1 Peter 2:4-10 ~ Living Stones

/in /by

Text: 1 Peter 2:4-10

Preacher: Rev. Greg Brower

The Christians to whom Peter wrote in 1 Peter feel alone, scared, and as if they no longer belong in their own country. Maybe you have felt similarly at times. Peter reminds them and us that our hope is not found in fitting into the culture around us, but in Jesus who is creating us to be a new kind of chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. In the beginning of chapter 2, writing to people living in a pagan culture where people looked to other gods for their provision, Peter urges the church to live as a temple of God with their lives as the stones of the temple. This week we consider how we can live as this temple of God in our community today.

1 Peter 1:13-2:3 ~ Taste and See

/in /by

Text: 1 Peter 1:13-2:3

Preacher: Rev. Greg Brower

The Christians to whom Peter wrote in 1 Peter feel alone, scared, and as if they no longer belong in their own country. Maybe you have felt similarly at times. Peter reminds them and us that our hope is not found in fitting into the culture around us, but in Jesus who is creating us to be a new kind of chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. This week, we consider what it means to be a people who have tasted the goodness of God and how to continue to experience his goodness in our lives.

1 Peter 1:1-12 ~ A Living Hope

/in /by

Text: 1 Peter 1:1-12

Preacher: Rev. Rick VanderWall

Today we begin a new sermon series looking at the letters Peter wrote to various churches experiencing persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. The culture around them made it difficult to hold fast to their beliefs. In some respects, we too are seeing the culture around us change and at times this can be very discouraging. Peter’s letter spoke to them and speaks to us today giving us what we need to encourage and stand fast in the One who brings us the hope we need to hear and hold on to. Join us as we dig into this letter and find all we need to navigate these changing times.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8 ~ He is Alive!

/in /by

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

Preacher: Rev. Greg Brower

He is risen! This Sunday, we celebrate an empty tomb, a risen king, and new world of life breaking into this world of death. It has been a long year and much has not gone according to our plans, but on Easter we remember that even in our darkest moments, God can speak and bring new life and hope. This Easter, we question how can we as an Easter people  live to give witness and testimony to this new kingdom of our God?

Mark 9:30-37

/in /by

Text: Mark 9:30-37
Preacher: Ms. Julianna Kempema

Christianity at its core is not about thinking the right things about God or knowing our Bibles inside and out, but about following Jesus. The earliest believers were called Christians because they looked and acted like little Christs, little Jesuses.  This morning we are excited to welcome Julianna Kempema back to Zion as she shares a message from Mark 9.

Mark 8:27-38

/in /by

Text: Mark 8:27-38
Preacher: Rev. Greg Brower
Christianity at its core is not about thinking the right things about God or knowing our Bibles inside and out, but about following Jesus. The earliest believers were called Christians because they looked and acted like little Christs, little Jesuses. In Mark 8, Peter proclaims Jesus to be the Messiah, but when Jesus explains what being Messiah actually entails the disciples push back. The disciples want Jesus on their own terms. But, if Jesus really is the Messiah he claims to be, it requires a response from us, a response that looks a lot like death. Do we believe Jesus or what we wish to be true of Jesus?

Mark 7:1-23 – On the Mark

/in /by

Text: Mark 7:1-23
Preacher: Rev. Greg Brower
Christianity at its core is not about thinking the right things about God or knowing our Bibles inside and out, but about following Jesus. The earliest believers were called Christians because they looked and acted like little Christs, little Jesuses. In Mark 7, Jesus has a conflict with the Pharisees about their marks of the people of God. Is it about following the right rules or the attitude of their heart?

Mark 6:1-12, 30-31 ~ Who Do You See?

/in /by

Text: Mark 6:1-12, 30-31
Preacher: Rev. Greg Brower
Christianity at its core is not about thinking the right things about God or knowing our Bibles inside and out, but about following Jesus. The earliest believers were called Christians because they looked and acted like little Christs, little Jesuses. In Mark 6, Jesus goes home to Nazareth and receives less than a warm welcome. The people think they already know Jesus and so reject his teaching. The disciples, however, trust Jesus and in trusting him are sent out to teach, heal and cast our demons. One group puts Jesus in a box of their own making and another lets Jesus run wild over their life and sees the power of God at work in them. Where might we need to let Jesus out of our boxes so we can see the power of God already at work around us?

Mark 5:21-34 ~ Just a Touch

/in /by

Text: Mark 5:21-34
Preacher: Mr. Jeremy Zoet

Christianity at its core is not about thinking the right things about God or knowing our Bibles inside and out, but about following Jesus. The earliest believers were called Christians because they looked and acted like little Christs, little Jesuses. In Mark 5, we find a crowd around Jesus, following to see what he will say or do next. And a woman who, for twelve years has been declared unclean, sneaks onto the scene to show us what what reaching out to Jesus in times of heartache and pain, loneliness and isolation, can result in. What will we learn as we join the crowd and witness Jesus’ interaction with this woman?

Mark 2 1 17 ~ An Inclusive Kingdom

/in /by

Text: Mark 2:1-17
Preacher: Rev. Greg Brower

Christianity at its core is not about thinking the right things about God or knowing our Bibles inside and out, but about following Jesus. The earliest believers were called Christians because they looked and acted like little Christs, little Jesuses. In Mark 2, we learn this kingdom of God Jesus proclaims will be more inclusive and diverse than anyone first thought. All the disciple’s categories of who is in the kingdom and who is out get tossed out the window when Jesus calls a hated tax collector to follow as well. This kingdom will stretch us to love and understand those our world tries to paint as enemies.