Category Archives: Relaunch 2016

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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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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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Agreement – Day 26 – Relaunch Journal

Agreement – “Compromise means admitting your fault and advancing towards a common goal.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 5:12-13

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Once the grievance is on the table and out in the open, the problem seems to go away.  The community in Nehemiah gets agreement about the problem.  They admit their faults and make a covenant to discontinue the behaviors that are damaging community and unity.  Agreement is core to unity.  If we can’t agree on what the problem is, the conversation becomes pointless.  Have you ever had a problem with the way a situation was handled?  In your life, who do you need to achieve unity with?  Pray and ask God who you need to forgive and walk forward in unity together.

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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Striving For Unity – Week 4 – Relaunch

Watch Week 4 of 217church Relaunch:  “Striving For Unity” 2-28-16 Here:

Download the Notes Here (pdf)

I am so excited about what God is doing through Relaunch, our 40 day spiritual growth emphasis.  This is week 4 – “Striving For Unity” Nehemiah 4:15-23

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.

Follow along with the Relaunch journal starting with week 4 Here

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

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Week #4 “Striving For Unity”

Our official #Relaunch Sunday celebration is Sunday March 20, 2016 

We are officially #Relaunching @217church after 6 full years of ministry on March 20th, 2016.  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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Fighting For the Church Family – Week 3 Relaunch

Watch Week 3 of 217church Relaunch:  “Fighting For the Church Family” 2-21-16 Here:

Download the Notes Here (pdf)

I am so excited about what God is doing through Relaunch, our 40 day spiritual growth emphasis.  This is week 3 – “Fighting For The Church Family” Nehemiah 4:1-14

When the work on the wall is in full swing the people of Jerusalem are attacked fiercely by the opposition.  They are jeered at, humiliated and their physical well being is even threatened.  Like the people rebuilding the wall, as we rebuild lives one person at a time, we must come together and fight for our church family through praying continually, working tirelessly, and motivating constantly.

Follow along with the Relaunch journal starting with week 3 Here

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

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Week #3 “Fighting For the Church Family”

Our official #Relaunch Sunday celebration is Sunday March 20, 2016 

We are officially #Relaunching @217church after 6 full years of ministry on March 20th, 2016.  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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Taunting – Day 16 – Relaunch Video Journal

Taunting- “It’s time to set your mind on things above”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 4:1-5

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Ever had someone say something about your vision that was negative and untruthful?  Ever had someone get angry with you for taking a stand for integrity and what was right?  You will be humiliated, mocked, made fun of and made to look like a fool if you follow Jesus.  Jesus said you are blessed when this happens.  Jesus was one who understood how to fight the kingdoms of the world.  Jesus taught his disciples an alternative way of fighting, it was the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5).  When the disciples were together starting the church in the book of Acts, they stood for truth, relied on the Holy Spirit and prayed continually as they were imprisoned and beaten.  The church must stand with each other when trials come.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 3 of Relaunch:  “Fighting For The Church Family” Here:

When the work on the wall is in full swing the people of Jerusalem are attacked fiercely by the opposition.  They are jeered at, humiliated and their physical well being is even threatened.  Like the people rebuilding the wall, as we rebuild lives one person at a time we must come together and fight for our church family through praying continually, working tirelessly, and motivating constantly.

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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Depending On God’s Word – Week 2 Relaunch

Watch Week 2 of 217church Relaunch:  “Depending On God’s Word” 2-14-16 Here:

Download the Notes Here (pdf)

I am so excited about what God is doing through Relaunch, our 40 day spiritual growth emphasis.  This is week 2 – “Depending on God’s Word.” Nehemiah 8:1-8

When the walls are complete, Ezra stands up in a pure act of spiritual authority and reads the word to the people.  We have redemption in Christ and have been given the Word to guide us through this life.  As it transforms us, the bible is cause for declaration, anticipation, celebration, consecration, and maturation.  His Word is here for us for our benefit.

Follow along with the Relaunch journal starting with week 2 Here

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

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Week #2 “Depending On God’s Word”

Our official #Relaunch Sunday celebration is Sunday March 20, 2016 

We are officially #Relaunching @217church after 6 full years of ministry on March 20th, 2016.  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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Opposition – Day 6 – Relaunch Video Journal

Opposition – “Your opposition may be internal or external but the proposition you live for MUST be eternal.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 2:9-10

(Please note: If you are viewing video on a mobile phone you must scroll to bottom and enable “DESKTOP MODE”)

When I am praying to God, sometimes all I can see is my own failure.  The enemy turns this on me and accuses me.  I often hear words in my head that tell me I can’t do something because of my past, this is classic internal opposition.  There will be opposition.  There is the enemy of self and my own doubt that can cripple me into cowardly inaction.  There is Satan, who is literally prowling around to destroy me, and there are others.  Yes, the doubters, haters, and those who will come against the vision God has for me; external opposition.  Jesus, help me to pray with passion and and use love as a tool to shine your light as I complete the mission you have for me in this world.  Remind me of my place in your Kingdom and your love for those you have called me to serve.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 1 of Relaunch:  “Praying God’s Plan” Here:

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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Confession – Day 2 – Relaunch Video Journal

Confession – “I am sorry,” the three most powerful words you may ever say.

Scripture:  Nehemiah 1:5-7

(Please note: If you are viewing video on a mobile phone you must scroll to bottom and enable “DESKTOP MODE”)

When was the last time you asked God for something?  Nehemiah begins his asking with a deep confession. Not only does he confess his own sins but also the sins of the whole nation of Israel.  Approaching God is more about posture than petition.  If I am willing to humble myself and put God in his place, I will be more equipped and better ready to handle whatever answer God has for me.  It is comforting to know God longs to hear my confession of sin and desires of my heart.  May we say we are sorry to God for the sins we have committed and live in his grace.  May we turn from our sin and lean on His forgiveness.  May we never forget and always love the great sacrifice Jesus gave to us.

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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Three Habits That Just Seem Logical

It was a cold, dreary Sunday in January.  I was going about my business on a typical Sunday morning praying and preparing for my sermon at the theater.  I preached my sermon and at the end of the service I gave the invitation to come forward for people who wanted prayer.  What happened next shocked me.  I noticed someone in the middle section who I had known for years, but hadn’t seen for 3 years, who had never come to 217church.  That day he came forward, and made a pathway STRAIGHT TO ME to pray.  As I watched him come forward, it was like watching him walk in slow motion.  I said, “what do you need today?”  He replied, “I need Jesus to save me.”  13 months later, he is still serving Jesus and still drug free.

“Spiritual growth demands a rigorous approach.”

Ray-Hug- baptism

Embracing Ray after his baptism Easter 2015

I just talked to Ray this morning.  He is working away, slugging out his life, working two jobs and about 60 hours per week, His son suffers from a kidney disease.  There are lots of reasons for Ray to just give up.  You’ve been there, right?  But one thing is different now about Ray from when I knew him before, he has hope.  Going into these next 40 days and our relaunch series, I want you to have hope.

When your heart changes, you are willing to do whatever God wants you to do and make whatever changes are necessary to grow.  There are some baseline changes that need to take place though in our habits.  What habits do we need for spiritual growth?  Let’s get one things straight, I am not saying if you do these things growth happens automatically, nor am I trying to be legalistic.  But why wouldn’t you take EVERY opportunity to grow?  Here are three habits that just seem to flow from a maturing relationship with Jesus.

Three Habits That Just Seem Logical  

Habit #1 – Weekly Worship – Celebration – YOU NEED to worship with the body of believers.  There is nothing quite like being together with a larger group of people from the church family and community singing, worshiping, hearing the word of God proclaimed, being prayed for, and receiving communion.  When you come, you will be inspired by the Holy Spirit.   What would happen in your life if you prioritized worshiping with your church family every Sunday?  Better yet, what if you came ready to do ministry, pray, encourage, show hospitality and love to all who were coming to the worship service?  What an incredible Sunday this is going to be!  #Relaunch217

 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together,”  Hebrews 10:25

Habit#2 – Small Groups – Community –  YOU NEED a small group of believers to FIGHT FOR.  I want you to experience true biblical community.  I’m not talking about a club bible study where only the mature get in and understand, but a home where people are loved, known, and empowered to be sent out and bless the neighborhood.   Our small groups meet in homes.  Places where people are empowered by the Gospel to serve the community together, learn the Word, invite friends, care deeply and pray for each other, and oh yes don’t forget, EAT AMAZING FOOD!   Why are we so afraid of biblical community?  This should be normative for us.  #Relaunch217

 “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.” Acts 2:46

Habit #3 – Journal Daily – Solitude – YOU MUST separate from world to hear from God.  The world hums forward at a frantic pace.  The priorities and values of the world marching ahead with virtually no regard for you as a person.  But there is a savior who loves you, died for you, lives in you, and wants to talk to you.  There is a Little acronym we use called S.O.A.P.  It is a four step tool to study the word individually and write what God is talking to you.

  • S – Scripture – Get a bible reading plan and follow it.  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.

  “And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.”  Mark 1:35

I want you to grow.  Let’s grow together.  Day #1 of #Relaunch217 40 days starts Sunday!

Josh

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Week #1 “Praying God’s Plan”

Our first 217church #Relaunch Sunday celebration is Sunday February 7, 2016 

We are officially #Relaunching @217church after 6 full years of ministry on March 20th, 2016.  Our first Sunday services will be Sunday February 7, 2016 and we are already preparing for this amazing celebration weekend!   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