Category Archives: 2016

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Easter 2016 – Special Invite

Easter is upon us Sunday March 27th!  I can’t believe this will be the 7th Easter we have celebrated together at 217church!  217church is a multi-campus church with 3 services in 2 locations this Easter:

9 & 10 AM at the Hamilton AMC24 Theater

11 AM at the Robbinsville Sharon Elementary School

If it is your 1st time, we have a special gift waiting for you!

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We would love to see you this Sunday and celebrate the resurrection with you.  Our text this week will be Luke 24.  Jesus is risen from the dead!  In Luke’s account of the resurrection, we see the amazing truth of the resurrection and the reaction of several different people.  Peter realizes he is forgiven and everything Jesus said was absolutely true.  Because of the love of Christ and resurrection power, we are to leave sin, embrace life, and embody love.

 

Want To SAMPLE 217church before you come?  You can:

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch a recent message here:  “What God says about you…”

We just celebrated our sixth anniversary as a church! For Nehemiah and the people, the wall is complete!  In just fifty-two short days the people complete the wall and Nehemiah realizes the incredible power of a God given vision.  Although the attacks will still come, we must remember we are chosen, crafted and privileged as God’s sons and daughters.

 

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis, a series our church just completed:  READ THIS

Hope to see you soon!

Josh

 

Join us at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 10:00am and Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ at 11:00.  Our new Robbinsville/East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, we would love to have you join us.  Don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here

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Dedication – Day 40 – Relaunch Journal

Dedication – “Determine your direction and dedicate your destiny.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 12:27-47

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What victories has God given you over these last 40 days?  Whatever victories he has given you, we want to celebrate them together.  Next Sunday, March 20th, is Palm Sunday.  It is also the official relaunch of 217church.  Seal the dedication of your heart to God by sharing your story, making a sacrificial gift, and sharing with your small group the victory God has given you.  Be thankful!  Achieving victory is not easy and I know the Holy Spirit has given you the advantage in all things!  Thank you so much church for making this #Relaunch such a success!

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 6 of Relaunch:  “Sacrificing with No Reservation” Here:

Nehemiah records his great sacrifice for the people and the vision to rebuild the wall.  His eyes were not on the present gain but on the future well being of the people.  Our sacrifice now means significance in eternity.  In Luke 12 Jesus tells the story of someone who thinks he is well prepared for his future and his secure in his finances, but he neglects the most important thing, the health of his own soul.  To have a healthy soul we must be intentional givers.  We all find ourselves at one of five stages:  We have never made a gift, are an occasional giver, a proportionate giver, a tither, or an extravagant giver.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Completion – Day 39 – Relaunch Journal

Completion – “Assess where you are, align with God’s word, and activate God’s plan.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 6:15-19

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Amazing, absolutely incredible!  Have you ever witnessed the completion of a vision after years and even decades of hard work, sacrifice and pain?  There is nothing quite like it.  I’ll never forget the first worship service in our new worship center at New Hope Church in Bend, Oregon where I served for 8 years.  I’ll never forget when I stood 7 years ago at our mother church, Princeton Alliance Church, and we successfully paid off our mortgage.  What will the future hold for 217church?  I’m praying for surprise.  I’m praying for an absolutely exhilarating act of God to show his favor to us in our community!  He will complete this work.  He will return for His bride the church! I can’t wait!

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 6 of Relaunch:  “Sacrificing with No Reservation” Here:

Nehemiah records his great sacrifice for the people and the vision to rebuild the wall.  His eyes were not on the present gain but on the future well being of the people.  Our sacrifice now means significance in eternity.  In Luke 12 Jesus tells the story of someone who thinks he is well prepared for his future and his secure in his finances, but he neglects the most important thing, the health of his own soul.  To have a healthy soul we must be intentional givers.  We all find ourselves at one of five stages:  We have never made a gift, are an occasional giver, a proportionate giver, a tither, or an extravagant giver.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Accounting – Day 38 – Relaunch Journal

Accounting – “Everything you do matters.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 7:66-73

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Our church recently just sent out over three hundred giving statements to people totaling over $545,000 for the end of the 2015 year.  Some people get uncomfortable talking about giving, but Nehemiah just lists in his book his account of what he gave.  Why was he so comfortable doing this?  He had nothing to hide, obviously.  Recounting the giving and celebrating milestones are an integral part of celebrating and giving an account to God of how we handled the money he entrusted to us.  My prayer is we will continue to celebrate His provision and excel in the grace of giving.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 6 of Relaunch:  “Sacrificing with No Reservation” Here:

Nehemiah records his great sacrifice for the people and the vision to rebuild the wall.  His eyes were not on the present gain but on the future well being of the people.  Our sacrifice now means significance in eternity.  In Luke 12 Jesus tells the story of someone who thinks he is well prepared for his future and his secure in his finances, but he neglects the most important thing, the health of his own soul.  To have a healthy soul we must be intentional givers.  We all find ourselves at one of five stages:  We have never made a gift, are an occasional giver, a proportionate giver, a tither, or an extravagant giver.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Perseverance – Day 37 – Relaunch Journal

Perseverance – “When the trial comes, press on.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 5:16-19

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After a long period of perseverance, the time comes where we reflect and remember the past.  Nehemiah reflects on his long arduous task.  He doesn’t reflect in a complaining and reluctant way, but gives a written account and asks God to bless his sacrifice for the vision.  Integrity and passion are marks of a life well spent on a vision worth pursuing.  Many of us have been a part of the church since the beginning.  You have sacrificed much and you have served well.  Our time is not over, and your reward and financial sacrifice is building up a treasure in heaven!  Keep on rebuilding.  May you reap the reward of the sacrifice in your life.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 6 of Relaunch:  “Sacrificing with No Reservation” Here:

Nehemiah records his great sacrifice for the people and the vision to rebuild the wall.  His eyes were not on the present gain but on the future well being of the people.  Our sacrifice now means significance in eternity.  In Luke 12 Jesus tells the story of someone who thinks he is well prepared for his future and his secure in his finances, but he neglects the most important thing, the health of his own soul.  To have a healthy soul we must be intentional givers.  We all find ourselves at one of five stages:  We have never made a gift, are an occasional giver, a proportionate giver, a tither, or an extravagant giver.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Sacrifice – Day 36 – Relaunch Journal

Sacrifice – “Work, give, save, live.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 5:14-15

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Nehemiah models for us what it means to be all in to the vision, financially.  This makes me ask the question where am I at in my giving and sacrifice?  We are all at one of five places:  not a giver, occasional giver, percentage giver, tither, or extravagant giver.  God wants us to take the next step in our giving in order that we will not be dependent on our things but prove our dependence on God.  He is the one who gave it all at the cross.  Leaders model giving, period.  Lord, in all things give our church family obedience equal to our level of knowledge about the scripture.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Submission – Day 35 – Relaunch Journal

Submission – “Submission releases the power of humility in your life.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 13:23-31

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Is there any doubt who the leader was in the book of Nehemiah?  Nehemiah by today’s terms would probably be considered a dictator.   He came back on the scene and closes the book with swift reforms.  One thing he understood, along with the rest of Jerusalem, was the need for Godly spiritual authority.  Nehemiah by no means was perfect, but he was in full submission to his pagan king and his holy God!  That just blows my mind.  How is that even possible?  Nehemiah did it.  What would happen if we each submitted ourselves to the spiritual authority of God and His church?  My prayer is that we would as a church, learn to submit to the Godly authority He has placed over us, and leverage humility in our lives.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Correction – Day 34 – Relaunch Journal

Correction – “Evaluate, motivate then activate your faith and make right what is wrong.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 13:1-22

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Sometimes people are in the right spot and sometimes people are in the wrong spot.  Sometimes people change over time and need to be moved to a different role in the church.  It isn’t easy to make changes, especially in the church, but a course correction every now and then is necessary to ensure vision alignment.  Leaders must do the tough work of evaluating the ministry roles and responsibilities at every level of the church.  Finding your role isn’t about where you serve but more about the attitude with which you serve.  Lord, help us to be flexible as we do your ministry.  Give us servants hearts that are willing to use our spiritual gifts however you see fit.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

 

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Teamwork – Day 33 – Relaunch Journal

Teamwork – “Teamwork makes the dreamwork.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 12:1-26

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After the first leadership vision meeting of 217church in August of 2009, progress began to happen very quickly.  We prayed, planned and personally invited people to be on the team.  We set out on a mission to be “a restored family sent on mission to make disciples.”  We realized almost instantly that everything depended on God and we needed Him to supply us with a strong team that works together.  If God is going to use us to extend this ministry farther and faster than we could ever imagine we MUST have an incredibly strong team that has character, competence and chemistry.  We must be hungry for the vision and take initiative together.  How can you use your gifts to align with the vision?

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Moving – Day 32 – Relaunch Video

Moving – “If you have small faith you can move mountains.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 11:1-36

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It was time to move into the city and 1 of 10 families would live there.  Ultimate commitment to the vision meant the people were willing to uproot themselves form their comfortable lives and change everything.  It was quite literally time to move.  Maximizing the effectiveness of everyone’s gifts meant there needed to be a diversity of people living in the city from all different walks of life.  The casting of lots was an absolute submission of the will of the people to the purpose of God.  My prayer is that God would move us to this type of covenant relationship with each other and our community.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE