replacement Projector. So far, we've collected $712.00 - only $256.00 to go!

Thanks to all for your support. If you would like to help by sowing an offering, please mark "Projector," on the blank line of your offering envelope and how much you would like to give.

Ladies' Brunch

Please mark your calendars. On Saturday, 9/25/10, at 10:00 A.M., the ladies will meet for brunch. We'll announce this again next week.

Quotable Quote

"God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel." - Constitutional Convention of 1787, original manuscript of this speech. - Benjamin Franklin

This Week At Zoe

On Wednesday, 9/15/10, at 6:30 P.M., the Leadership will meet for prayer. At 7:30 P.M., we will have ALL CHURCH PRAYER.

The Men's Breakfast will be held in the Children's Church area on Saturday, 9/18/10, at 8:00 A.M. Please bring your Bible and a breakfast item.

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit For God - Becoming Fruity

Text: Galatians 5:16-26

The Spirit goes one way, and the flesh in another. They are opposite, so to follow one is to not follow the other. Following the flesh is to look to our self interest, which is at odds with the Holy Spirit.

To walk in the Spirit is to obey God. We love God; we do His will; We love others. Matthew 22:37-40 says that all the law and the prophets hang on loving God and others.

To walk in the flesh is to obey someone other than God. It can be your own desires, other people, or other gods. It's serving our desires, other people, or the enemy or Satan.

We need the love of God to walk in patience and perseverence. Romans 5:3-5 says that the love of God is in us. Love depends on the character of the giver not the receiver. If you want more love, sow it, and put it to work. If you love God, show it by loving others.

To hear this message in its entirety, check out our website Sermon Player. You can also download it FREE to your MP3 player or podcast.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we welcome you to visit us. Zoe Christian Fellowship is located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA 18976. Directions can be obtained at our website or contact us at (215) 343-7686.

Announcements

Need prayer? Please let an usher know prior to the service.

If you'd like to help us cover the cost of the new projector, please mark "Projector" on the blank line of your offering envelope and how much you're enclosing. The projector cost $968.00. So far, we've received $505.00. We're over halfway to our goal!

Special Notes

The first five teachings from the new Sunday Morning series, "Bearing Fruit For God," are on the website. Today, is #6, and we will have that one posted by Wednesday. Remember, you can always download or view the outlines from the teaching with the blanks filled in for you.

Thanks to all, who worked so hard to make Vacation Bible School a special time for the children. Many youngsters from the area came out each night and Sunday morning. Some received Jesus and others were encouraged in their walk with the Lord. It wouldn't have happened without your help.

The Church Picnic was so much fun! Thanks to all, who came out for food and fellowship.

Quotable Quotes

"You can have faith in your heart and doubts in your head and still get results." - Kenneth E. Hagin

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday night, 9/7/10, at 7:30 P.M., Pastor Steven will continue the series, "Parables of Jesus." Come out and invite a friend.

Sunday Series - Bearing Fruit for God - Fuit Growing For All

Text: Galatians 5:1-6

Galatians 5 urges believers to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and not to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Those two words also mean to stand firm, to persist, and to persevere.

Paul makes it abundantly clear that there are forces in this earth that will try to steal our liberty and bring us back into bondage. What does freedom look like? First of all, he indicates that to be bound to Christ is to be free from the law, while to be bound to the law is to be free from Christ.

Growing up, I had a special dog. After training, Shasta knew if I snapped my fingers she was to come to me immediately. She always looked to me for approval if she wanted to do something. Because of her obedience, she did not have to be constantly on a leash and had a great deal of freedom. If I went to the park, she could run ahead of me. I knew I could trust her.

Freedom doesn't mean we can do anything we please. I kept Shasta protected and out of trouble because she trusted and obeyed me. When we pursue God and obey Him, we're given much freedom within certain boundaries. (verse 13)

Galatians 5:14 tells us that all the law is fulfilled in one word, "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Paul goes on to define the works of the flesh in verses 19-21. All of these practices cause harm to others and are not based in love. The idea here is the habitual practice of these behaviors. When we walk in the flesh, we are pulling our treasure from this earth. When we walk in the Spirit, we are pulling our treasure from heaven.

In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love. The word, "fruit," is singular. All of the other expressions are the result of walking in love: joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.

If you want to know how the fruit of the Spirit can be operational in your life, listen to the entire message on our website Sermon Player, download it to your MP3, or podcast. Are you visiting in the area or looking for a church home? We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), Warrington, PA. For directions, check the website or call (215) 343-7686.

Projector

Our old projector stopped working a few Sundays ago, and we were unable to fix it. We ordered a new one for $968.00 that will not require a replacement bulf (new LED technology).

If you would like to sow an offering to help us cover the cost, just mark "Projector" on the blank line of your offering envelope and how much you would like to give. Thank you for your help!

Thank You!

Our second Vacation Bible School finished up on Sunday morning, 8/29. Several children accepted Jesus as their Savior.

Thanks to all those who volunteered their time. You did a great job!

Quotable Quote

"Take your faith and change what tomorrow brings." - Charles Capps

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 9/1/10, at 7:30 P.M., Pastor Steve will pick up the "Parables of Jesus" series. Come join us to study God's Word.

Sunday Morning Series - Bearing Fruit For God - Smart Water

Text: Joshua 1:8 and various

In John 15:1-5 Jesus declares he is the true vine, the Father is the husbandman, and we are the branches. Apart from the vine, we can do nothing.

Some people worry they're not producing fruit if they're not leading others to Jesus. Fruit is different from reproduction. Being fruitful relates to us alone-our character.

In order to produce fruit, the right conditions must be present. We must water the seed.

Proverbs 6:2, 15:4, 18:21, I Peter 3:10, and Samuel 2:1-3 all talk about the words of our mouth. We water the fruit-producing seed when we speak God's Word. Allowing doubt and unbelief to pour from our lips waters weeds. The woman with the issue of blood kept telling herself if she could just touch the hem of Jesus' garment she'd be healed. Her words produced the fruit of faith, and she was healed.

God's water comes from what we see, say, and hear (the Word of God). Weeds come from seeing, saying, and hearing things contrary to God's Word.

To hear the entire message, please visit our website, and click on the Sermon Player. The MP3 and podcasts will soon be available for FREE download.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. The phone number is 215-343-7686.

Projector

The new projector for the Sanctuary has been great. If you would like to sow an offering to
help cover the cost, just mark "projectot" on the blank line of your offering envelope and how much
you would like to give. Accept the Thanks of Zoe in advance.

Church Picnic

Next Sunday 8/29: The church picnic will take place at the home of Pastors Steve and Connie.
We will head over after the service and Yes! the pool will be open for
swimming. Bring a salad and/or dessert and anything special you may
want. There will be plenty of hotdogs and hamburgers for the grill.

Quotable Quote

"Faith sings in your heart, no matter what assaults your soul."
Lester Sumrall

This Week at Zoe

Wednesday 8/25 (7:30 p.m.): We will continue Brother Hagin's teaching from an old seminar
he taught at Rhema. We will be showing the next two.

Friday 8/27 (7:30 p.m.): This will be our second Vacation Bible School to the area children. We
will be driving through the communities 1 hour before the service. We
welcome any help you can give us with this event and your prayers
for its success.

Saturday 8/28(10:00 a.m.): The Ladies Brunch to be held in the Children's Church Auditorium.
Bring a breakfast dish and of course your Bibles.

Saturday 8/28(6:30 p.m.): V.B.S. day 2. We will be driving through the communities 1 hour
before the start of service. Your help and/or prayers are welcome.

Sunday Sermon-Bearing Fruit for God-Bring on the Rain!

Text : James 5:7-9, Mark 14:32-42, Galatians 5: 13-18 and others.

Be patient until the coming of the Lord. Patient in what? Patient for what?
We need to be patient in what we are doing for the Lord and patient for for the coming of the lord.
It is too easy to become tired or discontented with what the Lord has called us to do. It is also easy to get impatient with the Lord's tarrying.

The Bible uses the example of the Farmer. He trusts that the rain is going to come and patiently waits for it. He knows that the fruit is produced after receiving the rain. For the Christian the rain represents the pouring out of The Holy Spirit. To be attached to the Vine (Jesus) is not enough to produce fruit. Jesus said, "Abide in me and I will abide in you". The connection allows the Holy Spirit to flow and this flow will produce fruit. One way to abide in Jesus is to establish your hearts on The Word of God.

In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus commanded the Disciples to watch and to pray that they may not enter into temptation. The Greek word for enter used here is eiserchomai (into/to go or leave). Its use emphasizes that Jesus is not talking about accidently sinning but a sinning entered into willfully. The Lord says go this way and you decide to go another way. The Disciples slept instead of praying and when the time came they denied their relationship with Jesus.

Jesus said,"The Spirit is willing but the Flesh is weak". The Greek word for willing prothumos expresses a willingness or eagerness to do something. The Greek word for weak asthenes imparts a feebleness, without strength, weakness. For fleshly needs override the spirit needs there must be an insufficiency of the Spirit. There are two ways to deal with this insufficiency. Either we can decrease the problem, desire, situation or we can increase our spirit to overcome.
Most of us know to eat healthy; fresh vegetables, fruits, etc. However, frozen pizza is much quicker and easier to prepare.

The Spirit nature is contrary to the Flesh nature. They are at constant odds with each other. When I walk according to the Flesh I am walking according to a contrary nature and thus I take away from my ability to produce Fruit. From our Example from last week we see that Flesh effort can produce something resembling fruit (wooden apple) but it is Spirit effort that producves the only Fruit that God cares about (real fruit). As any orchard owner will tell you Fruit is grown. It takes time and purposeful effort.

In breaking it down we are told by Jesus that we are to love others as ourselves. The nature of God is Love. The nature of Satan is Pride (love of self). The Fruit of the Spirit is Loving others as well as youirself. The works of the flesh is loving yourself before others.

Water Baptism

Next Sunday, August 22nd, we will have a Water Baptism service followed by a church picnic at the home of Pastor Steve and Connie. We will head over there right after the service and once all are baptized, the pool will be open for swimming.

If you or any of your children are interested in being baptized, please let Pastor Steve know immediately.

Quotable Quote

"The simplest soul can touch God and live in the very presence of God and in His power." - John G. Lake

NEWS FLASH!

At tonight's midweek service, Pastor Steve will show a seminar given by Brother Hagin. The topic is faith and believing God's Word to be true.

Come out tonight at 7:30 P.M., and enjoy this classic teaching.

August Prayer Focus

We are praying for:

Our Country -

Our President.

The Congress.

Federal and Supreme Court judges.

The exposure of ALL enemy plans against us, and that God be glorified when they are stopped.

The operation of WISDOM instead of SELFISHNESS in our government.

Protection for our soldiers.

Our Community -

Our Governor.

Local government leaders.

For laborers to be sent into the fields.

For opportunities for us to share Jesus.

For supernatural nowledge in witnessing so our harvest increases.

Our Church -

Our leaders.

Pursuit of the flow and anointing of the Holy Spirit on each service.

Our pursuit to abide in the vine and bear fruit for God.

Financial needs: Jobs, better job, pay increases, wisdom.

To recognize bad seeds that have taken root in our head to keep us from thinking that the blessings of God are on us.

Preparation to come to church ready to give and/or receive something.

Outreach to children.

New members to be added to the church.

(Colossians 1:9-12):

To be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding

that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work.

To be increasing in the knowledge of God.

Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.

Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

This Week at Zoe

Wednesday night, 8/18/10, at 7:30 P.M., is our regular Bible Study.












Please Note: There will be NO MEN'S BREAKFAST THIS MONTH.

Sunday Series - Bearing Fruit for God - It Looks Like Fruit!

Text: II Timothy 2:14-22 & Others

Sanctification involves our presentation to God: Approved, not ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, shunning profane and idle babblings. Our words must be backed up by a godly life.

This scripture also tells us in a great house there are vessels of gold and silver, wood and clay. Today, we might have a set of fine china, everyday dishes, and paper plates. It's up to us which we want to be. Verse 24 says that if a man purges himself...

Note that sanctification (holiness) doesn't occur until after we've received salvation by grace through faith in Jesus. We cannot earn forgiveness. (Eph. 2:8 & 9).

According to Galatians 5:19-21, there are three types of works: 1) Those that are carnal. These are people who sin and don't care who knows about it. 2) That which is concealed. People that haven't changed, but hide it. They try to exhibit fruit, but it's fake. 3) That which is changed from bad to good. True fruit cannot be faked. God wants fruit that is useful.

To hear this message in its entirety, visit our website and click on the Sermon Player. You can also podcast or download it to your MP3 player.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we are located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), Warrington, PA. The church phone number is (215) 343-7686. Directions are available on the website.

Water Baptism

On Sunday, August 22, 2010, we will have a Water Baptism service followed by a church picnic at the home of Pastor Steve and Connie. We will head over there right after the service and once all are baptized, the pool will open for swimming.

If you or any of your children are interested in being baptized, please let Pastor Steve know.

Quotable Quotes

"Heaven never comes to earth cheap. It never has! It takes prayer." - Norvel Hayes

This Week At Zoe

On Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at 6:30 P.M., the leadership will meet for prayer. At 7:30 P.M., we will have all church prayer. We'll try to finish by 8:45 P.M.