Pastor James ZionPod

Today we continue our Catechism series on the Lord’s Supper by asking two important questions: “Where is this written?” and “What do we receive?” In a world where many people treat Holy Communion as merely symbolic, today’s readings remind us that Christians believe and teach what Christ Himself says. Through His Word and promise Jesus gives His true Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Our confidence rests not in our feelings or opinions, but in Christ’s own words.

Today we continue our Catechism series on the Lord’s Supper by asking two important questions: “Where is this written?” and “What do we receive?” In a world where many people treat Holy Communion as merely symbolic, today’s readings remind us that Christians believe and teach what Christ Himself says. Through His Word and promise Jesus gives His true Body and Blood for the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. Our confidence rests not in our feelings or opinions, but in Christ’s own words.
ZionColby.org

Today we begin a new Catechism series, turning our attention to the Sacrament of the Altar. In a world filled with uncertainty and doubt, Jesus gives His people something solid and certain: His true Body and Blood given and shed for the forgiveness of sins. This message explores three simple but important questions from Luther’s Small Catechism: What is the Sacrament? What is it for? And who is it for? Through Jesus’ own Words we discover the Lord’s Supper is not spiritual decoration for perfect people, but heavenly food for weary sinners.
ZionColby.org

Today Jesus speaks words which sound impossible: “If anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.” The Temple Authority could not understand how this man standing before them could claim such authority over death itself. Yet Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet. He is the eternal and great “I AM.” The God who spoke to Moses from the burning bush, now standing in human flesh to save sinners. This message reminds us that when everything else fades away, only one thing truly matters: Jesus Christ crucified and risen for us.
ZionColby.org

On Pentecost, the disciples were waiting for power. What they received did not look like the kind of power the world expects. No armies, no influence, no spectacle to build a name for themselves. Instead, God gave them His Word. The Holy Spirit came, and with Him came the power to speak, to proclaim, and to bring life. Today we hear how that same Spirit continues to work through the Word—creating faith, forgiving sins, and sending God’s people into the world so that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
ZionColby.org

Today’s message centers on what it means to be a church that truly pleases God. In a world that often defines Christianity by judgment or division, Jesus calls His people to something different, to love as He has loved us. This love is not something we create on our own, but something Christ gives to us and works through us. As we hear His Word today, we are reminded that His love changes us, carries us, and sends us out to make room for one more.

In a world where identity is often shaped by voices around us, God speaks a better and lasting word. From the home to the heart, a mother’s voice carries great influence in shaping how children understand love, worth, and belonging. Yet even the best human voices fall short. Today we hear how God, through Christ, gives a deeper identity—one not based on performance or failure, but on His grace given in Baptism. In that identity, both mothers and children are freed to live in forgiveness, love, and confidence.

Today’s message centers on what it means to be a bold church; a church defined by people who know their Shepherd. Rooted in Acts 2, we see a Church devoted to Word, fellowship, and prayer. In John 10, Jesus reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd whose sheep hear His voice and follow Him. In 1 Peter, we are reminded that our boldness flows from Christ, who bore our sins and brought us back to Himself. True boldness is not something we create, it is the natural result of being with Jesus and hearing His voice.

Today’s message centers on what it means to be a bold church; a church defined by people who know their Shepherd. Rooted in Acts 2, we see a Church devoted to Word, fellowship, and prayer. In John 10, Jesus reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd whose sheep hear His voice and follow Him. In 1 Peter, we are reminded our boldness flows from Christ, who bore our sins and brought us back to Himself. True boldness is not something we create, it is the natural result of being with Jesus and hearing His voice.ZionColby.org

Today we begin a new message series called “Faith That Honors God.” As we celebrate nearly 150 years of God’s blessings here at Zion, we ask an important question: What kind of church pleases God? Today we begin with the first answer: A reverent church. A reverent church fears, loves, and trusts in God above all things. It takes God’s Word seriously, lives in repentance and faith, and seeks to honor God not to earn His love, but because He has already loved us in Christ. Today we ask God to shape us into that kind of church for the sake of the generations that will come after us.ZionColby.org