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Marriage Counseling If your marriage is on the rocks and you are wondering how you can improve it, please reach out to us. We are confident that God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts. Jesus is able to fix your marriage and to give you what you are looking for. Zion Lutheran Church offers marriage counseling for couples in the Atlanta area. Usually, if counseling is integrated prior to marriage and/or during the beginning years of marriage, issues can be spotted and worked through in a more proactive approach. Our pastor desires to give you the tools you need to resolve conflict, to weather life’s storms, and to make transitions in life before they occur so that you are prepared to handle them. Still, even though there’s nothing in life quite as wonderful as marriage, there’s also nothing quite as challenging. Two very different people who have come to believe that their lives would be incomplete without the other, aren’t always as ready to seek the best for the other. As the years go by, it is not unusual for problems to arise—even in the best of marriages. Healthy marriage relationships require constant attention and effort. Zion Lutheran Church desires to offer Christian couples marriage counseling should you desire it. You don’t have to be Lutheran to receive our services. We want all marriages to succeed. Just know that you will be treated with kindness, compassion, and love. Zion’s pastor approaches marriage counseling with a sense of hope. He believes that things can get better through the forgiveness and healing that is found in Christ and that you can have the marriage you desire, even though you may be tempted to believe this is not possible. If your marriage is on the rocks and you are wondering how you can improve it, please reach out to us. We are confident that God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts. Jesus is able to fix your marriage and to give you what you are looking for. Reach out to us at www.zelcloganville.com . We’d like to assist you in fixing your broken relationship. Contact Help is just a phone call away... Email: zionlutheran@zelcloganville.com Cell: 470-214-3401

Topical Bible Studies Sometimes, a Christian has a specific question in mind or issue in his life. We just want to know "What does God say about...?" If there is a particular question that you have been wondering about, take a look at these topical studies. Maybe you will find what you're looking for. Then again, you might find something you didn't know you were wondering about. "Reason for Repentance" The Bible speaks of repentance as an important part of the Christian life. What makes it so important? Is God dependent on our repentance before He can forgive us, or do we need to make a change in our attitude before God before God will have a change of heart toward us? Click the image on the left to watch a video recording of this Bible study. Click the title above for a digital copy of the handout. "Purpose of Prayer" Prayer has often been referred to as the Christian's native breath, yet it is an aspect of the Christian life many struggle to practice consistently. How can we be certain God hears our prayers? What if nothing changes after we pray? How is it even possible to pray without ceasing? If you are looking for answers to such questions about prayer then this Bible Study is for you. Click the image on the left to watch a video recording of this Bible Study. Click the title above for a digital copy of the handout. "Sacrifice & Sacrament" In many Christian denominations there is a confusion about the difference between a sacrifice and a sacrament. A sacrifice is something that man does for God. A sacrament is something God does for man. When churches teach that Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper are things which they do in obedience to God, they are turning God's grace into works which man performs for God rather than what God does for man. This Bible study emphasizes the distinction between the two and thus shows the great comfort that God offers us in the sacraments. Click the image on the left to watch a video recording of this Bible Study. Click the title above for a digital copy of the handout. "The Olivet Discourse" Many point to supposed "signs" that the end of time is upon us. The teachings of Jesus in His Olivet Discourse (so named because of the location from which He taught His disciples) has been the subject of much debate within the Christian Church for generations. A major reason for this ongoing debate is, quite simply, a misunderstanding of Jesus' words and of prophetic language. To receive the instruction Jesus has in mind for us, it will be necessary both to take Jesus’ words as they come, unless there is Scriptural warrant to take them in a different way. "Timely Topics" Does it seem like you're swimming upstream against the rushing river of society's thinking? You believe one thing, but so many around you at your work, school, and in your neighborhood - not to mention influential people that you hear or read about - believe something else. It's almost like you speak a completely different language. It's often difficult to speak intelligently on current issues, especially in a way that is faithful to God's Word and loving toward others. This series of lessons brings some of today's challenging topics into the open and into the light of God's Word so that we can be prepared to speak the truth in a spirit of Christian love.

End of Life & Terminal Health Concerns "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die." (John 11:25-26) Receiving a diagnosis of cancer or any serious illness often brings an overwhelming sense of reality to our doorstep. It's that moment when the inevitability we've always known suddenly stands right before us. The questions flood in: What treatments will I need? Will I be okay? Who will care for my family during my hospital stay? And perhaps the most profound question of all – is God punishing me? Facing a life-threatening illness or the effects of old age can force us to confront our own mortality. Most of us would prefer to avoid thinking or talking about our death, but turning a blind eye won't change the fact that we all share a 100% mortality rate. In these challenging times, pastoral counseling offers a space filled with sensitivity and compassion. It can guide you to recognize the importance of not squandering your final days on worry, fret, or anger. How you approach your death communicates as much about your relationship with Christ as how you've lived. God has a good plan for us, providing a hope-filled path to magnify Jesus in our last days. Don't miss the chance to let your light shine, strengthening your faith in Him as your personal Savior. Remember, He's got this, and He's got you! Contact Help is just a phone call away... Email: zionlutheran@zelcloganville.com Cell: 470-214-3401

Addiction "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) When it comes to addictions, there is both a physical as well as spiritual component. Addictions and addictive behavior not only affect neurological patterns, they also tend to cause things like guilt, anger, and lusts to stew under the surface of who we are as human beings. Also, while it may be true that there is some genetic factors that contribute to addiction, particularly to substances like alcohol, addictive behavior results from a choice the individual makes to engage in an activity or to partake of a particular substance. The individual becomes an addict at the point that his or her sinful choices have become so habitual that he or she no longer recognizes the willful choice and the no longer recognizes the harm caused to oneself and to others. This does not mean that the individual has become diseased but rather that he or she has become enslaved to that sinful activity. The habitual nature of choices can and does have physical, emotional, and mental consequences, but these are effects rather than causes. Overcoming an addiction involves recognizing the truth (conviction), repenting (turning from sin to God), faith (trust in Jesus who forgives us) and replacing sinful habits with godly ones (putting off and putting on the new man). If you are ready to go through this transformative process right now, at this moment, is the time to take the next step. Contact Help is just a phone call away... Email: zionlutheran@zelcloganville.com Cell: 470-214-3401

Our Mission It is the Lord Jesus Christ who has determined our mission by commissioning His Church to "make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them... and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." We believe that it is our mission to preach the Bible as what it is - the living Word of the living God. We do not believe the social, political, theological or ethical opinions of men have any place alongside God's Word. We believe that it is our mission to help each person see himself as he is , born in sin, prone to error and doomed to hell unless rescued by God. We do not believe that man is capable of saving himself or improving his eternal destiny. We believe that it is our mission to confess God as He has revealed Himself , Father, Son and Holy Ghost–three divine Persons, yet one divine Being. We do not believe that all the religions invented by man worship the same God of the Bible. We believe that it is our mission to uphold Christian liberty in all that is neither commanded nor forbidden by our Lord in His Word. We do not believe that we are free either to set up rules that must be followed or to set aside God's commandments. We believe that it is our mission to honor and worship Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God who became a man to redeem lost and condemned mankind. We do not believe that Jesus was merely a good teacher or moralist who came to show us a better way to live. We believe that it is our mission to treat the Church as the creation of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel and that the Church's only head is Christ. We do not believe that it is a human organization subject to the manipulations of men. We believe that it is our mission to preach forgiveness of sins for the regeneration of individuals unto eternal life. We do not believe that the redemption of the world is to be found in conforming to any social pattern of men. We believe that it is our mission to administer the Sacraments as the means by which the Holy Spirit graciously creates and preserves faith. We do not believe in self-induced religious experience or any so-called faith apart from that which is created by the Spirit through the Gospel. We believe that it is our mission to proclaim salvation by grace through faith in Jesus as the only way to eternal life. We do not believe that man can be saved by his own works, no matter how sincere he may be in his beliefs or how decent he is in his behavior. If you would like to share with us in this mission, please contact us .

Are you facing challenges in your life and seeking someone to talk to about them? If you're in search of guidance aligned with Biblical values, consider pastoral counseling—a unique approach that draws wisdom from the Bible and our Creator who knows our struggles better than we do. Whether you have questions or need informal counseling from a Christian perspective, pastoral care is a valuable option. Best of all, we offer it free of charge. The only thing it will cost you is your time and a commitment to apply what you learn. While our pastor is not a trained clinical psychologist or board certified counselor, his commitment to the Word of God, together with an education focused on helping people apply it to their lives, makes him a valuable added resource for those struggling with problems common in society and culture. He can't prescribe medications, but he can listen. He might not know the ins and outs of human neurology and physiology, but he understands quite well the human soul. Feel free to reach out to our pastor at any time if you are looking for such guidance. Addiction Addiction Anxiety - Depression Stress Management End of Life & Terminal Health Issues Parenting & Family Conflict Resolution Grief & Loss Rehabilitation after Incarceration Marriage Counseling Pre-marital Counseling Approach to Finances Anger Management Decision Making Get a Quote This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content. First Name Last Name Email Send Thanks for submitting!

Since the Christian's beliefs are to be based on the teachings of Christ alone, the Bible is the source of all that we believe, teach, and confess. Jesus has established that only the Word of God is to determine what is taught in His Church. We therefore believe and teach that: The Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God and therefore the sole rule for all our teaching The word and opinion of men are not to add to nor subtract from the Word of God The two chief teachings of the Bible are the Law of God, which points out the sin of mankind, and the Gospel of Christ, which points out the Savior from sin. These two teachings are to be properly distinguished and the Gospel is to be predominant since it is the truth by which people are saved. Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, is the only Savior for sinners. By His holy, substitutionary death on the cross, He has redeemed and justified every sinner. The Holy Spirit is responsible for the gracious work of sanctification whereby the spiritually dead sinner is brought to faith in Christ and preserved in that faith until safely entering eternal life in heaven. The Holy Spirit does this work of grace through the means of grace; the Gospel in the Bible and in Baptism and in the Lord’s Supper. The LORD God is not willing that any sinner should die eternally but that all should come to know Jesus and thus have eternal life. To that end we seek to share the precious Gospel message of Jesus, His life and His work, with everyone. Zion is distinctly Lutheran in its confession and teaching and therefore subscribes without reservation to the following confessions: The Apostolic, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds The Augsburg Confession and its Apology (1530) Martin Luther’s Small and Large Catechism The Smalcald Articles (1537) The Formula of Concord (1577) The Brief Statement (1932) Concerning Church Fellowship (1962) You can download a pdf copy of the “CLC Statement of Faith and Purpose” HERE .

Follow Me: Discipleship according to Saint Matthew The goal of this course is to study the whole gospel of Matthew. Matthew reveals to us how Jesus taught his disciples to make disciples of others. Matthew tells us to watch Jesus, learn who he is, and see his compassion and power and how he ushers in the kingdom of God. Watch him die for our sins and rise again. As we do this, we will be willing and able to follow him and grow in our ability to live for him. Individual Lessons Lesson 1 Matthew 1: Who Is Calling Us to Follow Him? Lesson 2 Matthew 2: We Follow a King Who Is Received Only by Faith Lesson 3 Matthew 3: The Kingdom of God Is at Hand Lesson 4 Matthew 4: Follow Me—I Am Your Righteousness Lesson 5 Matthew 5: Live as Members of My Kingdom Lesson 6 Matthew 6: Follow Me In Piety and Trust Lesson 7 Matthew 7: Serve the World with the Gospel Lesson 8 Matthew 8: Follow Me—For I Have Authority and Compassion Lesson 9 Matthew 9: Follow Me—For I Give You Forgiveness Lesson 10 Matthew 10: Bring Others into My Kingdom of Grace Lesson 11 Matthew 11: Follow Me For Who I Am Lesson 12 Matthew 12: Let Nothing Harden You against My Message Lesson 13 Matthew 13: Boldly Spread the Message of the Kingdom Lesson 14 Matthew 14 & 15: Be Separate from the World Lesson 15 Matthew 16: Taking up Your Cross Lesson 16 Matthew 17: Share in My Glory Lesson 17 Matthew 18: Forgive as I Have Forgiven You Lesson 18 Matthew 19: Marriage, Children, and Possessions Lesson 19 Matthew 20:1 - 21:11: Follow Me to Jerusalem Lesson 20 Matthew 21:12-46: Bear Witness against Unbelief Lesson 21 Matthew 22: Follow Me With a Pure Heart Lesson 22 Matthew 23: Find Refuge under My Wings Lesson 23 Matthew 24:1-35: Always Watching for My Return Lesson 24 Matthew 24:36 - 25:46: Follow Me Until I Return Lesson 25 Matthew 26:1-46: I Go Ahead of You Lesson 26 Matthew 26:47 - 27:10: I Must Go to the Cross Alone Lesson 27 Matthew 27:11-56: Our King Goes into Battle Lesson 28 Matthew 27:57 - 28:20: Lead Others to Follow Me

Timely Topics It's often difficult to speak intelligently on current issues, especially in a way that is faithful to God's Word and loving toward others. This series of lessons brings some of toda y's challenging topics into the open and into the light of God's Word so that we can be prepared to speak the truth in a spirit of Christian love. Individual Lessons Lesson 1 The fundamental differences between a biblical, creationist viewpoint and what is known as intelligent design. Lesson 2 Just as God created the earth’s atmosphere to sustain human life, he also promises to preserve the earth’s atmosphere and climate in such a way that it will always be able to sustain human life. Lesson 3 Without the Fall, attraction and gender identity would be in accord with God's perfect design. Because of the Fall, attraction and gender identity do not always align with God's perfect design. Lesson 4 As we think about our annual celebration of Christ’s birth, we want to make sure that we are giving full glory to God. Can we do so while also engaging in make believe? Lesson 5 A good review of what the Bible says about Baptism centered around the question of whether grandparents should baptize their grandchildren when their own parents don't. Lesson 6 There is much confusion regarding the practice of "Close Communion." We want our practice to be in accord with God's Word, so what does the Bible say about this always timely issue? Lesson 7 As separate as the kingdoms of the world and the Kingdom of God are, both are established by God, and they inevitably overlap. Most notably this occurs in the life of the individual Christian since Christians are citizens of both kingdoms.

Anxiety - Depression "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) Anxiety and depression are common mental health conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. Anxiety is characterized by feelings of fear , worry, and apprehension that can interfere with daily life. You might even have an unexplainable deep sense of doom. Depression is more than just a feeling of sadness. It can seem like you are walking under a cloud, even when it's sunny out. Or, you might feel as though you are walking through a tunnel with no perceivable light at the end. Whether it be anxiety, depression, or a combination of both, those afflicted by these conditions often have a hard time engaging in even the most basic aspects of life. While prescription medication does help alleviate many of the symptoms of anxiety and depression, which is often necessary, it can never cure them. Pastoral counseling helps to address and look for the causes of anxiety and depression and to help the individual apply God's Word to them. Through this approach, pastors provide essential guidance that helps cope with those issues that result in anxiety and depression with faith and hope. Contact Help is just a phone call away... Email: zionlutheran@zelcloganville.com Cell: 470-214-3401

Social Issues Many of the issues that become a point of division in our communities and in our nation belong in the political realm. However, many of them have been placed in the political realm though they are, in reality, a matter of morality and thus belong in the religious realm. This purpose of this page is to inform you of Zion's perspective of many of the social issues of our time. Section Title Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Small Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Section Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content and make sure to add any relevant details or information that you want to share with your visitors. Slide Title This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content.

Sermons for the 2023-2024 Church Year Advent 1 - December 3, 2023 "This is My Beloved Son" Cain - the First Murder (Genesis 4:1-16) Advent 2 - December 10, 2023 "This is My Beloved Son" Ishmael - the Illegitimate Son (Genesis 16:1-14) Advent 3 - December 17, 2023 "This is My Beloved Son" Absalom - the Rebellious Son (2 Samuel 18:24-33) Advent 4 - December 24, 2023 "This is My Beloved Son" Jesus - the Perfect Son (John 3:16-18) Christmas 1 - December 31, 2023 "The Crying Jesus Makes" (Luke 2:21-30) Christmas 2 - January 7, 2024 "The Trouble We Have With God" (Matthew 2:1-12) Epiphany 1 - January 14, 2024 "Not Taken for Granted" (Luke 2:41-52) Epiphany 2 - January 21, 2024 "Not Taken for Granted" (Luke 2:41-52) Epiphany 3 - January 28, 2024 "The Lasting Value of Divine Generosity" (Matthew 20:1-16) Transfiguration - February 11, 2024 "Jesus Dispels the Dark Cloud of Uncertainty" (2 Peter 1:16-19) Lent 1 - February 18, 2024 "God on Trial" #1 - Accusations (Job 9:1-12 & Job 40:6-14 Lent 2 - February 25, 2024 "God on Trial" #2 - Showing Restraint (Matthew 26:47-56) Lent 3 - March 3, 2024 "God on Trial" #3 - Testimony (Matthew 26:57-75) Lent 4 - March 10, 2024 "God on Trial" #4 - The Redirect (John 18:28-38)