the Logos

I got a message from Cary's Chief of Police, Tony Godwin, about an officer-involved shooting which resulted in the suspected burglar dying. At the time, we didn't have much information but we prayed for the officers involved and the family of the deceased person. Happy Memorial Day. Let's not forget that this holiday is about remembering those who have died in service to our country. So let's pray for those families who have lost loved ones. We continue our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. Now we're looking at the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. On Wednesday, we'll be looking at the Person and Work of Christ. Also, Deacon Johnson is now taking orders for volume 3's study guide that starts in July. Join us for VBS on June 21 – June 25, beginning at 6:00pm. Come enjoy lively bible study, food, fun, community outreach (on Saturday), and a grand Sunday School lesson (on Sunday). You DO Not want to miss it. Registration has started.

Please be in prayer for a couple of members who are facing recent bereavement: Sis. Staci Torrence (the death of her father) and Sis. Diana Neal (the sudden death of her sister). We continue our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. Now we're looking at the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. On Wednesday, we'll be looking at the Doctrine of Humanity. The next Elder-led Prayer will be held on Wednesday, May 24th, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm. 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 place them in the prayer requests box on the table at the back of the church, use the Connections card, or submit them online . VBS is approaching! Deacon Bobby and Deaconess Tracy Dunn and Sis. Kelly Smith gave a brief presentation for our Vacation Bible School in June. VBS will be from Wednesday, 6/21, to Sunday, 6/25.  The theme is "Passport to Peru: Discovering God's Good Gifts".  Remember...

Our Young Adult Ministry, Chosen, presented this message for Mother's Day... "We are a group of believers consisting of members ranging from ages 18-26. We just recently started to get involved at church and we are excited about the growth of the ministry. Today, we would like to recognize not only Mothers but all of the wonderful women of the church. Each of you are precious and fearfully and wonderfully made. We believe that as women, you have made an impact on someone's life whether you birthed them or not. So we honor you today. Hopefully, you were greeted by 2 members of our ministry at the door and was also given a ribbon by two other members. We have prepared special cupcakes for each of you that will be handed out to all women at the end of service. Please come by the Chosen table outside of the Sanctuary at the closure of service. Again, we appreciate all of the things that you women do for us, we love all of you dearly and we wish each of you a great M...

Thanks to all who presented, volunteered, and participated in our first Total Body Fair yesterday. All speakers showed up and everything started and ended on time.  There was a wealth of great info available.  If you missed it, you need to definitely attend next year! Here are the stats: 1 student volunteer (my son, Isaiah)  18 presenters (some brought multiple people) on an array of topics  47 attendees  Grand Total: 66  Healthy snacks for refreshments But MOST SIGNIFICANTLY is the fact that Sis. Karen Gray wiped the floor with Deacon Corey Smith in a game of ‘Jacks’. Not one time, not two times, but THREE times!!! We got a lot of great comments and feedback from presenters and attendees. Many presenters want to come back. There is a quick 4 question survey at the Welcome Center for attendees to please complete and leave there. On Wednesday, we continue our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. We'll be looking at the fruit of a disciple. ...

Everyone is invited to join us for Elder-led Prayer on Wednesday, April 26th, from 6 to 7 pm. If you are not able to attend but have prayer requests, you can place them in the prayer requests box on the table at the back of the church, use the Connections card, or submit them online . Also on Wednesday at 7pm, we continue our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. We'll be looking the priorities of a disciple. Following Jesus means living a life that reflects His character and priorities. Thanks to all who came out yesterday to our Theological Seminar on the History of the Black Church. If you missed it, I'd definitely encourage you to watch it from our archive or order a CD or DVD . We have extra notes from the seminar at the Welcome Center. Professor Walter Strickland mentioned that he is working on turning this presentation into a book. In addition he is also republishing the book "Plain Theology for Plain People" by 19th-century black pastor and educator Ch...

On Wednesday, we continue our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. We'll be looking what did Jesus do. Jesus is worth following because only He can solve our deepest problem (which is spiritual not material). Do you know about the theological influences that helped shape the black faith? The history of black Christianity is a miraculous story that is often overlooked in accounts of the American church. Mt. Zion and LAMP Seminary RDU are co-sponsoring our next Theological Seminar on the History of the Black Church on Saturday, April 22nd from 9:00am to 11:15am. Walter Strickland, SEBTS , will be presenting. This story is not just for black Christians, but for all of God’s people because knowing one another’s stories is an act of love that is the groundwork for reconciliation. Please register for the seminar online at http://bit.ly/blkchurch . Today is Palm Sunday which marks the start of Jesus' last week before His death. As Jews were gathering to celebrate the Passover, J...

Mark your calendars for our next Theological Seminar on 4/22 starting at 9am. We have Professor Walter Strickland from SEBTS returning to give us the History of the Black Church. You will not want to miss it! Please register here . On Wednesday, we start volume 2 of our Discipleship Journey in Bible Study. Our first session will look at who is Jesus. When we have a proper understanding of who Jesus is, we'll see that He is worth following. You can purchase your volume 2 book for $4 from Deacon Johnson. Sunday at 4pm, we had an ordination service for Elder Roderick Harrison, Ministers Matt Darby, Rasheeda Oliver, and Evangelist Barry Singleton. Pastor Larry Snead preached the ordination message from Ephesians 4:1-6 on "Walk Worthy of Your Calling". We praise God for these individuals God has called to serve His church. After today, we're going to take a little break from the book of Mark. We'll resume in May. Also, I want to clarify something about the ...

If you have not done so yet, please pick up your financial contribution statement from the Welcome Center. They will be disposed of after April 15th. Thanks for those who came out on Saturday for our Spring Spruce Up. Everyone was very cheerful, loving, and willing to work.  Here are some stats: 26 total members: 12 members (including one new member) and 14 leadership  All areas of the church were cleaned.  Total hours: 50.05 for a savings of $1,250.00 ($25 per cleaning hour)  Some great comments: “Where do you need me to work?” “I better get to cleaning because I want my windows to be "squeaky clean!”  Join us again on Wednesday at 7 pm for our Bible Study series called the Journey. This Wednesday, we'll wrap up our volume 1 with a time of review and fellowship. You can purchase your volume 2 book for $4 from Deacon Johnson. Sunday afternoon at 4 pm, I preached at New Dimensions Fellowship Church for their 13th church anniversary. I appreciated thos...

Join us again on Wednesday at 7pm for our Bible Study series called the Journey. This Wednesday, we'll look at Jesus sending His disciples. Christ calls us to take the Gospel to the world. Our Spring Spruce Up is Saturday, 3/25, from 9am to noon.  Please come out to volunteer some time to help us clean and keep our facilities looking good. Next Sunday, 3/26, I'll be preaching at New Dimensions Fellowship Church at 4pm for their 13th church anniversary.  I'd appreciate your support if you can attend and definitely your prayers. So The Shack movie has hit the theaters (based on the best-selling book). It's Christian fiction and I would not even address it (there have been other fictional movies depicting God like Oh, God! and Bruce Almighty ) except for the fact that it's being marketed as something churches should be studying. They have a 5-week campaign and study designed to "help people experience the life-changing goodness, grace, and presence o...

We had a wonderful My Hope Sunday. A good number of guests were present. The Gospel was presented throughout the service, a young lady came forward for rededication, and we had a good time of fellowship afterward. All glory to God! The sermon was "The God Who Forgives Sin" from Mark 2:1-12 (as part of our series in Mark). The paralytic along with his friends came in faith to Jesus and received far more than they expected but got exactly what was needed. The paralytic received the full forgiveness of sins. They knew that Jesus could meet their needs, they were just wrong on what their greatest need was. So today, instead of focusing on your circumstances, truly think about your greatest need. Your greatest need is not to have a better spouse or better children. Your greatest need is not a better job with more income. Your greatest need is not more resources, power, or money. Just like this paralytic, your greatest need is for Jesus Himself. Our greatest need is to have ou...

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...