
Word of Life Church Podcast
Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri is a thriving non-denominational church led by Pastor Brian & Peri Zahnd. We are followers of Jesus seeking to be an authentic expression of the kingdom of Jesus in the twenty-first century. Additional sermon audio and other resources are available on our church website at wolc.com.
Latest episodes

Jun 29, 2025 • 33min
What Spirit Are You Of?
The discussion starts by reflecting on a moment when disciples wanted retaliation, urging listeners to consider what spirit they embody. It highlights the historical tensions between Jews and Samaritans, emphasizing the power of compassion over violence. The conversation then shifts to the significance of discernment in grasping human emotions, promoting the goodness in everyone. Finally, a journey of faith is celebrated with reflections on forgiveness and love during communal rituals like baptism and communion.

Jun 22, 2025 • 40min
Receive the Holy Spirit
Discover how the breath of life, the Holy Spirit, is vital for transformation and empowerment in the Church. Explore the significance of community and prayer in turbulent times and how the church calendar reflects Jesus' life. Delve into the divine nature of the Holy Spirit and its life-giving role. Personal testimonies reveal the transformative journey of faith, contrasting traditional beliefs with a more dynamic approach. Finally, witness how the Holy Spirit fosters spiritual growth and unity through Holy Communion.

Jun 15, 2025 • 36min
Like Father Like Son
What if love could be our home in a world filled with fear and division? Highlighting the Trinity, the discussion emphasizes a holy relationship at the universe's core. Listeners reflect on identity, created in God's image, and the nature of divine love through Jesus. Personal stories showcase the resilience found in compassion and faith, transitioning from despair to hope. The importance of community and worship practices like communion reminds everyone of the transformative power of love and grace.

17 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 37min
The Holy Experience of God
The podcast dives into the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and its role in believers' lives. It vividly describes the dramatic arrival of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, empowering the apostles in a moment of fiery anticipation. The exploration of speaking in tongues highlights its historical journey and the influence of Pentecostal movements worldwide. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the sacraments as a pathway to experience divine presence and grace. Ultimately, it emphasizes forgiveness and the communal nature of faith that invites everyone into a deeper relationship with God.

Jun 1, 2025 • 33min
CHRIST: Fulfilling Scripture, Filling the Cosmos
The Ascension is not about the absence of Christ, but about the ascendancy of Christ. The ascension of Jesus to the right hand of God in the heavens is the ascendancy, the rise, the elevation, the promotion, the exaltation of Jesus to the position of all authority in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, the ascension of Christ does not lead to the absence of Christ, but to his cosmic presence everywhere.

7 snips
May 25, 2025 • 32min
The Third Appearance
Explore the poignant moment of Jesus restoring Peter after his denial, capturing a powerful narrative of failure and redemption. The tender breakfast by the Sea of Galilee serves as a backdrop for deep emotional healing and reaffirmation of love. This touching exchange highlights themes of forgiveness and calling, making it one of the most beautiful stories in scripture.

May 18, 2025 • 31min
Long Road Away From What Was
Two disciples journeying to Emmaus grapple with their disillusionment after Jesus' death. Their encounter with a mysterious stranger reshapes their understanding of scripture, revealing profound insights about redemption. The conversation uncovers the Old Testament as a prophetic framework for recognizing Christ. Emphasis is placed on interpreting Scriptures through Christ's lens, highlighting the resurrection's transformative power. This leads to renewed faith and a passionate urge to share their joyous discovery with others.

4 snips
May 11, 2025 • 35min
Some Doubted. So What?
The discussion opens with the disciples' mix of worship and doubt after Christ’s resurrection, illustrating doubt as a pathway to authentic belief. Philosophical insights from Kierkegaard and Descartes are intertwined with personal faith journeys, stressing the need for a balance between intellect and emotion. Blaise Pascal’s perspective reveals that true comprehension of God stems from the heart, while spiritual intuition is highlighted as essential for navigating life's existential questions. The conversation culminates in the themes of grace and forgiveness, inviting everyone to connect with the divine.

May 4, 2025 • 31min
Astonished Ecstasy
Dive into the impact of the resurrection of Jesus, exploring its theological significance across the Gospels. Experience the emotional journey of three women at the crucifixion and their breathtaking encounter with the empty tomb. Discover how this miraculous event challenges traditional views, redefining truth and purpose. The conversation culminates in a communal celebration, emphasizing the transformative power of resurrection and communion, inviting listeners to embrace a profound sense of divine mystery and grace.

Apr 27, 2025 • 34min
Believing Thomas
Dive into the misunderstood story of Thomas, often unfairly labeled as 'Doubting Thomas.' Discover how his quest for understanding highlights the importance of questioning in faith. Explore the balance between doubt and belief, and how knowledge shapes spiritual journeys. Learn about the radical commitment to Jesus as Lord and the profound loyalty it entails. Finally, reflect on the power of communal confession and the invitation to grace, as the episode emphasizes the active nature of belief in a transformative Christian life.