Today we begin a new message series called “Faith That Honors God.” As we celebrate nearly 150 years of God’s blessings here at Zion, we ask an important question: What kind of church pleases God? Today we begin with the first answer: A reverent church. A reverent church fears, loves, and trusts in God above all things. It takes God’s Word seriously, lives in repentance and faith, and seeks to honor God not to earn His love, but because He has already loved us in Christ. Today we ask God to shape us into that kind of church for the sake of the generations that will come after us.

Today we begin a new message series called “Faith That Honors God.” As we celebrate nearly 150 years of God’s blessings here at Zion, we ask an important question: What kind of church pleases God? Today we begin with the first answer: A reverent church. A reverent church fears, loves, and trusts in God above all things. It takes God’s Word seriously, lives in repentance and faith, and seeks to honor God not to earn His love, but because He has already loved us in Christ. Today we ask God to shape us into that kind of church for the sake of the generations that will come after us.

Today’s message proclaims the turning point of the Christian faith. After weeks of listening to songs sung in darkness and waiting through silence, Easter announces what fear could not stop and death could not hold. God has acted decisively. The tomb is empty. Christ lives. In the Gospel reading the risen Lord calls Mary by name, turning grief into faith and sending her with the first Easter proclamation: “I have seen the Lord.” This sermon celebrates resurrection victory with power, confidence, and joy, declaring that the night is truly over.

Tonight, we gather at the foot of the cross, not to explain what happened, but to listen. On Good Friday, Jesus speaks from the cross using the words of Scripture. His cry is not confusion. It is confession. In the darkness, Christ teaches His Church how to trust God’s promise even when hope seems finished.

Tonight we gather in a quiet moment in Holy Week. Jesus will soon go on ahead toward the cross. Before the darkness closes in, He gives a gift that will not fade. In bread and wine, Christ places forgiveness, life, and salvation into empty hands. This message invites us to receive hope given in the night and to trust Jesus’ promise even as the silence deepens.

Today marks a turning point. The songs of Lent do not end, but the song change key. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowd sings with hope while He walks with purpose. This message invites us to follow Christ forward, not because the road is easy, but because He goes on ahead of us into suffering, obedience, and salvation.

As Lent moves toward its close, the Church stands in the last heavy hours before dawn. This message invites God’s people to wait with Jesus in the night, trusting His promises, resting in His obedience, and holding on to hope even when relief remains unseen. The darkness has not yet lifted, but the morning is certain.

Today is a very special day at Zion. Eleven students were Confirmed in the Christian faith this Sunday. The message includes some references directly to them. Today’s message, "When It Feels Too Late" speaks to moments of grief, loss, and waiting when hope seems expired. Through Habakkuk’s struggle with delay and the raising of Lazarus, we hear the promise that Christ is never too late. Even where death, sin, and despair appear final, God speaks life and forgiveness.

Today’s message continues our Lenten journey from darkness toward light. As the weeks go on, faith can grow tired. Questions linger. Strength fades. Using the words of Habakkuk and the account of Jesus at the well, we hear how God meets worn-out people, not with quick answers, but with His faithful presence and sustaining grace.

Tonight’s message continues our Lenten journey through the night. Psalm 6 gives voice to faith that waits honestly, patiently, and trustingly when relief does not come quickly. As we listen, we are reminded that Christ Himself entered the deepest night for us, securing forgiveness and hope even before the morning arrives.

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