Sermons - ZION BK

After the fool comes the scoffer. A kind of older brother to the fool. This week we explore the dangers of the scoffer in Proverbs and how we can turn ourselves away from this way of living.

The fool in Proverbs is mentioned dozens of times. But what does the essence of foolish living boil down to? How do we avoid it? Scripture is clear, the way of the fool is the same way to destruction. Listen in this week as we explore this topic in Proverbs.

This week we wrap up our foundational understanding of Proverbs with a look at Proverbs 8 to help us understand the topic of Wisdom. Before we jump into any other topic we have to understand Wisdom better to apply it to our lives. Listen in this week as we dive into the topic of wisdom!

Our first topic in the series on Proverbs explores the relationship between God and man in the book. It is the essential building block to understand the rest of the book in its context. With a motto of 'the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom' for a book about wisdom, this foundational understanding needs to be at the center of our understanding of Proverbs.

As we start a new series in the book of Proverbs, it is important to understand the book we will spend some time with. This week we look at some of the main elements that make up the book and how it will speak to us over the coming months. We are excited to dive into this incredibly practical book together!

We are not called to live the Christian life alone. Community is not a fun idea in scripture. It is a must. During this session, we explore what real Christian community looks like in James 5.

As we celebrate two years we look at the difference between building a culture and an organization. God has called us to create a place where his people can thrive. How can we do that today?

Why is it that Paul said he wishes everyone was single like him? We explore what godly singleness can look like in today's world.

John the Baptist came to prepare the way for the Messiah. He went around preaching and teaching, baptizing people into repentance. In this passage from Luke we get a glimpse into one of his sermons. It leads us to ask a great question as we enter into a new year.

After an angel tells Mary she is pregnant, she goes to visit her cousin, who she also found out was pregnant. During their encounter, the truth of who Mary is carrying sinks in. We dive into the song of praise Mary sings at this reality.

As James wraps up his letter, he exhorts the church on how to use their speech to act towards one another and build a Godly community. He envisions a community that covers each other through good times, hard times, sickness, and sin. Thanks for tracking through this series with us!

Suffering will not last forever. How we act during times of hardship and trial will determine how excited we are for 'the day of the Lord.' Learn about what Christians have to look forward to - even in the midst of the hardest seasons of life.

Arrogance comes in many forms. God opposes all of them. This week we read how James lays out three ways pride has seeped into the world. It can be private, public, and systematic. Living a life of humility is a theme throughout all of scripture. What are ways we can humble ourselves before God in our words, actions, and plans?

This weeks passage is the center of James letter. He challenges the church to choose who their friend will be: the world or God. With that challenge comes a call to repentance to turn to God and begin to act like his people.

How do the words we say affect the life we live? James gives a powerful understanding of the role our speech plays in our everyday life. Listen in to hear what our words as the church should look like.

As chapter 2 comes to a close, James closes his argument against the church for their treatment of the poor by describing two kinds of faith: one that living and producing good deeds in our life and one that is dead, with nothing to show for it. Living faith is one of the marks of the true church.

James shows how we cannot pick and choose which parts of the law we follow and which we do not. This has ample application to the church today. The church then was struggling with favoritism, what do we struggle with today?

What do the people of faith in Jesus look like? How do they act? James begins to dive deeper into what God's people who profess faith in Him do. Last week he said we cannot just hear, but do. This week he begins to share what 'doing' looks like.

The church is plagued with people who hear but never do. James offers a remedy for this. How do we go from just hearing the word of God to actually practicing it? How do we know we are doers? In James 1:22-27 we get answers to these questions.

James shows two different offsprings: the fruit of human desire and the fruit of God's word. In order to truly receive what God has for us and his 'good and perfect gifts' we have to comes to grips with our true nature.

James shows two people, two ends, and ultimately two friendships in this weeks passage. What is James concerned about in the church as they think through poverty, wealth, power, and priveldge?

James starts off his letter swinging. Right away he makes distinctions about the Christian walk and faith that are important. This week we explore what it means to have 'Perfect Faith' that only comes through trial and testing.

James is one of the most misunderstood books in the Bible. Also the most controversial. Listen in as we begin to explore a letter to the church that has a lot to say about how we do church today.

This week we welcomed a special guest speaker, Bishop Joseph Mattera! He is the father of our pastor and a well know pastor and speaker internationally. For the first half, he preached on knowing 'The Big Picture' of scripture and for the second half, was interviewed by his son. Listen in and enjoy!

As we end our series, we look at a prayer of the Apostles and the answer God gave them. We must remember, this is not just a season, this is a lifestyle that God invites us to make part of who we are.