Zion Podcast: Recent Episodes
Zion
Welcome to the Zion Podcast. Here you can listen in to our sermon of the week as well as conversations from Zion - the place where the presence of God dwells with His people.
In this week's episode at Zion, Jesus teaches His disciples a parable that illuminates the identity of every believer. Because Jesus has paid the price to give us our identity as light to the Earth, we have the power to influence the darkness around us and leave our old identity behind. Tune in for more as Pastor Josh reveals that we all have influence in our lives, but the result of that influence depends on our identity in Christ.
As Jesus enters the home of Simon the Pharisee, He is greeted by a woman who risks everything to show her gratitude and devotion to Him. In contrast, Simon does not even meet the basic expectations of a host during that time due to his own self-righteousness. Tune in to this week’s episode at Zion, where Pastor Josh discusses the danger of becoming overly focused on the faults of others, preventing us from recognizing our own shortcomings.
Jesus teaches the parable in Luke, in which He declares that this parable is more important than all of the others, and it has to do with the potency of God's word and the conditions of our heart. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
Jesus describes the believer in the Kingdom as powerful because of what He creates with the Holy Spirit through His death and resurrection. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
Jesus resurrected three different people before His own death and resurrection. This week at Zion, we talk about how Jesus resurrects all who believe in Him.
Pastor Brandon speaks about the unique role of fathers and how each of us can follow those who God has placed in our lives for spiritual growth. Tune in to this week's Father's Day episode at Zion. . .
In Luke chapter 7, Jesus is approached by a Roman centurion who understands the supernatural structure by which Jeskuls can make the supernatural happen in the natural world. Jesus commends him for such great faith and heals his servant. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
Your tongue sets the direction for your life, and Jesus tells us in Luke 6 that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Join Pastor Brandon as he talks about how our lives can be affected by what we say, and what to do about it.
As we look at Luke's account of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the soul sickness of judging and our relationship to Him as we purify our hearts instead of trying to purify everyone else. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more, as Pastor Bendett delivers the word of God.
Tune in to this week's episode at Zion, where Pastor Josh instructs us on how to live a life that reflects Jesus. In Luke chapter 6, Jesus gives His disciples the key to reflecting His image by loving and praying for their enemies. In a world prone to turning on itself, we are also called to pray for and love our enemies, strengthening our testimony and living a life so clearly revealing who they see in us, Jesus.
Pastor Brandon Block looks at the Sermon on the Mount from Luke’s perspective. Blessings and woes, according to the kingdom, hinge on our dependence on Jesus. Tune in to this week's episode for more. . .
In this week's episode at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block talks to Mothers about the accomplishment of being a mother and the relationship that God establishes with us from His perspective.
In Luke chapter 6, Jesus is confronted by Pharisees, who question his disciples' Sabbath-keeping techniques. He informs them that Sabbath is for connection with him. This Old Testament reality is a New Testament connection for believers today. Join us as we look at the oldest institution in the Bible, the Sabbath.
Jesus tells a parable about new wine being poured into old wine skins, and demonstrates what life with Him could be like if we would forget our old selves and embrace what He’s doing in us. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
When Jesus calls Levi the tax collector, His reputation is tainted, but the work of Jesus is exactly that: to come close to sinners and bring them life. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
When four men brought their friend to Jesus, it was their faith that moved the Son of God to bring healing both internally and externally. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion as we dive deeper into the book of Luke.
Pastor Brandon explores the prophetic history and early church realities of the resurrection and what that means for humanity today. Tune in to this week's episode this Easter Sunday at Zion. . .
In this week's episode at Zion, Pastor Josh Lester continues reading in Luke 5 as Jesus heals a man with Leprosy. Just like the disease, we often find ourselves wrestling with the disease of sin in our lives, all the while, Jesus offers a healing and a cleansing of all sin. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
Jesus begins to gather the disciples to himself to learn from him. In Luke chapter 5, Jesus interacts with unassuming people who miraculously experience Him as the holy man He is and the invitation to follow. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
Tune in to this episode to get an inside look at the Wednesday Night Experience as Pastor Brandon talks about John 17, one of the most powerful prayers in the bible. . .
Pastor Brandon explores life in the Kingdom through Jesus' demonstration in Luke chapter 4, not only His demonstration through healing and authority, but His practice of going away to solitary places.
After Jesus reads the Isaiah prophecy about himself, and the declaration of him as Messiah, He receives mixed emotions from a crowd who sees him only as Jesus from Nazareth. He goes on to let them know that not everyone received the work of God in their life, even in the Old Testament, and the same is true for them. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
In this week's episode at Zion, we continue our exploration of the book of Luke, focusing on chapter 4 in the life of Jesus. In this passage, Jesus uses the authority of His words to cast out an impure spirit, leaving those who witnessed the event amazed by the power He displayed. Tune in to this podcast to hear from our Young Adult Pastor, Trey Potter, as he reminds us of the power and authority that our words carry.
In this week's episode at Zion, Pastor Brandon continues in the series of Luke as Jesus publicly reads Isaiah 61. The synonym of Nazareth, declaring God's favor in tandem with Jewish tradition, and Jesus prophetic fulfillment. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
As we look into the gospel of Luke, we see that the temptation of Christ is surrounded by a battle between Jesus and Satan himself. Satan comes to Jesus with the temptation that is common to all of us. Jesus confronts him with the word. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
In this segment of Luke, we look at the baptism of Jesus by his cousin John. This miracle comes in the declaration of Jesus’s identity by God, the Father, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit at His baptism.What does that mean for each of us today as we tune in to this week's episode here at Zion. . .
As the finale of our 2026 fast, Pastor Brandon brings us perspective from the book of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of walls that surround the temple where God dwells, and now in the hearts of believers. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
The nature of fasting is tuning into God’s voice and his intentions for our lives. Everyone would like to hear the voice of God, and sometimes we get in our own way. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion as Pastor Brandon gives more instruction on tuning in to God's voice.
Isaiah 58 points to fasting that moves God‘s heart. It’s not simply a time of humbling ourselves; instead, our humility should lead to action that works powerfully in the lives of those who participate. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion as Pastor Brandon leads and guides us to what our 21 days of fasting should produce in us.
In light of our 21-day fast, Pastor Brandon brings inspiration on how many of us go on a journey and leave Jesus behind. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
God often begins something new quietly. Those who are tuned in through prayer and fasting recognize it—others miss it. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion, where Pastor Josh explains how fasting provides us with a fresh restart, perspective, and vision for the new year in 2026.
Pastor Brandon lays out biblical fasting as we call a 21-day fast for the people of Zion. Listen to hear details, how you can join in, and simply be inspired.
Pastor Brandon explores the Christmas story in Luke chapter 2, where the Jewish people were looking for a Messiah to restore their identity as a people. This baby Jesus, the unlikely Messiah, not only brought identity to the Jewish people but also extended it to the world. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
As we continue the gospel of Luke and the Christmas season, Pastor Brandon examines Luke chapter one, where an angel visits Mary and delivers to her beautiful and heavy news, the miracle of Jesus. Tune in to this episode at Zion for more. . .
A special sermon from our Christmas At Zion service, where Pastor Brandon gives us the opportunity to look at the coming of Jesus the way Joseph did—receiving the King into their world. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
Kicking off the gospel of Luke this Christmas season, we look at the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, whose child, John the Baptist, brings restoration and healing as the precursor to Jesus. God chooses ordinary people to make a difference in lives for his great plan. Tune in to this episode at Zion for more. . .
In the series on Jesus' parables, Pastor Brandon explores the parable of the minas as it pertains to the Kingdom of God. When we become filled with gratitude for the things that God has given us, it moves us to action, and that action produces a great reward. Tune in to this episode at Zion for more. . .
Pastor Brandon continues, "The Kingdom of God is Like" series with a deep dive into biblical giving. Zion is a house of healing, and you’ll never have healing in your finances until you do it with God. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
As Pastor Brandon looks at the parable in Luke 13, he dives deeper into the nature of the kingdom of God in God’s plan for production, according to His life-giving salvation. The grace of God is powerful, even in growing a fruitful life. Tune in to this week's episode for more. . .
As we continue in our series on the parables, Pastor Brandon looks into the unmerciful servant and gives us insight on the nature of forgiveness in the kingdom of God. Tune into this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
As we continue the series on Jesus's parables called "The Kingdom of God is Like", Pastor Josh highlights the importance of internalizing God's word in our hearts, not just in our minds. When we allow God's truth to take root within us, we are compelled to act on His teachings rather than merely knowing them. As believers, it is essential for us to transform every seed of knowledge and wisdom into a tangible reality in our lives. Tune into this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
As we kick off a series on Jesus’s parables called, "The Kingdom of God is Like", Pastor Brandon dives into Jesus’s instruction on prayer when Jesus gives the answer to the test upfront, encouraging followers to pray and never give up. Tune into this weeks episode at Zion for more. . .
In the final chapter of Hebrews, we tie together faith and obedience in the ancient paths that led to Christ's fulfillment. The power of God is available for every believer to live out their faith in action through the things they do. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
God’s intention was always to live and be with His people, and although He gave the gift of the law to His people on Sinai, His intention was to come with all of his power into the life of believers as a force to be reckoned with that cannot be shaken, even though the world will shake. Tune into this week's episode for more. . .
Pastor Brandon examines the life of Joseph and how anyone without a Dream would give up and faint in the worst of trouble, but a God dream creates power in opposition, creates strength in the worst of circumstances, and brings life from God‘s perspective. Tune in to this week's episode for more. . .
As we wrap up the chapter on discipline and enduring the race that we are called to run, Hebrews gives us insight into what holiness would look like for each of us and calls us to a high level of living in God, and anything else would be a disgrace to the great gift that He has given. Tune in to this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
Discipline is a commitment, and the Lord disciplines those He loves that He's desperately commited to. Our reciprocation is obedience and enduring even in the face of hardship, because we, too, choose Jesus and we love Him with our lives. Tune in to this episode for more as we continue in the book of Hebrews at Zion.
In Hebrews 12, we are encouraged as believers to run the race of perseverance that has been marked out for us. As we run this race, we often encounter obstacles that are not necessarily sin issues but can distract us from maintaining our focus and attention on God. Tune into this episode as Pastor Josh reveals the flaws of our human nature that hinder us from running the challenging yet simple race set before us.
As we wrap up the faith chapter of Hebrews 11, Pastor Brandon exhorts us and discusses what a life of faith could mean for each of us in practical and spiritual terms. Tune into this week's episode for more. . .
After Hebrews is rounded out with a list of people and situations that were common knowledge among the Jews, the encouragement continues that even in the face of adversity, suffering, and failures, faith in God is what unites us with Jesus in His perfect plan of salvation. Tune in for this week's episode at Zion. . .
Rahab separated herself from her own culture and turned to God because of the rumors that she'd heard about how great He was. Through this obedience, Rahab's whole family was saved, even though Jericho was destroyed because of disobedience. Tune into this week's episode for more. . .
In this chapter of Hebrews, we look at the life of obedience that Moses lived. His parents lived in those that came after him. Faith requires obedience, hearing the voice of God, and following with faith is the key to a life of victorious miracles. Tune into this week's episode for more. . .
Here at Zion, we have a mission to take everyone at the church to the LA Dream Center at least once in their lifetime. Not only is it transformative for the homeless community in Los Angeles to receive care and the love of Jesus, but also for those who participate in this mission trip. In this week's episode, you will hear stories and experiences from those who attended this trip and how they learned to listen to and be obedient to God's voice.
What kind of life gets remembered—not just for a moment, but for generations?
In this message, Pastor Allison unpacks the story of Joseph through the lens of legacy. From the pit to the palace to a coffin in Egypt, Joseph’s story teaches us that favor doesn’t mean easy, and legacy doesn’t happen by accident. It’s forged in the fire. In the prison. In the choices you make when no one’s watching.
You’ll learn why Joseph’s dying words mattered, why his bones were carried across centuries, and what it means to live a life marked by excellence, integrity, compassion—and unshakable faith.
Good bones aren’t built overnight. But they last forever.
Jacob passed on the blessing that came from his father and grandfather By faith. All the while, he leaned on the very stage that reminded him of his insufficiency and himself and his great dependency on God. Jacob is the great man of faith. Tune into this episode for more. . .
In Hebrews 11, we find that by faith, Isaac blessed with his words. Today, Pastor Brandon looks into the word of God and what it says about what we speak and the power of it. Tune into this week's episode for more. . .
Abraham is the father of faith because of his great obedience. Obedience requires believing God and trusting that all things are His and He has a good expected end for everyone of us. Listen in as Brandon unpacks living in obedience with our actions and demonstrating great faith.
This week, we look into the lives of Noah and Abraham, the great men of Faith. Even though they didn't understand every step of the assignment, they believed God with their lives and daily actions, which turned into a fruitful legacy that lasted even after they were dead. They believed in God, and it was realized in the thing that was hoped for, the great blueprint. Tune into this episode for more about how your faith can leave a legacy that lasts for generations. . .
Right now, we are facing a fatherless epidemic. This is the first time in history that we've had one where the fathers weren't at war. This Father's Day, Pastor Josh Lester speaks to the orphans and the fatherless. There is hope for this generation because we, as men of God, have the opportunity to band together and raise up the next generation. The result of this effort is men after God's own heart. Tune into this episode for more. . .
Hebrews chapter 11 is known as the faith chapter. As we begin with what is often called the definition of faith, we realize that it's only a facet, as we are encouraged to keep the faith and not shrink back because it is faith that pleases God. Tune into this episode for more as Pastor Brandon Block reveals to us the blueprint from God that requires action.
In scripture, it tells us, we should hold firmly to the faith that Jesus Christ completely saved. He goes on to tell us that we should also aim for holiness and keep trusting Jesus to make us righteous. Any deliberate action to completely ignore this truth leaves us apart from God, and that's a scary place to be. Tune into this week's episode for more. . .
Jesus is the author of a covenant that brings us into connection with God. This connection is God's design, but generally, our own feelings about ourselves inadequacies take us away from the connection that Jesus died to provide. In this sermon, Pastor Brandon provides five practical ways that you can break through the barriers that hold you back from this divine connection, which God designed for each and every person on earth. Tune into this episode for more. . .
As the high priest, Jesus delivers from sin in three distinct ways. His salvation isn't partial; it is complete, and it comes from the Father's heart. Jesus delivers us from sin continually and empowers us over sin and will remove us from the sin of the world in the age to come. Tune in to this episode for more as our Pastor Brandon Block delivers the word. . .
The history of the Jews and the Tabernacle runs deep, all the way from Moses to David, Solomon, and into Jesus' time. Jesus is a new revelation of God's heart for worship and the way that He provided Himself as an eternal sacrifice so that all may come in, and God may fill the whole earth. Tune in to this episode at Zion for more. . .
Pastor Brandon explores motherhood according to the divine nature of God and His deposit in every woman who bears children. His nature is beyond our wildest dreams and better than we think. Tune in to this episode this Mothers Day at Zion. . .
Sometimes it's hard to buy into new when new doesn't live up to the old. In Hebrews, the author is continually writing to convince its readers of how incredibly great Jesus is and his new covenant. Today, we talk about this new covenant that has been on God's heart all along, that He would make a new promise based on a new reality, and it is far better than we ever dreamed. Tune into this week's episode at Zion for more. . .
As a follower of Jesus, you have rightful access to righteousness, peace, and joy—not through a system, a list of rules, or traditions. These gifts are yours because Jesus stands in your place. This week at Zion, Pastor Josh will guide us through Hebrews chapters 6 and 7, explaining how Jesus is appointed as our High Priest forever. Tune in to this episode to discover what this means for our lives and to understand that there is a substitute for our sins.
The Easter story is beautiful and powerful all on its own, and it’s nothing like what we would do if we were God. Take a look with us into the Easter story as Pastor Brandon unpacks God‘s heart for humanity with this episode, "If I Were God: A Look at Easter".
The nature of an oath depends on a power bigger than yourself. God swears on an oath that we are His, and His covenant with us is secure in Him. That's on God. Tune in for another episode full of wisdom as we hear from our pastor Brandon Block here at Zion.
In this podcast episode Worship Pastor, Allison Weedin explores what it means to stay on assignment with God - especially when the easier option looks more appealing. Through the story of Jonah, we see how even well-intentioned opportunities can become distractions when they pull us away from our calling.
This episode will challenge you to course correct, recognize the true cost of our choices and return to the path God has set before you.
As much as we would like to have the sense of security that we could never, EVER throw away our salvation, the Bible gives us many warnings. Pastor Brandon dissects the scripture as a whole and calls the people of God to remain in the security and salvation of Jesus Christ. Tune in to this episode to discover the five warnings to remain in Jesus.
The Christian life is often summarized in doctrines, foundational statements, and in learning as much as we can about what it means to be a Christian. The writer of Hebrews urges us to move on to maturity, not just laying a foundation, but progressing to the person of Jesus. And, Lord willing, that is what we will do. Tune into this episode as Pastor Brandon Block gives us more insight into entering a spiritual maturity hear at Zion.
Jesus was appointed by God, much like the priests of the Old Testament. Similar to these priests, Jesus was chosen to make sacrifices for the people and to also be the sacrifice. His compassion stems from his humanity and the fact that he fully yielded himself in obedience, reverence, and submission to God the Father. Because of this, God performed great and mighty works throughout His life and appointed Him the high priest of all. Tune in to this week as Pastor Brandon Block gives us more insight into the book of Hebrews.
God's desire was to always be connected with his people. When he designed Jesus, the great high priest, to forever make connection for us, He did it in such a way that Jesus has sympathy for us and opens wide the door for us to be connected to the one who created us and loves us more than anything. It's in this place at his throne that we can find grace in favor. This is a new concept when it came to Jesus, but the priesthood was not. Tune into this episode to dig deeper into the book of Hebrews with Pastor Brandon Block at Zion.
One of the premier verses in the Bible is found in Hebrews 4. It states that the Word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than any double-edged sword. Many times, we refer to this verse to highlight the significance of the Bible in our lives and its profound impact on us. In the context of Hebrews, the author invites us to embrace a deeper level of obedience and encourages us to find rest in Jesus. This powerful word calls each person, everywhere, to enter into a new salvation that comes through Jesus Christ. Tune in for this compelling episode as Pastor Brandon Block reveals why immersing ourselves in the word is vital here at Zion.
In the same way that Israel crossed over from the wilderness to a perfect place of promise, Jesus is that promise of rest for those who will enter it. The invitation in Hebrews Chapter 4 is that we work hard and make it a priority to enter into that rest of completion because it is finished. Tune in to this episode as Pastor Brandon Block dives into the book of Hebrews here at Zion.
The decisions you make and the strongholds in your life have the power to impact generations to come. This means that when you allow God to break down those strongholds, it can bless future generations as well. In this episode, Pastor Josh Lester teaches us about Nehemiah's strategic rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. This event is significant because it offers a blueprint for how we can reconstruct the walls and dreams in our own lives and combat the enemy's efforts to keep them down. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
In continuation of encounter week, Pastor Brandon Block gives us instruction and a theological basis for healing. Tune in to this episode to understand the steps we should follow before acting in the power God has called us to.
There’s more to being born again than what appears on the surface. While God clearly states that we are born again as soon as we believe in Jesus as the Lord of our lives, we are coming to understand that Jesus died to grant us a new spirit through life. With this new spirit, we are called to walk in the fullness of righteousness that has already been provided for us. Tune in to this episode for more as Brandon Block teaches the word here at Zion. . .
Hebrews begins by addressing the Jewish affinity towards angels. Their history is deeply rooted in interactions with these majestic beings, who brought the word of the Lord, protected the people, and delivered them from bondage. It is understandable that any devout Jew would hold a high view of angels. The writer of Hebrews makes it clear from the outset that Jesus is supreme over these supernatural beings. Tune into this episode for more as Pastor Brandon Block preaches the word here at Zion.
As we embark on a journey through Hebrews, we start with a bold statement of the reality of who Jesus is a quick overview, shows us the purpose and direction of the letter, while laying the groundwork for the supreme city of Jesus. Tune in to this episode for more historical context, insight, and mission of Zion as Pastor Brandon Block explores the book of Hebrews in this new series.
As we wrap up the fast this encounter week, it's time to recognize that when we follow God's ways we reap His benefits. Psalm 103 says, "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits". In this episode, Pastor Brandon Block shows us this verse in a new light in addition to the true meaning of the fear of the Lord. This fear is a holy fear. It's a fear that says, God, I'm afraid to live a life without you here. The best way to live in His presence is to follow after His ways. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
This week at Zion, our Young Adults Pastor shares a message about favor—specifically, God's favor. In Isaiah 61, we learn about God's blessing to restore and rebuild the city of Jerusalem after the Babylonian Exile. In this episode, Trey offers insights into how our self-talk can either be destructive or help us become a better version of ourselves. Additionally, when we speak biblical truths over our lives, we can harness an even greater power to rewire and rebuild our minds to think like Christ. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
As we begin our Encounter Week of 2025, our youth pastor, Josh Lester, inspires us for the final week of our 21-Day Fast with a message about revival. Did you know that the words you speak hold the power of life and death? Furthermore, God can take your words and multiply them into something extraordinary. When God plants seeds of dreams and accomplishments in your life, it is your responsibility to bring them to life through your words. Listen to this episode to discover how God did this for Ezekiel and how He can work powerfully through your words as well. . .
Fasting allows believers to focus their hearts and minds on God rather than the challenges of life. It shifts our attention away from problems and directs it toward the solution. Leading up to the revival here at Zion, Pastor Josh Lester shares the story of how Jehoshaphat called for a nationwide fast. This act transformed their appetites and affections in a way that empowered them to win battles. As we examine our own lives, we can discover the solution to facing our struggles and worship the one true God. Tune into this episode for more. . .
Life always gives us the opportunity to reflect on the decisions we've made. When we say yes to God, we may encounter people who offer sound spiritual advice, presenting us with alternatives to the reality we are facing. However, it’s important not to quit. Remain steadfast in your commitment to what you vowed to the Lord from the beginning, and witness His faithfulness to the calling He has placed on your life.
Let’s look at the story of Elisha and Elijah as an example of not giving up and the importance of pursuing what God has established with persistence. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
The holy spirit moves inside you in new ways, taking new ground. When he moves, we move with the spirit.
In this episode Pastor Brandon is challenging us to fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit and then to allow Him to flow from you.
The Holy Spirit is a powerhouse given to all believers!
In this episode with Worship Pastor Allison Weedin, we learn about two distinct experiences with the Holy Spirit - the indwelling and the baptism, gaining an understanding of what that means and how it happens according to the Bible.
And then we’ll dive deeper and explore how we can interact with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis as Ephesians 5:18 instructs us to continually be being filled with Holy Spirit.
Tune in as we demystify the person of the Holy Spirit because a spirit-filled life is a power-filled life!
We’ve all been given the unique opportunity to partner with God through the avenue of prophecy.
In this episode, youth pastor Josh Lester explores the significance of prophecy by examining the science behind sound. Understanding how sound works can help us grasp our role and authority regarding prophecy.
Step into this teaching on prayer with Pastor Brandon Block as he unwraps the representation of incense throughout the Bible as it pertains to our prayers. Here you'll learn the value of incense as well as the high value of your prayers and begin to understand that your conversations with God are valuable to Him.
Then move through a guided prayer meditation with our Pastor as you grow in your communication with God.
As believers, it’s all too easy to slip into a routine of Christianity—checking off a list of do's and don'ts, attending church, reading the Bible, and engaging with the community. Yet, many of us reach a point in our faith journey where we sense that something important is missing.
God created us for more than just mere actions; He longs for a deep, intimate relationship with us. His greatest desire is for us to love Him wholeheartedly—a love many of us might be neglecting. In this episode, Pastor Trey Potter delves into the transformative experience of loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
Pastor Brandon Block is diving deep into the scriptures to uncover what the Bible says about healing. We'll learn about the works of Jesus Christ through his ministry on earth and investigate whether or not healing is still for today.
Throughout this teaching you will hear accounts of healing that we've seen at Zion and Pastor Brandon will challenge you to take God at His word and believe for the unbelievable to happen in your body, mind and soul.
Whatever trials you are going through in life, there is JOY on the other side of the journey.
In this episode, Pastor Nancy Joe Block teaches on the Joy that was set before Jesus as he endured the cross for our sins and how we can glean from that example in our own every day lives.
Tune in to discover how you can choose to set joy as your goal even when the struggles of life seem insurmountable.
A trusted prophetic voice is something that will restore people and situations, it has the power to take things that were dead and bring them to life!
In this session, Josh Lester teaches on the basics of what prophecy is and how to cultivate a prophetic voice in your own life.
Throughout history, the Bible recounts that God's people have fasted, prayed, and consecrated themselves on numerous occasions, and God has responded. Their heartfelt cries have reached the Lord. Fasting serves as a form of constant prayer before Him, and the Bible assures us that no word spoken is wasted in His presence. When people pray, God responds. In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon Block provides guidance on the importance of fasting and dedicating ourselves to God at the start of 2025. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
Give God the beginning of 2025 through fasting and prayer with us here at Zion. As we approach a season of fasting, we look to the Lord as we take our food and give it up. We desire the things of God, and as He blesses and answers with fire from heaven, we understand that everything we have and everything given to us belongs to the Lord. In this episode, Pastor Brandon Block gives us an explanation of what this entails and how we can put Him first in our lives. Just as Hannah pours out her soul in fervent prayer before the Lord in this passage, what will you do to seek out the things God has promised you in this lifetime? Your answers are in the fast of 2025.
Who is Zion? What do we do and where are we going? The people of Zion are the church and as we dig deep in 2025 God will do great things among us! As Pastor Brandon gives nuggets from the Vision of Zion, you are called to a greater measure of transformation as God fulfills his purpose in you! Tune in to this episode for more. . .
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block gives us encouragement this Christmas season, when some of us are facing hardships at a time when it seems like everyone else is joyful. In this episode, we dive into the powerful message of "Joy to the World." Discover how God’s dominion and authority shape our lives, providing us security and refuge amid life’s challenges. As we face hardships, we can find joy in knowing that God is at work within us. Join us in embracing a spirit of celebration, remembering that we can eat, drink, and be merry in His presence. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
God has always interacted with planet Earth through His Holy Spirit. This is particularly evident in the Christmas story, where He visits Joseph and Mary with incredible news about the birth of Jesus. When Mary asks, "How will this happen?" the only response she receives is that the Holy Spirit will come upon her.
It's no wonder that Jesus instructed His disciples, "You will do greater things than I," because the Holy Spirit will empower them to be His witnesses. In this episode, Pastor Brandon Block guides us through the Christmas story, focusing on Mary's interaction with the Holy Spirit. This Christmas, whatever significant task God is calling you to undertake, know that it will be accomplished through the Holy Spirit. This is the greatest gift of the season. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
The moment you accept Jesus as the Lord of your life, your spirit becomes completely new. It becomes perfect, holy, and blameless before the Lord. There is nothing else you can do to make it any better because you have received the fullness of salvation.
Often, as Christians, we struggle with this concept because our souls are still at war with our flesh. We may think that when we sin, we no longer have the same relationship, power, and authority that we had when we were obedient to God. We start to believe we are disqualified.
This week at Zion, Pastor Josh Lester reminds us of what the Word of God says about our shortcomings. The Holy Spirit has infused our spirits, making us identical to Jesus Christ when we believe. This empowers us to come boldly before the throne of God and walk confidently in the close relationship and power He offers us. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
In Mark 9, Jesus takes James, Peter, and John up a high mountain, where He is transfigured before them. Verses two and three describe this event: "There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them." This demonstrates the nature of God's glory coming upon individuals.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block continues to explore the nature of the Holy Spirit as we learn about the glory of God through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is essential; it is the first commandment Jesus gives after His resurrection. By following this instruction to receive the Holy Spirit, all you need to do is make Him the Lord of your life. You may find that His glory will accompany you wherever you go. The glory of God is not confined to a specific location, region, or church. Instead, it can manifest in your life in even greater ways than described in this passage. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
Have you ever stood before a judge in court and tried to handle your case on your own? Probably not. You likely needed a lawyer—someone who could represent you, understand the complexities of the law, and defend your case. In John 14:16, Jesus uses the term "Parakletos" to describe the Holy Spirit. This Greek word is often used in a legal context to refer to someone who assists another in their legal matters. Similarly, the Holy Spirit is present within you to communicate on your behalf directly to the Father. This week, Pastor Brandon Block continues to emphasize that the Holy Spirit is essential for the life of a believer. While embracing the Holy Spirit may cost you your comfort, it is little compared to the cost of living without the Spirit. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
At Zion, we believe in the Trinity: God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. As a Bible-believing church, we recognize the importance of engaging with the Holy Spirit. In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon Block explores the nature of the Holy Spirit and recounts the story of Jesus' baptism, where the Holy Spirit descends upon Him like a dove. As believers, this serves as our blueprint for how to live and interact with the Holy Spirit. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
To conclude our series on the Beatitudes, Pastor Brandon Block shares the final Beatitude from Matthew 5:10: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Historically, Jesus was addressing people who would face real persecution for their faith in Him. However, many of us in America today do not experience this level of persecution. So, what does this mean for us in today's context? In the midst of current political discussions, many of us want to stand up for our beliefs and express what we think is right. The real question we need to ask ourselves as believers is whether we are speaking out to be "right" or to proclaim Jesus. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
The pursuit of peace in the world often resembles a threat of war as a means to preserve that peace. However, the Prince of Peace offers something very different—a covenant that requires you to engage with Him in order to carry that peace with you wherever you go. This involves fostering unity, practicing forgiveness, and letting go of grudges. It also means remaining calm amidst the storms of life. This week at Zion, Pastor Josh Lester exemplifies what it means to be a peacemaker. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
When you allow God to refine your heart, it comes with a promise: you will see God. This week at Zion, Pastor Allison Weedin shares this promise with us. Tune in to this episode as we are encouraged to get out of our nests of comfort and embrace the new reality that comes with being pure in heart—a blessing beyond what you could imagine.
As part of our series on the Beatitudes, Pastor Brandon will be preaching this week from Matthew 5:7, which states, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Being merciful involves not only showing compassion and forgiveness but also embodying humility. True mercy does not highlight how much worse someone could have had it; instead, it acts in love. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
This week at Zion, Pastor Josh Lester continues our series on the Beatitudes. Jesus' introduction to the Sermon on the Mount is a guide for us to understand how to live a blessed life. In this episode, Pastor Josh digs deep into Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." As Christians, we must ask ourselves if we are continually being filled, or if we are lacking something deep inside of us. The reality of Christ is that once you are exposed to the truth of God, you will hunger for more, maybe even enough to change your city. Tune into this episode for more. . .
In continuation of our series on the Beatitudes, we further explore the third Beatitude mentioned by Jesus in His sermon on the mount: "Blessed are the meek." This week at Zion, Pastor Trey Potter provides insights into Matthew 5:5 and explains that meekness is having power under control. Despite today's culture associating meekness with weakness and timidity, Jesus teaches that the meek will inherit the Earth. Tune in to this episode to learn more. . .
God is the one who will make you prosper in every season, in every area, with every issue, and in everything, if you trust Him with all that you are. Revival isn't just a weekend event that makes you feel better. He wants to continually restore you to the fullness of life that He has for you when you are planted by streams of living water. As we conclude our fall revival event at Zion, we don't want His restoration to end here. Listen to this episode to find out more. . .
This week at Zion, Pastor Nancy Joe Block shares with us the knowledge and wisdom of those who suffer and mourn in life. The scripture reminds us that our hope in Jesus Christ sets our mourning apart from others. Matthew 5:4 says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." We face many trials in life, but none are faced without the arms of our heavenly father available to us. Walk with us through this week's beatitude as you tune in to this episode. . .
The Sermon on the Mount is the sermon where Jesus establishes the culture of the kingdom. The culture of his kingdom, coming to earth, is counter-culture to the world's. In the first of the beatitudes, Jesus establishes a precedent: "Blessed are the poor in spirit." While many in the world would say, "The poor are more blessed," Jesus isn't talking about those in poverty. He goes a step further and acknowledges the importance of spiritual bankruptcy. For us to exist in God's kingdom, we have to understand that it is a dimension beyond the one we live in here on earth. Tune in to this week's episode for more. . .
In this week's episode at Zion, we are studying the final chapters of Acts, where we witness the inspiring story of Paul's journey to Rome to face Caesar as a political prisoner. In this sermon, we'll take an in-depth look at Paul's unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel, even while confined in Caesar's prison for two years.
During his time in captivity, Paul displays incredible resilience by writing letters to the churches and passionately teaching the gospel every single day, from morning until night. His audience is comprised of Jews, Christians, and Romans, and despite quoting Jesus and Isaiah, there are some who struggle to fully embrace the gospel message.
As we reflect on Paul's experiences, we'll explore the profound lesson that it is the condition of our hearts that ultimately determines the extent to which the gospel takes root and flourishes in our lives. It is the soil of our hearts that determines whether or not this gospel grows in our lives or not.
Tune in to this episode as we unpack the timeless wisdom contained within these chapters of Acts and draw inspiration from Paul's unwavering faith and dedication to sharing the teachings of Jesus.
In this week's sermon at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block explores the narrative of Paul's winter journey across the treacherous Mediterranean. On board a ship with prisoners, Paul encounters mishaps and grapples with questions regarding God's will. This teaching revolves around Paul's approach to handling the challenging aspects of God's purpose for his life, offering valuable insights for our own spiritual journeys. Follow us as we continue through the final chapters of the Book of Acts and uncover the mysteries of God's providence for your life.
After enduring two years of imprisonment in Caesarea, Paul, a prominent figure in the early Christian church, makes a strategic appeal to Caesar in order to avoid facing the biased and hostile Jewish court system, which is conspiring to ambush and execute him. Despite his confinement and the impending threats, Paul remains steadfast in his commitment to spreading the teachings of the gospel. Eventually, he is escorted under Roman custody on a journey that will lead him to Rome. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
Delve into the life of Paul as he earnestly fulfills his assignment and divine call amidst challenging circumstances. Spanning Acts 21-26, Paul navigates encounters with Roman and Jewish authorities while remaining steadfast in his commitment to the calling received during his conversion on the road to Damascus. This exploration offers valuable insights into perseverance and faithfulness in fulfilling his purpose, providing poignant lessons for personal and spiritual growth. Tune in to this episode as Brandon Block shares insights into God's providence over your life and the free will you have within it.
So far in our study of the 23rd Psalm, we're learned how the Good Shepherd leads, guides, provides, protects, prepares, promises, restores, rewards, equips and anoints. But he doesn't stop there. When the Good Shepherd is the Lord of your life, there's always more. Tune in to hear more from Nancy Joe Block in this final session.
Welcome back to the 4 session series on the 23rd Psalm. Tune in to session 3 as Pastor Nancy Joe Block explores the way that the Lord prepares a table before us... in the presence of our enemies!
Step into session 2 of our Psalm 23 Bible Study. In this session Pastor Nancy Joe Block is walking us through the portion of scripture that speaks on the valley of the shadow of death. But don't worry, we're not staying in it, we're just walking through it.
Psalm 23 is a 4 part series from our summer Bible Study with Pastor Nancy Joe Block. Tune in to this deep dive on one of the most famous scriptures of all time. In session 1, we'll be exploring how to make the Lord your Shepherd, and the Good Shepherd the Lord of your life.
A thriving church that embraces prophecy must operate within healthy guidelines, recognizing that we are not God. God desires a meaningful relationship with every believer. The gift of prophecy supplements and guides everyday people on their journey with Jesus, knowing that Jesus is the assignment and Jesus is the prize.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block teaches from Acts 21:1-16, where Paul prepares to go to Jerusalem. In this passage, a prophet approaches to tell him about his imminent arrest. Tune in to this episode to learn how we can use prophecy today to encourage, edify, and build the church.
The Gospel does not depend on people; it is God's idea, where He gave Jesus to provide salvation. Our part is simply to walk in faith. Everything we do out of this belief is because we know Him and His nature. This empowers us to live in holiness, with purpose, and to be the people God has called us to be. This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block illustrates this reality in Acts 20:22-32, showing that Paul was willing to die for this Gospel. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block gives us a look into Acts 20:13-38. In this passage, Paul is headed to Jerusalem where he will ultimately be tried and thrown into prison. He knows that trouble awaits him and he trusts the message of the gospel to the elders at Ephesus. Paul warns them that people will try to come and steal away and discredit the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the power of grace, and the truth hidden in it. In every letter that Paul writes, he reinforces the gospel with Jesus Christ and righteous living. Tune in to this episode to uncover the hidden truth and the power that comes with living by the Spirit rather than the striving nature of the flesh.
Remember that falling asleep spiritually is a real and dangerous thing. It could be argued that it's more hazardous than falling asleep physically. The root of your spiritual sleep lies in two main areas: disappointment and bitterness. While bitterness has the power to quickly act on your spiritual life, disappointment may slowly be putting you to sleep like a comfortable, warm blanket. God is calling you to wake up. It's time to make a difference in the Kingdom of God.
This week at Zion, we hear from the energizing words of our Youth Pastor Josh Lester. As he dives into Acts 20:7-16, he tells us the story about how Eutychus falls asleep, falls three stories off of a building, and dies. While seemingly a random story from the Bible, Pastor Josh challenges us to look inward at our own spiritual awareness. Are you awake? Tune in to find out more. . .
It's essential to ask yourself: Have you chosen to follow God no matter what? Do you completely trust in God, even when you've reached a critical point in your life where your faith is questioned? Do you trust God more than your job, your yearly vacation, your belongings, and your habits? Regardless of our circumstances, we can grow and develop a deeper connection with the Lord when we prioritize God over the lesser gods in our lives.
Just like Paul in Acts 19, when we follow God's instruction for our lives and stand against the spiritual darkness in the world, we can achieve more than we ever thought possible. This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block urges us to aim higher as we learn that God is calling us to fight for Him. Whether it's in our workplace, our homes, or our relationships, the voice of God is speaking to us. Tune in to this episode to learn more.
The very words that come out of your mouth have power. Isaiah knew this so much that he accidentally gave his blessing away to the wrong son through the words he spoke. Similarly, your words, whether blessings or curses, have an impact on the people around you.
This Father's Day at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block honors the fathers who understand the significance of speaking blessings. If you were raised by a godly man who spoke blessings over your life, the people around you could see it. Listen to this week's episode to uncover the significance of speaking blessings and receive a blessing of your own as we dive in together...
Take a deeper look at Acts 19 this week with us as Pastor Brandon uncovers the design God has for the church. This chapter is not just the passage for the week; it is about how God wants us to operate as the body of Christ. He wants us to walk into situations that seem hopeless and be able to operate in the power God has given us. He wants us to be filled with the Spirit so we can bring healing and restoration to the broken. If this is the way we are supposed to live and we haven't seen it yet, then it's time to go back to square one.
This power comes through remembering your first love. Your relationship with God was never meant to be complicated or overbearing. In Revelation 2, John writes to the church of Ephesus, saying, "Repent and do the things you did at first." Maybe it's time to look back and remember what it was like when you first fell in love with Jesus. Tune in to find out more. . .
There are some things in life that feel impossible to deal with. Things that you feel have a foothold in your life. Things that you would say, "I'll probably have to deal with this for the rest of my life". Did you know that if you know Jesus, He can take care of that for you?
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block teaches us in Acts 19 about how some Jews tried to drive out evil spirits. One particular occasion in this verse states that an evil spirit replied to a Jewish chief priest, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?”(v 14). The reality is that this Chief Priest didn't know Jesus at all, but he knew the authority that His name carried. He was following a formula, and not the the Lord over every spirit, dominion, sickness, and addiction from this world. Tune in to this episode to find out more. . .
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block teaches us about having a Revival Culture as we encounter the word of God. Revival isn't just something we long for or experience once a year when we get a revelation from God. It's available to you today. Often, we miss out on living in revival because we haven't fully surrendered to God.
As you listen to this week's episode, you might discover that God is calling you to remove some things from your life to be closer to Him. Whether it's something big or small, like an addiction to soda, He wants to be first in your life. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
This Pentecost Sunday at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block delves deeper into the book of Acts, focusing on the disciples' reception of the Holy Spirit in the upper room. This encounter with God was not merely a sensation or a momentary thrill, but a visible and tangible experience. In Acts chapter 2, Brandon explains that they felt a mighty rushing wind and saw tongues of fire appearing over their heads. While such an experience might shock many of us today, would you still be open to receiving all that God has for you if this is how He would come? Tune in to this episode to learn more. . .
Listen in with us at Zion this Mother's Day for an empowering message by Pastor Allison Weedin about the boundless generosity of God. Learn how dedicating your life and possessions to the Lord can unlock even greater blessings.
In this week's episode, Pastor Allison shares the story of Hannah, a mother who honored God by dedicating her firstborn son to Him. Imagine the immense power and prosperity that could take place in your life if you were willing to give everything to God, just as Hannah did. Through her teachings in 1 Samuel 1, Pastor Allison reveals how to transform your relationship with God and experience His full blessings.
Don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity to unlock God's generosity in your life. Tune in to this week's episode and discover the secrets to transforming your life through faith. Our prayer is that this message will inspire and empower you!
Did you know there can be a direct line of communication between you and God? Just like the image Jesus gives in John 1:51, there can be angles ascending and descending between you and God. This access to God is available to you through the power of the Holy Spirit. Even though the Spirit is inside you upon salvation, you need His power to come upon you for a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block teaches us in the book of Acts that we are actually the house of God. Although we meet in a building, His presence lives and dwells within us. And if we want more of what God has for us when we meet with Him, it's time for us to take all of what the Bible says for us to do and submit to it. God is calling you to be full of the Holy Spirit! Tune in to this episode for more. . .
As humans, we are like sponges that are constantly soaking up information from the world around us. We are bombarded with sounds, images, and information every day, and it's easy to get lost in the chaos. You might hear a trending TikTok sound or one of your favorite songs, and you could probably remember the exact date and time you last heard it. But what about God's voice?
It is important to be filled with the Spirit, as God has called us to so that we can discern His voice. When we are full of the Spirit, we can know exactly what God sounds like, and we can remember when we last heard His voice. Moreover, God has also called us to walk in power. As Scripture says, "so that out of you would flow rivers of living water" (John 7:37-38).
In his week's episode, Pastor Brandon Block delves into Acts 19 and teaches us how we can be filled with the Holy Spirit, and how we can walk in the same way that the disciples did. Tune in to find out more about the amazing spiritual power that God has given us.
In order to fully realize and fulfill God's purpose for your life, simply accepting salvation, receiving water baptism, and attending church regularly may not be enough. Even reading the Bible every day may not be sufficient. To effectively communicate with God and interact with His power in a more profound way, you need the Holy Spirit.
This week, Pastor Brandon Block shared an insightful story from Acts 19 about a group of people who had never even heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul, who was filled with the Holy Spirit, laid his hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. This miraculous experience transformed their lives and empowered them to do great things in the name of God.
It is important to realize that being filled with the Holy Spirit is not just a one-time event, but a continual process of surrendering to God's will and inviting His Spirit to fill you anew. When you are filled with the Spirit, you can experience a level of power and intimacy with God that surpasses even the experience of Moses.
To learn more about the Holy Spirit and how you can experience His power in your life, tune in to this week's episode. Pastor Brandon Block will share practical insights and personal experiences that will inspire and encourage you on your spiritual journey.
Are you aware that when you invite Jesus into your heart, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you? It doesn't matter which denomination or background you belong to; the Holy Spirit lives in you. However, have you ever come across the phrase "the Holy Spirit came upon them" in the Bible? Do you know what is the difference between the Holy Spirit living in you and on you?
The disparity is the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The same power that the disciples received in the upper room is available to you, waiting to come upon you. All you need to do is to ask for this baptism and be obedient. In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon Block reads from Acts 19 about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You may be wondering why you need this baptism when you've already been saved. Tune in to find out how the baptism in the Holy Spirit can unleash a new level of power and purpose in your life. . .
Are you interested in spreading the Gospel but feel like you don't have the qualifications or education to do so? Let me tell you, anyone can preach the Gospel! The book of Acts is an incredible source of learning to become a disciple. It's a living story about people who met Jesus face-to-face and how they responded to His Great Commission. This episode is for you if you want to discover how to spread the Gospel with what you know. Don't let your doubts hold you back. The Bible proves that anyone can preach the Gospel effectively, and you can too.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon Block teaches us about Acts 18, where Priscilla and Aquila mentor Apollos. As Apollos learns from them, he gains the confidence to refute his Jewish opponents in public debates. Regardless of our background, God has also called us to communicate His word in the same way. No matter what you know, this episode will reveal what you can use to be a disciple today! Tune in to find out more.
This Easter, Pastor Brandon Block invites you to rediscover the story of the crucifixion of Jesus, God's only son. He provides the context of the Old Testament, revealing how Jesus's sacrifice redeems us from the death inherited through Adam in Romans 5:17
Imagine knowing that God wants you back and loves you so much that He sent Jesus to establish a relationship with you. This special episode shares how you can experience the depth of God's love. Tune in to discover the power of redemption through Jesus Christ.
What if we approached our relationship with the Lord without limits? Without fear? What would that look like? Even though God might take us to the darkest places in the world, would we still choose to follow Him? In the Bible, Paul faces persecution many times for spreading the gospel.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block reads Acts 18:1-17 about the troubles Paul faced in Corinth. In a city full of debauchery, Paul goes to the Jews and then the Gentiles to spread the gospel. Even after a vision from God saying that nobody will attack him, Paul is beaten in front of the proconsul. Why would God allow this suffering after speaking to Him? Tune in to find out more. . .
Listen in to this podcast for an unforgettable Sisterhood Night at Zion, where our inspiring worship pastor Allison Block shares a life-changing message. Discover how God has anointed you with a unique calling, regardless of your current position or struggles. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn more about your purpose in life. Tune into this episode to find out more. . .
It's human nature to seek comfort in objects, substances, and people. But when we put our faith in these things, we risk limiting our understanding of God. We might end up believing that He can only be found in the walls of a church, the pages of a book, or our favorite worship song. Yet, we know that God is so much more than that. You might realize that you've been worshiping the very thing you were battling all along.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block teaches us in Acts 17 that Paul makes the people in Athens aware of this very thing. He points out that they have even built an altar with the inscription, "TO AN UNKOWN GOD" (Acts 17:23). Throughout this passage, Paul teaches those in the meeting of the Areopagus that while they think they can fit their Gods into manmade shrines and temples, there is a God that we live and move and have our being in. Tune in to this episode to find out more. . .
The world needs to know that you are a disciple. Your faith in God needs to be known everywhere you go. Does your faith in God ring out to everyone around you? Does it change your community? Your workplace? Your home?
As believers, we are called to approach the world as the Lord's Army. This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block reads in Acts 17:1-15 as Paul and his companions pass through Thessalonica and Berea. As they teach the gospel through words and power, so many people become persuaded that it stirs up jealousy among some Jewish people.
Could you imagine witnessing salvations by the thousands just like Paul and Silas? And in only three weeks witnessing almost an entire town being converted?! With the word as your weapon, maybe God is calling you to be a part of His army. Tune in to find out more. . .
Isn't it funny how even some of the most reserved people are willing to sing their favorite song at the top of their lungs? Maybe even just a song that everyone knows like "Sweet Caroline". No matter how good it sounds or how talented you are, you know exactly a time when you've shouted the lyrics of a song at the top of your lungs. Even better, you probably didn't care about what other people thought of you. You just did it.
When was the last time you sang to the Lord? Would you do it regardless of your situation, environment, and ability? Even at church, are you hesitant to sing a song for fear someone else might hear you? What's the difference between that and your favorite song? The reality might be that your heart isn't tuned into heaven.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block teaches us in Acts 16 how Paul and Silas sing to the Lord in the middle of the night in prison. When they decide to tune their heart to heaven, immediately power is brought to their situation. Will you let your heart sing the song of heaven? Tune in to find out more. . .
The Bible shows us many times what it looks like to build new relationships and make new disciples, but we rarely talk about what it says about parting ways with someone you love. It's not a light subject.
In Acts. 15:36-41 we see that Paul has to part ways with Barnabas because of a dispute over John Mark. In the end, we see that neither person receives credit for being "right" for their decision. What we actually see is that both Paul and Barnabas continue their ministry in their own way with more success because of their wisdom and obedience.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block shows us that when we are faced with relational issues it's not always easy to make a choice. Sometimes it's difficult to walk forward in truth. Maybe you've tried to revive a broken relationship and you've buried the pain. In this episode, our prayer and hope for you is that God will bring healing to your situation and give you wisdom. Tune in to find out more. . .
Have you ever realized how easy it is to remember slogans you read while driving down the highway? It doesn't matter how fast you're going or what is going on around you, but there always seems to be one or two that stick in your mind. You couldn't get them out even if you wanted to. That is the power of Vision.In this week's episode at Zion, we continue in Acts 16 to read about Paul's Vision. As he has a vision of a man in Macedonia, the people around him do not hesitate to get up and follow him there without questioning its validity. Just like these people, God wants us to immediately follow the vision that God has for our lives. He wants us to carry, a simple, singular vision that is easy to follow without questioning it. Will you follow God's vision for your life? Tune in to find out more. . .
As Encounter Week came to a close this Sunday at Zion, we know that God has just begun to reveal the revival He wants to bring to our community! After 21 days of fasting and prayer, God has never been closer to His people. In this week's episode, you will get a glimpse of what happened as people from our congregation share their testimonies and what the Lord has done in them through the fast.
Pastor Brandon Block also reminds us that God is more than just an experience. When we have encounters with Him, we have to recognize that God is not just a book or a special service that we have. He is our source of life.
Tune in to this episode to find out more. . .
God is calling you higher. Not because you've been lacking, but because He sees so much more in you. The life we've been living as Christians is evolving into something more. Something greater. A life without growing tired or weary. A life that is EMPOWERED.
This week at Zion as we kick off revival for 2024, we hear from our Youth Pastor, Josh Lester, as he challenges us to set aside the obstacles in life that we've put up for ourselves. As he teaches us in Jeremiah 12, we learn that the race we've been beaten down and tired running isn't even the beginning of what we've been created to do. Jeremiah 12:5 says, "If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses?" If what we are experiencing now has run our spirits dry, then how will we live out the greater things that God has planned for us?
It is by His power.
Tune in to this episode to find out more. . .
In 2 Timothy 1:7, it says, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." That's right, God has given us power and surely not fear. Then why do we still live in fear? Sometimes the enemy's favorite tactic is to program fear into our everyday life. If this is already speaking to you, then this episode is for you.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block teaches us that the opposite of fear is faith! This good news is to encourage us to trust God amidst our fear. The fear that we've misinterpreted as "wisdom", is actually preventing us from living our true calling that God has for our lives. The reality is that fear is not wisdom unless it's the fear of God. Tune in to this episode to find out more. . .
A hunger for the Lord is stirring at Zion. As we begin the 21-day fast, God is calling us to humble ourselves so that He can lift us up to something greater this year! In James 4:10 it says, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." The Hebrew word used for Humble in this verse is "anah". In other parts of the Bible, this word also translates to "afflict your soul". How do we begin to humble or afflict ourselves for the Lord?
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon Block takes us through what it looks like to afflict our souls. It begins with targeting the things our mind, soul, and will desires so that our spirit can be filled. As you're listening to this episode, God might be asking you "Are you hungry for more of me?" If your answer is yes, then tune in to this episode to find out more. . .
This New Year at Zion, we embark on a 21-day fast to put aside food and seek the Lord. This fast will begin at sundown on January 14th and will end on Febuary 3rd at sundown. In this episode, you will find all the details of the fast and how to prepare for a time of seeking the Lord and getting closer to Him!
In Hebrews 11:6 it says, " And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." This week, Pastor Brandon Block sets our hearts on God's desires. He reminds us that the Lord is our true reward. It is everything. Our prayer for you this week is that as you seek Him all other things will be given unto you in the fast of 2024. Tune in to this episode to find out more. . .
This New Year's Eve at Zion, we are looking forward to all the good plans that God has for us. These plans are even greater than we could ask, think, or imagine. They are so good, that we wouldn't believe them even if He showed them to us.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon Block reminds us of the times when we were young and faced with an intimidating obstacle. Like skiing down a big slope for the first time, there can be many obstacles in the way of achieving our goals and God's plan for our lives. Tune in to find out more. . .
When we often think of the Nativity Scene, we imagine a beautifully orchestrated picture of the shepherds, wise men, and barn animals all surrounding Mary and Joseph next to Jesus in a manger. The nativity scene that maybe your grandmother has displayed on her fireplace may have been much different than reality. Deep within the story of Jesus's birth, we can discover that there were many more ugly struggles to reach a newborn baby in the middle of nowhere by just following a star.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block takes us to a closer look into Jesus's birth from the shepherd's point of view. As you listen to this episode, you may find that God is calling you to find Jesus, the savior of the world. Tune in to find out more. . .
Have you ever heard a song that resonated with you so much that it brought you to tears? Do you remember the time and place that you first heard it? You probably still know all the words. What makes one song different than the other? In this episode, you will find that music is powerful.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block teaches us in Luke Chapter 1 about the Virgin Mary. Amidst the trouble that would come with the news brought to her in the passage, Mary chooses to rejoice as she brings a song to the Lord.
"My soul doth magnify the Lord." (v46)
Tune in to find out more. . .
This week at Zion, we welcome you to join us in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ!! In this episode, you will discover the story of Jesus' birth from our Pastor Brandon Block as he unfolds the true meaning of Christmas. Tune in to this episode to find out more. . .
God's grace never fails to find us in our darkest places. It takes the worst that's happened to us, and turns it into the best thing for us. In 2 Samuel we see Mephibosheth, a crippled son of Jonathan, is shown God's kindness by David. Mephibosheth's life completely turned around after being disabled at 5 years old, to being given all of his grandfather's land.
This week at Zion, we were blessed with Pastor Benjamin J. Houpe as he brought an encouraging word into the new year. In this episode, you will find God's grace is much more than a clean slate. His grace will seek you out no matter what you are going through in order to reveal His glory! Tune in to find out more. . .
What does God want? Well, His desire was never to have a list of "how to's" to be in His presence. From Moses' Ten Commandments to the Tabernacle, His desire was always to be close to His people. David knew this even before Jesus came to Earth and created a tent where everyone could constantly be in prayer and worship to God.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon preaches in Acts 15. Here, Peter talks about the restoration of David's tent and how they should make it easy for Gentiles to turn to God. This passage is a reminder for us that God's desire is for every person to seek the Lord. It doesn't matter if you're a Jew, Gentile, addict, or, pastor, God wants to be close to YOU. Tune in to this episode for more. . .
Every time that God makes a covenant with His people in scripture, there are always four things present. There is always a promise, terms, a promise, and a seal. This seal is always something you can see. It's an indicating factor that a covenant has been set in stone.
This week at Zion, Pastor Allison dives into Acts 15 and shares with us a story about a debate between the new and old covenant. The old is the law of Moses and the other is the new covenant under the blood of Jesus Christ. In this story, we learn that the debate was resolved by choosing to make it easy for the Gentiles to turn to God and this new covenant.
While listening to this episode, we pray that you will discover the seal that was placed on this new covenant. As God has taken us out of a covenant of the law, He's revealed to us that being close to Him is as easy as believing in Him and accepting Him into your heart. Tune in to find out more. . .
This week at Zion, we continue in Acts 14 where Paul and Barnabas return to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch after Paul and stoned in Lystra. There they strengthen and encourage their new disciples by telling them, "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" in verse 22.
At first, it might seem difficult to understand why this might be encouraging. After all, Paul and Barnabas were just persecuted after seeming like Gods to the people in Lystra. Why was suffering their motivation?
As you tune in to this week's podcast, Pastor Brandon Block reveals that there are two types of suffering that we endure. The first type of suffering we create on our own, but the second serves a greater purpose. Listen to this episode to find out more. . .
Have you ever been in a situation where there was a barrier of communication between you and the person that you were talking to? Do you remember how difficult it was to get your point across? In Acts 14 Paul and Barnabas are in Lystra and their viewpoints are so different that it almost gets them killed. After being stoned and dragged outside of the city, they still get up and continue their ministry into Derbe.
This week at Zion, Pastor Josh Lester reminds us that not everything in God's will is easy. In fact, we are called as disciples to face conflict head-on to break the barriers that stand between people and their salvation. While listening to this episode, God might speak to your heart to take His ministry to the next level. Are you willing to be a disciple like Paul and Barnabas? Tune in to find out more. . .
The world has always been good at creating artificial solutions for our broken issues. And throughout our history, very few things have created permanent resolutions. In the same way that even our street lights are creating light pollution in the sky, we've polluted our own lives with a spiritual, artificial light that wasn't God's design.
In this week's episode at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block informs us of God's true design for our lives. God wants to give real light to enlighten you and show you the true power of His grace. Tune in to this episode, and you might find out that we have access to the same light and power that Jesus walked in. . .
This week at Zion, as we take communion we remember the indescribable grace that was bought by Jesus Christ. In the book of Acts, Paul and Barnabas speak to the Gentiles after their message of salvation is rejected by the Jews. In Acts 13:47 it says, "‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." This is God's commandment to Paul and Barnabas as they spread the message of salvation, but it contradicts everything that the Jews have taught throughout history. In the Jew's rejection of grace, they miss out on God's salvation entirely and Paul and Barnabas are persecuted.
Did you know that God also wants you to receive this message of salvation? In this episode, Pastor Brandon Block teaches us about the grace that we all don't deserve. Throughout all of Biblical history and the lineage of the Jews, God sent his one and only son so that we could also be His chosen people. If you're listening to this episode, feel free to take communion as we learn more about God's indescribable grace. . .
As Christ followers, we carry thousands of years of history as evidence that we are the people that God desires to prosper. In Acts 13, as Paul is teaching in the synagogue to Jews on the sabbath day, he reminds them of their history and how after David, there would come a savior. In verse 32 he says, "What God promised our ancestors, He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus."
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block reminds us of the blessing that covers us because of the trail of history that follows us. We don't just walk in God's protection, peace, and provision because of our own success in life, but we can't help but be blessed because God wrote a story over thousands of years that proves that God's promises are true. Tune in to find out how we are living in the promise of our ancestors. . .
This week at Zion, we took a detour from our Acts series to let God move in the lives of His people. As Pastor Brandon followed the voice of the Holy Spirit, God showed up in a powerful way that healed 26 people, the exact number prayed for prior to service.
In this episode, not only will you discover that God honors specific prayers, but you might find yourself relating to one of the words of knowledge given during this service. If you're reading this, just know that God's desire is ALWAYS to heal and He wants to heal you!! Tune in to find out more. . .
You won't want to miss this episode. On the last day of Fall Revival, Taylor Wilson calls us to something higher. Tune in to find out the power of saying "Yes" to God!!
Listen to this podcast to hear our full service from Sunday night during Fall Revival. This episode is packed with prayer and worship. Get ready for what God wants to do as you tune in to find out more!!
During our Fall revival, we had the privilege to hear from our guest speaker who is full of passion for Jesus. Tune in to this episode to hear Taylor Wilson speak about the faithfulness of God!!
Over the past few weeks at Zion, we've heard that there are dark forces and principalities worldwide. But where in the Bible can we see how it affects us? In Daniel 10:13, we see that an angel is resisted from answering Daniel to give him answers to his prayers. In this text, it says that "the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days." The reality of the spiritual realm is that sometimes we don't see the answers to our prayers because there are angels that have to wage war for us in the unseen realm.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block teaches us the importance of recognizing the dark forces ruling over the Earth. This awareness is to help us all recognize that we don't have to live a life ruled by the devil. We no longer have to be a "victim" of the devil, but we can choose to walk in freedom every day. Tune in to find out more. . .
The past few weeks at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block has taught us about the Spiritual Warfare on Earth. Although these spiritual forces wage war with our Spirit, the flesh is also an assailant towards our Spirit. In Galatians 5:19-21 it says "Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these."
The reality of life is that we ourselves do not have the strength to maintain a righteous and pure life. The answer to the battle that we have with our flesh is the way that we walk in the Spirit. It requires a life dedicated to taking step after step with the Spirit instead of fulfilling our own desires. Tune in to this episode to find out more. . .
Revival always begins when a group of believers agree with what the Bible says about their lives. Not just when they can quote scripture, but when they know that Jesus is Lord, the image of the invisible God. Or when a congregation understands that God's presence dwells with his people when we worship. Thats when His kingdom power reigns on Earth.
To start Fall Revival at Zion, we have the opportunity to hear from Taylor Wilson as he declares what we should believe about our lives. In this week's episode, he teaches us what Jesus is to us, what we are in Christ, and what we are going to do with it. Tune in to find out more. . .
You may not know it, but you are in a battle. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Are there things in your life that almost feel as if they are being devoured by the enemy? The truth is that many times we are being attacked without even knowing it.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon preaches about the Spiritual Battles of life. While the Spirit of God wants to heal you from the inside out, the enemy is prowling like a lion looking for ways to attack the flesh. As we approach the wars in our lives whether it is against the enemy, the flesh, or the world, we have to realign ourselves with the Holy Spirit. The truth is, we can't win without the power of God in us. To take His kingdom rule, and bring it to the world, over every area of our life. Tune in to find out more. . .
You may not know it, but you are in a battle. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Are there things in your life that almost feel as if they are being devoured by the enemy? The truth is that many times we are being attacked without even knowing it.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon preaches about the Spiritual Battles of life. While the Spirit of God wants to heal you from the inside out, the enemy is prowling like a lion looking for ways to attack the flesh. As we approach the wars in our lives whether it is against the enemy, the flesh, or the world, we have to realign ourselves with the Holy Spirit. The truth is, we can't win without the power of God in us. To take His kingdom rule, and bring it to the world, over every area of our life. Tune in to find out more. . .
You may not know it, but you are in a battle. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Are there things in your life that almost feel as if they are being devoured by the enemy? The truth is that many times we are being attacked without even knowing it.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon preaches about the Spiritual Battles of life. While the Spirit of God wants to heal you from the inside out, the enemy is prowling like a lion looking for ways to attack the flesh. As we approach the wars in our lives whether it is against the enemy, the flesh, or the world, we have to realign ourselves with the Holy Spirit. The truth is, we can't win without the power of God in us. To take His kingdom rule, and bring it to the world, over every area of our life. Tune in to find out more. . .
Most believers think that it is God's will for us to be used by Him. This term means that we would do the Lord's work as servants of His Kingdom. Although this seems noble, it turns out he would rather be our friend. God wants to know you.
This week as we read Acts 13, we find out that before Saul and Barnabas were sent out, they ministered to the Lord. Have you ever taken a moment to be with God before you carried out the work that you thought you were supposed to do? You may discover that God wants you to stop and just be with Him. His calling and destiny for your life might be much greater than a few years of good service to the Lord. He wants so much more.
Tune in to this week's episode to find out what it looks like to walk into a horizon of destiny with God. . .
Is there something in your life that you need to see a breakthrough? Is there something in your life that you are willing to pray for until you see it happen? Although earnest, fervent prayers are the beginning of a miracle, it's time to live from a posture of knowing that God will break the chains off of strongholds in your life.
This week at Zion, Pastor Josh Lester tells us the story of Peter as he is cast into prison and chained to two soldiers in Acts 12. In this story, we see that as the church prays for Peter, an angel comes to him and tells him to get up as the chains fall off of him and he leaves the prison unnoticed and unharmed.
In this week's episode, we want you to know that God is encouraging you to get up. With access to the same power and freedom that Peter has in this story, it is time to pray, posture ourselves, and expect God to move as He is calling us to get up!! What if the exact moment you changed your perspective, God answered your prayer? Tune in to find out more. . .
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block gives us a recap of Peter's vision and how the Holy Spirit falls on the Gentiles and continues to preach in Acts 11. Here Peter explains his actions to the Jews and they glorified God because even the Gentiles could receive salvation.
Just as the Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit in this passage, God's desire is for you to be filled with the Holy Spirit. While listening to this episode, our prayer is that you would have an encounter with the Holy Spirit in a way that is evident in your life. That you would no longer just be "a good person" because of your relationship with God, but you would bring power with you wherever you go that can spiritually change a room.
In the book of Acts, Cornelius was a man who was devoted to God. Acts 10: 2 says, "He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly." Cornelius was a man that most Christians aspire to be like today. Although he was devoted, God had more for him than he could imagine if he was willing and obedient to God's voice.
In this week's episode, we discover that like Cornelius, God is calling us to a higher level of relationship with him. Because of Cornelius's obedience beyond being a devout Christian, he had an encounter with Peter that led to baptism in the Holy Spirit. Whether you may be a devout Christian or someone who is searching for something you feel is missing, God could be calling you to something more than you could imagine. Listen to this episode to find out more. . .
This week at Zion, the members of our congregation had the opportunity to be baptized. This declaration of faith is empowering and encouraging to the believer while providing a fresh start to living a life obedient to God. Being baptized is a beautiful thing, but what happens next? Is submersion in water the answer to all of our problems?
In the Bible, Paul had the obedience to serve God faithfully no matter where he was. He went as far as the desert in Saudi Arabia to obey God's plan for his life. Whether he was in a desert, or surrounded by encourages like Barnabas, Paul lived dependant on God no matter where he went. Paul now was living a life knowing that Jesus was greater than all the tradition and religion that he left behind, and people needed to know about Him.
In this episode, Pastor Brandon Block continues in Acts 9 about how Paul was obedient to travel to meet with Ananias. Ananias was somebody who would have been a sworn enemy of Paul previous to Paul's encounter with God. Out of Paul's obedience, Paul gets baptized in the Holy Spirit where he is empowered to fulfill a ministry that spread Christianity across the globe. Knowing this, our encouragement to you is to live a life completely obedient to God no matter where He calls you. . .
It's easy to justify religion and tradition as a means of living a life dedicated to God's plan for our lives. Going to church, reading our Bible, and praying before bed all seem like things God wants us to do. Sometimes we go a step further and memorize parts of scripture and serve in our community. Although these are all things God likes us to do, they can be a gateway to comfortability in our relationship with God as we justify ourselves as "good Christians" by doing them.
In the Bible, a man named Saul followed this same justification process. He memorized more of the Bible than most people did during that time. He was known as an extremely religious man dedicated to protecting God's name. According to religion and tradition, Saul persecuted Christians because the message of Jesus was against everything that the Jews had previously known. While Saul believed that everything he was doing was good and for God, this story reveals that Saul was opposing the Lord the whole time.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon continues to preach in the book of Acts about how God knocks Saul off of a horse and blinds him so that he can finally see God's true destiny for his life. Here we discover that even with good intentions, we may be kicking against the pricks of God's plan for our own lives. Listen to this episode to find out more.
As much as we like for God to show up in big and mighty ways, He often reveals himself in a still small voice. Sometimes this voice is as simple as saying something like, "Go stand over there". The results of being obedient to this voice oftentimes are greater than you could imagine.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon continues to preach in the book of Acts where an angel of the Lord tells Phillip to go down a desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza. In this instruction, the Spirit tells Phillip to "Go to that chariot and stand near it"(Acts 8:29). Later we find out that through this interaction, Phillip gets do disciple to an Ethiopian man and baptize him in water.
Just like Phillip, the Spirit speaks to us daily with instructions that can change the people around us, our community, and even the world. Our relationship with God is more than just a tradition following routine to an unknown God that is too powerful to understand. He actually craves a more intimate experience with us. He would rather walk with us daily, where we can be obedient in the small moments when all we hear is a whisper from the Lord. Tune in to find out more. . .
In today's society, the world is constantly making counterfeit solutions to our broken world. To the eye, most of these things are enticing and make things seem better for a moment. The world has popularized horoscopes, witchcraft, crystals, drugs, and many other strategies that seem effective to the average person. Harmless in appearance, none of these things contain the same power that God desires you to carry wherever you go.
In the Bible, Peter and John carried something that people knew was real from the moment they walked into Samaria. A sorcerer named Simon noticed the difference between his "magic" and the power of the Holy Spirit. He wanted what they had so badly that he wished to buy it from them so that his sorcery seemed valid so he could use it for his personal gain.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon Block reads Acts 8:9-25 about the story of Simon the Sorcerer. Here he reveals to us the importance of having a heart that is convinced of God's true power. With the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can show the world the one and true answer to our broken situations because God wants to use YOU to reveal His glory. Tune in to find out more. . .
Our story has the potential to impact eternity. We often don't even know that we are living out something great while we are in it. If you look at the stories you follow and favor in the world, it can tell a lot about the person you are or want to become. For some people, it's the stories in People Magazine, the next scoop on the Kardashians, or the memoirs and stories of a President that you look up to the most. These stories shape us and inspire us to triumph in our lives. Like these examples, the Bible is full of many stories of heroes who had no idea that the lives they were living would be written down and read about 2,000 years later. These stories are still being told today because they are full of people willing and obedient to God's story.
This week, Pastor Brandon Block continues in the book of Acts in chapters 7:54-8:8. In this passage we discover how the persecution of Stephen didn't just cause a scattering of those willing to preach God's word and perform miracles, this event is the beginning of Pauls journey to becoming a Godly man who writes the majority of the New Testament. In addition to that, Pastor Brandon encourages us to live out God's plan for our lives so that maybe someday, our story impacts the lives of generations to come. Tune in to find out how God is calling you to live out a story that you couldn't even begin to dream of.
This Father's Day, we recognize the gifts and unique abilities that our fathers have. Some dad always knows what will happen next, as if they can see into the future. Some dads just have the best jokes. But the greatest fathers have chosen to serve more than just their families. They are servants of all.
This week, Pastor Brandon gives us a word to our dads that can be applied to all of us. As he preaches over Matthew 20:20-18 it says, "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant." From the words of Jesus, we learn that in order to become great, we must first choose to become a servant of others. This means more than just doing good deeds. It means putting others' needs before our own without keeping score. Listen to this episode to find out more about how we can operate in the Spirit instead of the flesh so that we can operate in this way.
Has there ever been a time in your life when you've packed too much, too little, or the wrong things for a trip that you were taking? These situations usually caused more trouble than the rest that you received during that vacation. Just like packing, God wants us to be ready for the purpose that He has for us. When we distract ourselves from the things of the world, we miss out on what God wants to do. In fulfilling our purpose, we're only gonna have room for the right things. If we choose otherwise, the idols we accumulate will ultimately separate us from God.
In this week's episode, Pastor Josh Lester preaches in chapter seven of the book of Acts. At the end of this chapter, Stephen is so close to the Lord and so full of the Holy Spirit that when he looks up to heaven he sees the glory of God. If we want to be ready for the purpose that God has for us, it's time that we eliminate our idols and live a life surrendered to the glory of God. This is what allows us to be ready for anything that comes our way in life. Listen to this episode to find out more . . .
"Hope is to expect with confidence. It's an earnest expectation of good coming out of what appears to be a negative situation."- Benjamin J. Houpe
There are many things in this world that have given us temporary hope. Money, sports teams, our family, etc. Unfortunately, all of these things have led us to disappointment more than once. But today, God wants to reveal to you the one hope that never fails, never causes disappointment, and always has victory. This hope is Jesus.
In this week's episode, Pastor Benjamin J. Houpe brings a word to NOT LOSE HOPE! He tells us that putting our hope in anything but Jesus will disappoint us. Since we have the good news of Christ, we can be full of hope because: we are not lost, we have a destination, and we are not alone. Tune in to find out more about the hope of Christ.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). But what is the wisdom that the Bible talks about here in Proverbs? In chapter 8 of Proverbs, the Bible personifies wisdom as Jesus himself. Maybe the wisdom that we need for life isn't just "good advice" but it is actually something that is alive and walks with us every day. The reality is, that in order to have wisdom, we have to know Jesus.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon teaches us in Acts 6 how seven men were selected to aid the Apostles in their ministry. The requirements for choosing these men were that they had to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. In our own lives, we need to be full of the Spirit and wisdom to live the lives that God has called us to. Tune in to find out more about the wisdom of Jesus. . .
Walk through this prayer of declaration with us to experience freedom and healing from the things that have been binding you for too long!! Feel free to speak these declarations out loud with us wherever you are as we pray together and renounce the enemy in Jesus name!!
This week in the book of Acts, Pastor Brandon discusses Acts 5:12-16. In this passage, we learn that the major difference between the people who did not dare join the apostles in the Colonnade and the men and women who were added to their number and verse 14. The people that entered the Colonnade and were healed, knew the truth of who Jesus was and were saved.
As you listen to this week's episode, our prayer for you is that you would discover this reality for your life. We pray that as you're listening, you would be changed in such a way that as you go out into the world, people would notice. We know that the truth of Jesus Christ can change us in such a way that heals our mind, body, and spirit for eternity. That is the truth. Keep listening to find out more about deliverance and the spiritual power that is within this truth of salvation. . .
This Mother's Day, we honor our mothers and recognize that they have been the greatest blessing to our lives. At Zion, we take this opportunity to pour out a blessing onto them as a small token in return for the things they have done for us. Our mothers have not only brought us all the love and care that they bring, but they have also disciplined us into becoming the people we were made to be.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon Block expresses to us just how similar God disciplines us to become who we are supposed to be. In John 15 it says that God is the vine and we are the branches. God disciplines us because He cuts back the branches in our lives that aren't fruitful to allow new branches to grow. God wants us to flourish in the same way that our mothers have tended and cared for us. Keep listening to find out more. . .
In Acts Chapter 5, great fear seizes the early church as a couple dies before their eyes. Even though Ananias and Sapphira had given their land, just as Barnabas did, they died because they chose to hold back some money they received from the land and they lied to the apostles. In this passage, the apostles tell them that they have not only lied to human beings, but they have lied to God. From this passage, we learn that even in the act of being generous, God cares more about the heart of the giver.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon gives us instruction on how to live with a spirit of blessing rather than a spirit of poverty. He teaches us that it is actually through the power of God that we acquire wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). We believe that through listening to this episode you will begin to see that God's desire is to pour blessing on you. Instead of living with a poverty mindset that is plagued by the devourer, God is calling us to live by the blessing that comes from God that gives us a heart of generosity.
In Acts 4:23-31, Peter and John go back to their people and pray. This passage says that "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." Through this prayer, God enables His servants to speak His word with great boldness, heal, and perform signs and wonders in the name of Jesus.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon prays this same prayer over us and teaches us that there is power when we pray. He makes it clear that when we pray without ceasing, the Lord teaches us to pray and pray more effectively. Our challenge to you this week is that you would take 15 minutes of your day for seven days in prayer. Not just a prayer of requests, but together, let's pray for the Lord to teach us to pray in a new way that gives us the same power and boldness from the passage in this episode!
In the book of Acts, the disciples were ordinary, unschooled, and unlettered men. They were unqualified to teach and preach, especially to the rabbis in the Sanhedrin. The thing that most distinguished their teaching from others during this time, is that the people they were with could not deny that they had been with Jesus. Because the disciples had been with Jesus, they could speak with power and authority above the most educated religious leaders during their time.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon teaches us that God doesn't use the most educated, religious giants. He uses those who are humble, weak, and willing to spend time in His presence. He uses the ordinary. As you listen to this episode, our prayer is that you would begin to rely on the Spirit like Peter and John did in Acts when they faced the Sanhedrin. We pray that you would depend on the Holy Spirit everywhere you go so that our extraordinary God could use you in greater ways than what you could imagine.
We are expectant to see God do great things this year in this unique season of growth that we have never seen before. And as a people of Zion, we want to steward what God has given us through our giving as we are seeing more and more people collaborate with us to build the church. Tune in to hear Pastor Brandon's vision for the church and how you can give toward this exciting new prophecy spoken over us and what we can do next to impact our community at Excelsior Springs!
This Easter Sunday, we celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's undeniable that someone born thousands of years ago still has an effect on today. But what does this mean for us? Jesus was not born so that God can put a band-aid on all of our issues and brokenness. No, He was created for so much more. . .
In this week's episode, we learn that through Jesus, we are made perfect through Jesus's resurrection. Christ the redeemer has risen! As you are listening, our prayer is that you would discover a new relationship with Jesus and begin to understand what He paid for in a real way.
This Palm Sunday, our worship pastor Allison Weedin brings the word as she tells us the beautiful story of Jesus riding the city of Jerusalem on a donkey. Throughout her telling of the story, she provides us with wisdom for our lives with a new perspective.
In the passage of John, God fulfills a prophecy that is told 553 years before it takes place (Zechariah 9:9). This prophecy is Jesus riding a donkey down the streets of Jerusalem in His triumphant entry. What is even greater than that, is to know that God fulfills all prophecies this way. He always holds true to His word.
You won't want to miss this week's message as you also discover a new meaning to the palm branches. Pastor Weedin tells us that it's not a coincidence that God gave us two palms of our own. This is so that we have the opportunity every day to pick up our palm branches and give the Lord our praise! Find out more by listening to this week's episode.
God is in the business of doing things greater than we can imagine. In the book of Acts, the disciples performed signs and wonders, not because they were seeking them, but because it is what flowed out of their knowledge and experience of being with God. Being with God and knowing His character is crucial in our daily lives as Christians because it gives us faith and understanding to bring His Kingdom down to Earth.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon shares a story in Acts 3 about how Peter heals a lame beggar. He teaches us that even though the lame man only had the expectation to receive a financial donation, Peter understood that God wanted so much more for this man. For some Christians, we walk through life only with the expectation that God throws us a figurative bone when we need help the most, just like this lame man. Hopefully, after listening to this episode, your faith is built to believe that God has a power that is way beyond your expectation. In response, we pray that you would begin to see signs, wonders, and miracles flow out of your knowledge and experience of what God wants to, and can do.
When you decide to follow Jesus with your life, you inherit the kingdom of God. You become a son or daughter of the king of kings! With that crown comes royal attributes that you carry with you every day.
Listen in as Jennifer explores what that means for your every day life through the story of Esther and challenges us to walk with the royal authority we are given as children of God!
The full story of Esther can be found by reading the book of Esther in the Bible.
Other Scripture References;
Psalms 5:12
Proverbs 1:5
Proverbs 31:25-26
Galatians 5:22-23
Psalm 16:5
Jeremiah 29:11
Romans 8:28
Esther 4:13-14
Proverbs 16:9
Ephesians 3:20
Many times as Christians we've heard the call to be fully devoted to the Lord. Full devotion involves developing and growing a culture that reflects the heart of God. It's more than just our prayers and involvement in the church, it's the way we walk outside of the church.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon helps us to learn what living fully devoted looks like. It involves fellowship with the people around us, breaking bread, and being in each other's homes. It means to be full of awe at everything that God is doing in our lives and in the church. But there is one more thing that causes us to change from the inside out in everything we do.
Giving our lives to the Lord requires the fear of God. This fear is what every believer needs to understand that life is much more difficult without Him. It gives us dependency and wisdom. Listen to this episode to find out more. . .
In the Bible, Elijah knew that even though he was ordinary, he was connected to an extraordinary God. The prophets of Baal fell on their faces before the Lord through Elijah's demonstration of God's power. In the face of the world today, God wants us to have this same connection so that His power may be revealed on Earth.
In this week's episode, Pastor Brandon teaches us that God doesn't always use the mightiest and most spiritual giants, but He always uses ordinary people that are willing to listen and be obedient to His voice. As God speaks to you during this message, our prayer is that you would receive the Holy Spirit to guide you and direct you to His call on your life in an extraordinary way. We pray that you would be empowered in such a way that it makes an impact on your life and your community just like it did Elijah.
Resting and waiting have become one of the most challenging things for this generation to recognize. It's uncomfortable, it's awkward, and sometimes we feel guilty for doing it. In silence, we are forced to think deeply about our lives, avoiding the monotonous tasks of the fast-paced world. What value is there to sitting in an empty, quiet room?
The reality is that this is exactly what God is calling us to do when Jesus called the disciples to "sit and wait" until the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:4). The Father wants us to interact with Him in such a way that we should sacrifice our time and our comfort for it.
In this week's episode of the Zion Podcast, Pastor Brandon Block tells a story of the power that came on a woman after she decided to wait for three days to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Through this story, we learn that God honors the sacrifice of our time to wait in His presence with a gift, the gift of the Holy Spirit.
"Repentance is not an emotion, but a continual choice, an act of the will."
-Brandon Block
Sometimes, being close to God isn't possible if we are constantly turning away from Him. That's why he leads us to repentance. This word "repentance" doesn't mean that we have to cry and confess at the altar, but it's actually an action. You could define it as a 180-degree turn towards God.
This week at Zion, we not only learn the importance of repentance and what it means to repent, but Pastor Brandon Block also reminds us of what it's like to truly be close to God. This is so that we can recognize that being close to Him isn't a matter of how far away He is from us, but it's whether or not we desire to change our direction and turn towards the Father.
For many of us, we would like to become the people we admire, be we all can't be Michael Jordan. What if someone told you that there is a way to be like Jesus? That you could bring with you the same signs, wonders, and miracles that Jesus performed in the Gospels?
In John 14:12 it says, "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
At Zion, we believe that the Bible speaks the truth, its contents are real, and that we can apply it to our lives today. In this week's episode, Brandon talks about the discrepancy that lies between ourselves and becoming like Jesus. This discrepancy is whether or not we carry the Holy Spirit.
Our prayer for you this week is that while you are listening, you would be filled through the baptism o the Holy Spirit, empowering you to be more like Jesus than you ever dreamed possible.
Source:
“Bible Gateway Passage: John 14:12 - New International Version.” Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A12&version=NIV.
"In order for you to edify yourself and do what I have for you, you are going to need to speak in tongues. It is what edifies you" - Brandon Block
In this episode we learn from Pastor Brandon Block that praying in the Spirit isn't what the world has made it out to be. It was never meant to be weird, gaudy, or fanciful. Our prayer language is a tool God has given us to speak directly to Him, no matter what it sounds like. It also isn't something that God possesses us to do, but it is something we act upon in obedience. Through a prayer life of speaking in tongues on a regular basis, we become edified or built up in our everyday lives. Tune in to this episode to find out more about how you can use this gift to strengthen your intimacy with God and pray in accord with His will.
The definition for "edify" The Merriam Dictionary is: "to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge : UPLIFT also : ENLIGHTEN, INFORM" (Merriam-Webster, 2023).
To bring Encounter Week of 2023 to a close, let's look back at the things God has done at Zion. In our prayer journals, we wrote down the people we have a burden for and the things we were expecting God to do in our lives as the past few weeks have taught us to develop a rhythm of prayer and intercession for others. And through our prayers, God has become more real and active in our lives than we have ever seen before.
In this week's podcast, Pastor Brandon emphasizes the power of testimony as our faith is built through sharing our testimonies. Our stories become the foundation for not just what God has done, but what he will continue to do this year as we pray and ask God to do it again! This week we've not just discovered that prayer is effective, but that it's where the action is. And the best part is that we're just getting started.
Tune in to this week's episode and join us as we step into a launching pad of power for where God is taking us next...
"The word testimony means 'Do It Again'! But it does not stop their Zion Church, it says, do it again with the same POWER and AUTHORITY!" - Benjamin Houpe
The testimonies we carry are valuable for many reasons, but they aren't just something we stick in our back pocket. The testimonies are food for the soul which become the strength that we need to overcome our next battle. In 1 Samuel, David brings his testimonies to battle knowing that he can conquer giants because of his ability to defeat lions and bears. What if you knew that God could give you this same power and authority in your life?
This Encounter Week at Zion, Pastor Benjamin Houpe gives us the opportunity to see the power of testimony through his eyes so that we would be equipped to defeat the giants in our own lives.
Instagram: @benjaminhoupe
From the words of John Wesley-
“It seems as though God does nothing except in response to believing in prayer”.
This week at Zion, Pastor Brandon Block unpacks the burden of prayer and how God places specific needs in our hearts so that we can respond in obedience through prayer. “Praying” is not just our response in a group chat when the people around us our seeking an answer to a situation; it goes deeper as we partner with God to seek spiritual solutions to natural concerns.
Tune into this episode as Pastor Brandon gives us direction for growing deeper in our prayer life. The challenge in front of us isn’t “What will God do if I pray?”. But the question we should be asking is, “If we do not pray, how will the answer come?”
Prayer is the foundation for every expectation. As we look to God through prayer and fasting this new year, we hear God's call to build a strong foundation of prayer for the desires He's placed in our heart.
On January 15th at sundown, the people of Zion are embarking on a 21 day journey together of fasting and prayer. We're setting aside choice foods and creating intentional time to spend in the presence of God. If you're new to Zion or aren't sure what a spiritual fast entails, listen in as pastor Brandon explains the nuts and bolts of the 21 day fast.
The roots of the Daniel fast and the spiritual power that it holds. A practical look at the process of prayer and intercession.
As God gives us direction for 2023 Pastor Brandon gives a sermon about expectation and the Dilemma of losing hope when facing the gap between expectation and reality.
Jesus didn’t die so that we could all just be waiting to get to Heaven. God’s design is for us to experience the Kingdom of Heaven here and now - on this earth. What does that mean for you? Tune in to find out.