Category Archives: Easter

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Good Friday – I Just Can’t Comprehend it

I have tried to understand what Jesus did those days leading up to the cross, but what he actually accomplished to me is unfathomable.  I will admit it, I just can’t comprehend it.  Perhaps the most perplexing thing Jesus did during those 48 hours: He took ALL the blame for every sin, every wrong, every injustice, every abuse, every divorce, every betrayal, every lie, EVERYTHING.  Taking the blame for something you didn’t do isn’t just abnormal, it smacks you in the face.  Most of us would cry for JUSTICE and FAIRNESS.  But in this case, Jesus has you covered, literally.

The truth and reality of Good Friday should leave us in awe of a Savior whose love is incomprehensible.  

Join us at 217church for our Good Friday service 7 PM at Sharon School in Robbinsville, NJ

Good Friday 2016

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”  Isaiah 53:5

Don’t get me wrong, I think we should try and comprehend, and we should aspire to know Jesus in his suffering and ascend to the greatest joy we could ever have in this life.  In this pursuit of God, what we will find is a deeper revelation of the love of God and the truth that nothing can separate us from it.  Being “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20), and yet living, this is my desire and purpose.  But today, I am crushed under the weight of His love, and yet I am miraculously healed.

4 Reasons I Can’t Comprehend Good Friday –

#1 Pain – Excruciating agony of forty lashes minus one on the back with a whip laced with bones and razor sharp objects.  The cross carried up a hill.  The spikes driven mercilessly through His hands and feet.  The crown of thorns crushed into his skull.   The unbearable pain of blows not recorded.  One final spear in his side.  I CAN’T COMPREHEND.

#2 Isolation – ALL, EVERY LAST ONE of HIS Disciples abandoned Him in during that night.  They had seen him do miracles, heal the blind, and make the lame to walk.  Jesus turned water into wine!  He walked on the water and calmed the raging storm. Heck, they couldn’t even stay awake in the garden the night he was taken.  They ALL left him, ALL denied him, ALL denounced Him, Betrayed Him.   I CAN’T COMPREHEND.

#3 Intimidation – Many of us would say Jesus could not be intimidated.  But one man can only take so much jeering.  The excruciating, emotional abandonment he must have felt from His Father in heaven and from the Roman guards and soldiers.  He became subject to the human system of hierarchy.  He became the lowest of the low on that day.  They spit on Him, mocked Him, they even hung a sign over him that said, “Here is the King of the Jews.”  I CAN’T COMPREHEND.

#4 Selflessness – We have all had our moments of selflessness, but never have I had a moment that looks even close to what Jesus did.  In all of this, the entirety of His-self was nailed to that cross.  Not because He did ANYTHING wrong, but because he was righting the wrongs.  I can’t comprehend after all this how Jesus exclaims, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do?” Then with one final breath, he exclaimed, “It is FINISHED!”  I JUST CAN’T COMPREHEND.

I’m perplexed but have a purpose. I’m ruined yet restored.

May you rest in the fullness of the forgiveness of Jesus and may you be healed according to His Word.

Josh

You are invited to our Easter Celebration and our new series

Caution Tape – “Staying out of the MESS”

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March 27 – Easter – Resurrection Power  9 & 10 AM Hamilton AMC 24 and 11 AM Sharon School in Robbinsville

April 3 – Pride
April 10 – Sloth
April 17 – Greed
April 24 – Lust

This #Easter Join us at 217church in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:00 & 10:00am or Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ at 11:00.  217church is a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Easter Sunday   Our new Robbinsville/East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday at 11 am.  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.  Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here

 

 

 

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What To Do When You Are STRESSED

The other night I was thinking about a couple of situations my family is facing and I couldn’t sleep.  What keeps you up at night?  Have you been there?  As we enter into Holy Week, there is a common thread running through our western culture.  People are STRESSED OUT all the time.  Whether it’s finances, marriage, family, job, or moving, all of these cause mental, emotional and can even affect our physical health.  The sad thing is, even our children are stressed out!

You will get stressed!  But what should you do?

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“My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” Matthew 26:28

I lead a church and daily hear of and spend time with people who are at a crossroads in their lives.  Death, marriage, birth, moving, bankruptcy, moral failure, I have seen it all.  We can learn much from Jesus’ moments before he suffers crucifixion, one of the greatest physical and emotional stresses known.  Jesus understands your stress. 

4 Things To Do When You Are Stressed –

#1 Separate Yourself – When stress hits it is often because I don’t see a pathway forward.  As Jesus was preparing to die, he knew he needed to get away.  Sometimes we are forced into solitude and other times we need to have the foresight and discipline to take a sabbatical and get away, FAST.  Jesus needed to feel the support and the love of His Father to have the strength to go forward.

#2 Pray – Maybe this one is common sense, but I am not talking about a casual prayer, I am talking about a desperate prayer.  One that calls out to God for deliverance and a miracle.  Call out to God, even if you don’t feel close to Him, even if you feel like He won’t listen.  If Jesus prayed and sweat drops of blood out of stress, well, maybe that is what it takes.

#3 Rely on Your Friends – When Jesus went to that Garden, He went with his friends, not alone.  He specifically asked them to watch.  Now, they failed him, but they needed to be present with him.  Have you ever thought what you are going through may be to help others gain courage?  The disciples learned a valuable lesson on that night.  I’m sure they never forgot those moments with Jesus.

#4 Follow Through – If you need courage, you need not to look further than Jesus on the cross.  Take the step, have the tough conversation, ask forgiveness, pay down the debt, believe God for your healing.  He is there with you.  Do it!

Jesus ultimately came to bring peace to all of this chaos.  Let this scripture resonate with you today…

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28

Josh

Join us at 217church for our Easter celebration and for our new series Live Differently…

April 20 – Easter – A Life Transformed

April 27 – Spiritual Health

May 4 – Family Health

May 11- Financial Health

May 18 – Physical Health

This Easter Sunday April 20th 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 9:30 & 11am and Grace Rogers School in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new 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, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

 

 

 

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Egg Hunts for Kids in Hamilton & East Windsor, NJ

HAMILTON, NJ- Looking for a great egg hunt to attend with your family that is FREE? 217church will host two large egg hunts in Mercer County on Saturday April 19th.  In addition to candy, egg seekers will also find prizes ranging from movie tickets to a family 4-pack of tickets to Six Flags.

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The egg hunts will take place from 12-3pm at the following locations:

Farmingdale Park
1220 Nottingham Way, Hamilton, NJ

Grace Rogers Elementary School
380 Stockton St, Hightstown, NJ

The egg hunts are also a great opportunity to give back to the community, says Lead Pastor, Josh Conn, as each participant is asked to bring a canned item that will be donated to a local food pantry.  In addition there will be free food as the church seeks to bring community people together.

“We are looking forward to celebrating Easter with two massive egg hunts and food donations for our local pantries, which are still dangerously low on supplies,” notes Conn.

217church will also host Easter church services at their two campus locations on Sunday, April 20th.  Local residents are invited to attend services at the AMC 24 movie theater in Hamilton at 9:30 and 11 or at Grace Rogers Elementary School in East Windsor at 10:15 to kick off the church’s “Live Differently” 5-week series.

For more information about 217church’s egg hunt or Easter church services, contact josh@217church.com or visit www.217church.com

 

217church is a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ started in 2010.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Grace Rogers School in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, West Windsor, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

 

 

 

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Do You Have The Secret Sauce?

Last summer at a BBQ event I tasted the meat and I was blown away!  I had never encountered such a perfect blend of spices and smokey flavor.  I approached the host cook and I immediately wanted to know where it came from.  The lady just looked at me and said, “If I told you what was in it I would have to kill you!”  I said, “No, really, what is in it?”  Then she began to tell me it was an old family recipe passed down for generations.  But she would – not – give – me –  the – recipe.

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“Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages.”  Romans 16:25

What is the Secret Sauce of Our Church?  Here, let me just share it with you…     (We are a restored family sent on mission)

#1 Spread The Vision – Restored –  If you believe in something you will spread it as much as you can.  Once the life transformation through JESUS and the Gospel happens, you will do everything possible to make sure other people know!  Give it away for free!  Don’t hold it all for yourself.  We express this idea at our church through baptism.  Once you are baptized you carry the DNA understanding as an agent of transformation.  Invite others, tell others, Encourage others, you are no longer the same you are transformed!

Action:  Get Baptized Now

#2 Share Responsibility For The Work – family – When you share the responsibility for the vision it means that you get busy boldly acting out the vision.  The Gospel is expressed best through acting and being a family.  This means work! It means you have to do something.  You commit to take care of those that are hurting and you own the problems of those around you.  You become committed to making disciples and deeply investing in others and you view everyone in your community as a family.  Families take care of one another.

Actions:  Join a ministry team, invest in a small group family

#3 Serve The Ministry – sent on mission – Many people have no problem with the first two ingredients, but this one trips them up.  Imagine if you left out one key ingredient to the secret sauce.  It wouldn’t be worth tasting would it?  Here is the best way I know to express this idea.  We have to view ourselves as servants to the world we live in.  This means we never let an opportunity to serve someone pass us by.  If people are to truly come into relationship with Jesus, we have to embody what Jesus said about “not coming to be served, but to serve and give his life.” 

Action:  Serve people in your neighborhood, workplace and circle of influence now

This Easter season is an incredible opportunity to reach out and serve your neighborhoods as a family.  We will have 10 different opportunities the week of Easter through our small group families to reach out and serve.  Take this secret sauce and go flavor the world.

Josh

 

Josh is the lead pastor of 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ planted in 2010.  We are a part of a family of churches planted in Central New Jersey including Princeton Alliance Church in Plainsboro and Element Church in North Brunswick, NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Grace Rogers School in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus now meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

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Break Free This Easter

There are some experiences in our life that mark us for the rest of our lives. These experiences can be full of pain and anguish but can guide us to our understanding of our redemptive God. If you look at your scars they tell a story of a broken world: A physical illness, a story of abuse, a divorce, a fatherless child, an orphan, a life of poverty, a death of a close friend. If you look closely at your life, these experiences are calling out to you to see the great power of the resurrection of Jesus to set you FREE!

“…Death no longer has any power over Him,” Romans 6:9

4 Ways To Break Free This EASTER (R.I.S.K.)

  • R – Resurrection Power – Do you believe? This is the question. Belief that Jesus that has forgiven you gives you access to the resurrection power, and it is no JOKE! We see Jesus raise someone from the dead in Luke 8. But are you living like you are dead or alive? What have you given the enemy power over in your life. God wants to give you Resurrection power in EVERY area in your life. To overcome sin, addiction, failure, you now have access!
  • I – Invitational Lifestyle – Are you taking anyone with you? Literally, who are you bringing along with you to be your rock? Who prays for you, believes with you, cares for you? Better yet, who are you praying for, believing in and caring for? Individualism is overrated. The world says be great, Jesus says to make Him Great and then make others great. (Matthew 22:37-39)
  • S – Strong Theology – It’s not just that you believe the easy parts of the bible, but the framework that supports that belief matters. What we believe about God will determine what we do for him. Jesus isn’t a genie in a bottle granting wishes, but is more like a shepherd guiding us along the pathway of life. Here are 4 key ideas regarding who we believe Jesus is from 217church.
  1. Jesus is Savior – The bottom line is we are forgiven Acts 2:38, and our guilt is gone. Romans 8:1 This happened as a result of the blood that was shed on the cross for our sins.
  2. Jesus is Sanctifier – This means we have separation from Sin 1 Peter 1:15-16, and separation to God, Revelation 1:6
  3. Jesus is Healer – His healing power points everyone to him. John 9 Physical, spiritual, emotional, it’s all covered!
  4. Jesus is our Coming King – This means Jesus is coming back to Earth his appointed day to rescue us! Acts 1:11 Are you ready for His imminent return?

(You can read more in depth about these four ideas here)

  • K – Killer Instinct – If you are going to Break Free you have to put to death your fleshly desire. Romans 8:13 . Put to death your pride, greed, and desire for more control. You need to realize you are in a battle with your own sin nature and the world. James 1:12-18 But this is where is gets good! Remember DEATH HAS NO POWER OVER YOU!

So isn’t it time to TAKE A RISK and follow Jesus with your whole heart? It’s easy to follow Jesus on Easter, your true test will come Monday morning. I’m looking forward to seeing you at one of the below Easter celebrations during Holy week. If you are nervous about coming, consider this e-mail I just received from someone who was at 217church for the first time this past Sunday:

“We really enjoyed the service on Sunday. This was our first time coming out and we felt everyone from the time we walked into the first door and ultimately taking our seat made us feel welcome. The service was well organized and we felt the message was straight to the point and relevant. We look forward to coming out again this coming Sunday.”

217church Easter Schedule 2013

  • Good Friday Open Prayer Time- March 29th 6 PM – 9 PM @ 217church Youth Center 200 Whitehead Rd, Hamilton, NJ
  • Easter Celebration Services- March 31st 9:30 & 11am @ AMC24 in Hamilton, NJ
  • Special Easter Kids Party- March 31st in Theater 20 @ 9:30 & 11am

P.S.- Know someone looking to attend a contemporary church in Mercer County, NJ for Easter? Take a risk and tweet, Facebook or email this blog post! There will be a HUGE party with Easter Egg hunt for the kids and a great time of worship with other individuals and families in the surrounding Mercer County and Bucks County areas (Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Trenton, East Windsor, West Windsor, Princeton, Robbinsville, Mercerville, Yardville, Yardley, Newtown, Langhorne and more!). Join us!

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Make Easter 2013 Count at 217church

Easter is the DAY that CHANGED HISTORY!  Sins forgiven and the world redeemed.  No doubt many of you have seen the new series The Bible on the History channel.  It comes at a perfect time as the church’s resolve is renewed to be on mission for Jesus as each of us are commissioned agents of change in the world today!  The enemy would seek to distract us with the commercialization of Easter, but you can MAKE EASTER COUNT this year!  Here are 4 ways to make Easter count. 


“…And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb,”  Luke 24:2

4 Ways To Make Easter Count

1. Worship With a Local Church – How could you let Easter pass and not worship with a local fellowship of believers? On Easter Sunday, 217church will be celebrating what it means to follow Jesus with everything! Following Jesus is the most dangerous thing you will ever do.  It isn’t easy.  Take A Risk and follow Jesus!

2. Make A New Covenant – A covenant is a promise.  What will you covenant with God to do?  At 217church we have a simple covenant that we make with each other to be the church God wants us to be. We can only impact the community he has called us to reach if we have some simple agreements.  Our covenant has 4 simple ideas: 

  • Our Word:  RESTORE Protect the unity of the church – Have you accepted forgiveness and do you readily forgive others?  (Matthew 18)
  • Our Word:  RENEW  Share the responsibility of the church – Are you active sharing your faith doing the mission with a small group of believers? (Acts 2:42-47)
  • Our Word:  REBUILD  Serve the ministry of the church – Do you care for others inside the church by taking care of each other’s basic needs? (Eph 4:11-12)
  • The BIG IDEA:  Give generously in EVERY way – Does your stewardship of time, talent and treasure resemble Jesus?  (1 Corinthians 16:2)

3. Go and Invite Someone! – Wouldn’t it be amazing someday if you entered into heaven and bumped into one of your friends and they personally thanked you for bringing them on the Easter where they found a relationship with Jesus?  Trust me, they will hear a clear presentation of the Gospel of Jesus in a contemporary way at 217church.  Mercer County is full of churches like us.  Bring them to the gathering of believers to hear the Gospel and you never know what will happen.  Plan your guest list to church BEFORE you plan your Easter brunch.

4. Slow Down and Just Receive – There’s no need to stress out this Easter.  Jesus did for you what you could not do.  Isn’t it time to let go of the guilt and pain?  Make Easter a time of restoration.  Jesus didn’t die so you would be burned out, stressed out and worn out.  The resurrection is so you may have peace and rest!  Make Easter 2013 Count.


Are you willing to TAKE A RISK?  It’s time.

217church Easter Schedule 2013

  • Palm Sunday Celebration- March 24th 9:30 & 11am @ AMC24 in Hamilton, NJ (We will be having a Marriage Vow Renewal Service celebrating God’s covenant with us)
  • Good Friday Open Prayer Time- March 29th  6 PM – 9 PM @ 217church Youth Center 200 Whitehead Rd, Hamilton, NJ
  • Easter Celebration Services- March 31st 9:30 & 11am @ AMC24 in Hamilton, NJ
  • Special Kids Party- March 31st in Theater 20 @ 9:30 & 11am
P.S.- Know someone looking to attend a contemporary church in Mercer County, NJ  for Easter?  Take a risk and tweet, Facebook or email this blog post!  There will be a HUGE party with Easter Egg hunt for the kids and a great time of worship with other individuals and families in the surrounding Mercer County and Bucks County areas (Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Trenton, East Windsor, West Windsor, Princeton, Robbinsville, Mercerville, Yardville, Yardley, Newtown, Langhorne and more!). Join us!
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Why Easter Changes Everything

On my wall growing up was a small plaque with this bible verse:  “Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous, do not be frightened.” Joshua 1:9.  Little did I know how much I would need that verse throughout my life in my walk with Jesus.  As the spring arrives and the last bit of snow melts away, you have an opportunity like no other in your life this Easter:  This is your opportunity to let Easter 2013 be the day that changes everything!  In order to do that, you have to be willing to Take A Risk and ask some incredibly difficult questions…


“…Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened”  Joshua 1:9

Although Jesus isn’t dead, before we know it, we can start living like the resurrection never happened!  It is easy for us to be misguided in our focus and start worrying, complaining, and thinking always about our current problems.  But when we fully embrace the Easter story, we cannot stay the same.

5 Reasons Easter Change Everything 

1. Following Jesus Gives Hope – As I look at people’s eyes in the local coffee shop, some are empty as can be.  People are pursuing all sorts of different goals and ambitions that at the end of the day leave them wanting more.  Something twisted happens when you finally arrive at what you think you want.  You become EMPTY.  But the alternative to pursuing worldly wealth, power and pride is pursuing Jesus.  When you follow Jesus you live differently and He gives you a new plan, a new identity, and a hopeful future.  In John 14 Jesus says, “I am going to prepare a place for you.”  This is no doubt a reference to heaven and what comes after we die for those who confess Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  When you come into a relationship with Jesus, you don’t just get heaven, but as it says in John 10:10, you also get a new life and a Fresh Start! Take A Risk and follow Jesus!

Question:  Are you willing to follow Jesus?  March 31 Sermon Topic at 217church 9:30 & 11 am

2. Jesus Has Your Best Interest In Mind – Hearing what Jesus says is one thing, but actually doing what He wants us to do in obedience is another!  What we fail to realize is we think we know what is best, but what we don’t have is perspective.  We often make decisions based on what we think is best for the moment and not what is best for the long haul.  We often forget that Jesus knows our tomorrow and we need to give him our today.  What is God telling you to do?  Sell something? Move somewhere?  Go to college? Serve someone?  Whatever it is, the sooner you do it, the sooner you become unstuck and can move into the next growth season of your life.  Take A Risk and obey God.  Never forget Jesus has a plan for you.  Jeremiah 29:11

Question:  Are you willing to do what God tells you?  April 7 Sermon Topic

3. Your Possibilities are ENDLESS! – Sometimes we don’t receive from God because we don’t ask and sometimes we don’t receive because we ask from the wrong heart with the wrong motives.  The more you develop your relationship with God through prayer, the more you are able to get in sync with what He wants for your life.  This is something that takes a lifetime to master and there is no quick fix.  It all starts with the foundational belief that says, “I believe Jesus has amazing plan with purpose for my life.”  If you have lost faith and don’t have this belief, you have to pray and get it back.  The good news is that God is a God of second, third and fourth chances.  He is faithful and is waiting for you to activate your faith.  Ask Him for His heart in every matter and Matthew 21:22 says, “If you believe you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” This verse has limitless possibilities for you. It’s time to Take A Risk and Ask for BIG things from God

Question:  Are you willing to ask for ANYTHING?  April 14 Sermon Topic

4. Go Ahead, Let Go Of Your Dreams – There comes a time when we must let go of what we want and start embracing what God has for us.  When your dream dies it is the most exciting day of your life.  It isn’t a time of mourning, but a time of great celebration.  Most of the time, the death of a personal dream involves a change in the way you view your MONEY!  In order to grasp God’s dream for your life, you must change the way you view money.  It isn’t your money, but it’s HIS money! For some of us, the biggest risk we can take is to give without restraint.  Most of us trust in things.  Don’t deny it, I’m human, your human, we all have “material issues.”  This simply means at some level we all have selfish problems in the way we handle money.  There is a deep connection between money and following Jesus and it’s time to Take A Risk and trust Jesus.

Question:  Are you willing to Give without restraint?  April 21 Sermon Topic

 5. We Can Let Go Of Bitterness – Some of us discover very early in life that life is FULL of pain.  It is not a matter of if we will get hurt but when we will get hurt.  Once we are hurt if we aren’t careful, bitterness can take root and start to destroy our soul.  It eats away at our emotions and causes insecurities to form.  There is a saying that I use, “hurt people…hurt people.”  So the key to this is realize the resurrection power lives in you.  This means you have the power to forgive.  It doesn’t mean you even need to want to, but by His strength, you are going to forgive. We are to be agents of forgiveness, always willing to turn the other cheek.  This only happens when we get our heart right with God.  Are you willing to Take A Risk and forgive?

Question:  Are you willing to Forgive without reservation?  April 28 Sermon Topic

Are you willing to TAKE A RISK?  It’s time.

217church Easter Schedule 2013

  • Good Friday Open Prayer Time- March 29th  6 PM – 9 PM @ 217church Youth Center 200 Whitehead Rd, Hamilton, NJ
  • Weekend Celebration Services- March 31st 9:30 & 11am @ AMC24 in Hamilton, NJ
  • Special Kids Party- March 31st in Theater 20 @ 9:30 & 11am

Easter Series Topics:

March 31 – Follow Jesus

April 7 – Do What God Says

April 14 – Ask For Anything

April 21 – Give Big

April 28 – Forgive

Mercer County Church Blog Home

This Easter, we are announcing our biggest RISK ever!  And you can to be a part of it!
P.S.- Know someone looking to attend a contemporary church in Mercer County, NJ  for Easter?  Take a risk and tweet, Facebook or email this blog post!  There will be a HUGE party and Easter Egg hunt for the kids and a great time of worship with other individuals and families in the surrounding Mercer County and Bucks County areas (Hamilton, Lawrenceville, East Windsor, West Windsor, Princeton, Robbinsville, Mercerville, Yardville, Yardley, Newtown, Langhorne and more!). Join us!
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Easter 2013 at 217church | AMC 24 Theater Hamilton, NJ

What is the biggest risk you have ever taken in life?  Maybe it was the day you said “I do?”, or better yet the day you quit your job when you didn’t even have another one lined up?  Risk is a tricky subject because the moment we think we have life figured out, God will “shake our snow globe” and say, “If you want to truly follow me, you have to take risks!” 


“…Without faith it is impossible to please God.”  Hebrews 11:6

Following Jesus is risky business.  What we tend to do as Christ followers is look for the path of least resistance.  To follow Jesus means that we turn the other cheek, give like no one else is giving, relentlessly obey God’s commands and submit to God in every aspect of our lives.

 

Why it’s Hard To Follow Jesus 

 

1. Say Goodbye to Conventional Wisdom – Over and over again in the bible, we see the conventional wisdom of the world smashed by the wisdom of the heavens.  1 Corinthians 1 even says, “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”  Let’s take just one example of God’s wisdom, “Do not repay evil for evil.”  (Romans 12:17)  This is one that is probably most difficult for everyone.  The first thing I want to do when someone sins against me is sin back!  But we are to be people of peace.  Being a person of peace is an act of faith!  The wisdom of man will always lead you astray, but the wisdom of God will be a rock in your life.

2. Get Ready to Be Misunderstood – Jesus was misunderstood and lived the original “alternative lifestyle.” His disciples were ostracized and martyred for their faith and people were genuinely confused how living like Jesus was beneficial.  People will immediately think you are manipulating them and trying to get something out of them.  In reality, an authentic Christ follower serves ’till it hurts, loves when it seems impossible and forgives when it is improbable. This make absolutely no sense to the people of the world, yet there is an intrigue to the life of Jesus that CANNOT be denied.  He came to seek and save the lost and we are to carry on His mission until he returns to redeem the earth.

3. Your Critics Will Multiply– Ever been made fun of because of your crazy beliefs?  Ever been called an ultra-old fashioned conservative?  Ever felt like the world was entirely against your way of thinking?  Ever been publicly ridiculed, blogged about or secretly thrown under the bus at work or in the community?  Ever read the bible and had people stare in disbelief? Ever tried to do something in love and been refused because they didn’t like your “religion”? Ever take a stand for something that was biblical but unpopular and lose a friend and even your position and prestige? Ever been called a name publicly or privately because of your faith?  Welcome to what it means to follow Jesus and may this be your blessing:  “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!”  Matthew 5:10  BOOM!

4. Your Plans Have To Die – We all have desires to “be something” in life.  Whether it is to be the best mom possible or to succeed at a career, human ambition is rampant in our culture.  But in order to follow Christ, YOUR DREAMS HAVE TO DIE!  We must die to ourselves and “put to death the earthly sin nature that lives within us.” (Romans 8:13)  This is not easy, popular or catchy.  It is flat out counter-cultural & demading.  Is God calling you to give a HUGE generous gift?  Is God calling you to forgive an act that seems unforgivable?  Is God calling you to quit a job?  Is God calling you to work with the poor, the widows and orphans?  These are not “good deeds” in which we pat ourselves on the back, these are faith challenges in which we are shaped and “crucified with Christ.” (Galatians 2:20)  This Easter better not be a religious holiday with bunnies and eggs, it must be a reminder of the high demand to a lifestyle marked with RESURRECTION POWER!  Following Christ isn’t a burden, it is the HIGHEST CALLING on EARTH!

Are you ready to TAKE A RISK?  It’s time.

This Easter at 217church, will be a season of celebration!

217church Easter Schedule 
  • Good Friday Open Prayer Time- March 29th  6 PM – 9 PM @ 217church Youth Center 200 Whitehead Rd, Hamilton, NJ
  • Weekend Celebration Services- March 31st 9:30 & 11am @ AMC24 in Hamilton, NJ
  • Special Kids Party- March 31st in Theater 15 @ 9:30 & 11am

Easter Series Topics:

March 31 – Follow Jesus

April 7 – Do What God Says

April 14 – Ask For Anything

April 21 – Give Big

April 28 – Forgive

Mercer County Church Blog Home

P.S.- Know someone looking to attend a contemporary church in Mercer County, NJ  for Easter?  Take a risk and tweet, Facebook or email this blog post!  There will be a HUGE party and Easter Egg hunt for the kids and a great time of worship with other individuals and families in the surrounding Mercer County and Bucks County areas (Hamilton, Lawrenceville, East Windsor, West Windsor, Princeton, Robbinsville, Mercerville, Yardville, Yardley, Newtown, Langhorne and more!). Join us!

 

P.S.- Know someone looking to attend a church in Mercer County, NJ for Easter?  Take a risk and tweet, Facebook or email this blog post! 
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Easter – From Sickness to Health

We have all been there, sick, lying on a bed, desperate for disease to be gone, held captive by a virus or imprisoned by a temporary bout with fever and exhaustion.  Most everyone has experienced the moment when your health fails you.  YOU – ARE – SICK and you know you need help.  You need a doctor and there is no denying it. When we are sick we come face to face with our mortality and our illusion of our control and power.

Why does Easter Matter? Let me spell it out for you…P-O-W-E-R!  Without Jesus, you have none but if you know Jesus you are given the privilege to tap into it.  The same power that conquered the grave lives in you. Realize it, Revel in it, Reveal it, then Roll with it! It’s time to activate our faith!

On Easter, April 8th 217church launches into a new series Live Differently focusing on 4 areas of health:  Spiritual, Financial, Physical and Family.  The only way you will be healthy is through the Power of the resurrection.  One of the things I have come face to face with is the actual weight of this series.  There is a ton of material to cover, a huge amount of work to be done in our hearts, and a multitude of opportunity for us to make excuses for ourselves. But let’s not shrink from the challenge, let’s get transformed against the odds.

So How do we get healthy?  I think this following verse sums up what we need:

“I pray the eyes of your heart will be enlightened in order that you may know the hope in which he has called you to, the riches of his glorious inheritance of His holy people…” (Ephesians 1:18 NIV)

  • A Heart Change – You can try harder all you want…and it won’t matter.  You can get an accountability partner…and it won’t matter.  You can read another motivational book…and it won’t matter.  Your heart has to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit.  There is no substitute for real heart change.  Everything else just treats the symptoms. Are you using drugs to treat your symptoms?  What are you “medicating” with? Its a never ending cycle.
  • A Hope Transplant – Are you kidding me?  Do I really have to write this?  Yes I do, because I know although many of us have known Jesus for years, we have lost our hope.  Our daughter Lydia was born during a time of discouragement in our life. Her middle name is HOPE.  Her name is a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness.  Hope gives us the strength to make it through one more day.  The resurrection moves us from despair to HOPE!
  • An Inheritance By-Pass – We work so hard to accumulate here that we forget the inheritance we already have both HERE and THERE (yes I am talking about earth and heaven)  We worry so much about material things we fare distracted from the spiritual dimension of God’s eternal provision. It sounds incomprehensible, but the inheritance I am getting is NOW through dynamic power of the local church. LATER it will be through the second coming of Jesus because Jesus isn’t dead.  Death has no sting and has been defeated and Jesus is preparing a place for us.  (John 14)

These next 50 days of Live Differently at 217church will be life changing!  It starts with EASTER you NEED to be there.  You will have the opportunity to join a 217group and experience the Live Differently field guide as a heart renewal covenant. How will you make the most of What God will do?

We got this!  That stone rolled away was just the beginning,

It’s on!

Josh

 

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Easter is Here! Get the Word Out 217church!

It TIME 217church! I’ve never felt this much momentum in the history of our church for a weekend.  It’s the beginning of our LIVE DIFFERENTLY SERIES!

Why are we making such a big deal of this? It’s all about the PEOPLE and God’s love for US… Here is how you can help create a BUZZ!

People find 217church through you, and I think we are on the brink of some pretty incredible stuff!!  This is Central New Jersey, where we haven’t seen a church planting movement in decades.  However, you are starting something BIG!  You do an AMAZING job when it comes to reaching your friends and family members who do not know Christ and bringing them to church!  I talked to someone just last week who was a friend of a friend of a 1st time visitor just TWO WEEKS AGO!  We have seen 90 baptisms and we are just getting started.

There are a few days left…YOU can get involved and help us spread the word about Easter at 217church…

  • Go to our 217church Facebook Page and become a “fan” if you are not already.
  • Share the link to our Easter Services Event on Facebook Here on your facebook page!  Use the Invite button to invite your friends.
  • Put a link to our Web Site which has our service times.
  • We have created EGG HUNT AT THE THEATER on Easter at 11:30am for kids. Invite your neighborhood kids & families!
  • Tweet about the site and Facebook pages above with a link and a hash-tag #217Easter12.
  • Pray like crazy that 2 Corinthians 5:17 would become a reality and that people would become new creations on EASTER SUNDAY!
  • Re-tweet and link to this post to help people get the word out about Easter at 217church!

It’s going to be the BEST EASTER EVER!!!

You are a swift and potent social media force!  LET’S DO THIS!