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. . .