Zion Podcast

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.