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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

a brief historical sketch of Zion's existence as a Christian congregation together with basic information that sets us apart as a community of Christians. Wel come Below you will find a brief historical sketch of Zion's existence as a Christian congregation together with basic information that sets us apart as a community of Christians. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church is a congregation of Christians whose chief desire is to hear and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that the Bible is God's holy word and is given to us on earth to know the way to everlasting life through faith in Jesus, who is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. Zion first began back in the 1980s as Christians who desired to hear nothing but God's truth began meeting in hotel rooms and homes in the greater Atlanta area. We first established Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and chose a semi-permanent location in Lawrenceville, GA until such a time as we were, with the Lord's blessings, able to find a permanent home for our church. With the Lord's blessing, we were able to purchase a permanent location just south of Loganville, GA. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church is an evangelical church, in the original sense of the word. Evangelical simply means "good news." We exist for the purpose of proclaiming the good news that God has forgiven the sins of the world through the cross of Jesus Christ. This is the Great Commission which Jesus entrusted to His believers. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church is also a Lutheran church. We continue to h old to and to teach the truths of the Bible as they were brought back to light during the Reformation in the 1500s. We are happy to take on the name of Martin Luther only insofar as he himself was captive to the Word of God. Like Luther, we also recognize that there is only one name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved, and that one name is Jesus Christ. As a Lutheran church, we believe and confess the following: The Bible is the holy, inerrant Word of God and is therefore the only reliable guide for faith and life. The God of the Bible is the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The world and universe were created by the power of God's Word in six 24-hour days. Sin and death entered into God's perfect creation through Adam and Eve who were seduced by Satan. In love for the world, the Father sent His Son into the world to bear the punishment for our sins. Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of the Father who became a man for our salvation. Through the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross God has taken away the sin of the world. By the Holy Spirit, God calls sinners to faith in Jesus and thereby delivers to them the benefits of Jesus' cross. The Holy Spirit works the miracle of faith in the hearts of sinners through the means of grace, that is, through the preaching of the Gospel and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. All to whom are granted this faith in Jesus are members of Christ's Church and will live forever in heaven. Those who believe in Jesus are called to be lights in the world by loving and doing good to all people. Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church is associated with other churches throughout the United States and the world who share in these beliefs. You can find a list of these other churches by visiting our synodical web page at Church of the Lutheran Confession .

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. 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.

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. 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 .

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. 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.

Feel free to browse our library and make use of whatever you find to be beneficial. Since it is our mission to share the Gospel of sins forgiven through Jesus Christ, we offer our material free of charge. We simply request that you do not make any edits. Library Feel free to browse our library and make use of whatever you find to be beneficial. Since it is our mission to share the Gospel of sins forgiven through Jesus Christ, we offer our material free of charge. We simply request that you do not make any edits. ou r Library Feel free to browse our library and make use of whatever you find to be beneficial. Since it is our mission to share the Gospel of sins forgiven through Jesus Christ, we offer our material free of charge. We simply request that you do not make any edits. Bible Study Each Sunday, Zion conducts a Bible Class for our growth in faith and understanding of God's Word. These classes vary between topical discussions and the study of specific sections of the Bible. The student of God's Word will always find that there is more to learn from a study of the Bible and will find that God's Word is gives timeless knowledge for living in the world while not being of the world. Sermons The primary work which Christ entrusted His Church to perform is to make disciples by preaching the Gospel. As such, the sermon is the highlight of the worship service. The sermons found on this site are centered on God's Word, applying both God's Law and Gospel to those who hear or read them. If you are looking to be entertained, you will most likely be disappointed. However, if your intent is to have God's Word applied to your heart and life, assuring you of forgiveness, life, and salvation in Christ, then these sermons will do just that. Pamphlets & Fliers Since our desire is to put God's Word into the hands of as many as we can, Zion publishes and distributes pamphlets and fliers for various purposes - outreach, personal spiritual growth, helping to answer questions that others might have about God and His will for them, etc. As these pamphlets and fliers are produced, they will be posted to this page. Take a look at the list to see if there is something that will assist you or a friend. Better yet, print some out and leave them somewhere for others to read. "God's Hand in Our Lives" Our larger church body, the Church of the Lutheran Confession, has produced and published an entire Sunday School curriculum that we make available at no charge. This curriculum contains 58 lessons from the Old Testament and 58 from the New Testament to help familiarize children with the main lessons of the Bible. There are five levels available, ranging from pre-school to late elementary school ages. The teachers' notes are there to assist you in teaching Jesus' little lambs.

Continuing in Jesus' Word is an important part of being His disciples. Zion's Bible studies are Biblically based to keep us connected to our Savior. Bible Study If you would like to view our Bible Class videos, you may do so here . At Zion, we believe the Bible is God's Word of Life and God's Word for Life. Our time together studying the Bible is an important part of how we grow in our faith and in our fellowship. We are happy to make these joint Bible Study lessons available to you with the prayer that they will also cause faith and walk with Christ to grow as well. You may choose from either Topical Bible Studies or Bible Series Studies. Bible Series Studies These studies examine the individual books of the Bible in the way they were originally received - as one whole unit. If you are looking for a months, maybe even years, long study to grow in your knowledge of God's Word, these studies will provide you just that. 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.

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!

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

Biblically based sermons following the historically chosen Bible passages for the individual days of the year. 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)

Since our desire is to put God's Word into the hands of as many as we can, Zion publishes and distributes pamphlets and fliers for various purposes - outreach, personal spiritual growth, helping to answer questions that others might have about God and His will for them, etc. As these pamphlets and fliers are produced, they will be posted to this page. Take a look at the list to see if there is something that will assist you or a friend. Pamphlets & Fliers Introduction to Zion Advent 2 - December 10, 2023 Advent 3 - December 17, 2023 Advent 4 - December 24, 2023 Christmas 1 - December 31, 2023

Stress Management "Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!" (Luke 12:27-28) It is estimated that over 70 percent of Americans experience physical or psychological stress on a regular basis? According to this statistic, you probably are. The problem with stress is that it can begin to affect other areas of our lives - our health, our relationships, and even our relationship with our God and Savior. One of the bigger issues with stress is that it tends to keep us focusing too much on our circumstances and our ability or inability to change those circumstances. With this mindset, we tend to focus on the symptoms rather than the root cause. While there are some physical exercises and techniques that help one cope with stress, pastoral counseling is intended to help correct and guide underlying attitudes concerning a whole array of life: possessions, work, health and fitness, marriage and relationships, etc. By focusing on Biblical encouragements to faith and prayer, along with a healthy dose of reminders about who is truly in control, the underlying causes of stress begin to subside. Contact Help is just a phone call away... Email: zionlutheran@zelcloganville.com Cell: 470-214-3401