For Zion’s Sake Podcast

In this deeply personal and timely episode of For Zion's Sake, host Shelley Volk is joined by his son, Scotty Volk, as they launch a new monthly format following the passing of Shelley's wife and co-host, June. Turning their focus to a heavily overlooked yet vital part of our spiritual walk, the hosts examine the human mind. Drawing from biblical warnings and insights on spiritual warfare, they explore how Satan targets human thought patterns, why our thoughts shape our actions, and how believers can surrender their mindset to experience God's true peace (shalom) and the mind of Christ.

Key Takeaways

• The Battlefield of the Mind: Scripture and spiritual observations highlight how the powers of darkness heavily target man's mind, using unexamined thoughts and worldly philosophies to build strongholds.

• From Thoughts to Habits: Because human thoughts dictate actions, and actions form habits, guarding our minds and renewing our thinking is essential to our walk with God.

• The Trap of Negative Thinking: Human nature naturally tends to fear and assume the worst when facing uncertainty; however, believers are called to shift their perspective and anchor their thoughts in the Spirit.

• The Power of Surrender: True transformation happens when believers stop relying on natural intellect or worldly reasoning and fully surrender their mindset to be guided by God's Word and Spirit.

Featured Bible Passages & References

• Isaiah 62:1: Declaring righteousness and salvation for Zion's and Jerusalem's sake.

• 2 Corinthians 4:4: The God of this world blinding the minds of unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of Christ.

• Colossians 1:21: Being formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds.

• Romans 8:7-8: The mindset on the flesh is hostile toward God and cannot please Him.

• Ephesians 2:3: Formerly living in the lusts of the flesh and indulging the desires of the mind.

• Romans 1:28: God giving those who refuse to acknowledge Him over to a depraved mind.

• Romans 8:6: "For the mindset on the flesh is death, but the mindset on the spirit is life and peace."

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

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In this concluding episode of the week on For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelly and June Volk focus on the practical differences between walking in the flesh and living by the power of the Holy Spirit. As believers navigate challenging times, the hosts emphasize that true spiritual transformation cannot be achieved through human strength or intellect, but only through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. Tune in to discover how to identify the deeds of the flesh, yield your heart to God, and bear the fruit of the Spirit.

Key Takeaways

• Flesh vs. Spirit: While the deeds of the flesh lead to division, discord, and spiritual death, walking by the Spirit produces a transformed life characterized by love, joy, peace, and self-control.

• The Power of the New Life: Believers are no longer obligated to live according to the sinful nature; through Christ, the law of the Spirit of life has set us free from sin and death.

• Self-Examination and Repentance: Recognizing areas of the flesh operating in our lives serves as an awakening to turn back to God, repent, and ask for His grace to change us from within.

• Identity as Children of God: The Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are children of God, granting us adoption and the freedom to cry out "Abba, Father."

Featured Bible Passages & References

• Isaiah 62:1: Declaring righteousness and salvation for Zion's sake.

• Hebrews 4:12: The Word of God dividing soul from spirit.

• John 4:23-30: True worshipers worshiping in spirit and truth, and Jesus living by the Father's initiative.

• Galatians 5:16-23: Walking by the Spirit so as not to gratify the desires of the flesh, contrasting the acts of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit.

• Romans 8:1-16: Living according to the Spirit, experiencing no condemnation in Christ Jesus, and receiving the spirit of adoption as sons.

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelly and June Volk continue their timely study on living in the realm of the Holy Spirit as the days grow darker. Examining the vital difference between the soul and the spirit, the hosts look at the example of Jesus—who did nothing of His own initiative but lived entirely by the Father's will—and warn against the spiritual dangers of resisting, quenching, or grieving the Holy Spirit. Listeners are encouraged to yield their own minds, learn from the historical mistakes of Israel, and walk daily in the power of God's divine life.

Key Takeaways

• The Example of Jesus: Just as Jesus lived entirely by the will and guidance of the Father, believers are called to put aside self-reliance and let the resurrected Christ live through them.

• The Dangers of Resisting, Quenching, and Grieving: Scripture warns believers not to harden their hearts, snuff out the Spirit's leading through worldly thinking, or grieve the Holy Spirit through disobedience.

• Learning from Israel's Wilderness Journey: Looking back at the historical accounts of Israel, believers are reminded to avoid rebellion and instead rely on the Spirit to find true rest and guidance.

• The Promise of Future Redemption: Through prophecies like Ezekiel's promise of a new heart and spirit, believers are reminded of God's ultimate plan for Israel and the importance of standing in prayer.

Featured Bible Passages & References

• Isaiah 62:1: Declaring truth for Zion and Jerusalem's sake.

• Hebrews 4:12: The Word of God dividing soul from spirit.

• John 5:30: Jesus stating, "I can do nothing of my own initiative... I seek not my own will, but the will of him who sent me."

• Acts 7:51: Stephen's warning to those always resisting the Holy Spirit.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:19: "Do not quench the Spirit."

• Ephesians 4:30: "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God."

• Isaiah 63:7-10: Remembering God's lovingkindness toward Israel and how they grieved His Holy Spirit.

• Ezekiel 36:24-28: God's promise to give His people a new heart and put His Spirit within them.

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelly and June Volk explore what it means to be called as a distinctly different people by living in the realm of the Holy Spirit rather than the natural flesh. Drawing from biblical principles, the discussion highlights how the new birth brings divine life and a living hope through the resurrection of the Messiah. Listeners are encouraged to move beyond human reasoning and worldly mindsets, allowing the Word of God and the Spirit to guide them into all truth.

Key Takeaways

• A Distinct Manner of Living: Believers are called to live differently from the world—not governed by the natural flesh or soul, but anchored entirely in the realm of the Holy Spirit.

• The Power of the New Birth: Through Jesus' resurrection, believers are given a "living hope" that breaks the power of sin and imparts divine, spiritual life.

• Worshiping in Spirit and Truth: True worship and fellowship with God cannot happen through human effort or intellect; it requires communion spirit-to-spirit with the living God.

• Walking by the Spirit, Not Flesh: Rather than leaning on human counsel or temporary worldly wisdom above God, believers must depend on the Holy Spirit for direction and transformation.

Featured Bible Passages & References

• Isaiah 62:1: "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent..."

• Esther 3:8: The unique manner of living practiced by God's people under a higher law.

• Hebrews 4:12: The Word of God as sharper than a double-edged sword, dividing soul and spirit.

• Romans 7:6: Serving in the newness of the Spirit rather than the oldness of the letter.

• John 4:23: True worshipers worshiping the Father in spirit and truth.

• 1 Corinthians 6:17: The one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

• Romans 6:6: Knowing that our old self was crucified with Christ so we would no longer be slaves to sin.

• 1 Peter 1:3: Being born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• Galatians 1:15-16: Paul's calling and his reliance on God's revelation rather than consulting flesh and blood.

• Zechariah 4:6: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord."

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast Description & Show Notes

Title: For Zion's Sake: Walking in the Spirit vs. the Soulish Life (Episode PGM055)

Description: In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk continue their series on living by the Holy Spirit rather than the natural soul or flesh. Drawing from the distinction between soul and spirit, this episode emphasizes true freedom, fellowship with God, and serving in the newness of the Spirit.

Key Takeaways

• Soul vs. Spirit: Using Hebrews 4:12, the message distinguishes between the natural soul (nephesh—mind, will, and emotions) and the life-giving Spirit of Christ within believers.

• The Example of Cain: Examining Genesis 4, the hosts highlight how living strictly in the soulish and fleshly realm leads to anger and bondage, whereas yielding to the Lord brings freedom.

• Serving in Newness of Life: True spiritual service and victory over sin come not from legalistic adherence to the letter of the law, but through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture References & Passages

• Isaiah 62:1: "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent..." — the foundational heart of the broadcast.

• Hebrews 4:12: The Word of God dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow.

• Genesis 2:7: Adam becoming a living being (nephesh / soul) through the breath of life.

• 1 Corinthians 15:45: The first Adam as a living soul; the last Adam (Jesus) as a life-giving spirit.

• Genesis 4:5–7: The account of Cain and Abel, sin crouching at the door, and the call to master it.

• Romans 7:4–6: Being released from the law to serve in newness of the Spirit.

• John 6:63: "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing..."

Program Information & Links

• Sponsor: The Psalm 127 Fund

• Website: shellyandjunevolk.com | P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk begin a new week of broadcasting by exploring what it means to be a distinctly different people through living in the Spirit. Referencing the distinct identity of the Jewish people in Persia under Haman's edict and looking at the critical line of demarcation between the soul and the spirit, this episode encourages believers to move beyond soulish living and walk closely with God.

Key Takeaways

• A Distinctive People: Just as the Jewish people in Persia stood out with different laws and a true relationship with God, believers today are called to live distinctly from the world.

• Soul vs. Spirit: Using Hebrews 4:12, the message highlights the vital need to distinguish between the natural soul life (nephesh) and the spiritual life imparted by Christ.

• Walking in the Spirit: True communication and service to God come exclusively through the Holy Spirit rather than human intellect, flesh, or emotion.

Scripture References & Passages

• Isaiah 62:1: "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent..." — the foundational heart of the broadcast.

• Esther 3:8: Haman's account to King Ahasuerus regarding a scattered people whose laws differed from all others.

• Hebrews 4:12: The Word of God as active and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit.

• Genesis 2:7: Adam formed from the dust and becoming a living being (nephesh / soul).

• 1 Corinthians 15:45: The first Adam became a living soul; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

• 1 Corinthians 2:9–12: Receiving not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit from God to understand the things freely given to us.

• Romans 1:9: Serving God in one's spirit in the preaching of the gospel.

Program Information & Links

• Sponsor: The Psalm 127 Fund

• Website: shellyandjunevolk.com | P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this concluding episode of the week for For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk wrap up their series on Ephesians Chapter 3. Highlighting how God works in exceedingly abundant ways, this episode explores the practical reality of experiencing God's love, mercy, and grace daily.

Key Takeaways

• Experiencing Christ's Love: Moving beyond mere head knowledge, believers are encouraged to experience the love of Christ firsthand, which surpasses human understanding and transforms how we interact with others.

• An Abundant God: From abundant pardon to abundant peace and grace, the episode highlights that God always provides far beyond human expectation and comprehension.

• The Foundation of Faith: Drawing connections between the Old and New Covenants, the hosts emphasize that the foundation of our faith rests in the truths fulfilled by the Messiah.

Scripture References & Passages

• Isaiah 62:1: "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent..." — the guiding burden of the program.

• Ephesians 3:14–21: Paul's prayer for believers to be strengthened in the inner man, know the love of Christ, and praise Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.

• Isaiah 55:7: The call to forsake unrighteous ways, turning to the Lord who will abundantly pardon.

• Psalm 37:11: The meek inheriting the earth and delighting in the abundance of peace.

• John 10:10: Jesus coming that we might have life and have it abundantly.

Program Information & Links

• Sponsor: The Psalm 127 Fund

• Contact & Website: shellyandjunevolk.com | P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk continue their deep dive into the closing verses of Ephesians Chapter 3. Exploring the linguistic depth of Paul's writings regarding God's super-abundant power, this episode emphasizes how the Holy Spirit provides believers with a sufficiency that far exceeds human limitations.

Key Takeaways

• Super-Abundant Provision: Examining the Greek terms prefixed with "huper" used by Paul, the message highlights that God's power and ability to pardon and provide go far beyond human comprehension.

• God as Our True Sufficiency: Believers are reminded that they cannot live out the Christian life on their own strength; true spiritual impact and sufficiency come entirely from God.

• The Empowering Ministry of the Holy Spirit: Without the active presence and baptism of the Holy Spirit, human efforts profit nothing. Through the Spirit, believers receive power to be effective witnesses.

Scripture References & Passages

• Isaiah 62:1: "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent..." — the guiding burden of the program.

• Ephesians 3:14–21: Paul's prayer for believers to be strengthened in the inner man, rooted in love, filled with the fullness of God, and praising Him who does exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.

• 2 Corinthians 3:5: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.

• Acts 1:8: Receiving power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you to be witnesses.

• Isaiah 55:7: The wicked forsaking their way and turning to the Lord, who will abundantly pardon.

Program Information & Links

• Sponsor: The Psalm 127 Fund

• Contact & Website: shellyandjunevolk.com | P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk continue their study into the closing verses of Ephesians Chapter 3. Discussing the Apostle Paul’s imprisonment in Rome alongside the immeasurable spiritual riches available to believers, this episode highlights how God works in us through the Holy Spirit to accomplish far beyond what we can ask or think.

Key Takeaways

• Super-Abundant Power: Examining the Greek terminology used by Paul, the discussion highlights how God is able to do super-abundantly above all we ask or think through His power at work within us.

• Yielding to God's Will: Believers are encouraged to daily yield their own will to the Lord, trusting the resurrected, overcoming life of Christ to work in them both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

• The Source of Spiritual Strength: True Christian living cannot be achieved on human ability alone; it requires the active, empowering presence of the Holy Spirit transforming our inner man.

Scripture References & Passages

• Isaiah 62:1: "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent..." — the guiding heartbeat of the broadcast.

• Ephesians 3:14–21: Paul's prayer for believers to be strengthened with power through the Spirit, rooted in love, and filled up to all the fullness of God, concluding with the doxology in verses 20–21.

• Philippians 2:12–13: Working out our salvation with fear and trembling, knowing it is God who works in us to will and to do for His good pleasure.

• 2 Corinthians 3:5: Recognizing that our sufficiency does not come from ourselves, but entirely from God.

• Acts 1:8: Receiving power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us to be witnesses.

Program Information & Links

• Sponsor: The Psalm 127 Fund

• Contact & Website: shellyandjunevolk.com | P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast Description & Show Notes

Title: For Zion's Sake: The Riches of God's Fullness in Ephesians (Episode PGM055)

Description: In this episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk explore the rich theological truths found in the third chapter of Ephesians. Recorded while the Apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome, this episode encourages believers to move past spiritual lack and experience the surpassing love of Christ and the complete fullness of God.

Key Takeaways

• Rooted in Love: Believers are called to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit in the inner man, allowing Christ to dwell in their hearts through faith and being firmly rooted and grounded in love.

• Experiencing the Surpassing Love of Christ: Beyond head knowledge, God invites believers to practically experience a love that surpasses understanding, leading to being filled with all the fullness of God.

• Exceedingly Abundantly: Grounded in Paul’s glorious doxology, God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond all we ask or think through His power working within us.

Scripture References & Passages

• Isaiah 62:1: "For Zion's sake I will not keep silent..." — the foundational verse for the program's burden.

• Ephesians Chapter 3: Paul's prayer for the believers to be strengthened, grounded in love, and filled with God's fullness.

• Ephesians 3:19–21: Knowing the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge and the doxology of God's immeasurable power.

• Philippians 4:19: God supplying all our needs according to His riches in glory.

• 1 Corinthians 2:9: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, the things God has prepared for those who love Him.

Program Information & Links

• Sponsor: The Psalm 127 Fund

• Contact & Website: shellyandjunevolk.com | P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082

Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.