Connections

Continuing our look at Church History particularly in the 1500s we reach a turning point. We look at Erasmus of Rotterdam and the Council of Trent. One contributes to the Reformation and the other pushes back against it. And of course there is drama. Come for the history and stay for the tea. 

The pharisees challenged Jesus' authority.  His response pointed out how they were using their authority to bring glory to themselves instead of leading the people in their relationship to God.

We are taking our time and begining a multi episode look at the impact of the 1500s. There is a lot happening these particular 100 years in church history so, it becomes necessary to slow down, take our time, and have some fun. on this episode we change up even the structure of the episode and start with two impactful monks and how the church and it's mission begin to shape not just Europe, but Africa, Asian, and the Americas.

Jesus answers the religious leaders attempt to question his authority by telling three parables.  The last was the parable about a wedding feast thrown by a king.  His invited guests refused to come.  He's invited you, what will you wear?

The Plague or "Black Death" in the 1300s had a giant impact on the church and christianity. What might be surprising is how the plague is still impacting the church today. One of the church's youth asked for this special episode and we are excited to explore the impact and legacy of the plague on the church. 

We take a look at church history between 1300 and 1500 AD. It is a time when the world begins to shift and many things begin to bubble and happen setting the stage for the Reformation. 

Jesus had just finished teaching about the importance of forgiveness and what do the pharisees ask - rules.  Specifically divorce.  Not so they could understand but to trick Jesus up.  List to Jesus' response as explained by Pastor Zach.

We continue to walk through church istory looking at vibes, events, conflicts, and people. Today we look at the time of the church between 800-1300 AD. 

Jesus died on the cross, rose from the grave and now just before he ascends, he instructs his disciples - his apprentices - to go and make more apprentices like them.  Pastor Zach explains what that means for us today.

We continue our journey through church history exploring the years between 300 AD to 500 AD. We see remarkable and influential people coming out of the time period We see theology and doctrine that shapes the church even today. And do we see Santa Claus throw hands? It is part 2 of Church History. 

Prior to Easter the greatest weapon evil had to offer was death.  But on Easter Jesus demonstrated that death no longer holds a grip on mankind.  As believers, we are alive in him now and will be throughout eternity.  Praise God!  Glory to Him in the highest!

Upon request we are diving in and walking through the history of the church. We recognize we as a church didn't appear out of no where. We also recognize that there are people that have shaped us and formed us that maybe we are not aware of. Just like normal family trees there is some interesting drama and conflict that has informed and shaped us today. So we begin exploring the messy start of the church in the first 300 years. 

Jesus rides into Jerusalem as Messiah King but also as a prophet predicting the fall of Isreal for their rejection of him. 

As part of our series on Lent and its practices, Pastor Zach explores the week before Easter traditionally called Holy Week. this interesting week holds its own days, traditions, and practices meant to encourage us to encounter Christ and live out our faith.

In chapter 18 Matthew records Jesus teaching the disciples what it means to forgive.  Peter believes he has the answer - forgive someone "seven times".  Jesus says, "No Peter, seventy-seven times".  Paster Zach explains how we often misunderstand this entire teaching.

Pastor Zach sits down for a conversation with Pastor, Preacher, Writer Tara Beth Leach to discuss her book The Great Morning Revolution.

A series exploring historic practices of Christians during the season of Lent. Pastor Zach takes a look at the practice of fasting. Probably the most common practice associated with Lent, but how does this practice shape our faith and invite us into a deeper relationship with God? That is what we are exploring today.

Matthew 16 and 17 we see Peter's spiritual roller coaster declaring Christ as Messiah followed by Jesus scolding him for trying thwart God's plan followed by seeing Jesus shrouded in the Glory of God on the mount of transfiguration.  Our lives can be the same.  Matthew's message is for us as well.

A series exploring historic practices of Christians during the season of Lent. Pastor Zach takes a look at the practice of prayer and how Jesus calls his disciples to pray. 

We continue to walk through the gospel according to Matthew by hearing the stories of the feeding of the 5000 and Peter stepping out of the boat. We explore how these two stories are meant to invite and teach us as how to be apprentices of Jesus.

A series exploring historic practices of Christians during the season of Lent. Pastor Zach takes a look at the practice of generosity as it relates to Jesus, his teachings, our call as disciples, and how it relates to lent. 

Garrr, Jesus talks about treasure and pearls in our scripture today. Join Pastor Zach as he invites us to hear the good news and the treasure we have in scripture. During Lent the church seeks to draw closer to God and one way we do that is engaging with scripture. 

A series exploring historic practices of Christians during the season of Lent. Pastor Zach takes a look at the practice of Scripture Reading and how it deepens our relationship as disciples to Christ.

Jesus has taught the people that the Kingdom of heaven is near.  Jesus has demonstrated his authority through the miracles he performed.  Still not everyone believed.  His parable of the seed in various soils explains people's reaction.  Where are you in accepting the reality of Christ in your life?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the church season of Lent. Pastor Zach begins a series exploring historic practices used by the church to draw closer to Christ as his disciples. This week we look at the practice of Repentance and Confession.

After Jesus had finished teaching the disciples and then demonstrating his message by healing, casting out demons, and showing compassion for the people, Jesus instructs his disciples to go out into the countryside and do the same.  Guess what? His instructions were as much for you and I as they were for the disciples.  Go and proclaim, "The kingdom of heaven is near.  King Jesus is on the throne."

We end our exploration of the question, "what is the gospel,' by looking at Jon 3:16 and The Book of Revelation. John 3:16 is a common passage quoted as the gospel. How does the final entry of the Christian Bible and New Testament declare the good news? Let's dive in and see.

Jesus began his ministry by announcing, "Repent, the Kingdom of God is near".  Matthew 8 and 9 shows us how Jesus brought his message into the lives of people.  His compassion, love and caring for the people is exactly how we are to represent Him as His ambassadors.

We continue our exploration asking, "what is the gospel" in the second of a 3 part journey. Today we look at Paul and the letters he wrote. Does Paul's gospel reflect Jesus' message of the gospel? Let's Dive in and find out.

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount was directed not to the rich and powerful but to the everyday people of his day. His message was challenge to them to go beyond the definition of righteousness described by the scribes and pharisees.  Join us as we dive deeper and explore Jesus' message.

"What is the gospel? An essential question for any follower of Jesus. We are called as Christians to proclaim and share the gospel, so this is an important question to ask. Our aim here is to make sure our gospel is the same gospel Jesus and the apostles shared and declared."

"Okay Jesus, the Slanderer will give you that you are the Son of God, so now lets get the party started. Jesus is offered to kneel only so he can rise victorious. Power, authority, and grace is what we have, what does it look like when we give it away?"

We begin a three-week journey exploring the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins with the beatitudes - an opening to his teaching to the crowd and disciples in front of him. What does Jesus mean when he describes some as “blessed?” Jesus presents his sermon as a mirror to his audience. What do the people see when they look into Jesus' mirror?

"Jesus, does the Father really love you? Do you really love the Father The Slanderer puts the love of God in question this week as Jesus faces his second test in the wilderness."

What is the gospel? As Christians we are called to share the gospel? Did Jesus share the gospel? If so, shouldn’t we share the same gospel?

"Jesus is hungry and facing the Slanderer. Having his sonship and relationship with God tested, how will Jesus respond?"

Join us as we take a deep dive into the story found in Matthew's gospel of Jesus being testing in the wilderness. We dive down deep into each individual test. The hope is this pulls us closer to God.

Merry Christmas! We move from one giant moment to the next. Moving along in Matthew's introduction of Jesus to us, we go from the Nativity of Jesus to his baptism. But why does Jesus need to be Baptized? How does this fulfill righteousness? What does it have to do with you, me, and Joe? Come and See?

Light- Advent is the season of arrival. As we await Jesus' return we remember his arrival. This week Pastor Zach speaks on how here at the end of Advent as we walk into the season of Christmas we have been waiting WITH light, specifically the light of Christ. Scripture is found in Matthew chapter 1 and the nativity story.

Light- A short reflection on the season of Advent: specifically the final theme of light.

Love- A short reflection on the season of Advent: specifically the theme of Love. 

Love- Advent is the season of arrival. As we await Jesus' return we remember his arrival. This week Pastor Zach talks about how we are shaped by the season as we wait WITH love based on the ending of John the Baptist's message found in Matthew 3:11-12.  

Joy-Advent is the season of arrival. As we await Jesus' return, we remember his arrival. This week Pastor Zach talks about how we are shaped by the season as we wait WITH joy based on Mathew 3:1-10.  

Joy- a short reflection on the season of Advent: specifically, the theme of Joy.

Sermon from December 7, 2025.  Matthew 2:1-22 

A short reflection on the season of Advent: specifically, the theme of Peace.

A short reflect for the Season of Advent. Pastor Zach invites you to reflect each week of Advent on the weekly theme: hope, peace, joy, and love.  This week is the first week of Advent so the theme is Hope.