Podcasts about pastor keith

Pastor Keith shares a message from Romans about the grace poured out on us and the gifts that God has given us to use. 

Pastor Keith's Sunday morning sermon entitled, “Be Ready”. This sermon covers Luke 21:5-38.To learn more about CCPV, visit us on our…Website: www.ccpomonavalley.comInstagram: @calvarychapelpomonavalleyFacebook: @ccpomonavalleyYouTube: @CalvaryChapelPomonaValleyFind us on the Church Center App!

Greed whispers that more possessions will bring security. But Jesus warns, “Watch out!” because life doesn't consist in an abundance of possessions. In Luke 12, He tells of a man whose wealth made him feel secure but left him empty before God. True security comes not from stuff but from trusting Jesus. To silence greed's whisper, we live simply, manage wisely, remember eternity, trust God's provision, and practice generosity. Jesus invites us to lasting security in Him.

Living Without Offense Part 6 by Pastor Keith Battle by Zion Church

Send us a textISMS that Poison the Soul Legalism | Part 5Senior Pastor Keith StewartMay 25, 2025Legalism is a trap that's far too easy to fall into. Its beginnings are so subtle and seem absolutely benign. But legalism in any form is not just toxic to our souls, it's downright dangerous. John Piper once said, “Legalism is more dangerous than alcoholism.” He's right. Few things will strip you of your love, joy and peace with God more quickly than legalism. But do you know the early warning signs of legalism? Are you aware of the sort of thinking that leads us into this deadly trap? Join us this Sunday, May 25th, as we delve into legalism and God's remedy.____________1. What has been your experience around legalism? Were you ever in a church that was legalistic? Have you ever known Christians who were legalistic? What stood out most to you in those environments? How were they perceived by outsiders?  2. Obviously, legalistic churches exist and sometimes attract large numbers of people. Why do you think that is? What attracts people to this sort of thinking?  3. Was there anything in today's message that challenged the way you think? Or encourage you in something you have always thought? Or do you find it helpful in evaluating what is healthy spirituality versus what is not?4. Pastor Keith said there are only two religions - There is FAITH religion and there is WORKS religion. What is the difference between the two? Which do you think is more prevalent in the world? How is Christianity's approach different from most other religions in the world? 5. In the final point, Pastor Keith contrasted two Greek myths, Ulysses versus Orpheus as it relates to the siren's song. It's a good analogy for temptation. Ulysses was bound to the mast of the ship. His story represents those who use rules to defeat temptation. Orpheus chose a different path. He played his lyre so that the sailors were all drawn toward more beautiful music. The siren song of the world is practically irresistible. Some use rules and struggle against them in the face of temptation and others have heard a new song, the love of Christ that draws them to a better way of living. Which do you like more and why?

In this series from the book of Romans, Pastor Keith shares a word about our God-given value and the place that we all have in the body of Christ. 

A study through the gospel of John. Pastor Keith wrapped up chapter 6 with a message or truth that is hard to hear. This message of God's love is for you.Text: John 6:60-71For more information about Journey Church visit: www.journeyinbend.com Find Journey on all social media: @journeyinbend Please subscribe and engage. At Journey we believe there's HOPE FOR EVERYONE!

What if the greatest threat to your faith isn't rebellion, but indifference? In Revelation 3, Jesus confronts the church in Laodicea not for denying Him, but for their lukewarm devotion—proof of spiritual sloth. Sloth isn't laziness; it's apathy toward God's calling. It disguises itself as busyness, self-care, or comfort, but leads to a life without purpose. Jesus calls us to repent, be zealous, and come back to Him. He disciplines those He loves and invites us into real rest, not counterfeit comfort. Where have you allowed sloth to creep into your life? Jesus is knocking—how will you respond?

The Triunity of the Church is the first sermon in Pastor Keith's latest sermon series: Expressions of Ecclesia

Home, The Little Church is the second sermon in Pastor Keith's latest sermon series: Expressions of Ecclesia

Offense is a trap designed to steal your peace, joy, and purpose — but you don't have to live stuck in the “rage cage” of hurt and disappointment. In this powerful message, Pastor Keith Battle reminds us that living without offense isn't weakness — it's spiritual strength and freedom. Learn how to slow down anger, manage your emotions with wisdom, and avoid making impulsive decisions that create lasting damage. Through practical and biblical insight, discover how to break free from offense by practicing three spiritual disciplines: looking ahead to God's promises, looking up for divine strength, and looking around to recognize the blessings still present in your life. Don't let the enemy's bait keep you rehearsing pain — choose peace, healing, and the abundant life Jesus died to give you. ABOUT ZION CHURCH Founded by Pastor Keith Battle, Zion Church exists to help people Experience God, Engage in Connections, Be Equipped through training, and be Empowered to Serve. Find a Zion Church location near you: https://zionchurch.org/locations/ Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected to ‪ @WeAreZionMusic GIVING https://zionchurch.org/give/ FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: www.instagram.com/zionchurch Instagram: www.instagram.com/keithbattle Website: zionchurch.org

What do you do when you feel angry? Anger isn't a sin—it's a signal. But if left unresolved, it becomes wrath, and wrath destroys. God gives us a four-step framework to deal with anger: Conversation (talk to God), Examination (ask why you're angry), Opportunity (choose what is right), and Warning (guard against sin). Like Cain, we often justify our emotions and ignore God's call. But Jesus, our true older brother, didn't act in wrath—He acted in love. Today, surrender your anger at the cross and receive the healing only Jesus offers.

This is Pastor Keith Allen's Sunday message, taken from the Book of Psalms, Chapter 42.

Mother's Day can be a celebration—or a source of deep sorrow. In Mommy Pt. 1, Pastor Battle delivers a heartfelt and healing message for those facing the complex emotions surrounding motherhood. Whether you're grieving the loss of a mother, longing to become one, navigating a strained maternal relationship, or mourning a child, this sermon reminds us that God's Word meets us in our pain with comfort, truth, and perspective. Discover how the love and lessons of a mother can still guide us, how God's replacements can restore us, and how healing begins when we see both ourselves and others through the lens of grace. This message is for everyone touched by the joys—and heartbreak—of motherhood. ABOUT ZION CHURCH Founded by Pastor Keith Battle, Zion Church exists to help people Experience God, Engage in Connections, Be Equipped through training, and be Empowered to Serve. #ZionAnywhere #ZionStrong #VirtualChurch #churchonline #zionchurch Find a Zion Church location near you: https://zionchurch.org/locations/ Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected to ‪ @WeAreZionMusic GIVING https://zionchurch.org/give/ FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: www.instagram.com/zionchurch Instagram: www.instagram.com/keithbattle Website: zionchurch.org

This week, we continue our missions series as guest speaker Pastor Keith challenges us to break out of a “Christian ghetto” mindset and embrace the global mission God has given us. Drawing from Acts 1:6–8 and Revelation 7:9, he reminds us that the abundant life Jesus promises is not about material gain, but about living with purpose—making disciples, spreading the gospel, and seeking first God's kingdom.

In this sermon, Pastor Keith explains that wise women build their homes, making it a place where their families can flourish through their godly conduct, character, and speech.

Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Send us a textISMS that Poison the Soul Alcoholism | Part 2Senior Pastor Keith StewartMay 4, 2025When you think of addiction, if all you can picture is a homeless man passed out in a drunken stupor, then you don't really understand addiction at all. Did you know that 3 out of 4 alcoholic men and women are married and still living at home? 95% of them still have jobs or own their business. In fact, only 3-5% of alcoholics ever reach skid row level. The truth is addiction often wears a familiar face or it may even be the reflection you see in the mirror. It's time we spoke truth into a topic filled with unfair stereotypes and misunderstanding. It's past time for people to know there is hope and healing for anyone caught up in addiction.__________Discussion Questions: 1. In the first half of today's message, Pastor Keith shared three stories to illustrate God's heart for the poor and oppressed; the shepherds, the leper and the woman who anointed the feet of Jesus. What were your main takeaways from the three stories? Could you put yourself in the shoes of any of these marginalized groups? What comfort or encouragement is found in these stories as it relates to addicts?2. Do we really see people as people? Or more importantly, do we see people as God sees them? What groups of people today are still being marginalized? Why do people struggle with seeing the value, worth and dignity of others? If someone struggles with seeing others as God does, what would you suggest to them that might help them see what God does? How does the way we see people affect the way we treat people? 3. Why do we stereotype alcoholics? When the vast majority of alcoholics and other addicts are actually living in homes (sometimes as our neighbors), holding down jobs, and are able to manage appearances to most people who surround their life – knowing all of this – why do we associate alcoholism with only the worst-case scenarios? Have you ever personally known an alcoholic or addict?  4. All of us are broken people. No one is immune from that. We all have our weaknesses, Achilles' heel, our vulnerability to certain types of sins. Why do people often act as if they are better than others simply because they sin differently? What's the best remedy to that sort of behavior or attitude? 5. Confession helps to heal us. Being honest with God, ourselves and others brings many practical benefits. Can you name one or several? What experiences have you personally had with confessing to others your greatest struggles or failures? If someone is afraid to open up about such matters, what cautions would you give to them? What encouragement would you give to them?

Pastor Keith shares a word about following God's will!

Pride distorts our God-given purpose. Genesis 11 shows humanity building a tower to make a name for themselves, forsaking their identity, value, and mission. But God, in mercy, intervened. In Acts 2, He reversed Babel—sending the Holy Spirit to restore what pride destroyed. Now, through Jesus, we receive a new name and a renewed purpose. Just like the crowd in Acts 2, we're invited to respond: “What shall we do?” The answer—repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit.

In 1939, J.R. Tolkin took Robert Dickmans hypothesis one step further in a lecture he delivered titled, On Fairy Stories. In his lecture, Tolkin said the following about fairytales and those who create them: Probably every writer making a secondary world, a fantasy, every sub-creator, wishes in some measure to be a real maker, or hopes that he is drawing on reality: hopes that the peculiar quality of this secondary world (if not all the details) are derived from reality, or are flowing into it. The peculiar quality of the joy in successful Fantasy can thus be explained as a sudden glimpse of the underlying reality or truth. The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind, which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. But this story is supreme, and it is true. Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of menand of elves. Legend and History have met and fused.[1] In the Bible, the three great antagonists that we face in our story include the great serpent, the problem of sin, and death (in that order). Satan entered into the Garden as a serpent where the first man and woman enjoyed true love with both God and each other, they were tempted to sin against God by the Serpent. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that God commanded them not to eat and a curse was pronounced upon all of creation, and ever since that fateful day, sin and death have vandalized the peace we were created to enjoy with God. In the wake of Adam and Eves rebellion and under the shadow of evil and death, God gifted Adam and Eve a promise: The great serpent would one day be destroyed: And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel. (Genesis 3:15) So who or what is the serpent? In The Lord of the Rings, he is the Dark Lord Sauron. In The Wizard of Oz, he is the Wicked Witch of the West. In The Matrix, he is Agent Smith. In The Chronicles of Narnia, he is the White Witch. In Superman, He is Lex Luther. In Star Wars, he is Darth Vader and every evil Sith Lord before and after him. The serpent is Lucifer, the devil, the father of lies, the accuser, and the great dragon. There is another antagonist that is the consequence of our sin and rebellion, and that is death. The word gospel simply means good news, and oh is there good news my dear brothers and sisters! The apostle Paul spoke of it in his epistle to the Romans: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16). The gospel of Jesus Christ from Genesis through the last chapter of Revelation has everything that every great story requires, and it is a story that has the power to not only transform, but to save! The gospel of Jesus Christ is supreme because it is indeed true, and it is seen and heard throughout the 23rd Psalm! The Good Shepherd Guides His Sheep through the Valley of Deep Darkness On resurrection Sunday, we looked at the first part of verse 4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me... Even if your first Sunday at Meadowbrooke was on that day, you should know by now that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is the Good Shepherd, and His name is Jesus! He is my shepherd; therefore I will not be in need. Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is my bread of life who satisfies my hunger and quenches my thirst (John 6:35)! Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is the Light of the world who lights up the darkness that surrounds me (John 8:12)! Why again will I never ever be in need so long as Jesus is my shepherd? Well... let me tell you: He for me is the resurrection and the life who has promised that not even death can take from me what I already have in Him (John 11:25-26)! Now, just because Jesus is my Shepherd, that does not mean that I am exempt from walking through the valley of the shadow of death. As I said on Easter Sunday, we all must experience the valley of utter darkness that includes suffering, sickness, a broken world, and even death; however, those whose shepherd is Jesus only must walk through it while everyone else must walk in it. For the one who does not know Jesus as the bread of life, the light of the world, and the resurrection of life will never know the kind of hope that transcends the grave. For the one whose shepherd is not Jesus, the grave is deaths victory dance over you, and the news only gets worse beyond the grave. Jesus said, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). Again, to all who would refuse Jesus as the good shepherd, He warned: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:1314). Jesus is the narrow gate! For those whose shepherd is Jesus, then the valley of the shadow of death is a temporary experience that you are only passing through. Do you know what that means? It means that there is life at the end of the valley! There is a table, and there is oil, and there is a cup placed into your hand dear Christian that is overflowing with His goodness and faithfulness all the days of your life! At that table, we will hold high that cup and toast: Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:55-57). The Good Shepherd Comforts His Sheep with His Rod and Staff What is the significance of Jesus rod and staff? For starters, He is the one leading us through the deep dark valleys on this side of eternity; while in the valley, we have no reason to fear evil because He is with us, and while with us... He is armed with His rod and staff. In their commentary on the Psalms, Josh Smith and Daniel Akin comment: We are going through the deep, dark valleys because our good shepherd is leading us! The dark valley is part of the path of righteousness.[2] Not to belabor the point I made previously, but what does the dark valley include? It includes pain, it includes suffering, it includes disease, it includes achy joints, it includes persecution, and it even includes death! After all, Jesus did say: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). You may be saying in response to this: Pastor Keith, what about what Jesus said in John 10:10? Here is what Jesus said: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. The thief is anything or anyone that promises to give you what only Jesus is able to give, and the abundant life is a life with Jesus. Now, what about the rod and staff? Why not just the rod or only the staff? Why both? The rod was typically used as offensive weapon against any predator that would threaten the sheep from the outside while the staff was used to direct, round up, and pull in the sheep. While the rod is used to protect the sheep from enemies, the staff is used to protect the sheep from themselves. Jesus guides me with His staff, and as He does, He leads me through the valley to the table where He has prepared a feast for me. Because it is Jesus who carries the rod and the staff, I can be confident that Jesus will lead me to where I need to go, or as the apostle Paul put it: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6), and He will use His rod and staff to do it. Or as one person wrote: Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, is no emaciated weakling. Our Shepherd is a warrior, as shepherds had to be. No one can snatch his sheep out of his hand (John 10:28). The muscles of his arm are flexed to defend his flock; he doesnt carry a club for nothing. He is obviously enough for whatever the valley throws at us.[3] What is the point of verse 4? Here is the point: If Jesus is my shepherd, then even in the darkest moments of life I have all that I need because I have Him. Or, as the modern hymn, Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me, so adequately and helpfully states: The night is dark, but I am not forsakenFor by my side, the Savior, He will stayI labor on in weakness and rejoicingFor in my need, His power is displayed To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend meThrough the deepest valley, He will leadOh, the night has been won, and I shall overcomeYet not I, but through Christ in me The Good Shepherd Prepares a Feast for His Sheep in the Presence of Their Enemies So, where is He leading me? Where is He leading you dear Christian? What is waiting for me, and what is waiting for all who are being led by the Good Shepherd? A table that has been prepared by Jesus is what is waiting for His sheep. What is on that table? A feast is what is on that table! What is the meaning of this feast that He has prepared? It is a testament, it is proof, and it is a witness to Gods favor upon His sheep. This, my friend, is the abundant life Jesus provides! Again, another set of verses from Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me rings true! No fate I dread, I know I am forgivenThe future's sure, the price, it has been paidFor Jesus bled and suffered for my pardonAnd He was raised to overthrow the grave To this I hold, my sin has been defeatedJesus, now and ever is my pleaOh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"Yet not I, but through Christ in me Where is the table set for His redeemed to feast? It is set in the place that my enemies are made to watch and not permitted to touch, take, or taunt because of the One who has prepared the table for me. But do not miss that before my enemies and yours, He has anointed us with oil and placed a cup in each of our hands! Besides the fact that in the dry and hot climate of the valley, oil would be used to sooth the skin and wine would be consumed to clear the throat. However, there is more to the oil and the cup! The imagery of oil and wine in the Bible speak of joy and prosperity. Conclusion When I think of the table in Psalm 23:5, I cannot help but think of three feasts mentioned in the Bible. The first happened while the Hebrew people were surrounded by Egypt under the bondage of Pharoh. On the eve of their deliverance they marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb with no defects and feasted on that lamb. After they feasted, God delivered the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery and defeated Pharoh and his army, and then they sang a song known as, The Song of Moses that included this verse: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him... (Exod. 15:2), and concludes with these words: The Lord shall reign forever and ever (15:18). The second feast is the one Jesus celebrated with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion and death. Like Moses and the Hebrews before, Jesus and His disciples sat at a table to the feast of the Passover. During the meal, Jesus and his disciples no doubt recited or even sang the Song of Moses: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation... There were four cups that the disciples drank from during the Passover which were, The cup of sanctification (holiness) to start the celebration and a reminder of the holiness of God. The cup of salvation (deliverance) symbolizing Gods deliverance which was drunk after the retelling of the Exodus story. The cup of redemption (blessing), which was drunk after the meal which represented Gods act of redeeming Israel. The cup of glory (praise) which was drunk at the very end representing the future redemption and coming of the Messiah. It was this cup that Jesus said, Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.... I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Fathers kingdom (Matt. 26:26-29). After that feast, Jesus atoned for sin on the cross and then defeated the curse of sin and death by rising on the third day. Just before He died on the cross, He declared: It is finished (John 19:30)! The third feast has not happened yet, and we learn of it in Revelation 19:7-10; it is the Marriage feast we will celebrate with Jesus as His Bride. I believe that at this coming feast Jesus will pick up the fourth cup and drink it with us. Do you know what will come after that feast? The defeat of the nations gathered against Jesus and the final defeat of Satan. According to Revelation 15, do you know what song all of heaven will sing on that day? Here is what we are told: And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, For Your righteous acts have been revealed. (Rev. 15:34) So, can you guess what comes after the banquet prepared before His people in the presence of our enemies in Psalm 23:5? You guessed it! What comes after is the triumph of the Lamb of God over all that stands against those whom He has redeemed! [1] J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories (1939). [2] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 150, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 175. [3] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023), 90.

In 1939, J.R. Tolkin took Robert Dickmans hypothesis one step further in a lecture he delivered titled, On Fairy Stories. In his lecture, Tolkin said the following about fairytales and those who create them: Probably every writer making a secondary world, a fantasy, every sub-creator, wishes in some measure to be a real maker, or hopes that he is drawing on reality: hopes that the peculiar quality of this secondary world (if not all the details) are derived from reality, or are flowing into it. The peculiar quality of the joy in successful Fantasy can thus be explained as a sudden glimpse of the underlying reality or truth. The Gospels contain a fairy-story, or a story of a larger kind, which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. But this story is supreme, and it is true. Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of menand of elves. Legend and History have met and fused.[1] In the Bible, the three great antagonists that we face in our story include the great serpent, the problem of sin, and death (in that order). Satan entered into the Garden as a serpent where the first man and woman enjoyed true love with both God and each other, they were tempted to sin against God by the Serpent. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit that God commanded them not to eat and a curse was pronounced upon all of creation, and ever since that fateful day, sin and death have vandalized the peace we were created to enjoy with God. In the wake of Adam and Eves rebellion and under the shadow of evil and death, God gifted Adam and Eve a promise: The great serpent would one day be destroyed: And I will make enemies Of you and the woman, And of your offspring and her Descendant; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise Him on the heel. (Genesis 3:15) So who or what is the serpent? In The Lord of the Rings, he is the Dark Lord Sauron. In The Wizard of Oz, he is the Wicked Witch of the West. In The Matrix, he is Agent Smith. In The Chronicles of Narnia, he is the White Witch. In Superman, He is Lex Luther. In Star Wars, he is Darth Vader and every evil Sith Lord before and after him. The serpent is Lucifer, the devil, the father of lies, the accuser, and the great dragon. There is another antagonist that is the consequence of our sin and rebellion, and that is death. The word gospel simply means good news, and oh is there good news my dear brothers and sisters! The apostle Paul spoke of it in his epistle to the Romans: For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16). The gospel of Jesus Christ from Genesis through the last chapter of Revelation has everything that every great story requires, and it is a story that has the power to not only transform, but to save! The gospel of Jesus Christ is supreme because it is indeed true, and it is seen and heard throughout the 23rd Psalm! The Good Shepherd Guides His Sheep through the Valley of Deep Darkness On resurrection Sunday, we looked at the first part of verse 4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me... Even if your first Sunday at Meadowbrooke was on that day, you should know by now that the Lord of the 23rd Psalm is the Good Shepherd, and His name is Jesus! He is my shepherd; therefore I will not be in need. Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is my bread of life who satisfies my hunger and quenches my thirst (John 6:35)! Why will I not be in need? Well... because He is the Light of the world who lights up the darkness that surrounds me (John 8:12)! Why again will I never ever be in need so long as Jesus is my shepherd? Well... let me tell you: He for me is the resurrection and the life who has promised that not even death can take from me what I already have in Him (John 11:25-26)! Now, just because Jesus is my Shepherd, that does not mean that I am exempt from walking through the valley of the shadow of death. As I said on Easter Sunday, we all must experience the valley of utter darkness that includes suffering, sickness, a broken world, and even death; however, those whose shepherd is Jesus only must walk through it while everyone else must walk in it. For the one who does not know Jesus as the bread of life, the light of the world, and the resurrection of life will never know the kind of hope that transcends the grave. For the one whose shepherd is not Jesus, the grave is deaths victory dance over you, and the news only gets worse beyond the grave. Jesus said, Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 10:28). Again, to all who would refuse Jesus as the good shepherd, He warned: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it (Matt. 7:1314). Jesus is the narrow gate! For those whose shepherd is Jesus, then the valley of the shadow of death is a temporary experience that you are only passing through. Do you know what that means? It means that there is life at the end of the valley! There is a table, and there is oil, and there is a cup placed into your hand dear Christian that is overflowing with His goodness and faithfulness all the days of your life! At that table, we will hold high that cup and toast: Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:55-57). The Good Shepherd Comforts His Sheep with His Rod and Staff What is the significance of Jesus rod and staff? For starters, He is the one leading us through the deep dark valleys on this side of eternity; while in the valley, we have no reason to fear evil because He is with us, and while with us... He is armed with His rod and staff. In their commentary on the Psalms, Josh Smith and Daniel Akin comment: We are going through the deep, dark valleys because our good shepherd is leading us! The dark valley is part of the path of righteousness.[2] Not to belabor the point I made previously, but what does the dark valley include? It includes pain, it includes suffering, it includes disease, it includes achy joints, it includes persecution, and it even includes death! After all, Jesus did say: In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33b). You may be saying in response to this: Pastor Keith, what about what Jesus said in John 10:10? Here is what Jesus said: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. The thief is anything or anyone that promises to give you what only Jesus is able to give, and the abundant life is a life with Jesus. Now, what about the rod and staff? Why not just the rod or only the staff? Why both? The rod was typically used as offensive weapon against any predator that would threaten the sheep from the outside while the staff was used to direct, round up, and pull in the sheep. While the rod is used to protect the sheep from enemies, the staff is used to protect the sheep from themselves. Jesus guides me with His staff, and as He does, He leads me through the valley to the table where He has prepared a feast for me. Because it is Jesus who carries the rod and the staff, I can be confident that Jesus will lead me to where I need to go, or as the apostle Paul put it: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work among you will complete it by the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6), and He will use His rod and staff to do it. Or as one person wrote: Jesus Christ, our Shepherd, is no emaciated weakling. Our Shepherd is a warrior, as shepherds had to be. No one can snatch his sheep out of his hand (John 10:28). The muscles of his arm are flexed to defend his flock; he doesnt carry a club for nothing. He is obviously enough for whatever the valley throws at us.[3] What is the point of verse 4? Here is the point: If Jesus is my shepherd, then even in the darkest moments of life I have all that I need because I have Him. Or, as the modern hymn, Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me, so adequately and helpfully states: The night is dark, but I am not forsakenFor by my side, the Savior, He will stayI labor on in weakness and rejoicingFor in my need, His power is displayed To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend meThrough the deepest valley, He will leadOh, the night has been won, and I shall overcomeYet not I, but through Christ in me The Good Shepherd Prepares a Feast for His Sheep in the Presence of Their Enemies So, where is He leading me? Where is He leading you dear Christian? What is waiting for me, and what is waiting for all who are being led by the Good Shepherd? A table that has been prepared by Jesus is what is waiting for His sheep. What is on that table? A feast is what is on that table! What is the meaning of this feast that He has prepared? It is a testament, it is proof, and it is a witness to Gods favor upon His sheep. This, my friend, is the abundant life Jesus provides! Again, another set of verses from Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me rings true! No fate I dread, I know I am forgivenThe future's sure, the price, it has been paidFor Jesus bled and suffered for my pardonAnd He was raised to overthrow the grave To this I hold, my sin has been defeatedJesus, now and ever is my pleaOh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"Yet not I, but through Christ in me Where is the table set for His redeemed to feast? It is set in the place that my enemies are made to watch and not permitted to touch, take, or taunt because of the One who has prepared the table for me. But do not miss that before my enemies and yours, He has anointed us with oil and placed a cup in each of our hands! Besides the fact that in the dry and hot climate of the valley, oil would be used to sooth the skin and wine would be consumed to clear the throat. However, there is more to the oil and the cup! The imagery of oil and wine in the Bible speak of joy and prosperity. Conclusion When I think of the table in Psalm 23:5, I cannot help but think of three feasts mentioned in the Bible. The first happened while the Hebrew people were surrounded by Egypt under the bondage of Pharoh. On the eve of their deliverance they marked their doorposts with the blood of a lamb with no defects and feasted on that lamb. After they feasted, God delivered the Hebrews from the bondage of slavery and defeated Pharoh and his army, and then they sang a song known as, The Song of Moses that included this verse: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him... (Exod. 15:2), and concludes with these words: The Lord shall reign forever and ever (15:18). The second feast is the one Jesus celebrated with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion and death. Like Moses and the Hebrews before, Jesus and His disciples sat at a table to the feast of the Passover. During the meal, Jesus and his disciples no doubt recited or even sang the Song of Moses: The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation... There were four cups that the disciples drank from during the Passover which were, The cup of sanctification (holiness) to start the celebration and a reminder of the holiness of God. The cup of salvation (deliverance) symbolizing Gods deliverance which was drunk after the retelling of the Exodus story. The cup of redemption (blessing), which was drunk after the meal which represented Gods act of redeeming Israel. The cup of glory (praise) which was drunk at the very end representing the future redemption and coming of the Messiah. It was this cup that Jesus said, Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins.... I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it with you, new, in My Fathers kingdom (Matt. 26:26-29). After that feast, Jesus atoned for sin on the cross and then defeated the curse of sin and death by rising on the third day. Just before He died on the cross, He declared: It is finished (John 19:30)! The third feast has not happened yet, and we learn of it in Revelation 19:7-10; it is the Marriage feast we will celebrate with Jesus as His Bride. I believe that at this coming feast Jesus will pick up the fourth cup and drink it with us. Do you know what will come after that feast? The defeat of the nations gathered against Jesus and the final defeat of Satan. According to Revelation 15, do you know what song all of heaven will sing on that day? Here is what we are told: And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, For Your righteous acts have been revealed. (Rev. 15:34) So, can you guess what comes after the banquet prepared before His people in the presence of our enemies in Psalm 23:5? You guessed it! What comes after is the triumph of the Lamb of God over all that stands against those whom He has redeemed! [1] J. R. R. Tolkien. On Fairy Stories (1939). [2] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 150, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022), 175. [3] David Gibson, The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2023), 90.

Are you tired of carrying the weight of offense? In Part 4 of Living Without Offense, Pastor Keith Battle takes us deeper into the journey of emotional freedom — teaching us how to let go of past hurts, process emotional clutter, and live unoffendable in a world full of triggers. Discover why it's honorable (and wise!) to overlook offense, how to deal with the “buttons” that trigger our pain, and the powerful difference between grief and resentment. You'll learn how unhealed wounds can explode like a packed closet — and how healing brings peace, clarity, and power. If you're ready to stop crashing out over minor provocations, release unrealistic expectations, and rise into the resurrection life God has for you — this message is for you.

In this sermon, Pastor Keith explains that the fear of the Lord is essential for having a healthy relationship with God and making wise decisions. And it is accompanied by great blessings. The questions he answers are: What is Fear of the Lord? Why should we pursue and embrace it? How can we cultivate in our lives?

Pastor Keith begins a new series this morning, diving right into Romans 12! Enjoy!

In this opening message of Deadly Desires, we explore the power of desire through James 1:13–18. Desire itself isn't evil—it's a gift from God—but when twisted by temptation, it gives birth to sin and, ultimately, death. Temptation comes from the world, the enemy, and often our own flesh. While our sinful nature lures us away, God offers new birth through Jesus Christ, our High Priest, who was tempted yet never sinned. Because of Him, we can now come boldly to God's throne. As we worship, we reflect: Where am I trying to satisfy a God-given desire in a sinful way?

Sermon from Pastor Keith Nix (The Lift Church, Sevierville, TN). This was filmed during the 2025 Campmeeting from The Well of Sturgis, KY.

Are you tired of carrying the weight of grudges, anger, or resentment? In Part 3 of Living Without Offense, Pastor Keith Battle continues unpacking Proverbs 19:11 and dives deep into how harboring offense can trap us in emotional and spiritual imprisonment. Learn how to let go, move forward, and choose freedom over frustration. This message challenges the culture of judgment and retaliation and invites us into a lifestyle of mercy, forgiveness, and inner peace. Watch now and begin your journey to true freedom. Watch the Full Series on YouTube: • Living Without Offense #LivingWithoutOffense #PastorKeithBattle #LetItGo #ZionChurch ABOUT ZION CHURCH Founded by Pastor Keith Battle, Zion Church exists to help people Experience God, Engage in Connections, Be Equipped through training, and be Empowered to Serve. Find a Zion Church location near you: https://zionchurch.org/locations/ Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected to ‪ @WeAreZionMusic

Send us a textJesus is The G.O.A.T | His Church... not so muchEaster Sunday Senior Pastor Keith StewartApril 20, 2025Church people and non-church people seem to agree on one thing. Jesus is pretty awesome. We want to celebrate that this Easter. How Jesus Christ has left a lasting imprint on society and on the lives of so many who call Him Lord and Savior.But we also want to speak honestly and directly to those hurt by the church. So whether you're new to church or someone who has stayed away, this message is for you and our hope is this marks a new beginning for us all.1. Have you ever had any encounters with disaffected Christians (those who were once a part of a church but now no longer trust it)? What were they like? What concerns or criticisms did they express? How valid do you think their reasoning was? Did you say or do anything to address the issues they brought up? Where is that person today?2. Jesus left a lasting impact on lives and history. What things stood out to you most in the message? What are some other ways Jesus Christ has left an indelible mark in lives and history?3. Looking at all that Christ has inspired throughout history, what ways move you most? In what ways do you emulate Christ's example? What does society view churches that are involved in compassionate ministries and those that are not?4. How do you relate to people outside the church or outside the faith? Do you tend to think in terms of bounded sets or centered sets? The Pharisees of Jesus' day were bounded set thinkers who defined the spiritual life by external behaviors like observing the sabbath and a myriad of other rules. Have you ever known Christians to think in similar ways? When you consider Jesus' approach to outsiders, his primary concern was whether or not they were moving toward God or away from Him? What sort of things let you know that someone has a spiritual interest or hunger?5. Share with your small group your personal testimony. What was it like to give your life to Christ and what has He done in your life that only He could do?

Pastor Keith shares a message of hope! The moment you start running toward Jesus is the moment you can stop running from everything else! 

You might be at church on Easter because of tradition, curiosity, or just hoping for something real. The truth is—we're all searching. In Mark 16, women came to the tomb grieving, expecting a dead body, and facing a problem they couldn't solve. But God had already moved the stone. Jesus rose. He's alive—and He's still calling people by name, even those who've failed. Easter means your search can end. Jesus offers peace, purpose, and a new beginning.

In this sermon Pastor Keith explains that the historical evidence of Jesus Christ crucified, buried, and resurrected is reliable, and He is worthy to receive our response of unashamed faith and joyful and reverent worship.

Mark 16:1-8

Mark 15:1-20

In Living Without Offense: Part 2, we dive deeper into the challenge of releasing anger and resentment in a culture addicted to outrage. From the wisdom of Proverbs 19:11 to personal stories and practical insights, this message unpacks how choosing to overlook offense can protect your peace, guard your relationships, and shift your expectations. If you've ever wrestled with anger, unrealistic demands, or the weight of bitterness, this message is for you. Learn how wisdom, humility, and intentionality can help you live freer and love better. Find a Zion Church location near you: https://zionchurch.org/locations/ Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay connected to ‪‪@WeAreZionMusic‬ GIVING https://zionchurch.org/give/ FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: www.instagram.com/zionchurch Instagram: www.instagram.com/keithbattle Website: zionchurch.org

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*BONUS EPISODE* STRIVE Convo with Pastor Keith Battle by Zion Church

Send us a textThe Triumphal Entry:Palm SundaySenior Pastor Keith StewartApril 13, 2025It's a story told by all four gospel writers and marks the beginning of the Passion Week of Christ. Just about the time you think you really understand it, it surprises you with layers of rich meaning that you never noticed before. At the heart of this story is a choice and not just any choice - THE CHOICE - are we committed to Jesus for Who He is or for Who we want Him to be? Don't miss this message!____________1. It turns out that donkeys are more important than many of us ever realized. What are the things about donkeys that stood out most to you today? How do they enhance your understanding of Christ and His mission? What sort of statement did it make for Jesus to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey at Passover? Do you think people in his day understood the significance of this?2. Obviously at Passover, the fervor of the people reaches its highest levels. Remembering the significance of the deliverance of their people from Egypt and now being under the bootheel of another superpower made them yearn for God to do it again. But neither the people nor even Jesus' disciples understood the sort of deliverance Christ intended to bring. Why do you think they were so blind as to what Christ intended to do even though He taught it and explicitly said it many times? If you lived in those days, do you think you would have seen things differently or the same as everybody else? Why or why not?3. Pastor Keith said, “We want Jesus to be who we want Him to be instead of who He is." He then gave examples of the many ways we distort who Jesus is; Political Jesus, Magic 8-ball Jesus, Mr. Rogers Jesus, Santa Jesus and even Self-Help Jesus. Have you ever witnessed this yourself?Is this something you did at some point in your faith journey? How did that affect you? How did you come to a true, better and more Biblical understanding of Christ?4. There were two likely triumphal entries into Jerusalem that day taking place on opposite sides of the city. One involved Pontius Pilate accompanied by a massive display of force. The other involved Jesus, a donkey and a rag-tag group of followers. Why does the world worship power and military might even to this day? Which parade would you personally fit into best? What does Jesus' entrance into the city that day say about the nature of His kingdom?5. We all must make a choice. In a sense, even today, we are still waving our palm branches. This National Jewish symbol for liberation can either be waved in the political sense, i.e. believing that our deliverance rises and falls based on who possesses power in Washington DC. Or it can be waved in a more profound spiritual sense believing what's fundamentally wrong with the world can't be fixed by legislation, executive order or any other sort of political action. Instead, each and every heart needs to experience forgiveness, liberation from the bonds of selfishness and be set free to love God and others as intended. In which sphere do you wave your palm branch most? Based on what you read, what occupies your time and energy and conversations, or how you post on social media, what would others say is the sphere where you wave your palm branch most?

Pastor Keith shares a message of hope, declaring that God will always do what He says He will do. 

A study through the gospel of John. Pastor Keith spoke on healing and if you didn't get healed the first time, ask again! This message of God's love is for you.Text: John 5:1-18For more information about Journey Church visit: www.journeyinbend.com Find Journey on all social media: @journeyinbend Please subscribe and engage. At Journey we believe there's HOPE FOR EVERYONE!

Palm Sunday reminds us that we all crown something as king—but only Jesus is truly worthy. Through His triumphal entry, we see that Jesus is the Man who understands our needs, the King who rules with humility, and the Savior who came to rescue us. Unlike worldly kings who demand from us, Jesus invites us to trust Him, serve others, and receive salvation. As the crowd cried “Hosanna”—“save us now”—Jesus entered not to take a throne, but to carry a cross. This Passion Week, we are challenged to ask: Who gets the crown in your life?

Colossians 4:7-18

Living Without Offense by Pastor Keith Battle by Zion Church

A study through the gospel of John. Pastor Keith spoke on healing by faith in the name of Jesus. This message of God's love is for you.Text: John 4:46-54For more information about Journey Church visit: www.journeyinbend.com Find Journey on all social media: @journeyinbend Please subscribe and engage. At Journey we believe there's HOPE FOR EVERYONE!

Pastors Jonathan, Jessica & Matt answer the top questions about who we are as a church, and Pastor Keith shares a simple teaching of invitation. Presented Sunday, April 6, 2025.

Pastor Keith shares a message from Romans, chapter 9, about God's magnificence and plan of salvation. 

A study through the gospel of John. Pastor Keith spoke on the story of the woman at the well. This message of God's love is for you.Text: John 4:1-42For more information about Journey Church visit: www.journeyinbend.com Find Journey on all social media: @journeyinbend Please subscribe and engage. At Journey we believe there's HOPE FOR EVERYONE!

In One Day, we explore Jesus' teaching in Mark 13:32–37, where He speaks of His return. Though we don't know the day or hour, we're called to stay spiritually awake—alert and active. Jesus reminds us that the Father alone knows the timing, and that's where our hope lies. While life's trials and treasures may lull us to sleep, we're urged to keep our minds set on things above. The return of Jesus isn't meant to cause fear, but to inspire faith, obedience, and urgency. One day, He will return—and until then, we live with trust and purpose.

You’ll never believe how a child predator in Seattle was caught. Some Tesla owners in Seattle are going to great lengths to hide the kind of vehicle they drive. Tim Eyman got booted from a hearing on Washington’s Parents’ Bill of Rights. A restaurant in Marsyville says they are owed over 20 grand from Uber Eats. // LongForm: GUEST: Keith Carpenter owns Pilgrim Coffee and after pushback from activists the city of Shoreline canceled “Coffee with a Cop” at his shop. // Quick Hit: The IRS is going to assist with locating illegal immigrants. Axios confuses illegal immigrants and immigrants – intentionally.  

Pastor Keith shares a message from Romans about God's heart for the lost.