Zions Stone UCC

On Easter Sunday, Pastor Mike preaches on the gospel and our response to the proclamation of the risen Christ. We are to receive and hold fast even as we proclaim the good news of Jesus to others.

Pastor Mike contrasts the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem with the triumph of Titus as he entered Rome, after conquering Jerusalem 30ish years later. Titus came in lavish splendor but Jesus came in the power of humility.

Pastor Mike preaches on God's promise to make a new covenant with his people, and how in this new covenant God will forgive sins, all will know him, and we will be united with him.

Pastor Mike speaks on the story of the fiery serpents sent to bite the Israelites and the bronze serpent on the pole- which brought healing to those who looked at it- and how Jesus uses it to teach a lesson about how his death on the Cross will bring salvation to those who believe.

Drawing from 1 Corinthians, Pastor Mike speaks on the Cross as the folly and wisdom of God as well as how the Cross IS the sign the Jews demanded as well as the answer to the arguments of the Gentiles.

Pastor Mike speaks on how singing, glorying, seeking, and remembering God's gracious acts towards us helps us focus on the light of Christ, whose light will be hidden from those who reject him.

Pastor Mike preaches on Peter's confession of Christ and his subsequent rebuke by Christ after trying to keep him from the journey to the cross. Like Peter, we don't know God's plan, and even when he shares it we often misunderstand and try to make it match with our own ideas.

Pastor Mike speaks about how we like the heroes of the Old Testament, and like Jesus, meet both God and the tempter in the wilderness. Unlike the OT heroes Jesus did not fall into temptation and the lenten practices of giving, praying, and fasting help us to resist the tempter and to turn our hearts towards God.

Pastor Mike speaks about the need for penitence and humility as we endeavor to battle the source of all sin: pride. Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are all mortal, and that in light of our mortality we should seek a heart of wisdom.

Pastor Mike speaks on the story of the Transfiguration and how the revelation of the deified Christ helps refocus our worship and sharpens our sin blurred vision .