the Logos

The season of Lent has started (40 days to Easter not counting Sundays). Check out this video from Pastor Matt Chandler on the significance of prayer and fasting during Lent. We're doing a church-wide time of prayer and fasting. We're asking everyone to do a partial fast. A partial fast is where you choose to abstain from certain foods and drinks instead of complete abstinence of all foods. Others may choose to fast from television, computer, newspaper, hobbies, etc. This will help you free up some time to spend in prayer and reflection. Here are some things to pray about during your fast: your discipleship (walk with Christ) and for boldness and empowerment to disciple someone else. Join us again on Wednesday at 7pm for our Bible Study series called the Journey. This Wednesday, we'll look at Jesus teaching His disciples. Disciples are called to learn about Jesus and learn from Jesus. Mark your calendar for our Spring Spruce Up on 3/25 from 9am to 12pm. All are invit...

God showed Himself to be a mighty deliverer this past week!  Bro. Derrick Wiggins received a "not guilty" verdict at his trial.  He faced 27 years in federal prison but God showed mercy!  Derrick, his mom, Minister Rasheeda, and even his lawyer gave their testimonies about how the odds were really stacked against Derrick but God made the final ruling!!  We truly had a glorious time praising God. Please pray for Elder Wayne Bullock who lost his brother suddenly last week. The Homegoing Service will take place in Illinois on Thursday. Deacon Robert Hunter who was admitted to Rex Hospital on Saturday was released on Sunday.  All tests were negative so we praise God for that. Congrats to Nicole and Caesar Boone on the birth of their daughter, Amia Renee Boone on Feb 23rd. She weighed 7 lbs and 2 oz is 21 inches long. Join us again on Wednesday at 7pm for our Bible Study series called the Journey. This Wednesday, we'll look at Jesus calling His disciples. C...

The Homegoing service for Sis. Juanita Hunter will take place on tomorrow (Monday) at 11:00 AM with visitation preceding the service at 10:30 AM. Interment takes place at Carolina Biblical Gardens. A public viewing will be held today at Haywood Funeral Home from 3-8 PM. Please pray for Bro. Charlie Pritchett who lost his brother last week. The memorial service will be held in Michigan this week. Join us again on Wednesday at 7pm for our Bible Study series called the Journey. This Wednesday, we'll look at defining discipleship. To live as a disciple of Jesus includes embracing a lifestyle of discipleship. Our College/Young Adult Ministry will have a fellowship of young believers on Friday, 2/24, at 7pm. Open to ages 18-26. Please see Deaconesses Tracy Dunn or Shebbie Coppage to RSVP and get the location of the fellowship. There are many reasons why Christians do not share their faith or make disciples. A couple of the biggest reasons given are that they don’t know how or do...

Join us again on Wednesday at 7pm for our Bible Study series called the Journey. This Wednesday, we'll look at what does it mean to be a disciple. A part of being a disciple of Jesus is to participate in God's redemptive mission for the world. Since disciples are called to participate in God's redemptive mission in the world, then we should be encouraged to get equipped for that mission. Join us for our upcoming Theological Seminar on Saturday, February 25th, from 9:00am to 11:30am. I will be teaching on "How to Share Your Faith & Make Disciples". Come out and get equipped to fulfill the Great Commission. Light refreshments will be served. Please r egister for the seminar online or use the Connections card. Free eBooks will be given to those who attend. My Hope Outreach Sunday is 3/12. All members are asked to commit to inviting at least one unbeliever or unchurched person to join us at church on that Sunday. During that service, we will share the hop...

Join us again on Wednesday at 7pm for our Bible Study series called the Journey.  This Wednesday, we'll look at the importance of disciples joining Jesus on mission.  As followers of Jesus, we've been called to participate in the mission of making more disciples. We are starting preparations for our Easter program and we need volunteers.  The program will include children and adults.  So we'll need parents to bring their children out to rehearsals.  Please see Sis. Daureen Richards for details and to volunteer. We are having My Hope Outreach Sunday, where all of our members are asked to commit to inviting at least one unbeliever or unchurched person to join us at church on 3/12.  During that service, we will share the hope we have in Jesus Christ.  So start thinking about who you will invite to church on 3/12 and pray that they would come and God will save them. As we prepare our hearts for My Hope Sunday, we'll have testimonies from various ...

Join us again on Wednesday at 7pm for our Bible Study series called the Journey. This Wednesday, we'll look at the importance of disciples living in community and why participation in the church is essential. Next Sunday, we start our journey through the Gospel of Mark with a series called "Following the Servant-King". It will take about a year and a half to get through this book. We had our Church Family Meeting right after the service today. Our key ministry initiatives for 2017 are... Theme: Make Disciples: Helping Others Follow Jesus  Focus on discipleship training and helping members to grow  Two My Hope Outreach Sundays The Journey, 1 year intentional discipleship (during Bible Study)  Starting Women's Sunday School class (on First Sundays)  Mission trip (three opportunities: India, Haiti, or Kenya)  Church-wide Q&A Session(s)

We have a new President and it grieves my heart to read some of the hateful things being said by Christians. No, I don't think Trump is qualified but if I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, how I talk about someone (and what I post on social media) matters. "A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart." Luke 6:45 (NLT) My wife said, "We should not get too hung up on who sits in the oval office and be more concerned with 'what' is in the 'oval office of our hearts". Even if you consider President Trump to be your enemy, we are called to love our enemies . And since Trump is our President (Yes, he is regardless if you want to admit it or not), we are exhorted to pray for him. "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings...

I missed worshiping with my Mt. Zion family today as I was worshiping and preached at Sovereign Grace Church of Apex .  Thanks for all who prayed for me.  It was greatly appreciated. I preached on the topic "For I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel" from Romans 1:16-17 and it was well received by the church.  It was also a blessing for my family and I to worship with another congregation of people who are different than us.  There is diversity in the Gospel and the Kingdom of God so we must embrace it and not just tolerate it. In my absence, Elder Wayne Bullock gave the pastoral emphasis.  Here are some items he mentioned. Zone 1 members ministered at Brookdale Assisted Living this afternoon at 2pm. The Male Choir rendered a mini-concert. Thanks to all that attended. Join us again on Wednesday at 7pm for our Bible Study series called the Journey. This Wednesday, we'll look at the meaning and importance of baptism. Mt. Zion is partnering with the Western ...

Happy New Year! Due to the winter weather, we did not have service on Sunday but we got on Periscope to worship and hear a Word from God.  If you missed it, you can check out my message below. RSS or Email Subscribers click through to see the video 2017 is here and our church theme is "Make Disciples: Helping Others To Follow Jesus".  This year, we'll be strengthening our walk with Jesus and equipping people to share their faith and how to disciple others. On last Wednesday, we started our new year-long Bible Study series called the Journey which will be a year-long intentional plan for discipleship.  Session 1 was about this truth: You were created by a passionate God who relentlessly pursued you to bring you into His family.  Session 2 will be about the centrality of Jesus in the life of a disciple.  Purchase your personal study guide for $4 and join us on Wednesdays at 7pm. Next Sunday, 1/15, I'll be preaching at Sovereign Grace Church in Apex...

On last Sunday, we praise God for the two individuals who rededicated their lives, the two young ladies who trusted in Christ, and Sis. Danielle Downing who joined the church. Today, we also praise God for the young lady (13 years old) who was baptized.  All Glory to God! The Christmas season is not joyous for many people especially for some who struggle with depression. During the time, suicides increase. For some, depression can be triggered by a change in season. Even believers can suffer with depression. I want to offer some encouragement with this interview with Christian author, Randy Alcorn about Going Deep with God in Depression. RSS or Email Subscribers click through to see the video For additional resources, check out my sermon series on depression, Gospel Light in Deep Darkness. You can order the messages online or watch it from the archives on our website (end of August-September timeframe). Our 2017 Church Theme is "Make Disciples: Helping Others To...

Evangelist Barry Singleton had gone to the hospital last week and at first they thought he had another heart attack but thankfully it turned out to just be a pulled muscle. He's back home resting. We were so thrilled that Bro. Dominic Downing came to church today! It was truly a blessing so see how far God has brought him in his recovery! We give all the glory and praise to our God! Don't forget the Christmas Holiday Extravaganza on 12/17 at 4pm. It will be an evening of worship, music, and sacred arts. Sovereign Grace Church in Apex will be hosting it. The admission "price" is a new unwrapped toy or Hurricane Matthew relief item. Get more details here . Oak City Academy invites us to their school's Christmas program on 12/15 from 6 to 7:30pm. CFCFC is having their annual Christmas musical entitled, "A Very Jazzy Christmas – an evening of live jazz". The concert will be held on Sunday, 12/18 at 6:00 PM at the Herb Young Community Center. ...

We have much to pray for.  Please pray for the following: Bro. George Beamon, a former member and the nephew of Deacon Wes & Sis. Donita Harrison was shot and killed recently in Durham . Please keep the Beamon, Harrison, and Durden families in your prayers during this tragic loss.  Sis. Cynthia Aldridge's sister passed from cancer.  Deaconess Shirley Smith is currently recovering from surgery at Wake Med in Cary. She is doing well.  Update: Bro. Dominick Downing is doing well and his strength is getting better. He is thankful God saved his life and wants to live his life for his Lord and Savior. Continue to pray for his recovery and physical therapy.  Update: Sis. Juanita Hunter had a good week. She is doing well and her will-power is strong. Continue to pray for her and her daughters, Sis. Thelma & Sandra, as they care for her.  Last year, Mt. Zion hosted the Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda . They will be back in Cary in concert o...

We give God all the praise for the opportunity to serve our community. For Thanksgiving, our Worship Ministry sponsored five families from West Cary Middle School. I encourage everyone to look for opportunities during the holiday season and beyond to show the love of Christ to others. On Wednesday, 11/30, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm we will be having Elder-led Prayer. Everyone is invited to join us as we focus on specific prayer needs. If you are not able to attend but have prayer requests, you can submit them online . Mark your calendar for 12/17 at 4pm for a joint Christmas Holiday Extravaganza with the churches of my prayer partners. It will be an evening of worship, music, and sacred arts. More details to come.

Last week, I preached about delighting in the Lord and He will give you new desires to know Him better (see "Delight and New Desires" at http://mtzioncary.org/zion-live/ ). False teachers want to twist the Scriptures to preach a false gospel of prosperity. But to delight in the gifts over the Giver is to practice idolatry! And the prosperity gospel is utterly bankrupt when you have to face real difficulties and suffering.   RSS or Email Subscribers click through to see the video What makes God look glorious is when we cling to Christ and know that He is enough for us.  As John Piper said, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him in the midst of loss, not prosperity"! Thanks to all who came out yesterday to help clean the church for our Fall Spruce up on 11/19. 33 people attended  16 from leadership  13 members including 2 youth, 1 child  4 visitors  55 total hours worked  $1,375.00 saved  All areas of the c...

Let me address the recent election: God's sovereignty is not something you only claim when things go your way... God is also sovereign when events happen that you don't like or agree with . And I see too many Christians attacking and belittling either Trump or those who support him, claiming they're just returning what people did to Obama. But Christians are not to return evil for evil ! We overcome evil with good . Besides we have too much Kingdom work to do. Living under President Trump is NOT the worst thing that can happen. You know what is? Dying without Jesus! Thanks to all who were able to come out the home-going celebration for Sis. Claudette VanFoote. Please continue to pray for the family. Some of you have heard that Bro. Dominick Downing was involved in a tragic car accident on early Friday morning where he lost both of his legs and his cousin died. Please keep Dominick, Sis. Tracy Dunn (Dominick's mom), and the entire Downing family in your prayers. ...

For those who have not heard yet, our dear sister, Claudette VanFoote went home to be with our Lord on Thursday. We are sorrowful because we will miss her but yet we are joyful because we know she is in the presence of the Lord Jesus. And in the presence of the Lord, there is fullness of joy! Her home-going celebration will be on Friday, 11/11 at 11am with the viewing starting at 10am. Don't forget to exercise your right to vote on Tuesday if you didn't do early voting. But let me repeat what I've said before...our hope is not in a donkey or elephant but in a lamb...the Lamb of God! You have one more week (until 11/13) to bring your donations for the Supply Drive to help families who have been impacted by the flooding in Eastern NC as well as donating men's suits, dress shirts, socks, and shoes for the Simply Suits Drive. On 11/12, there will be a Cary Unity Walk that we want Mt. Zion to participate in. We're asking everyone to wear their Mt. Zion t-shirts (...

Thank you all for your generous donations for our Supply Drive to help families who have been impacted by the flooding in Eastern NC. Let's keep the donations coming. And thanks for the donations to the Simply Suits Drive as well. Fathers Forever have picked up a full rack of suits so we have room for more. They also have need of more dress shirts. Both drives are scheduled to end on 11/12. Speaking of 11/12, on that day, there will be a Unity Walk in Cary.  We want to have a good group from Mt. Zion participating.  We're asking everyone to wear their Mt. Zion t-shirts (150th anniversary or this year's theme). There is a $15 registration fee which will go to benefit two non-profit organizations, The 200 Club of Wake County and Read & Feed, that serve many needs in our community.  Even if you cannot pay the registration fee, they will not refuse you from participating. Go here to get more details and register. We have a new Bible Study Series starting on 11/...

We are currently having a Supply Drive for help families who have been impacted by the flooding in Eastern NC. We have flyers available for items you can donate . The drive will end on 11/12. During this same time, we are having a Simply Suits Drive where you can bring in your used men's suits to be donated to the Fathers Forever program. In addition to suits, you can donate dress shoes, socks, shirts, ties, and overcoats. Check out the video on this page to learn more about this wonderful program. Next Sunday, we'll start Twisted 3 series, where we'll be looking at more Scriptures that are often taken out of context. Here's the schedule for the Scriptures we'll be examining... 10/30 - " Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth " 11/06 - " Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap ." 11/13 - " Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of yo...

Congrats to our newer members, Daquon and Ch'ressa Johnson on getting married yesterday. Praise God for My Hope Sunday! Thanks to all who invited and had guest here.  I've already heard about some of the great conversations afterwards about how the message and videos really hit home. As follow-up, talk with your guest about the sermon and their experience.  If your guest come to faith in Christ, we have materials that you can use to provide follow-up and discipleship . From Oct. 23 to Nov. 12, we'll be having a Simply Suits Drive where you can bring in your used men's suits (that you've outgrown) to be donated to the Fathers Forever program, whose mission is to provide suits for men in unfavorable circumstances while working towards self-sufficiency.  In the Fathers Forever program, the men are setup with job interviews but they often don't have suits.  In addition to suits, you can donate dress shoes & socks, shirts, ties, and overcoats. We all kn...

My Hope Sunday was great! God was praised, the Gospel was preached, and people fellowshipped.  The topic was "Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?" coming from Luke 13:1-5 . But the reality is that there are no "good" people.  We are all "bad" (i.e. sinners) who need a Savior. The only good person is Jesus. Jesus died for our sins and rose for our victory. When bad things happen, it should cause us to repent and trust in Jesus. Now may the Holy Spirit cause the seed of God's Word to grow in those who heard it! A big shout-out to the only food truck that came after the service: Apex Peak Bar-B-Que !! The food is always great! We are having a one-night Renewal Service on this Wednesday, October 12th, at 7:00pm. Dr. Leonzo Lynch, Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Charlotte, will be the guest speaker. Everyone is invited to join us for this special service. Please join the Children's Ministry as they serve at the Brown Bag Ministry on Sa...