Zion Evangelical UCC: Recent Episodes
Pastor Basile
“…outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:10)
God calls us to honor each other. How can we best do so?... We’ll talk more about it tomorrow in worship.
I hope to see you there!
Blessings, Pastor Basile
Tomorrow I will preach the third and last sermon in a three-week series entitled, “Jesus: Right from Wrong.” We’ll study another of Jesus’ parables in its original context and discuss what it teaches us about right and wrong. How would Jesus’ original audience have interpreted these teachings? How can understanding that help us interpret and apply them to our own lives? Understanding the world in which Jesus gave these teachings reveals how powerfully they still speak to everyone’s lives today.
Jesus: Right from Wrong Sermon Series 1.) Sunday, October 9th: “The Dishonest Manager: Being Honest” (Luke 16:1-13) 2.) Sunday, October 16th: “The Rich Man and Lazarus: Taking Responsibility” (Luke 16:19-31) 3.) Sunday, October 23rd: “The Laborers in the Vineyard: Being Fair” (Matthew 20:1-16)
Tomorrow I will preach the second sermon in a three-week series entitled, “Jesus: Right from Wrong.” We’ll study another of Jesus’ parables in its original context and discuss what it teaches us about right and wrong. How would Jesus’ original audience have interpreted these teachings? How can understanding that help us interpret and apply them to our own lives? Understanding the world in which Jesus gave these teachings reveals how powerfully they still speak to everyone’s lives today.
“Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God!” (Matthew 5:8)(GNT)
Happiness is good. One way to attain it, is by thinking about God. Who is this God we serve?
We’ll talk more about it tomorrow. I hope to see you in worship!
People surprise each other with gifts in many, different ways. The same is true of God and his gifts.
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10)
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Everyone is meaningful to God. That should impact the way we treat…everyone.
“Discipline yourselves; keep alert.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Preparation is a prerequisite for success when it comes to many things, including faith.
“My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” (Isaiah 32:18)
Worldly structures aren’t eternal. Those built by God…are. I hope to see you in worship!
Blessings, Pastor Basile
“Rejoice always…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)
What does Holy Scripture mean when it encourages us to “rejoice always?” Blessings, Pastor Basile
We hope you’re able to join us in person at church! For those unable to attend in person, we will live stream the worship service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/.
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12)
Understanding we’re forgiven not only gives us peace and comfort…it changes our whole lives. Tomorrow, we’ll learn what a Gospel story about food can teach us about that.
Being grateful when times are tough isn’t always easy. But it transforms our lives and eternities. We’ll talk more about it tomorrow. I hope to see you in worship!
People certainly aren’t perfect. But God is, and that has huge implications for our faith. We’ll talk more about it Sunday. I hope to see you in worship!
Blessings, Pastor Basile
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Exodus 3:7-15, 4:1-15
“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (Acts 4:31)
Pentecost Sunday. We will give thanks for God’s Presence that fills our lives and talk about how to develop and strengthen an enduring faith.
“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (Isaiah 41:13)
There are many things in the world today that have recently happened, and are happening, that are making many people feel unsafe. Scripture teaches us helpful ways to respond.
“And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” (Exodus 33:14)
Physical presence is powerful.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Courage transforms everything. We’ll talk more about it tomorrow in church.
I hope to see you in worship in person or online! We will live stream the service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/.
Blessings, Pastor Basile
I will preach the third and final sermon in a three-part Lenten series about the book, entitled, “Esther: God’s Plans Fulfilled.” I invite you to join me in exploring this beautiful story, and what it can teach us about the way God works in our lives today.
How should we respond when we encounter obstacles that are seemingly impossible to overcome?
The Old Testament Book of Esther speaks to this issue. Written sometime in the Fourth Century B.C., it is a colorful, thought-provoking story that discusses how God’s plans are fulfilled in a chaotic world.
This Sunday I will preach the second sermon in a three-part Lenten series about the book, entitled, “Esther: God’s Plans Fulfilled.” I invite you to join me in exploring this beautiful story, and what it can teach us about the way God works in our lives today.
Esther: God’s Plans, Fulfilled Sermon Series 1. Sunday, March 6th: An Opportunity, Given (Galatians 6:10)( Esther 2:15-18) 2. Sunday, March 13th: Human Plans, Revealed (James 4:13-17) (Esther 3:8-11) 3. Sunday, March 20th: God’s Plans, Fulfilled (Matthew 6:25-34)(Esther 4:9-17, 7:1-6)
How should we respond when we encounter obstacles that are seemingly impossible to overcome?
The Old Testament Book of Esther speaks to this issue. Written sometime in the Fourth Century B.C., it is a colorful, thought-provoking story that discusses how God’s plans are fulfilled in a chaotic world.
A 15-foot-tall, 250-pound inflatable ball escaped an art exhibit in Toledo and rolled down the street. Nobody was hurt. (abcnews.com, 2015)
Some things are out of our control. Like whether a giant red ball rolling down the street will disrupt our commute to work, or not.
How should we respond to things in life we can’t control? We’ll talk about it Sunday. We will live stream the service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:12)
What can a wedding party that was almost ruined teach us about building strong relationships?... A lot.
“For everything there is a season…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
How does God call us to live, in this season of our lives? We’ll talk about it tomorrow.
I hope to see you in worship in person or online! We will live stream the service from the church sanctuary at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ZionEvangelicalUCC/.
Blessings, Pastor Basile