

Word of Life Church Podcast
Pastor Brian Zahnd
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 30min
Holy Cross
Discover the deep significance of Holy Cross Day through a personal pilgrimage narrative, blending physical experiences with spiritual reflections. Engage in a serene chapel where post-it notes symbolize a community's prayers, tied to themes of rebirth and redemption. Explore the profound theology behind Jesus's crucifixion, linking it to stories of salvation throughout the scriptures. Reflect on love, mercy, and the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice, illuminating its role in leading believers from darkness into the light.

Sep 7, 2025 • 39min
Sweet Sounds of Heaven
Sweet Sounds Of Heavenby The Rolling Stones (feat. Lady Gaga)I hear the sweet, sweet sounds of heavenFallin' down, fallin' down to this earthI hear the sweet, sweetest sounds of heavenDriftin' down, driftin' down to this earthBless the Father, bless the SonHear the sound of the drumsAs it echoes through the valleyAnd it burstsLet no woman or childGo hungry tonightPlease protect us from the painAnd the hurtI smell the sweet, sweet scents of heavenTumblin' down, tumblin' downTo the earthI hear the sweet sounds, the sweet sounds of childrenAnd they're praisingThe land of their birthNo, I'm not, not going to hellIn some dusty motelAnd I'm not, not going downIn the dirtI'm gonna laugh, I'm gonna cryEat the bread, drink the wine'Cause I'm finally, finally quenchingMy thirstYou can't have a light without a little shadowAlways need a target for your bow and arrowI want to be drenched in the rain of your heavenly loveLet the music, play loudLet it burst through the cloudsAnd we all feel the heatOf the sunLet us sing, let us shoutLet us all stand up proudLet the old still believeThat they're young

Aug 31, 2025 • 34min
Beautiful Things
Beautiful ThingsBenson BooneFor a while there, it was roughBut lately, I've been doin' betterThan the last four cold Decembers I recallAnd I see my family every monthI found a girl my parents loveShe'll come and stay the nightAnd I think I might have it allAnd I thank God every dayFor the girl He sent my wayBut I know the things He gives meHe can take awayAnd I hold you every nightAnd that's a feelin' I wanna get used toBut there's no man as terrifiedAs the man who stands to lose youOh, I hope I don't lose youPlease stayI want you, I need you, oh, GodDon't takeThese beautiful things that I've gotPlease stayI want you, I need you, oh, GodDon't takeThese beautiful things that I've gotPlease don't takeI found my mind, I'm feelin' saneIt's been a while, but I'm findin' my faithIf everything's good and it's greatWhy do I sit and wait 'til it's gone?Oh, I'll tell ya, I know I've got enoughI've got peace, and I've got loveBut I'm up at night thinkin'I just might lose it allPlease stayI want you, I need you, oh, GodDon't takeThese beautiful things that I've gotPlease stayI want you, I need you, oh, GodI needThese beautiful things that I've got

Aug 24, 2025 • 36min
Imago Interlude
Imago Interlude by nobigdyl.Christian music or music that Christians useTo get they fix just another hit of the clicks and viewsOfficially I don't play by your silly rulesWe independent cuz that's how I felt the Spirit moveLooked for Yeshua I didn't see him on the tubeI couldn't find him on the web or in triple letter newsI saw him on the corner begging for some drugs and foodI couldn't stop cuz I'm a little late for Sunday schoolChristian music or music that Christians useI read epistles and take a sip of the liquor tooAnd everyone you listen to I saw they did it tooI saw a lot of dying happenin' in livin' roomsIs that a preacher or a wolf that's covered in the woolIs that a fetus or human covered in the wombWe disagreeing or are we just politicians toolsCan't pledge allegiance to a system feeding off of foolsChristian music or music that Christians useI looked for Jesus and I didn't see him on the newsSaw him in Palestine the power lines were out of juiceHe was a 9-year-old her body had been battered bruisedSaw him in Zion too a missile through a tattered roofA father clinging to his child pleading out to youSaw him in Kyiv and MoscowThe bleeding won't stop nowThe cop and the black body he shot downChristian music or music that Christians useLooked for Messiah I couldn't find him in interviewsSittin' in silence I felt an ancient pullHe said to be Samaritan to every single JewRight then he showed me rockets over top of Tel AvivColonizers shippin' people across the seven seasTelevangelist devisin' petty schemesYou don't know Jesus till you see him in your enemyI hate the people that we becameI love the people we became

Aug 17, 2025 • 38min
Shelter from the Storm
Brian Zahnd dives into the profound impact of Bob Dylan's "Shelter from the Storm," exploring its lyrical depth and simplicity. He reflects on how the song serves as a metaphor for the church, offering refuge to the weary. The discussion touches on themes of loss, shared suffering, and the transformative power of relationships. Zahnd emphasizes the church's role as a sanctuary, inviting all to find safety and belonging, while challenging congregations to embody Christ's beauty and inclusiveness. A communion invitation highlights the call to universal welcome.

Aug 10, 2025 • 34min
Joy
Explore the uplifting journey from grief to joy, inspired by Nick Cave's poignant experiences. Reflect on the heartbreaking yet transformative tales of love and loss, highlighting the spiritual connection emerging from sorrow. Discover how moments of darkness can lead to hope, with themes that resonate through the art of music. Experience the promise of resurrection and the joy found in faith as stories and songs intertwine to inspire a deeper understanding of joy amidst life's challenges.

Aug 3, 2025 • 36min
Good Old Days
Reflecting on life's fleeting moments, the discussion emphasizes nostalgia and personal growth through the catchy tunes of The Revivalists. It dives into the peril of greed with the parable of the rich fool, advocating for spiritual wealth over materialism. Exploring early Christian joy in adversity reveals the link between patience and satisfaction. Lastly, the conversation navigates sorrow and grace, inspired by the film 'The Tree of Life,' reminding us that love and forgiveness can turn every moment into a cherished memory.

Jul 27, 2025 • 37min
Crazy Train
Dive into the world of Ozzy Osbourne and explore the powerful fusion of music and spirituality. Discover how the 'crazy train' symbolically critiques societal blame and promotes individual integrity. Reflect on the importance of stepping back from divisive politics, choosing love over ambition just as Jesus did. Navigate the treacherous waters of political power through the lens of humility. Finally, embrace grace through a heartfelt communion, emphasizing the importance of confession and community for all believers.

5 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 32min
Why I Cannot Despair
Explore the tension between worldly anxieties and spiritual peace through the biblical story of Martha and Mary. Discover how the central role of Christ offers hope amid suffering and injustice. Delve into the promise of restoration and the concept of apokatastasis, contrasting despair with reconciliation. Reflect on human suffering and the unshakeable hope found in divine love, inviting listeners to experience transformative faith through chaos.

Jul 13, 2025 • 29min
Dirt Road Blues
The conversation dives into the timeless parable of the Good Samaritan, highlighting its relevance today. The speaker emphasizes how Jesus exemplifies mercy, both as the Samaritan and the one who bears our burdens. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own compassion in a world often marked by indifference. Additionally, a teaser for a new series explores the intersection of faith and music, inspired by Bob Dylan. It's a thought-provoking blend of scripture and modern culture.


