playnext.fm

Hillside Foursquare Church - Reno

On Mission #13 Palm Sunday

·41 min·4 clips
The pastor broke down crying at a pizza place when he realized his hope had been held prisoner for months.
The episode begins with a dramatic reading from Revelation chapter 9, describing a star falling to earth, a bottomless pit opening, and locusts tormenting people without God's seal. After a prayer, the speaker notes it is Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week leading to Easter. He emphasizes receiving Jesus as he is, not as people project him. The speaker cautions against the phrase 'Christ is King' being used to fit political or military preferences, similar to how people in Jesus' time expected a conquering king like David. He explains that Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. The sermon then turns to Zechariah chapter 9, verses 9-12, a prophecy made 500 years before Jesus' birth. It foretells a king coming humbly on a donkey, bringing salvation and peace, cutting off chariots and war horses. The speaker contrasts this with worldly kings who ride war horses and impose peace by force. He uses analogies like a holy toothbrush or shattered wedding glasses to illustrate things set apart for special purposes. The donkey Jesus rode was such an animal, never ridden before, showing humility. The speaker discusses how Israel disobeyed God by adopting chariots and war horses, seeking to be like other nations. He connects Zechariah's prophecy to Jesus' blood covenant, offering freedom from sin and hope. The speaker shares a personal anecdote: during a staycation, he wept at a restaurant while discussing the phrase 'return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope' with his wife Joni, realizing his hope had been held prisoner due to recent losses. He admits to feeling hopeless but rejects faking it. The sermon highlights that Jesus brings salvation, peace, freedom, hope, and restoration, with restoration including double blessings. It concludes by reading Matthew 21:1-11, where Jesus intentionally fulfills Zechariah's prophecy by sending disciples to fetch a donkey and entering Jerusalem to crowds shouting 'Hosanna.' The speaker invites listeners to receive Jesus in areas of need, offering prayer and resources for those starting a relationship with Jesus.

As heard by us

A wide-ranging Holy Week sermon traces obedience, power, and Jesus' kingship back to humility.

This Holy Week sermon takes a surprising path through Revelation 9, Moses striking the rock, Adam and Eve weighing God's word, and Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get Revelation's locusts, Moses at the rock, and Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey in one Holy Week message.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Listen to the show on
Apple PodcastsSpotify
Play clips from this episodeMore from Hillside Foursquare Church - Reno