City Rev Sermon Podcast: Recent Episodes

City Rev Sermon Podcast

Podcast by City Rev Sermon Podcast

What does it actually look like to follow Jesus every day—not just on Sundays?In the first message of our new series, A Day in the Life, Pastor Robey Barnes walks through Acts 2 to show how the early church built their lives around daily rhythms of faith, community, prayer, and God’s Word. Rather than treating faith as something we “fit in” when we have time, Scripture invites us into a lifestyle where Jesus becomes the foundation for everything we do.Using the S.O.A.P. Method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer), Pastor Robey challenges us to replace occasional spiritual moments with a consistent habit of meeting with God each day. Just as our bodies need constant hydration, our souls need the daily nourishment of God’s Word to bring clarity, wisdom, and strength.Whether you’re just beginning your faith journey or have followed Jesus for years, this message will encourage you to build habits that lead to lasting transformation.

How do you stay faithful when the world is constantly pulling you in different directions?In this message, Pastor Josh Slautterback continues our series, The Crew, by unpacking the powerful message of 2 John. Through John’s call to “watch yourselves,” we’re reminded that spiritual drift rarely happens overnight. Instead, it begins with small compromises that slowly pull us away from God’s truth.What does it look like to stay the course? By walking in both truth and love. Pastor Josh shows how these two aren’t competing values—they’re inseparable marks of a follower of Jesus. As we fix our eyes on Christ, we learn to recognize deception, guard our hearts, and faithfully walk in the direction He has called us.

Friendships shape the direction of our lives—but what makes a friendship truly last?In this message, Pastor Robey Barnes teaches from 3 John to show that lasting, life-giving relationships aren’t built on convenience or common interests, but on the unchanging truth of Jesus Christ. As our culture encourages everyone to define their own truth, Scripture points us to a better foundation: the Gospel.Discover how the truth of Christ transforms the way we love, encourage, and walk alongside one another, and why biblical community is essential for every believer.

In Part 2 of The Crew, Pastor Robey Barnes continues our study through 3 John, revealing what biblical hospitality truly looks like. Because Jesus welcomed us when we were strangers, we’re called to extend that same love to others. This message challenges us to move beyond comfort, convenience, and favoritism so that every person who walks into our lives—and our church—experiences the transforming love of Christ.

Friendship was never meant to be built on convenience—it was meant to be built on truth.In the first message of The Crew, Pastor Robey Barnes teaches through 3 John, revealing how the Gospel provides the foundation for authentic, Christ-centered relationships. Discover how your identity as God’s beloved transforms the way you love others, overcome fear and past hurts, and experience the kind of biblical community you were created for.No matter where you are in your faith journey, this message will encourage you to build friendships that reflect the love of Jesus and stand the test of time.

As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, Pastor Robey Barnes invites us to reflect through the lens of Psalm 122. In this standalone message, The Beautiful: A Better Kingdom, we discover that while we can celebrate our country’s history and pray for its flourishing, our ultimate hope and allegiance belong to the Kingdom of God. Learn what it means to pursue true shalom, seek the peace of our communities, and live as faithful citizens of heaven wherever God has placed us.

In this week’s Summer Stories message, Pastor Josh Slautterback explores Jesus’ Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–30 and reminds us that God has entrusted each of us with unique gifts, opportunities, and resources. Rather than measuring success by comparison or achievement, Jesus calls us to be faithful stewards of what we’ve been given. This message challenges us to move beyond fear, invest our lives for God’s Kingdom, and live with eternity in view as we await Christ’s return.

In this week’s Summer Stories message, Pastor Craig Stephens explores Jesus’ Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1–13 and what it means to live with an expectant faith. Through the imagery of lamps and oil, Jesus teaches that spiritual readiness cannot be borrowed or postponed—it must be cultivated through a personal relationship with Him. As we wait for Christ’s return, we are called to remain watchful, faithful, and prepared. This message is both a challenge to stop delaying obedience and an invitation to embrace the grace of God, who welcomes all who turn to Him in faith.

In this week’s Summer Stories message, Jeremy Agosto unpacks Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18:10–15, revealing the heart of a Shepherd who refuses to give up on those who wander. Through this powerful story, we discover how much God values every person, why compassion must replace contempt, and how followers of Jesus are called to join Him in pursuing the lost. Whether you’re feeling far from God or burdened for someone who has drifted away, this message is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and that heaven rejoices when even one person is brought home.

In Week 3 of Summer Stories, Pastor Craig Stephens explores Jesus’ parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Value from Matthew 13:44–46.Through these powerful stories, Jesus reveals that the Kingdom of Heaven is of immeasurable worth. Whether you discover it unexpectedly or spend your life searching for it, the treasure of Christ surpasses everything this world has to offer.This message challenges us to examine our priorities and ask: Do our lives reflect that God’s Kingdom is our greatest treasure?

In this message from our Summer Stories series, Pastor Robey explores Jesus’ parables of the mustard seed and the leaven in Matthew 13:31–33. These simple illustrations reveal a powerful truth about the Kingdom of God: it often begins in small, overlooked ways but grows to have an extraordinary impact. Discover what it means to live under the reign of King Jesus, why believers should reject pessimism and live with expectancy, and how God can use everyday acts of faith to bring transformation to homes, workplaces, schools, and entire cities. Whether you’re looking for encouragement, perspective, or a deeper understanding of Jesus’ teaching, this message will challenge you to recognize and participate in the work God is doing all around you.

In this week's message from the Summer Stories series, Pastor Josh Slautterback dives into the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13, using the memorable story of a Venice pigeon tourist trap to bring Jesus' teaching to life. Pastor Josh walks through the four types of soil — hardened, rocky, thorny, and good — and challenges us to examine what kind of heart we're bringing to God's Word. Are we letting the truth bounce off a hardened heart, failing to put down roots in a shallow one, or allowing the distractions and deceitfulness of this world to choke out our growth? With honesty and warmth, Pastor Josh calls City Rev to cultivate a receptive, fertile heart through intentional prayer, Scripture, and community — because the way we receive the Word reveals the condition of our heart, and it's in that good soil where God does His most transformative work.

What does it look like to build a church that impacts future generations? In this powerful message from Pastor Robey Barnes at City Rev Church, the vision behind One Generation comes to life through Psalm 48, reminding us that we are called to carry the presence of God into our city as “living stones.” From celebrating the largest family dedication in City Rev history to sharing updates on the future of our church—including the Miami Springs campus, digital discipleship, and the vision for generations to come—this message is both deeply theological and highly practical. As the church moves forward together, Pastor Robey challenges us to fully surrender to Jesus, become doers of the Word, and invest our lives in what God is building across South Florida.

In this message from our Something Real series, Pastor Robey unpacks the immeasurable greatness of God’s power found in Ephesians 1:15–23. Through the power of the cross, the resurrection, and the ascension, we see that Jesus didn’t just save us from sin—He raised us into new life and seated us with Him in authority. This message challenges us to stop living with a powerless faith and begin praying boldly, walking in victory, and trusting the Holy Spirit to lead every part of our lives. No matter what you’re facing, there is power available through Jesus that can change everything.

In this message from our Something Real series, Pastor Robey walks through Ephesians 1 and reminds us that what we have in Christ isn’t temporary—it’s secure. Through Jesus, we’ve been given an inheritance, and through the Holy Spirit, we’ve been sealed and marked as God’s own. This isn’t just theology—it’s personal. The Spirit is our guarantee, a real and present experience of what’s to come. If you’ve ever questioned where you stand with God or what it looks like to truly live in Him, this message will challenge you to lean in, walk in the Spirit, and experience the fullness of what God has already promised.

In this message from Something Real, Pastor Robey walks through Ephesians 1:7–10, revealing the power of the gospel as a story of redemption. We were once trapped in sin, but through Jesus—our ransom—we’ve been forgiven, made new, and brought back to life by grace, not works. This sermon unpacks God’s greater plan, showing how everything in history is being brought together in Christ. Through powerful biblical examples and the truth of “recapitulation,” you’ll see how Jesus is the one who holds it all together—restoring what was broken and redeeming every part of our story.

In Week 2 of Something Real, Pastor Robey unpacks Ephesians 1:3–7 to reveal that the spiritual blessings we have in Christ aren’t distant or abstract—they’re real, present, and meant to be lived out today. From being chosen for holiness, to adopted as sons and daughters, to redeemed through the blood of Jesus, this message reframes our identity and reminds us of the freedom we already have. Challenging the “vault” mentality that pushes these truths to the background, Pastor Robey calls us to stop striving through religion, step into vulnerability, and seek Jesus as our source in every season.

What does it actually mean to be a “saint”—and where does your identity really come from? In the first message of our Something Real series, Pastor Robey Barnes walks through Ephesians 1 to show that our identity isn’t something we earn through performance, but something we receive by grace through Jesus. In a world full of pressure to prove yourself, this message invites you to stop chasing approval and start living from the truth of who God already says you are—set apart, chosen, and deeply loved.

In this Easter message, Pastor Robey Barnes unpacks the life-changing reality of the resurrection and what it means for us today. As we step into the story of the empty tomb, we’re reminded that Easter isn’t just something that happened—it’s something that still changes everything. The same power that rolled the stone away is still at work, meeting us in the middle of our struggles, fears, and the things we can’t move on our own. Whether it’s religion, success, or self-preservation, Jesus invites us into a new way of living—marked by freedom, hope, and transformation. If you’ve been feeling stuck or searching for a fresh start, this message is a reminder that the tomb is empty, Jesus is alive, and your story isn’t over.

In this Good Friday message, Pastor Robey Barnes leads City Rev Church through a powerful and reflective journey of Jesus’ final moments—from the surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane to the trial before Pilate and ultimately the crucifixion. This isn’t a typical celebration service; it’s an invitation to slow down and sit in the weight of what Jesus truly endured. As the contrast unfolds between Pilate’s self-preservation and Jesus’ self-sacrifice, we’re challenged to examine our own lives—are we holding on, or have we fully surrendered? The service concludes with communion, creating space to remember the broken body and shed blood of Christ and respond with hearts laid down before Him.

In this Palm Sunday message, Pastor Robey Barnes unpacks Jesus’ powerful response to a carefully crafted trap: “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” What starts as a political question quickly turns into a deeper, more personal challenge about allegiance. Jesus shifts the focus from coins and government to something far greater—our lives. If a coin bears Caesar’s image, it belongs to him… but we bear God’s image, which means everything we are ultimately belongs to Him. This message invites us to examine what we’re holding back and calls us to fully surrender our hearts, lives, and identity to God.

In the first message of The Villains series, Pastor Josh Slautterback explores Mark 3:1–6 and the confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees over healing on the Sabbath. While the religious leaders carefully watched for a reason to accuse Him, Jesus exposed the deeper issue—the hardness of their hearts. Instead of seeing a man in need, they saw a rule being threatened. Through this powerful moment, Pastor Josh challenges us to confront the subtle danger of self-righteousness—reminding us that it’s often easier to notice in others than in ourselves. The message ultimately points to the hope of the gospel: that Jesus came not for the perfect, but for those willing to lay down their pride and receive His grace and mercy.

In the first message of The Villains series, Pastor Josh Slautterback explores Mark 3:1–6 and the confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees over healing on the Sabbath. While the religious leaders carefully watched for a reason to accuse Him, Jesus exposed the deeper issue—the hardness of their hearts. Instead of seeing a man in need, they saw a rule being threatened. Through this powerful moment, Pastor Josh challenges us to confront the subtle danger of self-righteousness—reminding us that it’s often easier to notice in others than in ourselves. The message ultimately points to the hope of the gospel: that Jesus came not for the perfect, but for those willing to lay down their pride and receive His grace and mercy.

In this message from The Epic of the City, Pastor Robey Barnes looks at Israel’s exile to Babylon and reveals how God used what seemed like defeat to accomplish His greater purpose. Rather than simply surviving in a foreign land, God called His people to settle in, build lives, and seek the Shalom—the peace and flourishing—of the city where they had been sent. In the same way, followers of Jesus today are called to live as faithful exiles in their own communities, praying for broken places and working for the good of the city around them. Even in difficult seasons, God’s promise remains true: He has plans to bring hope, restoration, and a future for His people.

In The Epic of the City, Part 3, Pastor Robey Barnes walks through the story of King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 18, highlighting both his righteousness and his regret. Though God used Hezekiah to bring reform, defeat the Assyrians, and even miraculously heal him, a subtle but costly mistake followed—he exposed his treasures to Babylon and chose personal peace over generational faithfulness. Through this story, Pastor Robey challenges us to examine our own priorities and redefine what the Church truly is—not a platform for comfort or good advice, but a living body, a spiritual family called to grow together and pass down the fear of the Lord. This message calls every believer to surrender fully to Jesus, invest in the next generation, and take their place in God’s mission to reach the city.

In Part 2 of The Epic of the City, we explore one of the most powerful themes in Scripture: the battle between pride and humility. Using the unforgettable story of Larry’s lawn chair flight — a man who tried to soar 16,000 feet with weather balloons — this sermon illustrates the danger of self-elevation and the consequences of building our lives on our own glory.From Babylon to Jerusalem, the Bible presents two archetypal cities.Babylon represents self-glory, arrogance, and the pursuit of being “like God.”Jerusalem represents humility, worship, and lifting up the name of the true King.Through Isaiah’s vision, the fall of the king of Babylon, and Nebuchadnezzar’s humbling in the book of Daniel, we see a clear pattern: internal pride always leads to external collapse. As Augustine wrote in The City of God, the internal fall always precedes the external fall.

In the opening message of The Epic of the City, Pastor Robey Barnes takes us back to Genesis to look at the Tower of Babel and the human tendency to build our lives around making a name for ourselves. He contrasts that story with Abraham’s encounter with Melchizedek, showing how true worship isn’t about self-promotion, but about lifting up God and serving others. The message reminds us that everyone is always worshiping something—the real question is who gets the glory. The service closes with communion, inviting us to re-center our faith on Jesus and respond to His invitation to live for a greater name than our own.

In At the Well, Part 3, Pastor Craig Stephens explores a powerful pattern that shows up again and again in Scripture: a man meets a woman at a well, and a union is formed. From Isaac to Jacob to Moses, these stories point toward marriage and covenant—but then Jesus steps into the story and changes everything. When He meets the Samaritan woman at the well, the pattern takes a surprising turn, revealing that the deepest union we’re searching for isn’t found in romance or marriage, but in a relationship with Christ. This message invites us to see how every human love story ultimately points to a greater promise—living water that satisfies the soul and a spiritual union that lasts forever.

In At The Well, Part 2, Pastor Robey Barnes continues the story of Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24, challenging the way our culture defines compatibility in marriage. Instead of finding someone who fits a fixed version of ourselves, Scripture points us to a deeper truth: real compatibility is formed when two people fix their eyes on God and allow Him to transform them. Through honest stories from early marriage and the grace-filled example of Rebekah, this message speaks to both singles and married couples—inviting us to view our spouse, or future spouse, through God’s eyes. Whether you’re seeking marriage or growing within it, this sermon reminds us that grace, gratitude, and surrender to Jesus are what truly build a lasting, God-centered relationship.

What if forgiveness is the key to the freedom you’ve been praying for? In this message from the book of Philemon, Pastor Robey Barnes walks through a powerful and often overlooked letter that challenges how we hold onto hurt, debt, and broken relationships. Through personal stories and Paul’s appeal to forgive and reconcile, we’re reminded that freedom in Christ isn’t just about what He’s done for us — it’s about what we’re willing to release in others. This teaching invites you to examine unforgiveness, let go of what’s weighing you down, and experience the transforming power of grace in your relationships and your walk with Jesus.

In this message from the book of Philemon, Pastor Josh Slautterback explores the powerful and often challenging call to forgiveness. Through the story of Philemon and Onesimus, we see how unforgiveness can keep us trapped behind emotional and spiritual fences—much like prisoners who remained in POW camps even after freedom was declared. Paul’s appeal to Philemon reveals that forgiveness is not just a spiritual ideal, but a practical, costly, and freeing act of love. This sermon walks through three essential steps to forgiveness—releasing the offense, redeeming the relationship, and remembering the grace we’ve received—while exposing how bitterness, when left unchecked, takes root and spreads. Ultimately, this message calls us to live in the freedom Christ offers, become peacemakers in broken relationships, and extend the same grace we have been given.

What happens when you pray for humility… and your car gets stolen? In this honest and relatable message, Jeremy Agosto shares a personal story that leads into a powerful conversation about forgiveness. Looking at Paul’s letter to Philemon and the story of Onesimus, Jeremy reminds us that forgiveness isn’t about obligation or doing the “right thing” — it’s about choosing love, the same way Jesus chose love for us. This message speaks to the real struggle of letting go, trusting God with our pain, and believing that forgiveness can actually bring freedom and healing. If you’ve ever wrestled with forgiving someone, this message is for you.

In the final message of our Foretold Christmas series, Pastor Robey shares Foretold: Peace on Earth, revealing how Jesus’ arrival was never an accident. From the very beginning of Scripture, God left clues pointing to the Messiah—culminating in a star that led the world to Bethlehem. That star wasn’t just a sign in the sky; it pointed to Jesus Himself, the true Light born in a manger who would change the course of history forever. This message invites us to see Christmas not as coincidence, but as God’s carefully written story of peace, hope, and redemption for the world.

In Part 3 of our Foretold Christmas series, Pastor Robey explores how the story of Christmas has always pointed beyond the manger to the resurrection of Jesus. Beginning with a lighthearted family tradition of cutting down a Christmas tree, this message uncovers the deep biblical symbolism behind Christmas and shows how Jesus’ resurrection was foretold throughout the Old Testament. Walking through Romans 1 and key prophetic passages, Pastor Robey reveals how the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus are inseparably connected—fueling our faith, giving hope in suffering, and calling us to trust fully in Christ this Christmas.

Foretold, Part 2: The Eternal King continues the Christmas journey by exploring the space between God’s promises and their fulfillment. Drawing from Romans and the prophetic promises made to King David, Pastor Robey Barnes unpacks how Jesus is the long-awaited descendant who fulfills God’s covenant as the eternal King. From Bethlehem to the throne of heaven, this message reveals how the kingdom of God is both already present and still coming, shaping how believers live, hope, and endure in seasons of waiting and suffering. As we look at Jesus as our Shepherd, Champion, and King, we are reminded that Christmas is not just about anticipation—but about allegiance—calling us to surrender our lives to Christ and live as ambassadors of His peace and justice in the world.

In the first message of our Christmas series Foretold, Pastor Robey Barnes shows that the Christmas story isn’t just a sweet holiday tradition—it’s the story God has been writing since the beginning. Starting with a funny family Christmas moment (“the dead possum year”), he connects the unexpected parts of our own stories to the surprising way Jesus entered the world: a virgin pregnancy, a trip to Bethlehem, and a manger instead of a crib. Pastor Robey walks through Romans 1 to explain what the gospel really is—good news about a King who has conquered sin and death—and shows how this was foretold all the way back in Genesis and Isaiah. He then gets practical, reminding us that Jesus should be the main character of our lives and that we’re all sent to share His story with others. Whether you’re exploring faith or looking to be encouraged this Christmas season, this message will point you back to the hope found in Jesus.

In this message, Pastor Craig Stephens takes us into the story of young Samuel’s first encounter with God’s voice in 1 Samuel 3, weaving in a personal camping trip story to show how vital light and guidance are—both physically and spiritually. He explains how Israel was in a spiritually dry season where God’s word was rare, and how much courage it took for Samuel to deliver God’s tough message to Eli. Pastor Craig then connects Samuel’s experience to our own lives today, reminding us that God still speaks through Scripture, prayer, and the wise voices of other believers. He encourages us to slow down, seek God’s direction regularly, test what we sense, and build habits of obedience. When we listen for God and follow His lead, He brings clarity, renewal, and transformation into our everyday lives.

In this message, Pastor Robey Barnes gets real about what actually grows our faith — and it’s probably not what we often expect. Following Jesus isn’t about trying to “level up” our faith so we can get God to do what we want. Instead, real faith grows when we choose to submit to God and trust Him with every part of our lives.Using the story of the ten lepers, Pastor Robey highlights how gratitude changes everything. Only one leper came back to thank Jesus, and that simple act of thankfulness shows us what a surrendered heart looks like. Jesus doesn’t owe us anything, yet He invites us into obedience, humility, and a daily rhythm of remembering what He’s done.This kind of gratitude pulls us out of entitlement and back into a posture of worship. And as we realign our hearts with God, Jesus heals us from the inside out — replacing the weight of sin with His love, joy, and peace.If you’ve ever wondered what truly strengthens your faith, this sermon will help you see how obedience, surrender, and everyday thankfulness open the door to real spiritual growth.

In Love Like Jesus, Part 3, Pastor Robey Barnes explores Jesus’ powerful teaching on loving our neighbor through the parable of the Good Samaritan. Building from real-life stories of crisis, rescue, and compassion, this message challenges us to move beyond simple concern and step into courageous, costly action. Pastor Robey shows how Jesus calls every believer to reflect His mercy, love sacrificially, and engage the needs around them—whether in our neighborhoods, workplaces, or through global mission partners like HHA and Mustard Seed in Jamaica. This sermon invites you to pray boldly, serve intentionally, and embody the transformational love of Jesus in everyday life.

In this message, Pastor Craig Stephens teaches from Isaiah 58 on how real worship is more than songs and Sunday routines. It’s worship that moves outward toward others. When we love God vertically, it should overflow into compassion for people horizontally. This is the kind of faith that changes cities. Historically, Christians led in starting hospitals, caring for the poor, and showing up where needs were visible — and we’re called to continue that same kind of love today. Join us as we talk about what it means to serve our neighbors, care for the vulnerable, and practice a faith that blesses others and invites the blessing of God into our own lives.

In this message, Pastor Josh Slautterback kicks off our Church United series by talking about what it really means to love like Jesus. We use the word “love” all the time, but 1 John 3:16 shows us that real love isn’t just a feeling—it’s action. It’s costly. Pastor Josh shares personal stories and reminds us that Jesus showed us love by laying down His life, and we’re called to do the same for others. This week, we’re challenged to move past talking about love and start living it out—meeting needs, carrying burdens, and showing the kind of love that changes people.

In this powerful message, Pastor Robey challenges us to choose obedience over comfort by looking at the story of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Numbers 32. These tribes chose to stay on the wrong side of the Jordan because it fit their preferences—but their decision carried lasting consequences for future generations. Through this story, we’re reminded that following God’s call often requires faith to step into the unknown rather than settling for what’s familiar. As our church steps forward in faith—launching a new Miami Springs campus, advancing digital discipleship, and seeking a hub campus along I-75—this message calls every believer to move with God’s mission and not miss out on the blessing of full obedience.

This past Sunday, we were honored to welcome special guest David Kinnaman, president of Barna Group, who shared an inspiring message on the importance of passing on faith to the next generation. Drawing from his personal experiences and groundbreaking research, David revealed that 72% of Americans are spiritually open and that 30 million people have committed to Jesus since the pandemic, reminding us that God is actively moving in our time. Using Paul’s final letter to Timothy as a model, he highlighted the power of emotional and spiritual connection between generations and shared personal stories—including the impact of his late wife’s prayers and the faith of his children. David encouraged us to take a simple, meaningful step by writing handwritten letters of faith to those we love, leaving behind a legacy of belief, hope, and community.

In the finale of our biggest series ever, Pastor Robey Barnes delivers a powerful message on victory through the book of Haggai. Drawing a striking parallel between the celebrations at the end of World War II and the ultimate victory found in Jesus Christ, Pastor Robey traces the prophetic line from Zerubbabel to Christ — the promised “seed” who conquered sin and death.This message calls us to live as people who are already victorious, to walk in the freedom and power Jesus has secured for us, and to rise as One Generation that builds God’s kingdom, transforms South Florida, and leaves a legacy for future generations.The sermon culminates in a moving vision of spiritual awakening — with children’s prayers and testimonies that display the transformative power of the Holy Spirit at work among us.🔥 Join us as we celebrate the victory that changes everything.

This week at City Rev, Pastor Robey Barnes continued the One Generation series with Part 4: The Provision, a powerful message rooted in Haggai 2:15–19. Pastor Robey drew parallels between the Israelites’ journey, the WWII victory gardens, and City Rev’s vision to build for future generations. He reminded us that God turns seasons of scarcity into blessing when His people prioritize His house and live in obedience. Through stories of faith, reflection, and the call to sacrificial giving, the church was invited to commit—spiritually and financially—to the One Generation initiative. The service culminated in communion and prayer, a moving reminder that God’s provision always follows our trust in Him.

In Week 3 of the One Generation series, Pastor Robey Barnes encouraged the City Rev Church family to step into God’s vision for the next generation in South Florida. Using Haggai 2:1-19, he reminded everyone to “be strong and work,” trusting that God’s glory through Jesus will be even greater than what came before. Pastor Robey talked about how past mistakes and ruins don’t define us—Jesus is the true temple, and now we, as His followers, are called to bring renewal and hope wherever we go. The service invited people to get involved through mission briefings, use the “One Generation” handbook for guidance, and join in the church’s exciting initiatives like the Miami Springs campus, digital innovation, and building a hub campus—all with faith, boldness, and a heart for the future.

City Rev Church LivestreamIn Part 2 of our ONE GENERATION series, Pastor Robey Barnes calls our church to rise up and be part of a mighty move of God. Drawing from Haggai 1 and the sacrifices of past generations, he challenges us to prioritize God’s mission over our own comfort and plans. This message unpacks how true fulfillment comes when we surrender everything to Him and join together in His work.Discover how God is stirring our church through bold initiatives—like launching a Miami Springs campus, innovating digital discipleship, and establishing a hub campus in South Florida—and how you can be part of it. Don’t miss this powerful call to awaken, trust, and step fully into what God has for this generation.

This week, Pastor Robey Barnes challenges us to see the purpose God has placed on our generation. Through the inspiring story of Daniel Inouye, a World War II hero who displayed incredible courage and sacrifice, and the biblical account of the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple in Haggai, we’re reminded that God is stirring His people for something significant.Just as God moved King Cyrus to resource and lead the rebuilding of the temple, He is at work today, uniting churches across South Florida for a spiritual awakening. Though challenges and opposition will come, the foundation has already been laid — and it’s our call to rise up, build, and pass the hope of Jesus to the next generation.Join us as we step into this historic moment together and discover how you can be part of what God is doing through the One Generation movement.

Wrap up our Big God series with Pastor Robey Barnes as he dives into Psalm 139 and the Goldilocks effect to show how perfectly God designed our world — and how deeply He loves you. In this message, we’ll tackle the tough question, “If God is good, why does evil exist?” and discover how the gospel brings hope through Jesus’ sacrifice. Don’t miss this inspiring finale as we step into a season of prayer, fasting, and community through the City Rev app and small groups!

In Psalm 139, David marvels at the God who created the universe yet still knows us intimately. Pastor Josh unpacks how God’s omnipotence is not just displayed in galaxies and stars but also in the way He fearfully and wonderfully made each one of us. This message reminds us that God’s power is deeply personal—He formed us with care, has sovereign purposes for our lives, and calls us to embrace the unique design He’s given us.

In this message, Pastor Robey unpacks the incredible truth of God’s omnipresence from Psalm 139. We often wonder if anyone sees us in our darkest moments, most unfamiliar places, or times of struggle — but the Bible reminds us that God is always with us. His presence brings both comfort and conviction: comfort because we are never alone, and conviction because His holiness calls us to live authentically before Him. This sermon challenges us to remember, practice, and trust in God’s presence in every moment of our lives, so that even in the shadows we can walk in His light and strength.

In the opening message of the Big God series, Pastor Robey Barnes takes us into Psalm 139 to reflect on the immensity of God and His intimate knowledge of our lives. Using the staggering power of a neutron star as an analogy, he highlights God’s omniscience—He knows our thoughts, motives, and even the unspoken corners of our hearts. This reality can be both unsettling and comforting: unsettling because nothing is hidden, yet comforting because the One who knows us fully also loves us deeply. The message challenges us to live with reverent fear of God while also running toward Him in faith, finding hope in the saving work of Jesus Christ.

In Prayer, Part 3, Pastor Robey Barnes takes us to Acts 12 to explore how prayer is the “signature move” of every believer—our God-given way to activate His mission on earth. Drawing from Peter’s miraculous prison release, Pastor Robey shows how earnest, persistent prayer has the power to break chains, open doors, and unleash God’s plans in ways we can’t predict. More than a “spiritual cheat code,” prayer is an act of surrender, aligning us with God’s sovereign will and trusting that His ways are always good. This message calls us to pray with bold faith, together as the church, and to embrace prayer as the defining action of a life lived on mission.

In the second message of our Prayer Series, Pastor Robey unpacks the story of Mary and Martha to highlight the one thing that matters most—being with Jesus. While Martha was distracted by doing, Mary chose to sit at His feet, receiving what Jesus calls “the good portion.” This sermon challenges us to stop measuring our relationship with God by how much we do for Him, and instead prioritize simply being with Him. Discover what it means to build a prayer life centered on presence, not performance.

In the first message of our Prayers series, Pastor Robey Barnes unpacks what it really means to pray in Jesus’ name—and no, it’s not like trying to rob a bank with someone else’s ID. Praying in His name isn’t about using a magic phrase to get what we want; it’s about abiding in Christ, aligning with His will, and accessing the power of heaven for His purposes. When we truly understand this, our prayers become powerful, fruitful, and life-changing.

In the final message of our All Pro series, Pastor Robey Barnes shares a powerful look at King David—not in his most well-known moments, but in the quiet, often overlooked season before the crown. Long before Goliath, the throne, or the spotlight, God was shaping David to make a real impact in his everyday life. This message challenges the idea that spiritual influence is reserved for the “official” leaders and instead shows how God is calling you to live with purpose right where you are—today, not someday. Discover how your current season, job, or platform might be the exact place God wants to work through you to impact the city around you.

In Part 5 of our All Pro summer series, Pastor Josh Slautterback unpacks the powerful story of Joseph in Genesis 41, where Pharaoh recognizes something divine in Joseph: the presence of God’s Spirit. This sermon reminds us that the Holy Spirit doesn’t just empower us on Sunday mornings—it equips us to lead, build, serve, and innovate throughout our daily lives. Whether you’re managing a team, a classroom, a home, or a business, your work becomes worship when it’s fueled by God’s Spirit. Learn how to live and lead in a way that brings excellence and transformation, just like Joseph did in Egypt.

What does integrity look like when the heat gets turned up? In this powerful message, Pastor Craig Stephens takes us through the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. These three young men didn’t just claim to follow God—they proved it when everything was on the line. Their courage in the face of cultural pressure and a blazing furnace reveals what it means to have character that doesn’t bend. Discover how small daily decisions of faithfulness prepare us to stand firm in moments that truly matter. This message will inspire you to live boldly and trust that your integrity can glorify God and impact others—even in the fire.

In Part 3 of the All Pro series, Pastor Jeremy Agosto challenges us to rethink what true excellence really means. Drawing from the story of Daniel and King Belshazzar in Daniel 5, we see two very different paths: one built on pride and self-promotion, the other rooted in wisdom, humility, and faithfulness to God. Daniel didn’t chase status—he served others with the gifts God gave him, even in hostile environments. This message calls us to do the same. Excellence isn’t about showing off; it’s about showing up for others and reflecting God’s glory through how we work, lead, and live. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real impact for the Kingdom in your everyday life, this sermon is for you.

In Part 2 of our All Pro summer series, we look at the courageous faith of Esther—an unlikely queen who stood in the gap for God’s people at a moment of crisis. Living in exile in ancient Persia, Esther found herself with a unique opportunity: she could risk everything to speak up for her people—or stay silent and protect herself. Through the encouragement of Mordecai and the power of prayer and fasting, Esther chose to act. Her story reminds us that when God gives us influence, it’s not for our comfort—it’s for His purpose. This message challenges us to live boldly for others, to lead with faith under pressure, and to trust that God places us in positions of influence “for such a time as this."

This special Father’s Day message kicks off our All Pro summer series with a powerful look at the life of Boaz. Pastor Robey Barnes unpacks how Boaz, a “worthy man” in Ruth 2, embodied incarnational living—offering kindness, protection, and dignity to Ruth, a woman the world would have overlooked. Just like a baseball card might undervalue an unknown player, Boaz shows us that God sees immeasurable worth in the humble, the foreigner, and the outsider. As followers of Christ, we’re challenged to live out that same compassion—to step in, stand up, and reflect Jesus by the way we care for others. Especially on a day where we honor fathers and father figures, this message invites us to become tangible expressions of God’s love in everyday life.

In this powerful message, special guest Andrew Holmes, President of 4KIDS, challenges the Church to embrace a deeper calling to biblical justice and compassionate action. Drawing from the words of Jesus and the heart of God for the vulnerable, he contrasts cultural justice with Kingdom righteousness—and reminds us that justice flows from a right relationship with God. With practical stories from the frontlines of foster care and adoption, Andrew inspires us to respond to worry not with fear, but with faith that seeks God’s Kingdom first. Whether you foster, serve, give, or pray—this message invites you to step into God’s unshakable plan to bring healing to the hurting.

In this powerful finale of our Do Hard Things series, Pastor Robey Barnes brings a bold message from Hebrews 12, reminding us that we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Using the monarch butterfly’s transformation and migration as a picture, this message calls believers to awaken, pray, and prepare for a spiritual shift. God is stirring something new in our region—and He’s calling His people to respond with surrendered worship, reverent awe, and holy urgency. Whether you’re worn down or just waking up to God’s voice, this message will inspire you to lay everything down and step into what’s next.

In this message, Pastor Josh Slautterback shares how real endurance in life comes from strengthening the unseen muscles—spiritually and emotionally. Just like hikers must train more than just what looks good at the gym, we too must build inner strength that lasts through life’s toughest challenges. Learn how discipline, perseverance, and God’s love help us grow deep roots of faith when life gets hard. This powerful message from Hebrews 12 reminds us that what’s unseen is often what matters most.

In this powerful message from Hebrews 12, Pastor Craig Stephens challenges us to run the race of faith with endurance. Drawing on the imagery of a marathon, we’re reminded to lay aside every weight and sin that slows us down and to fix our eyes on Jesus—the author and perfecter of our faith.Through practical insights and biblical truth, this sermon calls for spiritual decluttering, letting go of anything that hinders your pursuit of God. Learn how Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him and how His example strengthens us in every hardship. Whether you’re in a season of struggle or simply in need of encouragement, this message will remind you: God is with you, and His promises are unshakable.

Let’s face it—choosing comfort comes naturally. But a life of faith often calls us to step into the uncomfortable, the difficult, and the unknown. In this message, Pastor Robey Barnes challenges us to embrace a deeper trust in God by choosing faith over ease. Discover how God often works powerfully when we’re willing to do the hard things He asks of us.

In the second message of our Do Hard Things series, Pastor Robey explores the transformational power of faith. Through stories from Hebrews 11 and powerful metaphors like the metamorphosis of a butterfly, this sermon challenges us to trust God with the unseen. Just like monarch butterflies embark on an impossible journey guided by instinct, followers of Christ are called to move forward by faith—believing in the promises of God even when they feel distant. This message unpacks how faith is not blind hope, but the substance and proof of what God has promised. Learn how faith compels us to obey, risk, and move forward even when it’s hard—because transformation doesn’t happen in comfort zones. It happens when we trust the God who brings something from nothing.

In this message, Pastor Robey Barnes opens the “Do Hard Things” series by drawing a surprising connection between elephants’ remarkable ability to detect danger through low-frequency vibrations and our own need for spiritual sensitivity. Just as a herd of elephants instinctively formed a protective circle during an earthquake, we are called to live alert, courageous lives of faith. Preaching from Hebrews 10, Pastor Robey reminds us that because of Jesus, we have direct access to God—and with that access comes an invitation to draw near with confidence, hold firmly to the hope we profess, and walk together as a community of faith. Even when the ground shakes beneath us, the righteous live by faith, standing on the unshakable promises of God.

On Easter Sunday, Pastor Robey Barnes proclaims the life-changing truth of the resurrection in a message titled From Death to Life: The Empty Tomb. Drawing a powerful parallel between a little-known WWII story—where prisoners rejoiced at news of victory before their circumstances changed—and the discovery of the empty tomb, this message reminds us that the resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate good news. Through the eyes of Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John, we witness a range of responses to the risen Christ and are invited to consider our own. This sermon calls us to rejoice in the victory Jesus won over sin and death, to embrace the eternal life He offers, and to boldly share the news that changes everything.

On this Good Friday, Pastor Robey Barnes leads us through the final hours of Jesus’ life, reflecting on His deep sorrow, faithful submission, and unwavering obedience to the Father. From the heaviness in the olive grove to His betrayal and trial, we witness the perfect love and suffering of Jesus as He takes on the weight of humanity’s sin. Through vivid retelling and powerful insight, we’re reminded that Jesus’ path to the cross was not just a sacrifice—it was a healing act that brought freedom from sin, oppression, and spiritual affliction. This message calls us to follow Christ’s example: to submit, to love, and to walk faithfully through suffering, knowing it is part of our preparation for glory.

On Palm Sunday, Pastor Robey Barnes unpacks the powerful moment of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem by drawing a striking parallel to the discovery of a rare silver coin from the Jewish revolt against Rome. Just as that coin symbolized a declaration of independence, Jesus’ entry—riding humbly on a donkey while crowds waved palm branches and cried “Hosanna!”—was a bold, prophetic declaration of victory. But unlike earthly revolutions, Jesus came not to overthrow Rome, but to conquer sin, suffering, and death. This message invites us to rethink what true triumph looks like and to trust in the humble King who brings eternal victory through the cross.

In this message from our From Death to Life series, Pastor Robey Barnes challenges us to evaluate whether our lives reflect true transformation or just religious affiliation. Drawing from the contrasting examples of the chief priests, Judas, Lazarus, and Mary, we are reminded that being near spiritual things doesn’t guarantee a changed heart. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are offered more than just association—we are offered new life, invincibility through faith, and freedom from greed, hypocrisy, and self-preservation. This sermon invites us to experience the authentic transformation only Jesus can bring and to live a life of genuine worship, rest, and generosity.

In Part 2 of From Death to Life, Pastor Craig Stephens unpacks John 11:45-53, revealing how the Pharisees’ fear of losing control led them to plot against Jesus—despite witnessing His power over death. As Caiaphas and the religious leaders prioritized political stability over faith, they missed the fulfillment of God’s promises. This message challenges us to examine what we’re clinging to instead of fully surrendering to Christ. Are we holding onto control, comfort, or fear? Or are we willing to trust in Jesus and step into the new life He offers?

Why did Jesus weep at Lazarus’ tomb when He knew He was about to raise him from the dead? In this powerful message, Pastor Josh Slautterback explores the depth of Jesus’ emotions—His grief, compassion, and frustration in the face of death and unbelief. Through the story of Lazarus in John 11, we see a Savior who is not distant from our pain but enters into it with us. Yet, Jesus’ tears were not just about sorrow; they pointed to His greater mission—to conquer sin and death once and for all. This message will challenge us to trust in Christ’s power over the grave and find hope even in life’s darkest moments.

As we conclude our Messengers series, we explore the transformative power of the Gospel and what it means to truly fear the Lord. Looking at the story of Cornelius, we see that God calls people from all nations to Himself, breaking down barriers and extending His grace to those who seek Him. Cornelius’ reverence for God was not just belief but action—prayer, generosity, and obedience—yet even these were not enough to save him. It was only through the Gospel of Jesus Christ that he and his household found salvation.This message challenges us to reflect on our own faith: Do we merely believe, or do we fear the Lord in a way that shapes our lives? As we prepare for Easter, we celebrate the ultimate Messenger—Jesus—who brings salvation to all who trust in Him. Join us as we respond in worship, inviting others into this life-changing truth

In Messengers Part 5, Pastor Robey Barnes dives into Acts 10, revealing how God’s plan for the gospel breaks down walls of division. Just as the fall of the Berlin Wall united families, Peter’s vision challenged deeply held traditions, inviting believers to embrace inclusion and reconciliation. Discover how God’s love knows no boundaries and how we are called to tear down walls in our lives and communities. Don’t miss this powerful message on unity and the power of the gospel!

Is your faith just a routine, or is it a real relationship with God? In Messengers, Part 4: More Than Religion, Pastor Robey Barnes unpacks Saul’s dramatic conversion in Acts 9, showing how misguided zeal can blind us to true grace. Through the example of Ananias, we see how God calls us not just to religious duty but to a transformed life rooted in His mercy. Join us as we explore what it means to move beyond empty rituals and into a vibrant, personal faith. Don’t miss this powerful message!

In this powerful message, Guest Pastor Muche Ukegbu from The Brook Miami challenges us to cultivate a God-sized view of God. Drawing from Numbers 13-14, he unpacks how our perspective shapes our faith, decisions, and relationship with God. When we rely on our own strength, we limit God’s power in our lives and fall into self-sabotage. But when we see God as He truly is—mighty, faithful, and limitless—we step into the fullness of His promises. Don’t miss this transformative message that will challenge you to trust in God’s strength rather than your own!

God calls unlikely people to do extraordinary things. In Messengers, Part 3, Pastor Craig Stephens unpacks the powerful story of Saul’s radical transformation in Acts 9. Once a fierce persecutor of the church, Saul is completely changed when he encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus. But his transformation isn’t just about him—God also calls Ananias, a faithful but hesitant disciple, to step out in bold obedience and bring healing to Saul. This message challenges us to trust God’s plan, step past fear, and be faithful messengers of the gospel, because even the smallest act of obedience can have a massive kingdom impact.

How far would you go to share the Gospel? In Acts 8, God sends Philip on a divine mission to chase down an Ethiopian eunuch searching for truth. Though the eunuch had traveled to Jerusalem to worship, barriers prevented him from fully belonging. But God saw him, pursued him, and sent Philip to reveal the good news of Jesus.This powerful moment reminds us that God goes to great lengths to reach and redeem the lost—and He calls us to do the same. Who in your life needs to hear the message of Jesus? Are you willing to chase them down with the Gospel?

God has placed you exactly where you are for a reason. In the first message of our new series Messengers, Pastor Robey Barnes unpacks Acts 8:26-40, where Philip meets the Ethiopian eunuch in a divinely orchestrated encounter. Through this story, we are reminded that our jobs, relationships, and daily interactions are not random but opportunities for evangelism. Are you paying attention to the divine appointments in your life? Discover how to step into God’s purpose and share the gospel with boldness.

In this week’s sermon from our Keeping It Real series, Pastor Robey Barnes explores the power of influence and the vital role of discernment in our lives. From the advice we follow to the media we consume, every influence shapes us in profound ways. Pastor Robey unpacks how bad advice can harm areas like marriage, parenting, finances, and spiritual growth, while aligning with God’s Word leads to true life and flourishing. With practical steps to evaluate and reset what’s shaping our hearts, this message challenges us to make God’s Word the primary influence in our lives.

In the third installment of the Keeping It Real series, Pastor Robey Barnes dives deep into the transformative power of our words in relationships. Drawing wisdom from Proverbs, we’ll explore how a gentle tongue can be a tree of life, bringing healing and restoration to even the most strained relationships. Discover how communication rooted in wisdom and empathy fosters growth, and how controlling anger and taming the tongue can diffuse conflict and build trust. Through practical insights and biblical truths, learn how God can use your words to uplift and restore the most precious connections in your life.

In Part 2 of the “Keeping it Real” series, Pastor Robey Barnes unpacks Proverbs 27:5-6, revealing the transformative power of genuine friendships that embrace correction and truth. Through practical examples and biblical insights, he highlights the dangers of hidden love, flattery, and rejecting reproof, while emphasizing the importance of wisdom and growth in our relationships. Discover how embracing faithful rebuke and aligning with God’s Word leads to deeper, more authentic connections and spiritual transformation. This message challenges us to value friendships that help us grow into the people God has called us to be.

In this kickoff to our “Keeping It Real” series, Pastor Josh Slautterback dives into the profound wisdom of Proverbs, particularly 27:10 and 18:24, unpacking what it means to build deep, Christ-centered friendships. In a world where convenience often takes priority, this message challenges us to embrace the commitment, proximity, and intentionality required for authentic relationships. Highlighting the value of intergenerational connections and unconditional support, Pastor Josh calls us to reflect Christ’s love in our friendships. Discover how to be the friend you’re looking for and how engaging in small groups can deepen your relationships with others and with Jesus. Let’s keep it real by modeling friendships that glorify God!

In the final message of the Wonder series, Jeremy Agosto challenges us to see our platforms—whether big or small—as opportunities to make Jesus known. Teaching from Scripture, he unpacks how God has uniquely positioned each of us with influence in our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities.This message reminds us that every stage of life, every talent, and every connection can be used for His glory. Pastor Jeremy encourages us to embrace the wonder of partnering with God to show others His love and grace, leaving us inspired to leverage our lives for the Kingdom.

This Christmas Eve, Pastor Robey Barnes brings a powerful message about the joy of giving and receiving gifts. Drawing from the Christmas story, he explores the different types of “gift-getters” we all encounter—those who receive with gratitude, those who proclaim their gifts, and those who miss the value of the gift entirely.Through this lens, Pastor Robey challenges us to reflect on how we respond to the greatest gift ever given: Jesus. As Christians, we are called not only to receive this gift with wonder but to proclaim it boldly to the world. This heartfelt message will inspire you to share the hope, joy, and love of Christ this season and beyond.

In this message, Pastor Robey Barnes explores the profound mercy of God through the birth story of John the Baptist as recounted in Luke 1:57-66. This momentous event not only brought joy and awe to Zechariah, Elizabeth, and their community but also pointed to the incredible power of God’s forgiveness and salvation. Pastor Robey unpacks Zechariah’s prophetic blessing, emphasizing how recognizing God’s might leads us to marvel at His mercy. Through this sermon, we’re invited to experience the wonder of Christmas by celebrating the mercy that makes forgiveness and redemption possible.

In the second message of our Christmas series Wonder, Pastor Robey Barnes invites us to rediscover the awe and amazement of the season. This sermon explores how the birth of Jesus brings a sense of wonder that can transform our lives, even in the midst of the busyness and distractions of the holidays. By focusing on the miraculous story of Christ’s arrival, we are reminded to pause, reflect, and let the wonder of God’s love lead us to the true source of joy. This Christmas, let the wonder of Jesus’ birth fill your heart with lasting joy and hope.

In Wonder, Part 1: Recapturing the Wonder, Pastor Robey Barnes explores the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth from the Gospel of Luke, showing how their journey of hope and miraculous birth reflects our need to rediscover wonder. Zechariah’s answered prayers, the angel Gabriel’s message, and the challenge of overcoming doubt remind us of God’s unwavering faithfulness. Life’s trials often dull our sense of awe, but this sermon encourages us to confront our doubts, trust God’s promises, and embrace the anticipation of the Christmas season. Join us as we awaken to the miraculous gift of Jesus and recapture the joy, faith, and wonder that make this season truly meaningful.

In “Waiting on God, Part 2: When God Says No,” Pastor Craig Stephens dives into the tough reality of hearing “no” from God and how it challenges our faith. Through stories like Moses striking the rock in disobedience and the Israelites’ wilderness journey, he reminds us that God’s “no” often redirects our hope to something greater—Heaven. Pastor Craig weaves personal anecdotes, biblical lessons, and the story of Moses at the Transfiguration to show how God’s plans are always better, even when they don’t align with ours. It’s a message of trust, patience, and keeping an eternal perspective.

This week, we’re kicking off our new series, “Waiting on God,” with a powerful message: “Trusting His Timing” Pastor Josh Slautterback is unpacking Exodus 32 and exploring what it truly means to wait on God. Waiting doesn’t mean He’s not working—it’s an opportunity for Him to work in us, revealing the condition of our hearts and helping us grow in trust and faith. By wrestling with God during these seasons, we learn to depend on His perfect plan. Don’t miss this encouraging message that will inspire you to embrace God’s timing, even in the waiting!

This week, we’re wrapping up our collaborative series “Jesus is King” with a message that hits close to home: “Can Humility Change Everything?” Pastor Robey Barnes is diving into how humility isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a game-changer for our relationships, workplaces, and everyday lives. By looking at Jesus, the ultimate example of humble leadership, we’ll see how putting others first and serving with a selfless heart can transform not only our lives but also the world around us. You won’t want to miss this practical and inspiring message as we learn how to live out the kind of humility that reflects Jesus as King!

In Week 2 of our “Jesus is King” series, we explore how the unifying power of Christ reshapes our relationships, bringing us together as one family under God. In a world so often marked by division and isolation, Jesus calls us to an uncommon unity that transcends backgrounds, opinions, and even conflicts. Through His life and teachings, we find that unity in Christ is not simply tolerance or harmony but a deep and enduring connection forged by His love and sacrifice. As followers of Jesus, we’re invited to reflect this unity, standing as a powerful testimony of God’s kingdom to the world. Join us as we look at how we can actively live out this calling and bring hope, peace, and reconciliation to those around us.

In this powerful message, Pastor Robey Barnes unpacks the incredible authority, love, and power of Jesus Christ. Through stories where Jesus demonstrates his unmatched control over creation, life, and death, we are invited to discover who Jesus truly is. Pastor Robey dives deep into the unfathomable love and immeasurable power that Jesus offers each of us—bringing hope to our lives, no matter what we face. Join us as we learn how to anchor our faith, overcome fear, and find peace in knowing that Jesus reigns over all. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, looking for hope, or seeking to grow your faith, this message will renew your understanding of Jesus and inspire a life of unwavering hope.

In “Set Your Minds on Things Above,” Pastor Robey encourages believers to focus on their identity in Christ amidst the uncertainties of life and the political landscape. Drawing inspiration from the story of King Josiah’s revival in Israel, he emphasizes the importance of clinging to God’s Word, praying for our leaders, and voting with a kingdom perspective rather than succumbing to fear and anxiety. As the congregation prepares to join a broader series called Jesus is King, Pastor Robey calls for unity in faith, urging everyone to set their hearts on heavenly truths and to live out their identity as citizens of God’s eternal kingdom. Through scripture and prayer, he invites all to find peace and purpose, reminding them that their ultimate hope lies not in earthly powers but in Jesus Christ, our King.

In this message, Pastor Robey Barnes walks us through Malachi 6, where God speaks about tithing and what He truly wants from us when it comes to our finances. Pastor Robey doesn’t shy away from the fact that money has been a source of hurt for many within the church. But just because there’s been pain doesn’t mean we can ignore what God says. He challenges us to take a fresh look at tithing, to recognize that God calls us to be faithful with what He’s given us, and to trust Him with our finances. This is an invitation to heal, to return to God, and to see the blessing that comes from following His guidance—even when it’s tough.

In this message, Pastor Robey Barnes dives into the powerful shift from the Old Covenant’s rules and sacrifices to the New Covenant’s grace through Jesus. We’ll explore how Jesus fulfills every role—King, Savior, high priest, and the ultimate sacrifice. This sermon challenges us to think about whether we’re living under the burden of the law or fully embracing the freedom of grace. Tune in to discover how we can live out our new identity in Christ and walk in the freedom He’s given us!

In this sermon "God’s Refining Fire” we take a look at how God uses the tough moments in our lives to shape us, just like a refiner uses fire to purify gold. We’ll explore what Malachi 3 says about how God cleanses and prepares us for His purpose, and how this refining process is meant to draw us closer to Him. It’s not about following a set of rules but experiencing His grace and justice in a real, personal way. How is God using His refining fire to transform your heart right now?

As we continue our Marriage series Pastor Robey delivers a powerful and practical sermon on how to protect your marriage from spiritual attack. He challenges us to watch over our minds, set our thoughts on things above, and guard our spirits, reminding us that the enemy seeks to twist our view not just of ourselves but of our spouse. Learn how the Gospel can reshape your marriage, how to set wise boundaries, and the power of expressing adoration and admiration. Don’t miss this eye-opening message that will equip you to guard and strengthen your most important earthly relationship!

We’re kicking off our new series, “Marriage” with a message that speaks right to the heart of what it means to have a godly marriage. Pastor Robey will take us through Malachi 2:10, unpacking the real-life challenges that every couple faces. From dealing with our own selfish tendencies to growing together spiritually, this sermon is all about getting real with what it takes to build a marriage that honors God. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been married for years, this message will encourage you and give you practical steps to strengthen your relationship and align it with God’s design.

In the final sermon of our “Cut to the Heart” series, titled “The Most Urgent News You Will Ever Share,” Pastor Robey dives deep into Malachi 2 to explore the weight and responsibility we carry as messengers of Christ. This powerful message focuses on the urgency of sharing the Gospel, not just as a task, but as a life-saving mission. As followers of Christ, we hold the key to eternal life in our hands, and this sermon challenges us to recognize the souls at stake and the critical importance of delivering the Good News with conviction and love.

Have you ever wondered what God thinks when we don’t give Him our best? In this second sermon of our “Cut to the Heart” series, we dive into the book of Malachi to find out. This message invites us to take a closer look at the sacrifices we bring to God—are they wholehearted, or are we holding back? We’ll uncover how God views our half-hearted offerings and why He calls us to give Him our very best. Join us as we explore the true cost of holding back from God and the life-changing impact of surrendering fully to Him.

Welcome to our new series, "Cut to the Heart," where we're diving into the book of Malachi together! Pastor Robey Barnes kicks things off in Malachi chapter 1, where we explore the struggle of wrestling with God. This journey challenges us to think about the parts of our lives we might not have fully surrendered. As we learn to fully surrender, we can stop interpreting God's love based on our circumstances and instead start seeing our circumstances through the lens of God's love, especially as demonstrated through Jesus. It's all about getting real with ourselves and God, and we can't wait to explore this with you!

Join us for the final part of the "Finishing Well" series, where special guest Dr. Jon Elswick from Crossway Church shares a powerful message. He talks about the story of King Uzziah from 2 Chronicles 26 and how pride can sneak into our lives, often acting as the "sin before the sin." Dr. Elswick explains how pride can derail our spiritual journey and emphasizes the need for humility and reliance on God. Don't miss this insightful teaching on the dangers of pride!

In this sermon, we'll look at King Amaziah's story from 2 Chronicles 25, seeing how he started off following God but then turned to idols and mercenaries. This shift teaches us about the dangers of letting other things take God's place in our hearts. We'll talk about modern idols like money, relationships, and careers that can sneak in and distract us from Jesus. By learning to recognize and remove these idols, we can ensure Jesus is our top priority, leading us to a more fulfilling and devoted life with Him.

In this powerful sermon from our "Finishing Well" series, we explore the life of King Joash and the crucial role of influence in his reign. Discover how the godly mentorship of Jehoiada the priest led Joash to greatness and how his downfall began when negative influences filled the void left by Jehoiada's death. Join us to learn the importance of maintaining positive influences and finishing well in our own lives.

Join us for an inspiring sermon from guest speaker Pastor Justin Chades of Hollywood Community Church, who teaches on the importance of finishing well as a Christian by relying fully on God. He emphasizes perseverance in faith, purposeful living, and the support of our community. Don't miss this powerful message on trusting in God's strength and guidance for our journey.

Join us for the kickoff of our new series, "Finishing Well: Lessons From The Kings of Judah". In this series, we'll explore the lives of five kings of Judah who began their reigns with strength and promise but faltered as time went on. By examining their stories, we'll discover vital insights on how we can remain steadfast in our faith, overcome obstacles, and finish our spiritual race with perseverance and grace. Don't miss this powerful message on enduring faith and the importance of finishing well!

Today, we close out our mini-series in the book of James by discussing the modern orphan and how we can be Jesus' hands and feet to those in need. Listen in!

This morning, we begin a new series called 'The Real Thing. ' In it, we dive into a certain part of James that describes true and undefiled religion and how we can avoid falling into the enemy's trap of idolatry. Listen in!

Today, Pastor Robey Barnes closes out our 'Endure' series by diving into James 5. We learn what the Bible says about the power of faith. But how much faith? Listen in!

Today, we begin a new series called 'Endure,' which Pastor Robey Barnes teaches from James 5. We learn how to build our lives on Jesus's support and how being hopeful of Christ's second coming can help us in our everyday lives.

Today, Pastor Robey Barnes closes our 'Stop the Fight' series by teaching the dangers of self-reliance.

Today, we are in Part 3 of our 'Stop the Fight' teaching series. Pastor Robey Barnes continues teaching from the book of James, where we learn the importance of being peacemakers. We often fall into two categories: the one who strictly judges others and the one who is conflict-avoidant. There is a healthy balance between the two. Listen in to find practical insight into how to find balance!

This morning, Pastor Robey Barnes leads us in the second part of our 'Stop the Fight' series. He teaches out of James 4:1-10, where we learn the dangers of greed and how it sneaks into different aspects of our lives. Listen in!

We are beginning a new series called 'Stop the Fight.' In our modern day, keeping peace can be so tricky. There are so many opportunities for us to debate and disagree with one another, and the Bible warns about this. Today, Pastor Robey teaches out of James 3, where we learn how the enemy likes to use disagreement as a stepping stool into something destructive.

Today, we close out our 'Faith & Logic' series, talking about the logic behind religion. Most of South Florida would identify as a 'Christian,' but what that looks like significantly differs from what the Bible would describe. Listen in!

This morning, Pastor Josh Slautterback leads us in our 3rd teaching in the 'Faith & Logic V5' series. He discusses the Bible's profound evidence, specifically how prophecy in the Bible is one of the critical pieces of evidence of our faith. Listen in!

Today, we begin the 5th edition of our 'Faith & Logic' series. Pastor Robey discusses how faith and logic aren't separate and how we use faith and logic in our everyday lives. Listen in as we unpack the logic behind our faith!

This morning, we celebrate Easter Sunday, remembering the death and resurrection of our savior, Jesus Christ. We look at Luke 22 and remind ourselves that our salvation isn't based on what we do and don't do, but on the finished work Jesus did on the cross.

This morning, Pastor Robey Barnes closes out our 'Attempt Great Things' series, discussing this idea of greatness and what that looks like. The Bible has much to say about greatness and how it correlates to glory. Listen in!

Join us for a powerful sermon as we explore a story straight from the teachings of Jesus! We'll be unpacking the story of a manager who, in the face of adversity, demonstrates quick thinking and resourcefulness. Through this parable, Jesus teaches us a profound lesson: when we strive for greatness, we must also be faithful in the small things. This principle lays the foundation for receiving greater blessings and opportunities. Don't miss this insightful message!

Join us on a journey delving into the extraordinary courage needed to pursue daunting dreams and answer higher callings. We talk about the Biblical story of the Anakim and the Israelites' confrontation with fear, celebrating the unwavering faith of Caleb and Joshua amidst overwhelming odds. We challenge the notion that we're only given what we can handle, finding strength in leaning on God's power, as seen in the transition from Moses to Joshua. Finally, I extend an invitation to embrace courage in both the cosmic quest of space travel and the intimate venture of spiritual growth, inviting all to take a bold step toward Jesus.

Join us on a captivating journey through the stories of King David, exploring the nuances of ambition and faith. Discover the spiritual significance of David's journey from shepherd to king and his yearning to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant. We delve into humility, divine destiny, and aligning ambitions with God's will. Drawing inspiration from David's example, we redefine ambition from a spiritual perspective, urging viewers to discern between self-serving goals and those contributing to a higher calling. This enlightening discussion concludes with an invitation to surrender to Jesus for salvation, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and service. Don't miss this opportunity to discover your most authentic ambitions and participate in God's eternal narrative.

In this sermon, Pastor Robey Barnes shares about a scam that, if not caught, could be unhealthy for your spiritual walk. Through the tale of a master con artist and the urgent warnings in Paul's letter to the Galatians, the message warns against being lured away from the true gospel by convincing counterfeits, whether they be elaborate scams or subtle shifts in doctrine. The sermon examines how politics can masquerade as a gospel, providing false hope and creating divisions. It calls for believers to recenter their lives on God's word and His divine kingdom.

We all fight different battles in our lives, and the Bible has a lot to say about how we can prepare ourselves to combat these battles. Today, we look at 2 Chronicles 20:1-26 and what it says about how critical worship can be in the battles we go through in our everyday lives.

This morning, Pastor Robey Barnes teaches out of Psalm 50 to continue in our 'War Songs' series. We learn how worship to the Lord can recalibrate our approach to God. So often, we can fall into the trap of our faith being transactional, where if we do good, then God will reward us, which the Bible has a lot to say regarding that subject. Listen to how we can offer God our worship and praise in thanksgiving.

At the end of his life, one of the most iconic figures in the story of the Bible, King David, offers up one final prayer before he exits the stage of the biblical drama. His prayer teaches us about the nature of God and his purpose for humanity.

Discover how God intricately designed you for greatness, and explore the unique gifts and talents bestowed upon you for His glory.

Join us in our new sermon series, "War Songs." We're diving into the heart of David's Psalms with a spotlight on the journey painted in Psalm 30. Through David's Psalm, we'll touch on reasons we worship and why it is so key in our everyday lives. Listen in on the ways the Lord uses music in our minds and hearts and the transformative work it can do in us.

This morning, Pastor Robey Barnes teaches out of Mark 10 and discusses how Jesus described true greatness. Listen in!

Today, Pastor Josh Slautterback teaches from Psalms 1 about the importance of meditating on God's word day and night. Sometimes, reading the Bible is as simple as picking it up, spending 5 minutes on a verse, and processing it throughout your day.

Welcome to our Christmas Eve service! Join us as we unravel the profound words of Isaiah, envisioning Jesus as the ultimate harbinger of peace. Discover the depth of the verse that resonates, "A child is born, a son is given, and he carries the weight of it all on his shoulders." Delve into the significance of the titles Isaiah bestows upon this remarkable figure—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the star of the narrative, the Prince of Peace.In this engaging online gathering, we're unwrapping the concept of an everlasting peace woven into the divine plan through Jesus' birth. 🕊️ Get ready for a thoughtful journey into the essence of Shalom—a peace that endures, irrespective of life's twists and turns. Explore more with us as we embark on this meaningful Christmas Eve journey.

Today, we continue into part 3 of our Christmas series, where we're going through Isaiah 9 and discovering some of the real treasures Jesus Christ brings into our lives. Pastor Robey Barnes teaches specifically about how God is an Everlasting Father and what that means for our lives. Listen in!

Come along with us as we venture into the second part of our Christmas series, 'TREASURE.' In this segment, we continue our exploration of the descriptions of Jesus found in Isaiah 9. Today, our focus centers on the term 'Mighty God' and its implications for our lives. Join us as we delve into the significance of this title and discover how it impacts us in our lives.

Join us as we learn about the narrative of Jesus as a "Wonderful Counselor." Navigating through an old mansion and secret passageways, Pastor Robey draws parallels with natural wonders, emphasizing Jesus's unparalleled ability to bring both reversal and complete restoration. Listen in on the transformative power of this extraordinary counselor. It's a reflective exploration of the wonder and uniqueness found in Jesus as the ultimate guide and restorer.

Do you ever feel weighed down by the conflict in your life? Is it tough to make it through the holidays and deal with your family? This week we will study one of the most challenging teachings of Jesus and consider how the ways of Jesus can bring peace to our homes, families, and community.

This morning, Pastor Craig leads us into part 2 of our Church United series, 'a seat at the table', where he teaches out of Luke 15 about the story of the prodigal son. Listen in!

Today, Churches all around South Florida are coming together to preach the same message at the same time. This week, Pastor Robey Barnes teaches us that just as Jesus offers us a seat at His table, He wants us to be looking for those we can invite to the table as well. Listen as we begin our new series, "a seat at the table"

Today, we look at Revelation to help us understand what the end times might look like! Pastor Robey Barnes goes into three theological positions on how that may be. We look at Premillennialism, Postmillennialism, and Amillennialism, exploring their historical roots, strengths, and potential pitfalls. Emphasizing essential unity in Christ, the sermon focuses on the core tenets—Jesus' return, eternal reign, and the gospel's transformative power. Amidst diverse views, unity prevails in Christ. Jesus reigns, offering optimism and assurance. Join us on a journey of faith, embracing essentials, fostering charity, and celebrating the victory in Christ.

In today's final part of our sermon series, 'Spoiler Alert,' Pastor Robey teaches out of Mathew 25. Specifically, what it says about how we are ready for when Jesus returns.

In today's teaching, Pastor Robey Barnes teaches out of 1st Thessalonians 5. We learn what the Bible says about how the world will end and how to prepare for that time. Listen in!

Have you ever felt mystified by your spiritual journey? Listen in on where we decode the spiritual issues. We'll be exploring how Jesus gave us the tools to troubleshoot our spiritual lives, shedding light on how the teachings of Jesus help us understand and address the underlying spiritual issues that might be affecting our day-to-day lives.

Join us in the final part of this captivating sermon series as we follow Joseph's incredible journey through life's twists and turns. See how he navigates the complexities of family, love, and faith, all while staying true to his beliefs. Discover the beauty of Joseph's influence, not just within his family, but in breaking the chains of godlessness for future generations. This isn't just about a historical figure; it's about us and our sacred journey in the workplace, where our faith meets our everyday tasks. Be inspired to live incarnationally, find purpose in your platform, and become a beacon of redemption in your relationships. Joseph's story is more than ancient history; it reflects the Gospel's transformative power in our very human lives.

There are two great dangers when it comes to the purpose of our work and careers. The first is the danger of lacking any sense of purpose. When our days are filled with hours of seemingly purposeless activity, we’re prone to feelings of angst and confusion. The second is the danger of working for the wrong purpose. When we have found meaning in an aspect of our work that is actually unhelpful, we can fall into the deceptive trap of pursuing goals at the expense of the things that truly do matter. We can use unhealthy, unwise, perhaps unethical means to achieve our goals all the while justifying and excusing our behavior in pursuit of those goals. The story of Joseph in the Bible offers us a powerful and liberating purpose for our work.

This morning, Pastor Robey Barnes continues in our teaching series 'Monday's!' where we deeply dive into how our faith and job intertwine. Today, we look at how the Lord works in the waiting; even when we feel like we're not where we're supposed to be, the Lord is still there and has not made a mistake, and His dream over your life is more significant than anything you can imagine. Listen in!

Join us as Pastor Robey Barnes leads us in a teaching out of Genesis 39, where we explore the significance of excellence in our careers from a biblical perspective. In this captivating narrative, we'll discover how Joseph's commitment to excellence led to God's favor even in the face of adversity. Whether you're a student, professional, or anyone striving to understand the spiritual importance of excellence at your job, this sermon offers valuable insights. Subscribe and share with others seeking to align their careers with God's call to excellence. Let's journey together towards a more excellent and God-honoring work life.

Join us for an inspiring sermon exploring the profound message of finding purpose and fulfillment in your everyday work. In this sermon, we delve into the biblical story of Joseph and how his remarkable journey from the pit to the palace teaches us about God's presence in our work. Whether in a high or low moment, know that your work is hardwired, holy, and part of God's extraordinary plan for your life. Discover the calling over your life and learn how to integrate your faith into your work with practical insights.

Today, Pastor Robey Barnes speaks out of Psalm 127. This sermon is all about leaving behind a legacy that truly matters. We'll explore how to build a life of significance, one that echoes through the years. Most importantly, we can understand where God is building and how we can be a part of that. Join us for practical insights and heartfelt wisdom on creating a lasting impact for generations. Take this opportunity to learn and grow together. Looking forward to seeing you there!

The Bible is so explicit on how we should be investing our time in the next generation. Whether you have kids, want to have kids, or have spiritual children, you can impact the next generation in many ways. Listen in on how Psalm 127 gives us insight on how to do that.

Step into this thought-provoking sermon as Pastor Robey Barnes dives deep into Psalm 127, uncovering its timeless wisdom about life's priorities. With relatable stories and genuine insights, the talk explores the balancing act between building and watching over the things that matter most. Through personal anecdotes and relatable experiences, the sermon encourages us to reassess our energies and focus, urging us to invest in the next generation. With an open invitation to embrace transformation through Jesus, the message resonates with anyone seeking a more meaningful path. This sermon invites us all to consider where we're investing our efforts and hearts, prompting a shift toward God's purpose and His intentions for our lives.

As Christians, we're called to serve our local community, uplift orphans, widows, and partner with missionaries globally, fulfilling the great commission. Through love in action, we impact lives, deepen our relationship with God, and spread the Gospel's hope to the world. Let's unite, embrace our purpose, and together make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Listen in as Pastor Craig unpacks what a Mission Minded Christian looks like.

Have you ever wondered how we should go through an election season as a Christian? How do you know if you spend too much time looking at politics? Listen to today's sermon, where we talk about City Rev's stance on politics and how we can have hope no matter what the outcome is because we have an eternal king named Jesus.

Join Pastor Robey Barnes as he reveals the power of prayer in our lives. Discover how prayer transforms us, engages the supernatural, and unleashes astonishing miracles. Get inspired to deepen your connection with God and experience life-changing moments through prayer. Subscribe for more empowering sermons and grow in faith together.

Discover the incredible power of God's Word with Pastor Robey Barnes in today's teaching. Learn how God's living and active Word can transform your life, providing clarity, strength, and victory in every battle. Immerse yourself in the Scriptures, allowing them to nourish and equip you for any situation. Plant yourself by the streams of God's Word and watch as it shapes and flourishes every aspect of your life. Explore the importance of passing down the knowledge of God's Word to the next generation, saturating your home, marriage, and children's lives with its truth. Embrace the sword of the Spirit and experience the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in your life and relationships. Join us for this powerful sermon and be inspired to wield the Word of God as a weapon of truth, love, and hope.

Our world has always wrestled with overwhelming amounts of shame and the consequences of it. In fact, studies show that shame is one of the most painful emotions to experience and is responsible for the negative mental health of many. What would your life look like without shame? Is that possible? Today we are going to talk about the Helmet of Salvation out of Ephesians 6 and what it represents. If used correctly, it can distinguish shame from our lives entirely and give us a new hope found only in Jesus.

Discover the profound significance of the Shield of Faith in your spiritual journey with City Rev Church. Join us for a captivating worship session and empowering sermon illuminating the strength and protection of unwavering faith. Learn how to equip yourself with this powerful shield, enabling you to overcome obstacles, conquer doubts, and walk confidently in God's divine plan for your life. Tune in now and unlock the transformative power of the Shield of Faith!

Join us for an inspiring message about finding peace and healing through Jesus. In this powerful sermon, Pastor Robey shares how Jesus is the ultimate Healer who can restore our brokenness and forgive our regrets. Discover the transformative power of surrendering to Jesus and embracing the victory He has won for us. Whether you follow Jesus or seek to make peace with God, this message will encourage and empower you. Don't miss this life-changing journey toward abundant peace and eternal salvation. Watch now and experience the incredible love and grace of our Savior.

Join Pastor Robey Barnes in this eye-opening sermon as he exposes the devil's cunning traps that entangle our lives. Drawing inspiration from Ephesians 6:11-14, Pastor Barnes reveals the enemy's tactics, equipping us with spiritual armor to overcome and live victoriously. Get ready to discover the path to freedom from the enemy's snares and walk in God's strength.

What’s the big deal about a little lie? A little lie never hurt anybody. Ephesians 6 describes a spiritual battle between the spiritual powers of evil and the people of God. The first weapon that the enemy wields against us that we must guard ourselves against is the weapon of deception. According to the Bible, lies are a huge deal and can even be deadly. If we’re going to resist the deceptive schemes of the enemy, we must begin with clothing ourselves in the truth.

Today marks the beginning of our captivating series, 'All Hail the Victor,' where Pastor Robey illuminates the profound subject of spiritual warfare and guides us to remain vigilant against its influences in our daily existence.

Join us for a powerful sermon based on Mark 8, where we delve into the incredible account of Jesus miraculously feeding the 4000 with just a few loaves of bread and fish. In this inspiring message, we explore the profound lesson behind this miracle - Jesus desires to use each of us, regardless of how little or abundant our resources may be.

Join Pastor Craig Stephens as he delves into Luke 4:16-21, where Jesus passionately reveals His divine purpose and mission. Gain fresh insights into the profound message that transcends time, discover your personal calling, and be inspired to embrace God's plan for your life. Don't miss this transformative sermon that will ignite your faith and empower you on your journey. Subscribe and stay tuned for more uplifting sermons and biblical teachings.

Pastor Robey Barnes begins our new series 'What Heroes Do', where we discuss how Christians are called to run towards the issues that arise in our lives and how in South Florida, we have one of the best opportunities to love on our city.

Pastor Robey Barnes closes out our 'Cultivate' series with a message on thankfulness within prayer. So often, we forget the power of prayer, and praying consistently and understanding why we pray is critical to living a life of joy. Listen in on today's teaching!

Welcome to this Sunday service teaching by Pastor Craig Stephens on thankfulness. In this message, Pastor Craig will explore the theme of gratitude in our lives as believers in Jesus Christ. Join us as Pastor Craig Stephens shares his insights on some critical biblical passages and challenges us to live a life focused on Jesus and characterized by thankfulness in all we do.

Today, Pastor Robey Barnes continues our series 'Cultivate'. Listen in on what is the key to a fruitful life.

Today, Pastor Robey Barnes preaches out of Colossians 3. One of the keys to a healthy relationship with God and with others is gratitude or thanksgiving. In verse 15, Paul encourages us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and to be thankful. Thanksgiving is an essential element of our faith, and it helps us to cultivate a positive and grateful attitude towards God and others.

Pastor Robey Barnes delivered an inspiring Easter Sunday sermon based on 1 Corinthians 15:54-58, which proclaims that death has been conquered and victory has been won through Jesus Christ. He emphasized that the resurrection of Jesus provides hope and assurance for all believers and that death is not the end but a transition into eternal life with God.

Pastor Robey Barnes focused on 1 Corinthians 15:42-49, which describes the transformation of our physical bodies into spiritual bodies after death. The preacher emphasized that just as Jesus died and was raised from the dead, we too will experience a transformation that enables us to live eternally with God.The sermon also highlighted the importance of living a life that reflects our hope in the resurrection. Our actions and attitudes should reflect the transformation already begun through faith in Jesus Christ. Pastor Robey encouraged us to use Good Friday as an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and to renew our commitment to living a life that honors Him.

The teaching of the Church in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 centers on the resurrection of Jesus and its transformative impact on our lives. This passage emphasizes the centrality of the resurrection in the Christian faith. Paul reminds the Corinthians of the gospel message he preached to them and the importance of holding fast to this message.The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event, but it has profound implications for believers today. The resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's power and victory over sin and death. Through Jesus' resurrection, believers have access to new life, hope, and the promise of their own resurrection to eternal life.

On this particular Sunday service, Pastor Robey Barnes focuses' on 2 Corinthians 9:10-15, which discusses the concept of generosity and how it is a spiritual investment. The passage emphasizes that all our resources, including money, belong to God. The teaching emphasizes that our generosity is not just a financial transaction but a spiritual investment. When we give freely and generously, we are sowing seeds of blessing and abundance that God promises to repay. This is not just a matter of material blessings but also of spiritual growth and maturity.

This morning, Pastor Robey Barnes teaches us the connection between our generosity and our belief in Jesus as the King on the throne. As Christians, we believe that Jesus is the ultimate authority and ruler over all things. This truth should impact every aspect of our lives, including how we approach generosity.

A Christian is a person who has been rescued by Jesus. That rescue sets off a chain reaction of heart transformation where a person increasingly becomes like Jesus. When you look at how Jesus lived and laid down his life, you can’t escape noticing his unparalleled generosity. In 2 Corinthians 8:8-15, Paul paints a picture of a life that is marked by generosity and he demonstrates the power of the gospel to form us into the image of Jesus.

Today, Pastor Robey Barnes finishes off our Building Blocks series, where he teaches us out of 1 Corinthians 12, the different spiritual gifts and how God uses them uniquely in our lives. Listen in!

Today, Pastor Craig Stephens continues our building blocks series into part 3, where Pastor Craig teaches us what the Bible says about the body of Christ and why it's essential in our lives.

Today, Pastor Josh Slautterback speaks on how we are called as Christians to be apart of the body of Christ. God has you where you are purposefully, and He wants to use you for His purpose. Listen in!

Today, Pastor Robey Barnes begins our brand new series, 'Building Blocks,' where we discuss the meaning of the Church and its role in our lives and what the holy spirit is. Check it out!

Today, we continue our series, 'Faith & Logic IV,' where faith and logic aren't separated but go hand in hand. Listen to how Pastor Robey Barnes teaches us what the Bible says about marriage and the roles of a husband and wife.

Today, we continue our series, 'Faith & Logic IV,' where faith and logic aren't separated but go hand in hand. Listen to how Pastor Robey Barnes teaches us what the Bible says about femininity and masculinity.

Today, we continue our series, 'Faith & Logic IV,' where faith and logic aren't separated but go hand in hand. Listen to how Pastor Robey Barnes teaches us what the Bible says about women and the different ways Jesus honored them throughout His ministry.

Today, we begin our new series, 'Faith & Logic IV,' where faith and logic aren't separated but go hand in hand. Listen to how Pastor Robey Barnes teaches us how the Bible is our manual to all the necessary life questions.

Today, Pastor Craig Stephens leads us in a study through the book of Haggai, where we're taught how to assess disappointment in our lives when it may seem like God has abandoned us and what the Bible says as to how we should respond. Listen in!

Today, Pastor Robey Barnes leads us in our Christmas Eve service, teaching us about how Jesus offers us salvation through Him, and what that means for us in our lives. Listen in!

This morning, we continue into part 2 of our Mission: Christmas series. Pastor Robey Barnes leads us in teaching what our mission is as believers and the level of importance it should hold in our lives. Listen in!

Today, we begin our brand new Christmas series called Mission: Christmas. This series is all about making people your mission. Agent Robey Barnes tasks us with the mission of meeting our neighbors and getting to know their names. Check it out!

This morning, Pastor Robey Barnes continues in our Church United series "As it is in Heaven". Today, Pastor Robey looks at the last prayer Jesus prayed before he was taken to be crucified. Specifically, what Jesus prayed for.

Today, Pastor Justin Chades leads us into our brand new series "As it is in Heaven", along with many other Churches in South Florida. He teaches us out of Mathew 6, where Jesus teaches us how we should pray. Check it out!

Today, Pastor Craig Stephens finished off our #Friends4Ever series by speaking on the topic of conflict. We are called to live peacefully with all, so when we have a conflict with others, as Christians we should seek to resolve whatever conflict we may have, no matter who is at fault. Check it out!

This morning, Pastor Robey Barnes continues in our series #Friends4Ever, speaking on how we should have fearless, intentional friendships, and love one another just as God loved us.

Today, Pastor Robey Barnes continues in our series #Friends4Ever where we discuss why friendships are important, and above that, why it's key to continue our friendships with others.

“God is love.” Who isn’t on board with that? Whether you’re religious or irreligious, chances are that the idea of God being love is attractive to you. But what does that phrase even mean? Surprisingly, as we think about the implications of this short phrase, we learn something profoundly powerful about the nature of God: He’s one and He’s three. The theological term for this is the word Trinity. And believe it or not, understanding and experiencing the God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit helps you become a great friend.

Today we begin our new series #Friends4Ever, where Pastor Robey Barnes teaches us some of the keys to a healthy friendship that the Bible tells us. Listen in!

In part 4 of our Call of the Lion series, Pastor Robey Barnes teaches out of Micah 5. Church, wherever you are in your season of life, know that God has placed you there for a purpose much more significant than you can ever imagine.

Today, Pastor Robey Barnes teaches out of the book of Revelation 5. Just as we root for sports teams and consider ourselves champions when they are victorious, we have a real champion in our lives, and His name is Jesus. Listen in on how Jesus is the champion over all our lives and how this teaches us about being His disciples.

There is so much to take from the story of Daniel in the lion's den. Today, we look at how Jesus offered us the very same type of salvation, eternally. Pastor Robey Barnes teaches us what that means, what it looks like, and how this points us toward being a disciple of Jesus.

The Bible teaches us what being a servant of Jesus looks like. Pastor Robey Barnes teaches us about the Greek word mathetes, which means disciple, and how it can guide us on how we should live our lives for Christ.

There are many ways we can avoid damaging the relationships around us. Pastor Robey Barnes teaches out of James 3, showing us different types of cursing words and how they can affect those around us.

The Bible shows how our words can be a dangerous weapon used toward those around us. Just like a small fire can set an entire city ablaze, our words can cause fires in all aspects of our lives. Pastor Robey Barnes teaches us some practical ways we can help tame our tongue to restrain from causing these fires in our lives.

As we start our brand new series, "Me & My Big Mouth," we deep dive into how the words we say can affect those around us. Pastor Robey Barnes teaches out of James 3 how humanity has found ways to tame things like horses, boats, beasts, birds, and reptiles, and the tongue is a restless evil that can't be tamed and how we can manage that.

The world would want us to believe that we are the main character in our story. That all those around us are just the supporting cast. The danger of this is that being the main character of our story leads to unhealthy relationships with God, family, and friends, ultimately leading to our own demise. So what happens when we concede control of our lives and make Jesus the main character of our story?

Faith and works have a very tense relationship. God speaks into this in the book of James about what having genuine faith looks like. Listen in on how Pastor Robey Barnes teaches us how we can truly understand the relationship between faith and works.

The Bible tells us in the book of James how showing any partiality towards those around us is the total opposite of what God would say to us in His word on how we should treat our neighbors. Pastor Dan Gossett speaks on this idea of partiality and how we should treat those around us.

We are commanded in scripture to not only hear the Word but also to be doers of it. Pastor Josh Slautterback guides us in the Book of James. Listen in on some practical ways we can hear the Word and do it.

Church, we all struggle with temptations every day of our lives. The Bible teaches us many ways to resist temptations throughout our day. Listen in as Pastor Jon Elswick gives us some practical ways to resist any temptation we may face.

Whether life is great and full of successes, or life is hard and full of pain, there is a persistent temptation to view ourselves in light of our situation. For the successful, the temptation is to attach our value and significance to that success and have our egos inflated by it. For the run-down, the temptation is to attach our lack of value and significance to our failure and have our hearts despair over it. For the follower of Jesus, however, our identity is formed from a different source. It’s not about our performance or lack thereof; it’s about Jesus’ performance on our behalf. James is going to show us how we can shape our identity to be able to withstand the pressures that come with failure and success.

When facing difficult situations, we can get stuck, not knowing our next step. In these moments, we need wisdom. James teaches us that wisdom comes from God. This week we will learn from James about how to seek God’s wisdom in our lives and the power that it can bring us.

Trials are a universal, human experience. We all face circumstances that challenge and test our beliefs about purpose, meaning, and God. How do you cope with trials as they come? Shockingly, James invites us to approach our trials as opportunities for joy. What if you had the capacity to rejoice in your suffering and pain, moving forward through them and only growing stronger in your faith and character because of them? That’s what James is saying is available to those who trust and follow Jesus into the valley.

Sometimes, just a simple invitation can change someone's life. That's exactly what Mathew Reardon did. Today we look at Matts's story and see how him inviting his 2 friends to church changed their lives forever.

We all have a story. Today, we dive deep into the story of the Harris family and how God used a tough season in their life to strengthen their faith and those around them. Listen in to find out how!

Church, God's sanctifying grace is so powerful over our lives. The Bible has a lot to say about how using God's grace in our daily lives can be leveraged to influence those around us. Listen in to see how!

Church, the Bible has a lot to say on influence. Specifically, how taking care of ourselves spiritually will impact how we influence those around us. Sometimes we forget that there's power in just asking!

The Bible calls us into everyday influence, just as Jesus influenced all of those around Him. Pastor Alan Platt speaks on city change and how we can affect our city for the sake of the gospel in our everyday lives.

We all have areas of influence throughout our daily lives. The Bible has a lot to say about how we should influence those around us. Pastor Daryl Jones speaks out of the book of Joshua on how the Lord gives us instruction on how we should lead others and, more importantly, how we can have Godly leadership in our own lives.

Sometimes we can make a lot of assumptions about ourselves when it comes to the things that bring us shame. The enemy likes to lie to us and keep us far from God, but it's essential to know that God wants us to be close to Him, especially when we face mental health struggles. Listen in on how 1 Samuel 9 gives us a great example of how we can deal with the shame we sometimes feel.

Pastor Robey Barnes talks out of Psalms 88. This is such an instructive book of the Bible and it teaches us that we have the permission to be real with God, and how our realness with Him helps us through various of our mental health struggles.

In today's teaching, Pastor Robey Barnes talks about Mental Health. No matter who you are, we all come across mental health in different severities. Listen in on ways we can approach mental health, whether for ourselves or someone we know.

This Easter we find out what the cornerstone of our lives should be and why it impacts us for this life and beyond.

In this Good Friday service we learn about the cost of victory for Christ and how it changed everything as he reversed the curse.

It is so easy to lose sight of all that the Lord has done for us in our lives amid trials. Jesus models giving thanks at all times perfectly, as He was in the midst of a trial Himself preparing to be crucified, yet He still celebrated and gave honor to His Father in heaven for all He's done in His life. Listen in on how Jesus' model of thanksgiving is one we take with us in our day-to-day lives.

We have talked a lot about the different qualities of a City Changer over the past few messages. We have talked about being innovative at work, and being incarnational by bringing the witness of Jesus to those around us. We even talked about investing in God's kingdom, investing our lives in God's kingdom not our own. Today we will talk about inviting. Because through inviting, living an inviting life, inviting people into our lives, inviting people into our faith community, and introducing them to Jesus. By doing these things, we can see our community and our city for the transformed for the sake of the gospel.

Anxiety is something that so often the enemy uses to rob us from purpose and fulfillment. It's important that we find ways to approach anxiety and come to God to bring us peace over the things we might be feeling anxious about. Find ways today to feel free from anxiety!

The Bible tells us that we are the body of Christ. When it comes to involvement at Church, everyones talents and abilities from the Lord are all unique, and God has a lot to say on how those giftings are to be used at His Church.

The Bible tells us that there is power in prayer. What if we all started presenting all our requests to the Lord in prayer, no matter how big or small, and had intercession prayer in our everyday routine? The story of Daniel in the lion's den has a lot of insights on ways we can pray. Listen in to find out some practical ways we can bring our requests to God and pray for others.

As creatives, we can inspire the culture around us with the stories we create. The Bible has a lot to say about having intentionality with the things we make, as God Himself was creative. What if we leverage our creative ability to influence the culture around us?

We hold a lot more power in our influence than we may think, and the Bible has a lot to say about what we should do with that influence. Today, we take a deeper dive into the book of Esther and see how Esther's influence is one we can look at to guide us on how we should use the influence God gave us all throughout our lives for His glory.

Integrity at work is something most people would agree is an important quality to have. But are there areas within our integrity that we might think are "okay" to disregard? All work is to be done as if we were doing it for the Lord Himself, so let's be fully honest in all we do and let God bless you as He did with Joshua in Genesis.

What is success? What does success look like? The Bible has a lot to offer on those very questions. Pastor Robey speaks on the story of Joshua, and how the Lord blessed him with success in every season of his life.

We know that the Bible says a lot about relationships. It says a lot about exercise a lot about money. It says a lot about sexuality. It says a lot about just the nature of humanity, the nature of the world. But do you realize the Bible actually has a lot to say about your job? What the Bible says about your work is so profound, that it may change everything about how you work and about your fruitfulness for the rest of your life.

We as adults can be very creative, and we tend to have a very wide range of our imagination. What if we took our imagination and stretched it to the length that the Gospel commissions us to and transform our city like the Bible put us on mission to do.

We all have one life to live, and we want to maximize that. The output of our lives is important and where we put our efforts and set our attention is even more important. What if all of our efforts and all of our attention was set on God and His plans for our lives?

Our lives tend to be painted over with one of many colors. Could be a blue, sorrowful color. Could be a red, angry color. But what if we focused on the yellows of our lives and live a life full of joy?

You can have joy. You can have unstoppable joy. There’s a very simple secret and anyone can do it. If you adapted it, your joy could turn around tomorrow. But it is so counterintuitive, most people aren’t willing to. How about you? Is joy worth it?

Discover how you can find THE source for endless joy.

We are wrapping up our code series, and we're in pursuit of trying to understand this Christmas mystery that has captured the imagination of Christians for thousands of years. We are going to look at what the Magi could have seen that night in Bethlehem. We want to show you what scientists and historians have have looked at and we want to show you the three most intriguing options for what that star could have been.

Why are they in search for King? They show up in Jerusalem and then search for a King. They bring gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Why those gifts? Some of those gifts are kind of an obvious gift to give to a king. Some of them are very strange to give to a king. Also in their conversation with Herod the idea of a Christ, a messiah comes up. Where did they get this idea? Why did they worship him?

There's so much more to this mystery that we have to that we have to peel back the layers but because we know of the biblical background, Matthew's use of the term Magi, and there's only one place in the Old Testament where it’s used. The book of Daniel.

Now we can look at that book to find out more data about who these Magi were, and why did they come and why did they come and search for King.

So much has been said about the Magi. We’ve wondered who are these individuals? Why did they come? What brought them here? What about the star told him to come here? There's so many things about this mystery. And so we're peeling back the layers of the legend and getting down to the actual data in the Bible as to who these men are. And here's what we are discovering and what we'll continue to discover. The actual truth about who these individuals are, is actually more amazing than we thought The true story is more fantastic than the legends we’ve heard.

What want to do this Christmas and in this series, is peel back the layers of the mystery of the magi. Is there a way we can figure out more about who they were? What were they looking for? How did they know to come find baby Jesus? Where are they coming from? And as we peel back the layers of this mystery, I think we're going to find that there is a reason that this story was preserved for us for thousands of years.

“Come and see”. These are the words that Philip shares with Nathanael in response to his skepticism about Jesus. The phrase is pregnant with meaning and significance and informs our understanding of what it means to tell others about Jesus. After meeting Jesus himself, Philip can’t help but talk about him. If we’re going to see our city transformed by the power of the gospel in our generation, we must be a “come and see”-type people to the outsider and the skeptic. Come and see.

You have a mission should you chose to accept it. God has a mission for every single believer. He has given you everything you need to complete this mission. The only thing that remains is for you to chose if you are you going to chose to accept that mission...

In part 1 of Awaken, we learned about how when we see Jesus as the Messiah, we see our city as our mission field. But what does it look like practically to be on mission with the gospel? What am I actually supposed to do and how can I do it? In Acts 8, we read a story about a man named Philip whom God used to bring the good news of Jesus to a person and it changed his life. His story demonstrates how God can work powerfully through ordinary people.

When you see Jesus as the Messiah you see your city as a mission field. And Jesus said the fields are white with harvest, but what does that mean and how should that affect how we see our calling as Christians?

“It goes by in the blink of an eye!” What parent hasn’t heard that before from someone else. When it comes to parenting we know we want to take advantage of the time we have. One of the most challenging but critical parts of parenting is discipline. How do we discipline children in the most life giving way possible?

Children absorb so much from their parents. How can we be as intentional as possible in what they are taking in from us? This week we are focusing on how to have the most life giving interactions with our children.

What should parents do regarding their faith and their kids. It seems like the two options are shoving religion down their throat or letting them choose their own path. Which is the most loving? What if both of those options are incredibly unloving. What if there is another option...

I’m not sure I know anyone who would say that they are not busy. It seems like everyone is busy. Or at least everyone feels busy. But who is determining how we are using that precious time? Do we just go with the current of our surrounding culture or are we seizing these hours and using them in the most rewarding way possible?

Can you love something too much? The Bible says, no. However if you love things in the wrong priority order, that could cause real damage. As we are recalibrating our families with some key principles, let’s get first things first.

There’s an error that many married couples make over the course of their life together. It’s subtle and even unnoticeable at times. At first, it seems like it’s the right thing to do and perhaps even the only option. But over time, even a small misalignment that goes undetected in the moment, can produce an overwhelming problem. In this message, we’re talking about the priority of marriage and how to protect ourselves from the slow, relational drift that comes when misaligned priorities become normalized.

There’s no doubt that we live in an Information Age. As Christians we have to learn how the information age intersects with following Jesus. We have to know and be aware of where we’re we are being discipled. That's something we have to know biblically how to navigate. We will dig into that and read a text that brings some clarity, and some rest to a season that can be exhausting with the amount of information we are bombarded with daily.

We have always been about one thing at City Rev Church. One person...Jesus Christ. As we reflect on and celebrate our 20 years of ministry we are reminded why in all things revealing Christ is the only goal worth striving for as a church.

When we go through pain, we instinctually ask “why?!” Most often we do not get that answer. But that doesn’t mean God provides no answers about pain. In fact, there is much we are told about difficult seasons. And when we understand what God does share with us, it turns seasons of difficulty into seasons of expectation.

This is one of those markers of the Christian faith that is miraculous that that we can have joy regardless of the circumstances, we can be marked by this joyous, thriving, that no matter what's going on, we can wake up and say, You know what, I'm just so full of joy.

There's something that you've been given. Not something that you earned. Something of infinite greater value than money or material things. We've been given the opportunity to worship the living God. And if we squander that opportunity that would be the greatest tragedy imaginable.

How many health ads have you seen where someone, in really good shape, offers to tell you their own secret? Like a million? There’s a reason those are so powerful. People want what they’ve found. But there’s an author, calling out from an ancient text. He longs for you to have what he’s got. He offers it to you. And honestly… it’s what you’ve always deeply longed for.

What can we do to thrive together. There are a few simple next steps we can take. Hear these practical steps and some powerful inspiring stories along the way.

Our world right now has a thirst for unity. But does it have the substance to materialize it? Jesus did a unifying work that is so profound it is still at work today. What could be done if we realized unity starts with our identity.

Batman. A vigilante that wars against criminal powers. But does he fight for justice or just have a thirst for revenge? It is possible to have so much that aligns with good, but have deeper motivations that are off. And that is not just true of the Dark Knight...

There is this drive deep down that knows that our purpose in life is for something greater than what we can imagine. That there is a mission, some greater cause than ourselves. The reality is that we cannot have a fulfilling life until we have given it away to this mission. So what is the mission?

The Kingdom of Heaven is a phrase Jesus often used to describe what life is like when God reigns as King and when people live under His rule. This Kingdom has a key and a code. There’s a key you must have before you can even open the entrance into the Kingdom, and there is a code that defines those who belong to the Kingdom. In Matthew 5, Jesus begins his most famous sermon by unlocking for us the surprising key and the code of the Kingdom of Heaven. How can I become a citizen of God’s Kingdom? And how can I grow and mature in the Kingdom of Heaven? Matthew 5 shows us the way in and the way of the Kingdom of Heaven.

7-4-21 Origins, Part 3: A Gospel Centered Life by City Rev Sermon Podcast

Whether we realize it or not, every person has something “ultimate” that we are living for. Maybe it is success or possessions or comfort or pleasure. Whatever it is, everyone has something. But is it the right thing? Life is precious. Make sure your ultimate thing is the right one.

We want to see God move in our lives. We want to see His miracles. We want to see His provision. But do we know what that usually requires? Faith is action before the provision. Are we willing to take that step?

If we're honest, oftentimes we love the 'idea' of love more than actually receiving or giving it. There's a lot of reasons why this seems to be the case, but each reason leads us down the same road, missing out on the depths and dynamics of love in our lives. The scriptures invite us down a different road and on a different journey where we can encounter stunning, sobering, settling and even unnerving aspects of love. It's these aspects that we want to explore together engaging with the question how far am I willing to be stretched for the sake of love?

“Like a moth to a flame,” we say. We all need a guiding light. But where do we find that light? And how do we handle those who are guided by something different? To navigate through our modern culture we must have answers to this question. Survival is at stake...

Rich meaningful steadfast friendships are things that we all desire. We don’t have to be talked into it. We naturally desire these types of relationships. The key is how do we find and cultivate them? Here’s how...

Many religious traditions have their own take on where all of time is heading and what the end of the world as we know it will look like. For Christians, the topic of the end times is an increasingly controversial, debated, misunderstood, and even divisive issue. In his short letter, Jude gives offers us some clarity so that we can know for certain when we’re living in the end times. And more importantly, he tells us what this actually means for how we’re to live.

There is something that is otherworldly, but God wants to unleash it in our world. And the impact of unleashing it cannot be measured. If you are a follower of Jesus you actually have the built in capacity to spread it. The impact of spreading it around has the power to change everything. We are talking about the primacy of love!

Nothing good comes easy. We are familiar with the concept. We say, “no pain, no gain.” We know to apply that to things like our health and our careers. But do we apply that to the spiritual side of our lives? Maybe we don’t consider the cost, because we do not fully appreciate the joy and victory that is offered.

Have you ever lost something really important to you? Think back about how you looked for it. We lose things all the time. And we look for them. But when we lose something that is valuable we look for it differently. How we look for it, says something about its value. So how did Jesus look for you? One thing we shouldn’t lose is the fact that we are found.

4-25-21 How to Not Wreck Your Life, Part 3: When the Ground Swallowed Up Some People by City Rev Sermon Podcast

One of the key questions people ask whenever they’re facing a decision or fork in the road is what’s in it for me? Whether it’s a business decision, where to purchase your groceries, or which streaming platforms you subscribe to, what’s in it for me is one of the primary questions that defines a consumer relationship. We start running into trouble, however, when we take that mentality into other areas of our lives. What’s in it for me makes for a terrible approach to our relationships with the people we love. Even more, what’s in it for me can be a toxic approach to spirituality. Jude 11-12 shows us just how toxic that approach to faith can be.

There are those among the people that sit in church and hear the same message that still don't realize how lost they are. How can we be sure our life is not on a crash course? Do we curse correction or crave it? Do we see it as wisdom or does it make us angry?

If you are to say something is first that implies that more will follow. If I say, “the first time I played…”, that would tell you that I have played multiple times. So what then does it mean that Christ is the first from the dead? That means more will follow. That could change everything in your life right now.

Isn’t it arrogant to say there is only one right way to get to heaven. People should have the right to discover their own way spiritually, right? Certain factors will make it either exceedingly arrogant or the most loving thing someone could say. So which is it? Let’s apply some logic and find out.

One of the unquestioned truths in our culture is that everyone is their own master. And certainly it is true that we want to uphold freedom and eradicate oppression. However, is this assumption of extreme individualism actually healthy? What if there is One ultimate authority over everything, including our bodies? It could be that denying that is one of the most destructive forces in human history.

For many people, the thought of diving head first and adopting a faith like Christianity and submitting to the authority of the entire Bible sounds unthinkable. They find many parts of the Bible to be offensive. So what should you make of Jesus and Christianity if there are parts of the Bible that offend you? There are two main options people take: reject Jesus altogether or revise Jesus to better fit their views. Jude 3-4 advocates for a different way.

Most Christians would acknowledge that as they are following Jesus, the intended result is that they become more like him. But often the most repelling factor for our society is how unlike Jesus, Christians can be. Why is that? And what should you do if that has turned you away? We talk about that in Part 2 of Faith and Logic, “When Christians Don’t Look Like Christ.”

The central core of the message of Jesus fundamentally hangs in the balance on the question of one historical moment. This must be addressed and confronted primarily, if someone is going to consider Jesus. Did Jesus Christ die and rise again from the dead? That is one of the most unbelievable claims in history. But what if there is logical reason to put faith in that claim?

It doesn’t solve much to deal with just symptoms and never go to the cause of a problem. Genesis 3 reveals the source of all the struggle for superiority in the history of the world. That struggle has led to all kinds of evils and oppressions. In all of its complex and varied forms, the root is the same. There is only one thing that can cure the source.

We’ve been talking about the idea that every human being is made in the image of God. That means every human life matters and has inherent value in the sight of God. In our broken and fractured world, people are often devalued and overlooked. The Bible repeatedly identities orphans as a group that is particularly vulnerable to mistreatment and injustice. The good news is that God has a plan for how to care for the fatherless. A plan that includes you.

As God’s image bearer you have tremendous worth and value. God looks at you and says you have radical worth and value simply because you bear my image. This means our value is not contingent on secondary things and as Gods image bearer you represent him and his purposes in the world. What would it look like if in our neighborhoods and family’s if they reflected the Kingdom of God and His image?

Imagine what our world would look like if Christians who followed Jesus would not fall under the illusion of whichever cultural voice we're listening to. Imagine if we didn't fall prey to that view and vision of what it means to be a man and a woman, that there are no differences. That it's all culturally constructed. Imagine what it would look like if we rose up and we actually express Christ’s love and honor to each other.

Every human life is precious. God tells us that He made us in His image. This week hear the compelling story of a woman who is giving her life to save as many lives as she can.

All humans are made in the image of God. Scripture makes this clear. Yet, because this image is greatly distorted by sin, each person’s expression of God’s image to others is also distorted. But if we dig deep into scripture and seek the heart of our creator we find the kind of clarity and hope that not even a fairy tell ending could offer. Our identity is made perfect in Him…

It’s a new year. No telling what’s coming this year. We all have high hopes, but are preparing ourselves to be ready for anything. There is one thing we must do so that we can withstand whatever may come.

The most dangerous vice to your soul according to the Bible is pride. It destroys relationships, it blinds your judgment, and it fuels your anger. King Uzziah’s life was destroyed because in his success he grew proud. His story shows us the way to be delivered from it.

Regardless of your faith background, their is something instinctual about turning to a higher power when we face challenges or loss. In fact, many people have come to faith in Jesus after hitting what they describe as rock bottom. But what about when life is smooth and things are great? What do we do when we experience success and influence? In 2 Chronicles 26, we find out that there’s an often hidden danger to success. It leaves us vulnerable to believe several lies about ourselves and reality. But there is a way out.

Before my kids turned 1, they cared more about the wrapping paper, than the gift inside. But as adults we can do the same thing. What are we looking to get out of Christmas this year? The wrapping or the gift. Only the true gift of Christmas can give us hope. Find hope this Christmas.

In your life right now, is there something you are feeling compelled to do that is scary? Maybe it is taking a new step. Maybe it is doing the right thing, even though it is hard. Maybe it is facing something or someone that is difficult. A courageous person is not someone with steel nerves who feels no fear. That is a numb person. Courage is moving forward despite fear. To move forward in life, courage is a must.

Worry is the tension we feel when we realize we do not have control. Typically, our reflex is to fight to regain control. Naturally we think that in doing that, we will find relief from worry. But usually that is impossible or just doesn’t help. So what if there is another solution altogether? One part of the Christmas story shows us how to escape from worry.

Shame is when our mess ups are out in the open for all to see. It is when our mistakes change people’s view of us. We avoid shame by hiding our weaknesses. But what if there is someone who knows you better than you think, and at the same time loves you more than you know? There is.

Our society is at one of the most contentious, combatitize and polarized states in recent memory. People are angry and fearful. This bleak backdrop is an opportunity for the brilliance of the gospel to dazzle the heart of our city. More than ever this is a moment when the Church of South Florida - made up of people of different backgrounds economically, ethnically, and politically - show that we rally around a greater reality. This is a moment to seize. It is an opportunity to show our city something it is starving for... unity.

The message at the heart of the Bible is described as news--Good News at that! The Old and New Testaments proclaim a divine announcement that we must respond to. For those who follow Jesus, we’re called to live in light of this news and to spread it to the ends of the earth.

Often in the Christian faith, we remind ourselves of the things that we know are bad, that we need to eradicate out of our lives. But there are a few things that look and feel right, but are deceptive. This weekend we are talking about one of those things. It is a trojan horse the enemy attempts to sneak into our lives to take us captive. This is how to be free.

What does it take for the world to stop and be amazed? What would it require for the world to say something like, “we’ve never seen anything like this before…”? The passage we are looking at this week tells us. It takes uncommon, unwarranted, totally self-sacrificing demonstrations of love. Will we do it?

In a time of deep uncertainty, here is a breath of fresh air. In this part of the Bible, hear what Jesus prayed about you. Find renewed life down into your soul when you hear who Jesus says you are...

Think about the concept of a resume for a moment. It’s a document we put together in order to showcase our accomplishments, experience, and skills in the hopes of proving ourselves to a potential employer. Without realizing it, many of us live our lives as though we are constantly working on our resumes. Our lives can become dominated by the pursuit of proving ourselves and looking for ways to showcase our awesomeness to the people around us. Jesus, in teaching about the kingdom of heaven, shows us a different approach to life. A way that involves ditching the resume.

Have you ever missed out on an event or opportunity answer left with deep regret? That is a feeling we can go to great lengths to avoid. The fear of missing out is a real struggle. Ironically it actually leads to missing out on things right in front of us. Of all things to not miss out on, there is one key component to life that we cannot miss out on. Here’s how to not miss out...

What if no matter how crazy insane everyone else was around you, you had a calm confident smile across your face? What if no matter how angry, anxious and combative people got, you felt like nothing could threaten your peace? The Bible tells us how to get that. Here’s how...

Virtually every person on the globe would agree that 2020 has been disruptive. Our lives have looked very different for months. It’s doubtful that anyone will forget this year. But what will we take with us? How will we be stronger? How will we be wiser? What a tragedy it would be to walk out of this season without considering what God wants us to learn. Let’s talk about a few of those things.

It’s one of those things we all do even though we know we probably shouldn’t be doing it. Comparison is a lose / lose situation. It will either inflate your pride or deepen your insecurities. In inviting us to follow him, Jesus shows us the way out of comparison.

Following Jesus means we leave something and gain something. If we say something is off limits to Jesus, it is that very thing that we love first. In other words, that is something we worship other than God. So more specifically, following Jesus means we leave everything and gain even more.

We live in an information age with more voice is trying to get their message in our ears than ever. Whether we realize it or not these voices are shaping our values and desires. In the midst of the noise, how can we listen for the voice that brings security, joy, and purpose?

Our souls are hunters. There is something deep down, maybe even imperceptible that your soul is searching for. Something that you crave that you are convinced will make your life what it is supposed to be. Maybe you even think you know what that is. But what if it is not a thing but a person. And what if we don’t find it, He finds us.

There are so many things that are contagious other than a virus. Laughter can spread, but so can bitterness. Fear can spread, but so can hope. There is one thing that needs to spread through our cities right now. And if we are going to spread it, we first have to catch it.

In the midst of the complexity and confusion, there is so much that is reassuring when we rest in the simplicity of how Jesus says to us, “follow me.” Join us this week as we learn what it means to follow the Rabbi who sees.

8-16-20 New Way Living - Alan Platt by City Rev Sermon Podcast

In the midst of a global pandemic, it’s hard to feel like we are thriving. But what if there is something we can do to take advantage of this season that can set us up to thrive. Here’s what you can do right now to set a course for thriving.

If you’ve ever felt like your past excludes you from being used by God, or if you’ve ever felt discouraged because it seems like the enemy is always winning, Judges chapter 8 is for you.

If you ever want to attempt something great in your life, you need to be warned about one little word that can ruin everything. And. The word “and” can be the difference between developing ironclad courage through your life, or always limping with doubts. This week we will learn to live without “and.”

Have you ever had a situation that went from bad to worse? The story of Gideon had that happen to him. But then his situation went from worse to impossible! When that happens it can be really disorienting and confusing spiritually. This passage helps navigate through circumstances that require courage.

Take Courage, Part 4: A Sign from God

There are some things in life that are great by themselves but even better when paired with something else. Peanut butter and jelly. Milk and Cookies. Cafe con Leche and Cuban Toast. We can go on! In the book of Judges, the story of Gideon has a lot to teach us about the way that God pairs faith with courage. In fact, God is always calling his people to a life of faith and courage in the face of fear and worry.

One of the greatest themes in modern storytelling is the quest for one to discover their identity. We see this even in our children’s stories. This is a powerful context because whether it is conscious or not we wrestle with our identity. But what if discovering our identity is more of an issue of having the courage to believe something that is already true. This may breath a deeper peace into our lives than we can possibly fathom.

2020 has been crazy. There are so many things right now that can easily stir up fear. Enter courage. When times are easy, courage is unnecessary. But what do we have to fuel courage? This is where hope comes in. In Part 1, let’s find our courage by finding our hope.

God loves justice. He demands justice. He says to his people that he wants justice more than their assemblies, more than their music. So if we're going to be faithful to this text. Any injustice in our city cannot be ignored. Justice should overflow out of us, and throughout the land. There is no other entity in the history of the human race. That is equipped for this task, like the church. We've been scattered throughout the city, with the presence of the living God the Almighty the maker of all that is living inside of us. We are armed with the single force that can breach any wall mend any division and reach the most hardened heart. We are armed with love selfless self sacrificing love. We know this love, because of our Savior Jesus. So what's the first step, how do we become catalysts for justice. Before we can advocate. We must empathize and before we can possibly empathize. We must listen, often the first step to healing is to just listen to really hear and know another's experience in this critical moment in our history, as a society, as a city, and as a church. It's a time to listen. That's what families do. That's where we're going to start.

In the wake of the convulsions in our community over race and justice, this week we are going to have a very honest conversation as a church family. Where there is polarization in the world there is a miracle of unity among God's people. We want to show the world that miracle. Honesty, humility and a posture of listening is the first step.

Psalm 112 teaches that it's possible to be a person that is steady, firm, even unafraid during dark and painful times. Who wouldn’t want that to be true of them? But if we’re going to become that type of resilient person, there’s one requirement we have to meet.

When we go through a challenging time, there are so many concerns that swirl through our minds. We can’t stop thinking about the “what if’s.” We can get mired in our own negativity. But there is an unexpected power of awe. It shifts our focus. And it changes our reflexes from selfish to selfless.

What if there was one single thing that could single-handedly and holistically increase your quality of life? In this new series learn one thing that can help you thrive right now!

In this series we are learning how God provides. Understanding this floods our lives with comfort in the midst of craziness. We learn peace in the midst of a pandemic. In Part 4, we learn that if God is a perfect, unfailing Provider, then we know the safest place we can be. Stay in the center of His path and watch what He will do.

There are moments in life when we feel compelled to say, “I’m going to have to take matters into my own hands.” Typically we get to that place when we feel desperate. That is when we feel the tension of whether or not God is providing. This is how to keep things in the hands of the only One who never fails.

Tomorrow is so uncertain. That seems to be true now more than ever. And where there is uncertainty we feel vulnerable. And when we feel vulnerable worry creeps in. But just because we can’t see what tomorrow brings, doesn’t mean it’s uncertain. This is a perfect time to learn how the Provider works. Know how he works and find security, no matter the circumstances.

In seasons of uncertainty there are so many unanswered questions. We ask who, what where when, why, how? And we can be striving to move forward without answers to any of those questions. But the Bible teaches us that if you answer one of those questions, you can live with the tension of the others. Here’s one answer you can anchor to...

4-10-20 Good Friday Service by City Rev Sermon Podcast

Superman has kryptonite. Achilles has his heel. So what does invincibility really look like? I know, I know… it’s believing in yourself, right? I bet the answer is: if you believe in yourself, you can do anything. Right? Well, let’s be honest. That sounds nice, but not really all that true. But there is something exceedingly greater we can believe in. Something far more powerful than just ourselves. And it can make us truly invincible.

Where is God in all of this? It doesn’t matter if you are an atheist, agnostic or a person of faith, in challenging times this question surfaces. How do we answer this question for a friend or family member? How do we answer this question for ourselves? One of the most refreshing things about the Bible, is that it does not chastise us for asking this question. It welcomes it. And answers it.

If you’ve ever watched a suspenseful movie, it is the first time you watch it that is the most stressful. It is different when you watch it the second time. It may still get your pulse rate up, it may still be exciting, but because you know the end of the story, it’s not quite as scary. We only go through life one time. Each new adventure can be frightening. But God has clearly told us the end of the story. That gives us peace as we walk through life’s latest twists and turns. Here’s the end of the story...

Right now, so much in our world feels threatening. It would be such a relief to feel like we were victorious, not vulnerable. If right now you are feeling vulnerable… you need to hear what this passage says about you.

3-15-20 City Rev, Part 2: Who Revolutionizes the City by City Rev Sermon Podcast

Most people are familiar with the person known as Jesus. Most respect him. Many even affiliate with Jesus. But what the Bible reveals about Jesus, is explosively catalytic. It has the power to change everything about our lives. It has the power to change whole cities.

Have you ever experienced one of those moments where you see up close and in person, something you’ve only seen in pictures or from a long distance? There’s a shock that takes place when we see something as it actually is rather than as we’ve estimated it to be from our distant vantage points. Colossians 1:15-20 gives us that close up perspective.

Riding a bike is not supposed to be difficult. Once you learn, you never forget. Right? But imagine trying to ride a bike without the central gear that cranks the chain. If every other part of the bike was there but that, could you do it? Nope. It can’t be done because that gear is essential. There is one central factor to all life. We must have it to thrive. Here’s how you activate it in your life.

The best way to dislodge an obsession, is to replace it with a greater one. An obsession can be a poison in our lives or life-giving. It just depends on what our obsession is. There is really one primary thing that we were wired to obsess over. And it is not ourselves.

We know that we are better together. We learn from each other. We sharpen each other. We lean on each other. But there is another dynamic that is a part of a friendship between Christ-followers that is particularly powerful. Until a group of friends harness this powerful aspect of relationships, the squad is not in full force. Release that power in your squad...

There is a miracle that takes place in the Church where people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and generations are united together as a family. With his seemingly obscure list of names in 2 Timothy 4, Paul demonstrates for us the unique kind of family that God is bringing together in the Church.

We get glimpses of our need for friendships. We experience the joys of friendship. But the foundation of friendship is counter-intuitive. It is also the same foundation for every relationship. Understand this one foundational component and set up every friendship and relationship in your life for success.

Loneliness is not good. We know that. We feel that. But the Bible takes it a step further: isolation is dangerous. And we are not just meant to find friends and acquaintances. We are one piece of a larger whole. The challenge is we can fall into one of two extremes: neglecting relationships or worshiping them. This is what God says about finding and maintaining healthy relationships.

This week we all celebrated the beginning of a new decade. Start the 20s right by coming to service to learn from God's word what must at the top of our resolution list. Pastor Angel will be sharing about how the caving in of his roof years ago connects to the struggles of King Solomon and ultimately the gospel.

When we think about the idea of authority, we probably think we have a firm handle on what it means. But sometimes we can have misconceptions about how much authority we actually have in our lives. When we lose sight of where our authority begins and ends, the results are often more destructive than we realize.

There is an intangible that we long for during the holidays, that can only be described as “home.” But is it all a mirage? Home usually doesn’t end up being as harmonious as we remember or as we hope. But what if that longing is for something for more profound than what is familiar? What if we are actually homesick for something we’ve not yet experienced? It would be even more profound if Christmas could actually deliver that...

When the angels appeared to the shepherds they announced “peace” to the entire earth. Maybe we have far too small of a view of what Jesus came to accomplish. It was not something just physical. He came to establish a Kingdom that will bring thorough harmony to all components of the universe. The Bible says He reconciled all things. Maybe we need to dream a little bigger of what Jesus can do in our lives and in our city.

What do we want out of the Christmas season? So often we have high expectations. We want the traditions to be how we remembered them. We want the gifts to be a hit. We want parties to go well. It’s like we want a festive escape from reality into a winter wonderland. But what if Christmas offered something more. More than an escape, Christmas brings the One who perfectly rules over all the complexity. Find Him this Christmas.

Each Christmas season we are told to expect the “best time of the year.” But there are a few things that can quickly undermine that. As we kick off our Christmas series, let’s see what this season truly brings. Maybe we will find something more perfect than we could have imagined.

For a season that emphasizes joy, it can often be elusive. How do we find joy? Will the shopping and the gift-giving and the eating and the parties bring genuine, authentic joy? Joy is something all of us long for. Here is the recipe for finding true joy this season.

Before Jesus ascended to the Father, He left his followers with a mission. This mission is the great, overarching purpose for our lives as Jesus followers. It turns out that God doesn’t just want us to have an unsinkable faith, He also wants to use us to clear the way for others to experience an unsinkable faith as well.

All religion is based on this basic question: what do I have to do to get to heaven? Each religion has its nuanced way of providing an answer. For some religions, it is good deeds. For others, it is sacred rituals. Many people who do not consider themselves religious, believe that being a good person will earn a spot in heaven. Which is in itself a type of religion. But what if Jesus taught something so fundamentally different, it cannot be classified as “religion”? He taught that salvation is not based on something we do, but something God did.

Most of the residents of South Florida say they believe in God. But what exactly does that mean, practically? How would that intersect with day to day life? This weekend we are going to take a look at the story of someone who had a vision of standing in the presence of God. That encounter was life-altering. What would an encounter like that do for you?

Have you ever thought about what happened to the iceberg the Titanic hit? The “berg” probably fared better than the boat. Icebergs are sturdy because they famously have so much below the surface. In the same way, when we hit tough spots in life, it is the deep down beliefs that keep us afloat. How solid are your beliefs? This week we are talking about truth itself. The world tells us truth can be found on the inside. But what if the inside is what is so turbulent? Maybe there is something even more sturdy to anchor ourselves to.

One of the most challenging tensions with desiring to be a person that values both faith and logic is the issue of science and the Bible. What do we do when science contradicts what the scripture says? Is the Bible literal? In Part 5 we are digging into the relationship of science and scripture. Christians shouldn’t be afraid to dig deeply into either

When difficult times happen, it strains us in many ways. It can be challenging emotionally, medically, financially or relationally. And sometimes all of the above. But it can also be discouraging spiritually. Those seasons can create tension in our relationship with God. Trials push our faith to the limits. Why does God take us into those situations that require such faith? Maybe there is logic behind it....

One of the most common logical challenges presented to Christianity is how can a good, all-powerful God could allow all of this evil to exist. This is a great question. And there are great answers to it. The presence of evil does not disprove the existence of God, but it actually may serve as evidence of God’s existence. But why does God not eradicate evil? The Bible addresses that question too...

There is a small, three-day window in human history that forever changed the world. What you believe actually happened during those three days is affecting your life right now in more ways than you can possibly quantify. So let’s use some logic and answer the question: why should anyone believe what the Bible says took place on those three fateful days?

A Story of Restoration by Muche Ukegbu by City Rev Sermon Podcast

Does believing in God mean that we should unplug our minds? To the contrary, God wants us to pursue Him with all of our minds. When we do, it only deepens and strengthens our faith. Faith and Logic are not at odds. They go hand in hand.

The story of our church is a story of miracles. And we know this is just the beginning of what God wants to do in us and through us. But what is a church? A church is a body. And every person is a part of the body. Church is not something you attend. It is something you are! So be a part of the story. Join the miracle!

One of the most difficult topics to discuss with your children is sex, and knowing how to teach God’s view of sex is a key part of that. Today’s teaching will help every parent prepare and plan for how to have that conversation.

Weeks like this give us a great opportunity to reflect on how to pray through a storm. Does our prayer accomplish anything? Why do we pray? What happens when God does not answer our prayers the way we wanted or expected?

Snares by definition have bait. There is something that looks good that draws its victim in. And while they are innocently enjoying what seems to be a good thing, they suddenly find themselves trapped. It is scary to think about the snares that today’s family is facing. But it doesn’t have to be. Parents and families can be equipped with resources, a gameplan and family goals to ensure their family thrives. Part 2 will help your family avoid snares.

As parents... we worry. We can’t help it. Those little eyes look up at us and we see the vulnerability and our responsibility. We wonder, is there anything more I can do to make sure my kids are thriving? The Bible tells us that there is one thing in particular that can be a fortress for our kids. Having this, replaces worry with confidence.

Maybe you have had times where it feels like God is blessing everything we are doing. But, what do we do with the disappointments? In those times, did we lose God’s favor? How do we get it and keep it? This story in the Bible explains what it looks like to have God’s favor

Ever wonder what the what the beach and Vicks Vapor Rub have to do with our salvation? Today we will be discussing about how Jesus provides the ultimate purification for our souls and our lives.

At any second Jesus is returning. That changes something about who we are. This is not our home. Our home is in heaven. What would happen if we lived like we were exiles here? What if we lived like heaven was actually real? It is.

Identity shapes activity. Who we see ourselves as first and foremost changes then how we live. If we understand that the work Jesus did to save us is the crescendo of the universe, it helps us reprioritize who we are. Before anything else, we are SAVED!

So often we find our identity by what we put our hope in. But there's only one hope that will never let us down. It is the Living Hope. We learn from the Bible that because he is risen, We are heirs, we will inherit far more than we possibly can imagine in eternity. There is nothing this world can offer us that compares with that.

Every person regardless of background, generation, spirituality...every single human deals with identity. The world tells us to pay no attention to the outside but to look to the inside. But that option does not give us something unmovable to anchor our identity to. The only unmovable place to anchor identity to is in who God is, and who He said we are.

When we face suffering that is outside our control, it is Jesus, the ultimate promise that will pull us through. Also come and learn about how Bob Ross’ painting style is a perfect illustration of God’s involvement in our suffering.

Churches spend a lot of time singing together. And you may wonder...why are we singing so much? What's the purpose behind it? Psalm 150 helps us understand that our purpose as part of his creation is to sing but there's also a power that it works in us. It brings transformation in our lives as we take ourselves off the throne and put God back on the throne. That helps us overcome some of the deepest battles we have in our life right now.

Today we are looking at Psalm 149 at the meaning of the word hallelujah and why this word ought to be the anchor for every area of our lives.

The Bible is explicitly clear that God made everything. Everything belongs to Him and the function of all creation is to bring glory to Him but there's one part of His creation that does so willingly, He made them in His image with a will to choose to praise Him and worship Him. It's humility. The question is will we lead the way with all the stars and all the galaxies and all the creatures and all the mountains bringing praise to the One who made us.

There are parts of this world that so easily overwhelm us. Tall mountains, the deeps of the ocean, the magnitude of the universe, and it humbles us. Proverbs 8 picks up that theme and reminds us who wields the entire universe who invented it and who created it. That should humble us before God and remind us that the one who governs all of the universe is pleading with us to let him govern our lives. If we're wise, we will humble ourselves before God.

If we were faced with the decision of winning the lottery or gaining wisdom, we should pick wisdom. And the Bible tells us why. It's not just because it's an answer that sounds good. It's because wisdom will yield far more than wealth or power could ever do. Learn today how you can get wisdom!

The Bible says that men and women are made in the image of God. That means the things that are masculine reflect God and the things that are feminine reflect God. And while God refers to himself as the Heavenly Father, he also has motherly instincts as well. And the Scripture talks about how he cares about our holistic well being, just like a mother.

“The Bible is consistently clear that there is a type of religious activity that God really cares about. And it's not ceremony. It's not singing. It's not services. He likes those things. But what he truly sees is the test of the validity of our religion is are we caring for the poor and the meeting? He is calling us to that and West pines will answer that call!”

“The most significant challenge before us that would keep us from transforming our city... is probably not what you think.” - Pastor Justin

“Scripture talks about shame in a way that we are completely unprepared for. We don't just simply say I'm not that bad or everyone else does it. We have to acknowledge that our shame is real. But Jesus takes our shame pays for it on the cross and leaves it in the tomb. Our shame goes on him and we get his perfection.”

A lot of times one of the most painful things in life is when we've experienced injustice and the person has who has hurt us seems like they're at ease. But what we have to trust is that God is a God of justice. And a lot of times our pain comes from not understanding that side of God. We have to leave it in his hands and let him be the one who upholds justice.

Oftentimes as Christians that live in a society that want things quick and painless, we're not ready for how God often chooses to operate. The path to overflow. The path to thriving and flourishing is often a journey that includes pruning before we can bear fruit.

We have to remind ourselves of the fundamentals over and over and over because they are the foundation in our life. This passage reminds us of one of the most important things. We have to remember that we forget. We have to remember that we forget and the biggest thing we forget is who God is. We cannot forget to remember the Lord.

The book of Haggai says that the second Temple will be even greater than the first but then it describes things that can't be possibly understood in history. It must be pointing to something else. The answer to Haggai is it ends it in the middle of the story....the rest of the story is Jesus. Only Jesus can accomplish what the first Temple can't. So It's Time to send the fragrance of Christ into our city, to see all of the things reaped that the true temple Jesus can accomplish.

It’s Time, Part 2: Fear Not by City Rev Sermon Podcast

The book of Haggai confronts God's people when their priorities are off. They're saying it's not time to build the temple. But God says, No, it is time to build the house of the Lord. The question for us is what is the temple? And what the New Testament says is because of Jesus, WE are the temple. WE are the presence of God in our city. And it's time to build up people to go into the city so that it may flourish and that the idols may be brought down.

We've been talking about why we need a relationship with the Bible. We have talked about how to read the Bible, we've talked about the power of it and we want that, but it's not just to get some kind of God points or to just to appear more spiritual. What is the why behind why we want the Bible in our life? The answer is because we are at war!! And even when Christians don't believe they're at war, there is a war against us, and the Bible is our singular weapon.

02-24-19 Word Habit Part 2, Who’s In Charge Here? by City Rev Sermon Podcast

Introduction to making Bible reading a daily habit using the SOAP method.

02-10-19 Blank Canvas, Part 5: Honor by City Rev Sermon Podcast

02-03-19 Blank Canvas, Part 4: Taking Inventory by City Rev Sermon Podcast

01-27-19 Blank Canvas Part 3 - Community by City Rev Sermon Podcast

01-16-19 Blank Canvas, Part 2: Evening and Morning by City Rev Sermon Podcast

01-13-19 Blank Canvas, Part 1: He Can by City Rev Sermon Podcast

01-06-19 Idols by Justin Chades by City Rev Sermon Podcast

12-30-18 Misfits, Part 5: Good God, Not Good Luck by City Rev Sermon Podcast

12-23-18 Misfits, Part 4: Rudolph by City Rev Sermon Podcast

12-16-18 Misfits, Part 3: The Bumble by City Rev Sermon Podcast

12-09-18 Misfits, Part 2: Charlie in the Box by City Rev Sermon Podcast

12-02-18 Misfits, Part 1: Yukon Cornelius by City Rev Sermon Podcast

11-22-18 Mighty, Part 6: Doorpost and Gates by City Rev Sermon Podcast

11-18-18 Mighty, Part 5: Signs for You by City Rev Sermon Podcast

11-11-18 Mighty, Part 4: Rythms by City Rev Sermon Podcast

11-04-18 Mighty, Part 3: Planning and Seizing by City Rev Sermon Podcast

10-28-18 Mighty, Part 2, Replication by City Rev Sermon Podcast

10-21-18 Mighty, Part 1: Ultimate Things by City Rev Sermon Podcast

10-14-18 That Great City, Part 5: The Stakes by City Rev Sermon Podcast

10-07-18 That Great City, Part 4: To the City! by City Rev Sermon Podcast

9-26-18 That Great City, Part 2: Mission And Passion by City Rev Sermon Podcast

9-16-18 That Great City, Part 1: Arise by City Rev Sermon Podcast

9-09-18 You Belong Here, Part 3: You’ve Got a Nickname by City Rev Sermon Podcast

9-02-18 You Belong Here, Part 2: Cast Out Fear

8-26-18 You Belong Here, Part 1: Something Extraordinary by City Rev Sermon Podcast

08-12-18 Stranded/ When Prayer Feels Broken Part 2 - Ask, Seek, Knock by City Rev Sermon Podcast

08-12-18 Stranded: When Prayer Feels Broken Part 1 - A Good Father by City Rev Sermon Podcast

Unleashed Student Camp 2018 by City Rev Sermon Podcast

07-29-18 Hello Summer Part 7: A Fresh Take on the Fruit of the Spirit - The Secret to Self-Control by City Rev Sermon Podcast

07-22-18 Hello Summer Part 6: A Fresh Take on the Fruit of the Spirit - An Unlikely Strength

07-15-18 Guest Speaker Dr. Jon Elswick - Waiting Well by City Rev Sermon Podcast

07-08-18 Hello Summer Part 5: A Fresh Take on the Fruit of the Spirit - Faithfulness

07-01-18 Hello Summer Part 4: A Fresh Take on the Fruit of the Spirit - Kindness and Goodness by City Rev Sermon Podcast

6-24-18 Hello Summer Part 3 - A Fresh Take on the Fruit of the Spirit - Peace and Patience by City Rev Sermon Podcast

Sunday podcast 6-17-18 by City Rev Sermon Podcast

6-10-18 Hello Summer A Fresh Take on the Fruit of the Spirit Part 1: "A Love of Preference" by City Rev Sermon Podcast

6-03-18 Visionaries Part 3: Those Outside the Gates by City Rev Sermon Podcast

05-27-18 Visionaries Part 2: Sonship - Alan Platt by City Rev Sermon Podcast

05-20-18 Visionaries: Perspective On Our Calling Part 1 - Dr. Bob Barnes by City Rev Sermon Podcast

05-13-18 Reclaimed, Part 6: The Redeemer by City Rev Sermon Podcast

05-06-18 Reclaimed, Part 5: Rest by City Rev Sermon Podcast

04-29-18 Reclaimed, Part 4: At Redemption’s Table by City Rev Sermon Podcast

04-22-18 Reclaimed, Part 3: Creating A Redemption Culture by City Rev Sermon Podcast

04-15-18 Reclaimed, Part 2: Waiting for Redemption by City Rev Sermon Podcast

04-08-18 Reclaimed, Part 1 by City Rev Sermon Podcast

04-01-18 Can These Bones Live, Part 3: Raised by City Rev Sermon Podcast

03-25-18 Can These Bones Live, Part 2: Dry Bones, Hear the Word by City Rev Sermon Podcast

03-18-18 Can These Bones Live, Part 1: We Are All Dry Bones by City Rev Sermon Podcast

03-11-18 Extravagant, Part 4: Extravagant Worship by City Rev Sermon Podcast

03-04-18 Extravagant, Part 3: All In by City Rev Sermon Podcast

02-26-18 Extravagant, Part 2: Truly Live by City Rev Sermon Podcast

02-18-18 Our Hearts by City Rev Sermon Podcast

02-11-18 Extravagant, Part 1: What Jesus Can Do by City Rev Sermon Podcast

02-04-18 Faith and Logic, Part 5: The Logic of Christianity by City Rev Sermon Podcast

01-28-18 Faith and Logic, Part 4: Why is there Evil? by City Rev Sermon Podcast

01-21-18 Faith and Logic, Part 3: Inside Out? by City Rev Sermon Podcast

01-14-18 Faith and Logic, Part 2: The Science of God by City Rev Sermon Podcast

01-07-18 Faith and Logic, Part 1: by City Rev Sermon Podcast

12-31-17 God is up to Something by City Rev Sermon Podcast

12-24-17 He Brings Peace for the Weary by City Rev Sermon Podcast

12-17-17 He Welcomes the Outsider by City Rev Sermon Podcast

For All Of Us by City Rev Sermon Podcast

Jesus Our Deliverer (Emmanuel) by City Rev Sermon Podcast

Luke 1:67-79

Grace That Is Granted by City Rev Sermon Podcast

12-03-17 He Lifts the Lowly by City Rev Sermon Podcast

11-26-17 The Call of the Living One by City Rev Sermon Podcast

11-19-17 God at Work by City Rev Sermon Podcast

1 Thessolonians. 2:7-12

1 Thessalonians 2:7

10-29-17 Upside Down, Part 6: Selflessness by City Rev Sermon Podcast

10-22-17 Upside Down, Part 5: Sincerity by City Rev Sermon Podcast

10-15-17 Upside Down, Part 4: Approved by City Rev Sermon Podcast

10-08-17 Upside Down, Part 3: Truth by City Rev Sermon Podcast

10-01-17 Upside Down, Part 2: Courage by City Rev Sermon Podcast

09-24-17 Upside Down, Part 1: Replicate by City Rev Sermon Podcast

09-17-17 But if Not by City Rev Sermon Podcast

One of the oldest and most beloved olympic events is the relay race. Rather than racing individually, the athletes work together towards the common goal of being the fastest team to finish. Perhaps the most critical part of every relay is the transition between team members. It is not an exaggeration to say that the passing of the baton can make or break an entire race. Throughout history, God has given His people a mission. And each generation faces the critical moment when a new generation must rise up and continue the race. Psalm 78 calls us to remember all that God has done and proclaim that boldly to the next generation.

When I picture astronaut training, I imagine people floating around in zero gravity chambers. And that is definitely part of the training. But they need to be equipped with so much more than just experience floating in space. They are trained in all kinds of survival techniques. They have language training so that they can communicate to other astronauts in the Space Station. They have to learn the science and mechanics of how the rocket works. These adventurers have to be ready for anything. The training is essential. Interestingly, the Bible describes the church as a training ground. It is tasked to equip believers. But what are they training them to become? According to Ephesians, a church is called to grow Christians to the full degree of the greatest, most catalytic, history altering individual that has ever walked the planet - Christ. To put it simply: the church is intended to be a training ground pumping out world-changers.

When you think about the mission of landing someone on the moon, what images come to mind? Maybe astronauts descending out of the lunar module onto the desolate gray surface of the moon. Or perhaps you think of President Kennedy addressing the nation with the challenge to win the space race. When we think of major endeavors, we typically think of a few key visible players. But like any initiative, there are thousands of invaluable contributors that are vital to success. Each engineer, scientist, and aviator formed links in a chain. Without one of them, the mission would have broken down. If you are a follower of Christ, then you are a part of the Church. The Church has a mission that is critical to the salvation of humanity. The Bible tells us that every single person is required for such a mission to be accomplished. What is your part?

Man has walked on the moon. The human race has been able to say that for almost 50 years. Maybe now we say those words without the slow head shaking of disbelief. But consider that it has to be one of the most courageous exploratory expeditions in human history. Human beings left this world and walked on another - an alien world. It was a tremendous vision and an unbelievable accomplishment. Could there be any mission more dramatic than going to the moon? Could there be a more catalytic calling, something more igniting and inspiring than sending humans up to the heavens? It would have to be a mission that could launch a unifying movement, inspiring a generation to give their lives to accomplish something one could only dream about.

We know that forgiveness is a good thing. Everyone loves a good story of how two people reconciled their differences and came back together to form an even stronger relationship. It’s the stuff of a good Hallmark movie. But in real life, forgiveness is messy. We know we are supposed to forgive people, but how do we trust again? How do we forgive and not put ourselves into a position to get hurt over and over again? There is a fascinating hidden nugget in the story of Philemon. It is where we get a window into Paul’s own relationships. And through those, we learn that there are different components of forgiveness: Release, Reconcile, and Restore. Knowing these aspects and learning how to apply them to different situations, helps us navigate the messiness of forgiveness.

Forgiveness can be one of the toughest things to learn to do. When we’ve been hurt and wronged, it is hard to let it go. Some hold on to their unforgiveness for the rest of their lives. But it would be wise to pause and consider this question: Which is harder, forgiving or living with unforgiveness? Holding on to bitterness and anger is costly. It eats away at our emotional health. It can cripple future relationships. It can even take a physical toll on our bodies. So while following Jesus means we will forgive those who wrong us, Jesus is only asking us to do something that is in our best interest. Obedience to Jesus always bring vibrant life. Do we have the courage to obey?

Have you ever watched an amazing musician and wondered what it would be like to have the freedom they have with their instrument? Maybe you have seen their hands furiously striking the keys up and down a piano. Maybe you have seen someone who can solo on a guitar as if their fingers have minds of their own. Ability like that did not come easy. There were hours of painful practice to free up their bodies to accomplish the music they wanted. This is similar to how the inner part of our lives operate. There are things that lock us up on the inside, but the pain of building character brings freedom. This is true of forgiveness. We don’t realize how confining bitterness is. We can be enslaved to it. But through the pain of forgiving, we find freedom.

“What prevents me from being baptized?” This is a question that a Eunuch from Ethiopia asks in Acts chapter 8. The question is a loaded one. If we were to turn the question around on ourselves and answer honestly, there is actually just one legitimate answer. There is only one thing that would prevent a person from being baptized. This encounter in Acts chapter 8 exposes that one thing and invites us to ask the same question: “What prevents me from being baptized?”

God is JUST. Here is another big truth about God! King David uncovers a real and raw approach to God. In Psalm 139, he cries out to God and wants Him to set things right in the world. David’s approach is one of righteous anger toward God’s enemies because they are his enemies. You see, David knows where to place his anger, and he knows who can do something about it. Like it was for David, it can be a challenging task for us to trust that God not only can set things right but that He will. Ultimately, God does set things all right, through Jesus!

God is ALMIGHTY. Here is another big truth about God, He has all power and authority in His hands! This bedrock and stunning attribute of God is revealed in today's study. In Psalm 139 King David praises God for His power and His intimacy in creating us! It is no easy task to get our minds around the immensity and the intimacy of power that could create the astounding things we see in the world and at the same time intricately weave the beautiful fabric of our lives! God is showing us not only His awesome power in creating us, but His careful intimacy in giving us profound meaning, value and great purpose! God’s power is on display!

God is everywhere. By definition, God would have to be ever-present. It is not that God is in everything (pantheism). God is not the tree or the plant or the clouds. Those are creations of God. But God’s presence is everywhere. That’s hard to get into our minds on a theoretical level. But it is even more challenging on a practical level. How would it change how I live if God is always with me? Are there times I wish God was with me? Are there times I wish He was not? This is more than just a theological point. This truth actually changes things in our lives. As we engage this idea of God’s ever-presence, it will realign some off-balance components in our lives.

Who is the person that knows you the best in this world? Think about how deeply they know you. They know your history. They know your tendencies. They can often predict what you will say and even think. They know your strengths and your weaknesses. When someone knows us that well, it’s vulnerable. They know things we would rather people didn’t know. And it’s dangerous. They can use that knowledge to deeply help us or deeply hurt us. But if by definition God is All-knowing, what does that mean about His knowledge of us? If He deeply knows you, what would that change in how you interact with Him?

Have you ever had one of those dreams where you are falling? It is kind of a rush until you are startled awake. One of the scariest feelings is falling. You have no control. By nature when you fall you are helpless. So what about the phrase “falling in love”? There is some truth in it, particularly when talking about affection and infatuation. But we also use the inverse of that phrase: “falling out of love.” Have you ever heard someone say, “the love died,” or “I just don’t love them anymore”? It is almost like love happens to us. As if it comes and goes and we can do nothing about it. But what if that is the polar opposite of how love operates? If we don’t understand how love works, we may be missing out on real love altogether.

“You’ll know it when you experience it.” Sometimes that’s the best we can do to explain the powerful, mysterious concept of love. But we need more than that to build a lifelong vibrant marriage. It can’t be done accidentally. It is not done on instinct. Relationships are too hard for that. We need a full description of what it looks like to truly love well. We need to be trained on what it looks like to love in a way that forges an ironclad, lifelong covenant between two people. We want a love that kindles a raging fire of passion. We want the kind of love that fosters a vibrant, thriving marriage. The Bible gives us a description of love that can do that. It gives us a description of a love worth fighting for.

We say we love so many things. The world has overused and undervalued this word “Love.” The scriptures present and look at love very differently than people often do. In fact the world has a dysfunctional view of love, and God help us, many of us have a self-centered view of it. By telling us what love is not, the Apostle Paul unfolds for us a clear and crisp view of the kind of love that is “others-centered”. God’s view of love is always a preference for the other person! Paul’s strong letter to the Corinthian church is an appeal for this kind of love. However, Paul’s words pierce time and space to show you and I today the kind of love which is to mark our marriages and illustrate our lives.

What is the most important thing to make a thriving marriage? Some believe it is compatibility. If they find the right person who fits them, they will be happy. There are many other good contenders like friendship, communication, and trust. But according to the Bible, the single most important attribute someone can have is love. This is something that doesn’t sound strange to us. Our culture has produced many voices that have said love is the most important thing in a relationship. The problem is that rarely love is defined. Is it a passionate emotion that overcomes everything else? Is it a powerful feeling that strikes us without warning? There is a foundational chapter in the Bible that clearly defines love. The vitality of your marriage or future marriage hinges on whether we understand how God explains love.

Insiders. Those that are in the right groups, have the right status, or know the right people. Almost every sphere of life has them. But what does someone who’s on the “inside” look like when it comes to spiritual things? Maybe spiritual insiders are those who know a lot about their faith. They are well read and can answer people’s questions. Maybe it’s the people who are really loving and hospitable and generous. They sacrifice a lot for others. Maybe it’s the person who has a religious position. They are a leader in their church or faith group. Interestingly, the story of Naaman pushes our conventional thinking about who is an insider. What does it take to be accepted by God? It may surprise you what the Bible says about what an insider looks like.

Control. That is a tough thing to give up. It’s not just “control freaks” that want control. We all do. Some could say it’s the hardest thing to give up. But what about glory? Glory is hard to pass up. Deflecting recognition or praise for something is not our instinct. What about letting someone else get credit when you deserve some too? That’s not easy. But which is harder? Would you be happier giving up control to get glory or giving up glory to get control? But maybe that’s not the real question. What if surrendering control AND glory would actually make us the happiest? The story of Naaman once again turns the world upside down, and shows us how our instincts often need to be reprogramed.

Think about the idiom “climb the ladder.” We use it in a couple different spheres of life: “climb the corporate ladder,” or “climb the social ladder,” or just “climb the ladder of success.” In our culture we intend to desire a general upward trajectory. We even use the phrase “upwardly mobile,” to communicate someone improving their general situation economically or socially. It is interesting that it is so instinctual for our society to see the “up” direction as superior. We say I want to be “over” more responsibility, “above” people on the chain of command, and have a “higher” position of responsibility. Upward seems like the natural trajectory. But how does that square with the trajectory of Jesus? What if with Jesus everything changes? When you have Jesus everything is turned upside down.

He had everything you could want out of his life. Wealth? He had boatloads. Connections? He rubbed shoulders with the most significant people of the time. Power? He was a war hero, that now had armies at his command. He even made a splash in the fashion world. There was one major problem... he had leprosy. But the sickness in his heart was actually worse than the disease on his skin. Despite all he had, he spent his life trying to prove his significance and find his identity. But God took this man on a journey to brokenness. And when he got there he found restoration he could have only hoped to be possible. Let us introduce you to a man named Naaman.

The story of David defeating Goliath is one of the most famous stories in the entire body. It has even become symbolic and idiomatic in our culture. We might say something like “face down your giants” that alludes to the story. But what if the story is actually a symbol of an even more famous literary framework in history? A close look at the story reveals a young hero slaying a monster in order to win the princess. That is a story we’ve all heard before. But even more than that, that is fundamentally our story. Do you know where you fit in the story?

04-02-17 SENT to The World by City Rev Sermon Podcast

You know, Christians and non-Christians alike have heard of Jesus. Many know some facts and even some stories, but do they really get the message that Jesus brought with Him? It’s amazing to see how easy it is to think we are in “control,” and overestimate just about everything about ourselves. But Jesus has a unique message that strikes at the heart of who we think we are and what we think we can do. Jesus teaches a parable comparing the approaches of two very different men, to God. Therein lies the true picture of the heart that God shows grace to and the one that He resists. That picture comes to vivid life in the Gospel. It is the Gospel that puts in proper perspective the position of man and the position of God. It is the Gospel that displays man in desperate need of God, and God desiring to give grace to man. You see, religion says, “Look what I have done for you!” but the Gospel says, “Look, I have come for you!” The Gospel is the remedy to self-righteousness and shows us a picture of God’s work for us!

There are two good friends that for some reason people always think are fighting. Some even think these two are enemies that can never be reconciled. But they are not really at odds at all. In fact, they love being together, always drawing the best out of each other. They are miserable when they are apart. You would never want one without the other. Who are these two friends? Love and Truth. Some people more naturally lean to the side of love leaving out truth. And some people lean more to the side of truth leaving out love. But truth and love are inseparable friends, attached at the hip. They should always go arm in arm.

In The Ring, Part 1: Tolerance vs. Grace by City Rev Sermon Podcast

Expect the unexpected when you study the Bible. Most would probably think the scripture teaches that we need to enjoy our earthly treasures less. But surprise, God actually says that he wants to teach us how to enjoy the blessings He’s given us. First, He teaches us that contentment with what we have, not the constant craving for more, is key to enjoying what we’ve been given. But more than that, the Bible tells us that it is truly more of a blessing to have the privilege of giving, than just receiving. When we are generous and get to love someone, it produces a vibrant joy inside of us. But if that wasn’t enough, God has even more in store for us when we learn to be generous. When we give, He gives back!

Activate, Part 3: Compulsive Generosity by City Rev Sermon Podcast

It’s 9pm. You are sitting on the couch, winding down from the day in front of the television. You were minding your own business, when a commercial came on that changed everything. It must have been the close up camera angles on the melted cheese. In slow motion the thick strands of mozzarella endlessly trail from the piping hot slice to the rest of the pizza. Somehow now you can even smell the crusty dough wafting from your TV. They know what they are doing. And what did you ever do to them? You weren’t even hungry. But now life cannot go on without the satiation of this craving they’ve induced. In a thousand different ways, through a thousand different mediums this same scenario plays out. It demonstrates one thing: our culture knows how to obliterate contentment. But what we know from the Bible is that God gave us everything to enjoy. The challenge is we don’t know how to enjoy it.

Imagine for a second that you invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in a brand new sports car, but are so afraid of scratching the paint that you never take it out of the the garage. What if you inherited a priceless work of art, but all of your life it sat collecting dust in your attic. What a waste. There’s no question it is a tragedy to have access to a tremendous resource, but leave it unutilized. One of the biggest sources of regret in life is wasting an opportunity. What if we are each on the cusp of being able to be a part of something great. The only question is will we tap into the opportunity we have. In this series, we intend to ACTIVATE something inside of you. We believe God has called each of us to be catalysts transforming the world around us. There is something that may be lying dormant in your life right now that we want to fire up. Don’t miss this series as we ignite the world changer in each of us.

Struggling With God by City Rev Sermon Podcast

What if you decided to get into the business of flipping houses. So, you buy a fixer-upper, that needs a ton of work. You gut the whole thing. You put in a lot of hours and a lot of money. And at the end of all the renovation, the house looks beautiful. You are ready to sell. But there’s one major problem: the location is abysmal. The realtor informs you that it is pretty much hopeless to get someone to buy this house. He reminds you of the old saying: location, location, location. It doesn’t matter how much renovation you attempt, if you are in a bad location, it’s pretty much a waste. Psalm 1 says something similar about our spiritual lives. If you want to thrive, you need to be situated in a place where God’s word is constantly present.

Analyzing a big decision and not knowing what to do can be exasperating. If you’ve been in that situation, maybe you’ve gotten to a place where you just wish someone could come alongside of you and tell you what the right decision is. What if we could have a life coach that always knew the right answer. What if they always could perfectly direct us. The Bible claims to be that for us. It says that we will thrive if we anchor our lives to it. Maybe you’ve heard that before but it’s not worked for you. Where in the Bible does it tell me if I should date this person or take this job? It’s hard to find that page in the Bible. But maybe the problem is we don’t know how to use the Bible. Don’t worry. Think of Psalm 1 as the user's manual. You may be one step away from full access to inexhaustible wisdom and insight.

“Read your Bible.” We’ve heard it before. It’s not new. It doesn’t seem profound. It’s not some radically innovative statement. So then what get’s in the way? We’re busy. It’s hard to find the time. That’s not just an excuse, it’s true. But deep down we only move Bible study down the priority list because we see it as something to check off our already over-extended to do lists. But what if we saw it as something that will guide, direct, mentor, teach, strengthen, bolster, explain, reveal, inspire, and impact every part of our lives? Maybe now we see it as something that takes away from all of the other busy activities that we have. But we should see it as something that will influence, inform and shape every single one of those things we are busy with. But maybe we simply just don’t know how to use the Bible to impact our lives. Don’t let that be an obstacle any more. Here’s how to study the Bible...

When you were a kid did you ever do that science experiment where you put a stalk of celery in water with food coloring in it? What happened? After a while you could see the colored water working its way up the stalk. After a while the celery started taking on more and more the color of the water. This is not unlike our lives. There are many things all around us that we let influence us. After a while our lives start to take on the tint of those influences. The Bible tells us that a wise person understands this principle and so makes sure their lives are saturated with the word of God. In Psalm 1, we are encouraged to be like a tree planted right next to a stream of water. That tree has a constant water source. This is how we are to use the Bible. We should let it constantly saturate us and our families. How would you characterize your relationship to God’s Word? Here are some ideas on how to be firmly planted right next to it...

Of all the things that you have, what would you consider priceless? What are the things you would grab if your house was on fire? What if you knew that there were people who have died to make the Bible available to the world? We learn what makes the Bible so valuable in the story of King Josiah. The Bible was forgotten and collecting dust in the temple. And Israel had gotten completely entangled in idol worship. In this passage we see that without a clear standard of truth, breaking God’s commands becomes normalized. That means sin seems, looks and feels natural. If we don’t have something revealing truth to us, we can find ourselves falling deeper into destructive ways, without even realizing it. The Bible is the light in the darkness. It shines into our lives revealing truth we desperately need to have. We could not put a price on having access to God’s truth.

Essentially all renovation projects begin in the same way. Whether it’s your favorite HGTV show or the house project that’s taking much longer to finish than you had originally anticipated, every renovation begins with demolition day. Before the new and updated can be brought in, the old and outdated must be taken out. Throughout this series, we’re talking about how all of our lives are under renovation. We’re works in progress, aiming to become the people that we were created to be. But in order to get there, there are some things that we need to remove.

It’s a brand new year. It feels like a blank slate, a fresh start. What do you think you will say 12 months from now? What will define 2017? It would be ideal if you could look back on this year and say it was defined by one word - BLESSED. Imagine, you look back on each category and with a huge exhale of relief you can say that while it wasn’t necessarily easy, your life across the board is in a better place. You couldn’t ask for much more than that. Here’s the good news. One chapter in the Bible prescribes how to make that a reality. It lays out a few concrete, practical ideas that are foundational to thriving the way God intended. In this series, RENOVATE, we are going to explore these keystone habits that if can positively impact every single area of our lives. We will refresh our souls and reclaim our lives!

New Year’s Day always feels like a fresh start. You have a whole new year in front of you. You might even have some big goals for this year. Maybe this is the year you hit a big number in your business. Or it’s the year you pursue that promotion. Or you are determined to get out of debt or save for a big purchase. Maybe this is the year you decide to settle down or have a child. With all of the goals you can have for 2017, wouldn’t it be nice to know what the right first step would be? Following the Disciple’s example, we can see the first step we need to take to have an amazing 2017.

There is so much that we are troubled about and frightened over. In the Christmas season life doesn't stop, and many of us arrive at Christmas overspent, under prepared and over anxious. We celebrate with all the bright lights, busy people, gifts and parties but nothing has really changed. We’re still anxious, we’re still afraid of so much. The true story has not impacted us and we hide in all our worries and fears. Yet, the Christmas story teaches us that God has done something, something unthinkable and undeniable which changes everything! God has come! The simple and beautiful birth of this baby is the hope of mankind because He brings salvation and freedom from sin and fear. This great birth is the great rescue. The great lesson of Christmas is that God comes face to face with humanity. This baby can identify with your pain or fear. This is why Jesus can take away your fear, because He is no stranger to it and He walks with you in it!

One of the most memorable icons from the Charlie Brown Christmas Special, is Charlie Brown’s tree. In the midst of all the glimmering, multicolored, modern aluminum trees, there is a humble tree that can barely keep its needles on the branches. Linus is surprised they still make wooden trees. But that is the tree that Charlie Brown chooses. The unlikely one. And in the end of the movie, it is the tree that is made to be beautiful, almost miraculously beautiful. It is hard to find a better representation of the message of Christmas. In a humble and overlooked village of Bethlehem, a little child is born. But this child will be the king of all kings. He will be the one who takes the humble and broken and miraculously transforms them into something beautiful. He brings deep, thorough peace.

The security blanket is something that many children have. It is comfortable. It is familiar. It is soothing. Linus van Pelt is one of those children. You will be hardpressed to find Linus without his blanket. He is committed to his trusty blanket, despite ridicule from his older sister Lucy. Unlike Linus, most of us adults have outgrown carrying a blanket around. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have other “security blankets.” One of the most motivating factors in our lives is the pursuit of security. However, the prophet Micah has good news. There will come a ruler, who will bring security. We can find genuine, life-changing security brought by the One born in Bethlehem.

Charlie Brown is still having a tough time finding joy at Christmas time. It seems like everywhere he turns, people have ‘gone commercial’. His friends, family, and even his dog, snoopy, are wrapped up in the materialism that often overtakes the Christmas season. Though “A Charlie Brown Christmas” originally aired in 1965, his famous search for the true meaning of Christmas still resonates with us today. Writing about 700 years before the birth of Jesus, Micah gives us a different way to find joy at Christmas time.

Charlie Brown is experiencing a crisis. It’s Christmas time, but he’s not feeling it. Isn’t it supposed to be the happiest season of all? Then why is he so depressed? Maybe it’s because he doesn’t understand Christmas. And that begins his quest to understand what Christmas is all about. That is the challenge of Christmas season. There are great expectations on how we are supposed to feel. But our emotions so easily lead us astray. Our emotions betray us, confuse us and misguide us. If only there was something or someone who was a better leader than our own emotions...

Black Friday. For some those words get the blood pumping. Armed with a canteen of coffee and comfortable shoes, it is a chance to prove that no mob will stop you from grabbing up the deals of the year. For others, nothing could tempt you out into the crazed chaos that is the shopping frenzy the day after Thanksgiving. Especially, not after a tryptophan induced coma the day before. No matter which camp you fall into, no one can deny that Black Friday is a once a year opportunity. But what if there were another opportunity that begins this weekend? The potential reward is not merely a few dollars saved. It is at this time of year, that our culture is more open to coming to church and hearing the gospel than any other time of year. Does that get our blood pumping?

People from all over the world view South Florida as a sunny oasis and a vacation destination. For those of us who call South Florida home, we can agree that it certainly is those things, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. The reality is that we live in one of the wealthiest parts of the country and also one of the poorest. Census statistics show that among the 4.4 million people living in Broward or Miami-Dade county, over 800,000 of them live below the poverty line. Throughout history, the Church has loved and served the poor, following in the footsteps of Jesus who championed their cause. As a church living in this community, it’s our duty and privilege to proclaim and display God’s love in selfless service to the poor.

Have you ever had the opportunity to be a “good samaritan” but it falls at the worst time? It’s not that you don’t want to help, it’s just that right now is not a fit. But still, you believe in your heart you are a good samaritan… right? Interestingly, that is at the heart of Jesus’ story we call “The Good Samaritan.” Two other people passed by the hurting man because it was an inconvenient moment for them. The one who really understood what it was to love, readjusted his life to accommodate the hurting person. According to Jesus, love is not simply good intentions. Love is sacrificing for another. It is responding to whoever is in our path. So, who are the hurting ones in our way right now? Will we stop and respond and show love? What if it requires us to rearrange our lives? What if it takes great sacrifice? What if it is a child that needs a home?

LoveSFL, Part 2: Using Need To Help Get Them Freed

The Command to Minister To Single Parents

Have you ever known a family that all have a similar look about them? Maybe you can’t even put your finger on it, but it is unmistakable. You are convinced that if you lined up 50 people and mixed in members of that family, you could pick them out. Jesus uses a similar metaphor to describe his followers. In a parable Jesus tells how one day He will sit on a throne to judge humanity. He says he will separate those who are His followers from those who are not. He explains how there is one quality that His followers all have. This attribute is so commonplace that he can use it as the basis for identifying those who are His. Those who are saved by the grace of God will have an undeniable compulsion. The gospel plants a seed in us. Since Jesus sacrificed everything to save us who were spiritually poor, we cannot help but to sacrifice ourselves for the “least of these” among us.

If you had the option of avoiding discomfort, would you? I think if you stopped to think about it, you’d need more information. If the discomfort is senselessly breaking your arm, then the answer would be yes. If the discomfort is sitting in traffic on your way to pick up your loved one returning from a combat tour overseas, then the answer is no. Pain is endured when the allure of the joy on the other end of the pain is stronger. But interestingly, often we simply avoid pain and discomfort at all costs. That leads us to miss out on some of the best parts of life. Furthermore, we often think that following Jesus will automatically result in less discomfort. We believe that the closer we draw to God, the more he will make our path comfortable, more stable, and easier. In reality, Jesus promised the exact opposite. The path of following Jesus is difficult. But the joy on the other end, far outweighs the cost...

It is the grand climax of a beautiful journey. This final episode of Grandpa Abraham’s life is loaded with intensity and brimming with emotion. In response to an unimaginable command of God, Abraham demonstrates one of the greatest acts of faith in human history. In this story God is painting a vivid picture of a truth that is critical for you to know. It is for anyone who feels like God is indifferent towards their present circumstances. It is for anyone who doubts God’s unquenchable love for them. It is for anyone who is struggling with cooled emotions towards God. It is for anyone who is resisting the surrender of a dimension of their lives to God. This is The Time Abraham Took a Hard Walk.

We just finished up five days of camp. Five days of serving out in our community, partnering with organizations that are doing good work all throughout South Florida. Our students also experienced nightly teaching and music that pointed them to the inexhaustible love of Christ. So now what? No doubt lives were changed, commitments were made, and passion was sparked. But what happens when we’ve made the change, commitments, and the passion is there, but God doesn’t seem to be holding up on his end of the bargain? Was it all real or was it just an emotional high? In Luke 7, Jesus helps us to deal with some of these difficult questions, by giving us a rather shocking And now, John, who had witnessed all of that. An incredible and unforgettable experience of hearing God’s voice from heaven, begins to call into question the things he once held so tightly. answer.

West Pines Community Church Leadership

As we enter into another new year, most of us will take some time to reflect on what we can do this year to make our lives better. Whether that is matters of health, finances, family, vocation, or some other area of personal growth, we often make those plans based only on how the results will have some type of personal reward. What if we took the time to reframe our goals for the new year through the lens of what would bring the most glory to God. That might mean changing some goals but it also might just mean changing our motivation and therefore reclassifying what the reward should be. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus sets expectation for how we should invest the “talents” or resources that God has given us. What if we applied that idea to our goals and resolutions for the coming year?

It is a motivating charge from a mentor. In fact, it may have been some of the final words from a father figure to a young man he had invested so much in. Paul charges Timothy to stand unwaveringly on the perfect scripture. He tells Timothy to be ready to preach boldly no matter the opposition. That will require immovable courage. So what will that look like in the church today? What does it look like to proclaim truth no matter the cost? That is not an easy question to answer. It is especially difficult in the arena of politics...

One of the most powerful forces in the world is bottled up in one word: HOPE. Think about the phrase “a glimmer of hope.” Just a glimpse of something as catalytic as hope, is more than enough to spur on the remarkable. If we are honest, virtually all of us have a situation in our lives that we are desperate for something to hang our hope on. Maybe it’s an area of doubt. Maybe it’s something that is broken in your life. Maybe it’s a sinking loneliness. Maybe it’s a general feeling of being lost. In some way we all need just a whisper of hope. But what if there is more than just a glimmer of hope that’s available? What if this Christmas is promising a THRILL OF HOPE for your weariness...

Mark 9:14-24 NLT

When they returned to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd surrounding them, and some teachers of religious law were arguing with them. When the crowd saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with awe, and they ran to greet him. “What is all this arguing about?” Jesus asked. One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk. And whenever this spirit seizes him, it throws him violently to the ground. Then he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.” Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.” So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”

The world is going to end! Okay, we all know that to be true. The real question is: when? Some scientists say that we only have a billion years left on the planet before the sun gets too hot for life to be sustained. But others say the final judgment of the earth will happen in a lot less time… 3 days from now to be exact. The challenge is that there are end of the world predictions all the time. And many of them are from Christian leaders. They point to a combination of political events, astronomical events like “blood moons” and biblical prophecy to make their claims. How are we supposed to react to all of that? How do we sort through what is hype and what is real? There is a clear, precise answer to this, according to Jesus. He spoke directly to the “when” question of the end of the world. And what He said should affect your plans this week...

There is one fact, one matter of truth, that matters more than anything else in the world. Are you sure, with 100% certainty, that when you die, you will be with God in heaven? And Is it even possible to have such complete certainty? In John 10, Jesus addresses this topic by teaching us what it means to be His, and how we came to be His. If you struggle with doubt over whether or not you are saved and going to heaven, you can leave today with 100% certainty of where you stand with God. And if you are already certain of where you stand with Jesus, then let’s clear up some misconceptions about how we often act as though we aren’t so sure. Let’s leave this place today assured and secured.

01-11-15 Rescue 119, Part 1: Mathetes by City Rev Sermon Podcast

01-18-16 Rescue 119, Part 2: Rescued by City Rev Sermon Podcast

01-25-15 Rescue 119, Part 3: Awestruck by City Rev Sermon Podcast

02-01-15 Rescue 119, Part 4: Mobilized by City Rev Sermon Podcast

The story begins poetic, profound, and awe-inspiring. The grandeur of the power displayed is something truly hard to grasp. The story of the creation of humanity, as described in Genesis 1 and 2, reveals God’s intentionality and expertise as an inventor. All throughout the first two chapters God continually looks at what He has made and says it is good. Then after He makes humans he stops and says, “it is very good.” But then he sees something that he says is NOT good. He sees Adam working in the garden diligently, but all by himself. He says it is not good for the man to be alone. Sometimes we think just the opposite. We don’t operate as if we need others in our lives. The truth is God wired us for companionship.

“God created the heavens and the earth.” There are few phrases that are more hotly debated, discussed, and dissected than that. The reason the question of the origin of the universe is so provocative is because the implications are immense. If the universe merely sprang into existence due to a sterile, inanimate processes, then there is not necessarily a higher reason or purpose. However, if this universe was created then there is a Creator that has rights to it. That means the Creator has a grand design and purpose for the cosmos. To fundamentally understand ourselves, we have to wrestle with whether we have a creator who intentionally invented us or we are a meaningless part of a developing universe. The truth is, we are not accidents. We are all HARDWIRED. And that is essential for understanding ourselves.

When God creates our universe he does so in a way that lays out a rhythm for our life. That rhythm includes various forms of and times for rest. If the creator of our universe - who does not need rest - models it for us, we should pay close attention to what he is showing us and realize the important role it plays in our life. We often refer to that rest as a Sabbath. Keeping that Sabbath is a form of mending in our life that is necessary for us to achieve God’s other purposes in our lives. Unfortunately our world tends to reward busyness and ignore the impact or necessity of rest. If we follow that path, the results are disastrous to ourselves, our families, and our calling.

Light-bulb moments. You’ve probably experienced them. They are these moments where the things around us just don’t seem to make sense. But then the light comes on. You see the missing piece, the cause of all the confusion. This is precisely what happens when we begin to wrap our minds around this inescapable truth: Humanity is wired in the image of God. Where this truth is embraced, honored, and preserved, humanity flourishes. However, where this truth is forgotten and neglected, humanity suffers. Whether we realize it or not, understanding that we are made in the image of God determines the way we relate to God, others, and the rest of creation.

So many of the small details in the biblical story of Creation have monumental implications. One of the most beautiful details is that after each day of creation, God sees what has been made and says that it is good. However, at the end of creation He sees all He has made and says it is “very good.” Why does this have massive implications? It means that God doesn’t do things, establish things, invent things, create things that are second rate. What He does is good; perfectly good. The question is then: whose version of “good” do we embrace? Do we go with what our surrounding culture declares as good or do anchor our view of good on the Creator’s perspective? If we believe we are WIRED PERFECTLY it drastically affects our lives.

The story of creation in the Bible is extremely revealing. Particularly insightful is what God immediately did with the first human he created. He put him to work. He planted a garden with the intention of humans working it and caring for it. But does that mean God just created a bunch of worker drones to do His dirty work? If we look a little closer that is not the dynamic happening here. We learn from this passage that humanity is WIRED FOR WORK. God’s original intention is that we would feel wholly fulfilled and satisfied by work. However, we would all admit that work doesn’t feel like that. Work is hard and difficult and often unfulfilling. Something changed. It is immensely helpful for us to understand humanity’s relationship to work. When we know God’s intentions for humanity and how the story unfolded, we are far better equipped for work.

One of the most explosive issues in our world today centers on a question of how humans are wired. It is the question of gender and sexuality. Are humans hardwired as two particular genders? Are we wired for a particular sexual orientation, or is that for each person to decide for themselves? How does this impact the definition of marriage? These are topics that must be treated with incredible care because of how personal the subject matter is. Further, in our society there has been much hurt and division over this topic and how the discussions are carried out. The Bible addresses these questions. Sometimes scripture is selectively applied to this topic. But as we look through the Bible, many are surprised by what it says about this, and about how this subject should be addressed.

The first two chapters of Genesis are a narrative of the perfect plan God had for creation. Over the last 7 weeks we have studied the various aspects of that perfect plan and how they should be a part of our lives. Today we discuss the culmination of that perfect plan - marriage. Once God completes his perfect plan for humanity, he decides that the only missing piece is a “helper” for the man and, after searching through everything he had created up to that point, he decides to perform one more act of creation - woman. He then outlines a relationship that is more important than any other in our lives - our marriage. If that is the final piece of God’s perfect plan, then the pursuit of God must be the focus of any successful marriage. We are created specifically to complement each other as man and wife and therefore to help each other as we become rescued, awestruck and mobilized in our journey to become Mathetes.

Good Friday: He Took the Cup

It is the most notorious crime in history! However, at first glance it seems so insignificant. What’s so bad about eating a piece of fruit, regardless of how forbidden it is? But it’s not just bad, it’s deadly? Like any good murder mystery, there are twists and turns in this story. In this story, the mystery is not who did the crime. The mystery is who is the victim. The answer may surprise you. There is no doubt a Murder in the Garden. This story is not some distant fiction. Every one of our lives gets wrapped up in this mysterious plot...

God was clear that they were not to eat of the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden. That tree was named, The Tree of the Knowledge of good and Evil. God warned them that they would die the day they ate it. Then the snake came along. HeIt starts to tempt Eve to eat the fruit. As we know, the snake was successful. Both Adam and Eve ate the fruit. But how was the serpent able to talk them into taking such a risk?. The stakes were high:… death. The snake was very crafty. His pitch was very intentional. And THE SETUP was masterful. He exploited their weakness - how well they knew what the Creator had said.

The Snake is trying to trick Adam and Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. This will be the mother of all sins. All sin that happens stems back from this first act of rebellion. So the DNA of our sins, can be found in that mother sin. If we can take a look at how The Snake tried to trick Adam and Eve, we can learn how we can avoid the same traps. One of the craftiest traps that snared Adam and Eve is The Snake successfully distorted their perspective of God. He got them to see God as distant and not personal. They began to question God’s motives, the benefits of following Him, and the consequences of rebellion. Sin only becomes desirable, when our view of God is distorted.

The evil mastermind in this Murder Mystery is The Snake. His plan is so precise, so manipulative, so well planned out, that in three sentences he takes down all of humanity. How did he do it? He appealed to the three strongest fundamental impulses in humanity: the desires of the body, the desires of the eyes, and the desires of what we want to be. These desires are not evil in and of themselves. However, when we try to satisfy these desires in the wrong way, it can get us into serious trouble. In order for us to withstand temptation, we must be able to understand how these impulses operate and how God desired for them to be fulfilled.

Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit may seem harmless, but it is the mother of all sin. All other sin and evil stems from that original act of rebellion. So if we study that original mother sin, we can see the DNA of our sins. And knowing how our sins operate can help us avoid major mistakes in our lives. One of the instructive things we see in Adam and Eve is how they operated after they sinned. In reaction to their sin they attempted to cover their shame, run from God, and avoid blame. These instinctual reactions to failures can prevent us from overcoming failure. Even worse, they can keep us locked in the same sin patterns.

The story of the flood may conjure up cartoon images of an “ark” with animals peeking out the top. And of course in that mental image there is a gentle rainbow splashed across the baby blue sky. But this story is not just a children’s story. It is a unrestrained depiction of who God is and our relationship to Him. The most vivid part about the story is God’s symbol that still appears today. The rainbow is not just God’s artistry displayed to make the sky look a little prettier. It is a powerful message from God, that if we understand its meaning, can still impact us to the core of our being.

Life is hard. The more we live, the more clearly we see how true that simple statement is. Sometimes the challenge of life is not that something has suddenly happened that causes us pain, but rather the challenge is that something hasn’t happened. We’re just waiting. We’re still waiting for a child. Still waiting for a job. Still waiting to find the right one. In a rather startling way, this is how Noah’s story intersects with each of our stories. When what should happen or what was promised to happen, hasn’t happened, how can we stay faithful in the wait?

The story of Noah and the Flood may be one of the craziest stories in the Bible. Other stories have miraculous events in them, but they were isolated. Maybe they were just anomalies. But this story is talking about a global event. For something so dramatic to be true, there would have to be compelling evidence all over the world. Is this one of the Bible stories that Christians should just try to stick in the closet and hope people don’t bring up? Are we supposed to choose between being a Christian and being an intelligent, logical, rational person? But what if there is compelling evidence both scientifically and historically? The story of the Flood is a great test case, for us to learn how to react when challenged by doubt.

The Bible unequivocally says that God is a good God. It also literally says, “God is love.” But then how are we supposed to fit that with the account of the Flood? How is a God that destroys virtually all of the life on the earth also a benevolent God? The narrative of the Flood actually addresses that. It helps us understand evil and God’s plan for actively eradicating evil. It also reinforces God’s passion for justice and His advocacy for the broken and hurting. Far from painting a picture of a harsh God, the Flood helps us understand that He is the source of goodness and peace. And we can know He is at work bringing that into our lives.

Grandpa Abraham lived a long time ago, but his life was quite an adventure. Fortunately for us, he passed down many exciting episodes from his life. His stories are fascinating. This is especially true because they are full of rich insights for the adventures in our lives right now. In the beginning of the story, Grandpa Abraham hears God call him to take a risky step. How God called him is so often how God works with us too. We usually don’t know what the entire journey will be, but God gives us just enough so we can discern what the next step should be. In Part 1 of Campfire Stories, we hear from Grandpa Abraham about the time he heard a call.

The majority of Grandpa Abraham’s stories are about a man who set the example for how to be a Godly man. However, there are two distinct stories in which he displayed his flawed humanity and God displayed his forgiveness and sovereignty. These episodes serve to remind us that even though we are human, God has our well being as part of his plan and will extend grace when we make mistakes and even turn them into something that is positive and furthers his larger plan for humanity. While this does not mean that everything that happens to us will be good, it gives us assurances that in the end, God will work it all out for his good.

Grandpa Abraham has lots of stories -- as all of our families do. The more we learn about our family history, the more we can be equipped to deal with the trials life throws our way. A lot of Grandpa Abraham’s stories are about how he had faith in God and responded in a way that would make a great example for us. But there are other stories too, like when he didn’t have faith or when he went about things the wrong way and God taught him something. Often the result of his disbelief affected everyone else in his family. Some of the effects still echo in our lives today. In Part 3 of Campfire Stories, we hear about Grandpa Abraham and time he bent the rules.

In the stories of Abraham and Lot we find a pattern of leadership. Abraham shows us that while he keeps Lot from catastrophic consequences, he allows Lot the freedom to make his own decisions, some that are bad,and learn from them. All of us should have an Abraham in our lives, and most of us have many Lots in our lives, that require us to lead well. Fortunately the Bible provides a blueprint through the life of Abraham, specifically regarding his relationship with Lot, that shows us how to do that in a way that protects those in our care but also allows them to grow into leaders themselves.

When it comes to spirituality and our relationship with God, it seems our default mode is to see it through a lense of what works for me? We can tend to leave a worship experience asking things like: “did I get anything out of it?” or “did I feel like my soul was fed?” or maybe simply, “was it what I like?” But what if that is the wrong question? Maybe our encounters with God, both together at church and privately in our personal lives, are more about what we offer rather than what we get. Grandpa Abraham’s encounter with a mysterious person, named Melchizedek, challenges the way we view the idea of worship. If we learn from Grandpa Abraham, it may completely overhaul our interaction with God.

07-26-15 Grandpa’s Campfire Stories, Part 6: The Time He Found a Shield by City Rev Sermon Podcast

There are many different kinds of laughter. There’s the snicker, the snort, the cackle, the fake laugh, the evil laugh, the belly laugh. But if I tell you that someone laughed at someone, we would know that is a mocking kind of laugh. In this episode of Grandpa Abraham’s life, his wife Sarah laughs at someone… God. And to her fearful surprise, God calls her out on it. Can you imagine laughing at God? In her defense she didn’t laugh in His face. But she did laugh to herself, and of course God knew. Whether we want to admit it or not, sometimes we have the same jaded attitude in our hearts. And God sees. But luckily for Sarah, that wasn’t the last laugh...

Maybe you’ve heard someone describe God like this: “in the Old Testament God always seems angry,” or “sometimes God seems ruthless in the Bible.” Some of the stories in the Bible seem like that at first glance. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is a classic example of one such story. But in this episode from Grandpa Abraham’s life, we learn about a side of God that we are all drawn to. We discover that this story actually reveals that God is a protector of the weak and a warrior for the helpless. To be more like Him, we must stoke the glowing embers of our hearts, into a fiery passion for justice.

It is common for people to look for ways to display who they are. For example, someone could have a car decal of where they like to vacation, or of what causes they support, or of little stick figures of their families. Many people get clothes showing that they are part of the fanbase of a particular sports team. In this story, God gave Abraham an outward sign that communicated and demonstrated their relationship. Did you ever stop to think that there may be an outward sign Jesus commanded of all Christians to boldly and unashamedly proclaim their relationship to Him? There is a sign. This ancient symbol helps us always remember what God has done to transform us.

Let’s talk about parents. It’s complicated. If you are a teenager wanting to borrow the car, it’s complicated. If you are a young adult and living at home, it’s complicated. If you are newly married and they have expectations at the holidays, it’s complicated. If they are grandparents spoiling your children, it’s complicated. If they are aging and depending on you, it’s complicated. Our relationship with our parents is one of the most significant relationships we will ever have. In three short verses Paul gives us a simple framework that can help us navigate that relationship throughout the seasons of our lives. And beyond that, it instructs us on how to equip our kids and grandkids to have a long term healthy relationship.

The world that our kids and students are being raised in is vastly different from the world that previous generations experienced. The information and technology boom of the last 25 years has brought with it some incredible benefits and some unimaginable dangers. Unfortunately, it seems as though the line between those benefits and dangers has gotten blurry. Statistics on depression, suicide, substance abuse, and bullying among children and youth paint a sobering picture what they deal with. So how can the Church be a voice of hope to this next generation? And how might God use you to rewrite some of those statistics? Cue Ephesians 5...

The PowerHOUSE Summit, Part 3: Giving Your Child The Power of "No"

The responsibility to raise up successful kids is daunting, exhausting and overwhelming. They have to be physically healthy so if anything is wrong we take them to people like the orthodontist, dermatologist or optometrist. They need to get good grades in school, so if one subject is slipping we will often find a tutor. Athletically we want to make sure they have every opportunity, so we even look into summer sports camps and leagues. And then there are piano lessons. On top of that, we want to make sure they are well rounded spiritually. So we should follow the same pattern, right? Find a good church and let the experts train them spiritually… But wait. What if the Bible tells us that when it comes to spiritual development, parents HAVE to be the front lines. Raising up our kids to be full-throttle worshipers of the Almighty God has to be primarily spearheaded in the home.

All relationships are messy. This is primarily because we are constantly responding and reacting to each other. If someone acts selfish, we can’t help but respond with grabbing what I think is mine. If someone is defensive, our instinct is to respond the same way. If someone acts prideful, our ego rears up. But the inverse is also true. If someone is giving, humble, patient, listening, trusting, encouraging, and selfless, we are drawn to respond in kind. There is a fundamental truth that is under this. Like a magnet - selfishness is the pole that repels and selflessness is the pole that attracts. There is no other relationship that this is more vital to than marriage. This is what defines marriage. This is what is misunderstood about marriage. This is what can make a marriage painful or passionate.

There is an evil tyrant that rules over us. His regime has lasted in our society for decades and maybe even longer. In fact, we are so used to his oppressive rule, that many don’t even see how crooked and deceitful he is. His brainwashing propaganda is everywhere. And the vast majority of our populace follow him like drones. But we have to rise up against this despot! We must save our generation, our households and our children from this monster! This tyrant goes by the name Materialism, and his regime is called Normal. But it’s time for a coup. He will no longer hold us back. Join the resistance!

In our culture, there is an oppressive dictator: Materialism. This tyrant has hooked us on his propaganda. He has made us believe that if we have more stuff, we’d be happier. And even though our own lives prove that this is not true, we still buy into his manipulative manifesto. This dictator has henchmen everywhere. Materialism’s henchman is Commercialism. We have to be aware of the influence advertising and marketing can have in our lives. Those things are not evil in and of themselves. But we are foolish to not understand their impact on our lives and on our kids. Our finances are one of the greatest resources we’ve been given. They have the power to change lives and even influence the eternity of a soul. We cannot afford to thoughtlessly let advertisers tell us how to use one of our key commodities. So, join the resistance. Revolt! Reclaim your finances. Your life can leave a legendary impact!

The book Ecclesiastes is one of the darkest, most hopeless books of the Bible. It is ruthlessly honest about life. It paints a real picture of what life is reduced to without God. It says it is all meaningless and empty. Solomon methodically moves through every sector of our lives proving this with ironclad insight. When he gets to the category of money, it is no different. He says we will never be satisfied with money. He goes on to say that in the end we are going to die anyway and we can’t take anything with us. His unavoidable conclusion is that life is empty, so just enjoy what you have while you can. It’s depressing. But at the end of the book he has one sentence of hope: “fear God and obey Him.” There is great power in those simple and straightforward words. We know there is a God and that there is more than this life. God tells us that in Jesus we have eternity. We can live our lives now in light of that incredible reality.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the demands on you? That’s a dumb question. What’s funny is probably everyone has felt that, no matter how much they actually have on their plate. We know we are not the world’s savior, but it sometimes feels like we have so much expected of us. This seems to be common to the human experience. Jesus experienced this too. Although, he literally had crowds following him, pushing in on him, and crowding him. There were multiple times that the crowds were so dense and frenzied that there were safety issues. And, of course, He actually was the Savior of the world. To combat this, there was one practice that was essential to Him. In the midst of the craziness of the pace of His life, He would go up on the mountain to get solitude, alone with God. So here’s the question for us… Do we need that less than Jesus?

The gentle rhythm of crickets chirping is shattered by rustle in the bushes. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t very concerned. What’s out there? It wouldn’t be all that bad if it wasn’t the complete darkness of the deep forest. But the worst of it is you are lost. At some point during the hike, you got off the path. You must have taken a wrong turn. How are you possibly going to navigate your way out? This can happen in the wilderness and it can happen in our spirituality. There are certain truths that we have to fix our eyes on. If we lose sight of it, we can wonder off and get lost. Often we think the Gospel, the beautiful message of what Jesus did to save us, is merely the welcome sign to our journey of faith. We think it is something we leave behind. But it is much more than that. It is the path we stay on. It is a message that we have to walk in every day of our lives. If we are going to survive, we have to know the Gospel well enough to let it be the constant compass for our souls.

One of the most important elements for sustaining life is water, pure water. There are many things our bodies can live extended amounts of time without, but clean water is essential to our survival and is one of the most critical things our physical self requires. Another critical area that might be as acute is what we feed our minds - our mind diet. While we may be able to ignore deficiencies in this area longer than being deprived of water, the damage can be just as harmful and possibly more important as it can affect our spiritual, emotional and even our physical health. As Mathetes, it is important that we are intentional about our “mind diet” and Paul takes a critical opportunity in the book of Romans to help us appreciate the necessity of this idea. It is also important that we be mindful of the quality of our mind diet even more so than the quantity of input.

If you are exploring the wilderness, one of the keys to survival is setting up a proper campsite. This is the place that you find shelter, prepare your food, and rest from a day of adventuring. This is especially true if you are staying and exploring in an area for a while. You need a basecamp. It is the central location you return to. It is the hub for your adventures. Understanding the necessity of a basecamp is essential. This is also true of our lives more broadly speaking. In the perilous terrain of life’s circumstances, a christian’s home church is their base camp. It is not merely one of the attractions we visit along the way. The Bible describes church as our home base. Utilizing this is a survival essential.

The Christmas season is festive. There are strings of lights wrapped around our houses. We import evergreen trees from distant forests and temporarily install them into our houses and then drape them in bright colored ornaments. There are delicious delicacies that we only eat this time of year. Not to mention parties and presents and family in from out of town. There is a magic to the Christmas season. It is a twinkling distraction. It lets us temporarily escape into a winter wonderland. It brings a glimmering escape from the weight of life. But what if Christmas was more than just consuming festivities? What if it didn’t simply distract us from our weariness but provides something much more? Christmas isn’t a gingerbread latte. That does little for those who are doubting, broken, lonely, or lost. What this weary world needs is a Thrill of Hope!

Imagine you are an heir or an heiress of a tremendous empire. How would that change how you view yourself? You would be born significant. You would be an important person simply by your inherited position. There would be few accomplishments you could attain that could add to the importance that you already have. So then what does it mean that Jesus who was the “heir of all things,” came to earth to give up everything? What does that say about the character of Jesus? What does it say about our significance to Him? The reality of our lives is that we exhaust ourselves, striving to build relationships, careers, and our own image. And in the deepest places of our souls, so often our motive is to prove to ourselves that we have significance. But Jesus brings a THRILL OF HOPE, to our weariness.

One of the things that is so endearing about caring for a baby is watching them develop. At the beginning they can do nothing on their own. They can’t even burp without help. This is also one of the most wondrous parts of the Christmas story. Jesus was called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” Jesus is God, in the flesh. So that means that there in the manger wiggling around because he is unable to pick up his head or control the movement of his arms, is the One who created and is sustaining the entire universe. This shows what it took for God to be here “with us.” That truth is utterly transforming for us in our present circumstances. No matter how alone we may feel in this current season of our lives, Jesus committed to us that He is always with us.

All the time in our culture we greet each other by saying, “how are you?” We mostly respond saying simply: “fine.” It is simply a polite exchange. We rarely actually respond with what is going on. It’s instinct and reflex. Interestingly there is a common greeting in the first generation of the church that was very common. In almost every letter recorded in the New Testament we find these words “grace and peace to you.” Was this spoken all over the world in the first generation of the Christian church because it sounded nice? Was this just empty pleasantries? Or perhaps it is because it encapsulated a truth so explosive that it turned the world upside down. And it can turn our lives upside down too.

It’s funny to see how trends change and often repeat themselves. What was rad in the 80s became lame in the 90s, only to become cool (or fresh, or on point, or tight, or legit, or or fly) once again. Life has this interesting tendency to go back to the way things were. When it comes to our spiritual life, a similar principle is at work. Those who follow Jesus are brand new people. They are people who once had an old life before Christ, but they now have a new life in Christ. There’s a new trend that has been introduced that is altogether different from the old one. Those old trends may fight to come back again, but because Jesus has made us new, we don’t have to go back to the way things were.

What if you had the opportunity to tell yourself 10 years ago what life would be like now? Or what if you could get a glimpse of yourself in 10 years? How would that change how you feel about today? How would what you hope to see in your future change how you live this year? What if you had the confidence of knowing you will succeed or what you will become? Knowing what the Bible tells us about ourselves can make 2016 our best year yet!

01-17-16 The Time of Our Expenditure by City Rev Sermon Podcast

You’ve watched a scene like this in a movie or you’ve experienced this in a work meeting. People are sitting around a table, trying to solve a problem and someone asks, ‘What’s our Plan A?’ This is typically what the group determines is the best option. It’s the plan that gives the greatest chance for success. And then the group may go on to develop a Plan B, C, or even D depending on the situation. When it comes to His Church, God has a plan for growing it. We’ll call it Plan A. He loves His Church and has an amazing plan for it. From the time of the rapid expansion of the Early Church in the book of Acts to this very day, God has been implementing Plan A to bring healing and restoration to a hurting and broken world. He calls every single one of us to get on board with Plan A. And it’s a good thing that He does!... There is no plan B.

03-20-16 Palm Sunday by City Rev Sermon Podcast

It’s the great fish story of the Bible. We know it as Jonah and the Whale. No doubt a memorable episode in scripture. When hearing the story, it’s only natural to wonder what it would be like to be in the stomach of a whale. Jonah cries out describing how terrible his situation is. But even in midst of it, he believes and hopes that it will turn out ok. While most likely none of us will experience being in the belly of a “great fish,” we have all been through excruciating experiences that we hope will be redeemed somehow. Our natural instinct is to believe that these bad circumstances will be turned around for good. But on what basis is this hope? Is it based on an expectancy that fate or destiny or karma will right the wrong? Maybe we just have an empty belief? But the story of Jonah reveals more for us. It points to another story that is profound enough to hang all our hope on. It is the greatest redemption story in history.

There are few things more inspiring than being immersed in a story that depicts someone’s untamed passion, unmatched ingenuity and unconquerable will to build something. We are wired to build. We are instinctively driven to create and craft and cultivate. This is why stories that display that kind of plotline are adventures that inescapably draw us in. This is the story of Nehemiah. It is known to be one of the most profound leadership texts in history. It is a story of tears and blood and especially sweat. We intend to immerse ourselves in Nehemiah’s story. And in doing so, we will learn how to approach whatever it is God is calling each of us to arise and build. It is a call to pick up our shovels and swords, and be ready for anything.

Nehemiah had heard the bad news that things were not good in Jerusalem. There was no wall. There were no gates. The remnant of people there were in danger. When he heard this news he wept and mourned and fasted and prayed. But what could Nehemiah do about it? He lived in Susa. He had a job in the king’s palace. He was a cupbearer. Last week we talked about our call to build something. We believe God wants us to be a part of building what He is building. The danger is that often we think being used by God will require us to be repositioned. We think we have to leave where we are and do something else. But we can learn from Nehemiah’s example. We should start with where we are. God didn’t make a mistake. He placed us where we are for a reason.

The walls of Jerusalem were reduced to rubble. The gates had been torched. Because of this, the people living there were living in perpetual danger. But maybe God had a plan. It just so happened that the cupbearer to the most powerful man in the world was a godly Jewish man, named Nehemiah. Is it possible that this servant could somehow have influence on this situation hundreds of miles away? If he ever got the opportunity with the king, he would certainly only have one shot. That day did come. Was Nehemiah ready? He had prayed. But had he planned?

It was a life or death risk. One conversation could have labeled him a traitor. He could have been tortured and executed. But God’s mission was on the line. Nehemiah needed to be wise and he needed to be bold. Have you ever had a situation that made you wonder where the line was between wisdom and overly conservative? Maybe you wondered when boldness becomes foolishness. Sometimes we can cover up our cowardice by calling it “wisdom.” And sometimes we can cover up our recklessness by calling it “boldness.” But a leader cannot succeed without both of those qualities. The story of Nehemiah calls each of us to be Wise and Bold.

Everyone knows that you have to “look before you leap.” Before someone jumps into something it is critical that they know what they are getting into. But the same logic is true in most of our interactions. It takes discipline to listen before we speak. It takes great maturity to seek to understand before we challenge something. Nehemiah demonstrates his expertise in this area as he arrives in Jerusalem. He cannot single handedly build an entire wall. He must rally the people. And once again we can learn a lot from his superior leadership abilities. Do we investigate before we instigate?

There is one thing common to every great movement or endeavor or effort. One thing that is always present. Sometimes a movement is planned, and sometimes it’s spontaneous. Sometimes it’s rallied around a leader, and other times it’s around an idea. Sometimes there’s a strong surging majority, and sometimes it’s the underdog that wins. But one thing is always the same. If what is being built is of any enduring value, there will be opposition! When it comes to building something worthwhile, we won’t just need shovels… we’ll need swords.

In a chapter that would seem to contain little other than irrelevant details, there are two major lessons to be learned that can shape our understanding of God’s specific instructions for our lives and our leadership. Sometimes, we make the idea of seeking God’s direction more complicated than it has to be. Sometimes it is as simple as doing what is right in front of us, like the various inhabitants of the city who took it upon themselves to work on the section of the wall that was right in front of their homes instead of coming up with a more complicated construction plan. Another nugget that we find buried in this chapter is the idea that the nobles would not “stoop” to help with the construction even though the leader of the initiative, Nehemiah, was in there getting his hands dirty with everyone else. Leadership requires that we be willing to do what we are asking those we lead to do.

We can face many obstacles when attempting to climb the mountains in our lives. We can fight weariness. We can face self-doubt and insecurity. We can experience set-backs. We can even be ready for threats from enemies. But the maybe the greatest back-breaker is when a friend tells you to “turn back.” How do we deal with discouragement? How do we push through? Maybe we should just remember the goal and mentally visualize the glory of reaching the summit. Maybe we dig down deep inside of ourselves. We remember what we’re made of and channel our own inner strength. When Nehemiah faced opposition, he did none of those things. And when we adopt Nehemiah’s strategy for beating discouragement we can tap into strength we didn’t know we had access to.

Opposition can be tricky. Sometimes it’s external, coming from an enemy or an outsider. There is no shortage of people in this world who (somehow) find enjoyment in opposing, ridiculing, and discouraging others. Other times opposition can be internal. In this case, the opponent is the person you least expected--a close friend, a family member, someone on the inside who knows the real you. There is another form of opposition, however, and this is where it gets tricky. It’s the opponent inside us. It’s when we are the ones stacking the odds against ourselves. So how can we win in the face of opposition, when we’re the opposition?

Manipulation is one of the most entangling obstacles that we face. It’s tricky because it’s all about reading between the lines, and trying to recognize people’s intentions. People can coerce our actions through all kinds of tactics like guilt, sympathy or even over-spiritualizing something. We know we are not supposed to be naive, but we also don’t want to be paranoid. We don’t want to always think the worst of people, but we don’t want to get taken advantage of. What’s the difference between perceiving someone’s motives and being judgmental? The bottom line is it’s a difficult thing to be discerning. Nehemiah vulnerably shares how he faced this obstacle. And through his example we can learn how to sharpen our discernment for when we will face this too.

Sticks and Stones may break bones, but what about words? They can do far more than that! They can fracture relationships in an instant. They can break someone’s spirit. They can permanently maim someone’s self-esteem. Despite what the old adage says, words are are far more dangerous than sticks and stones. But we have a tendency to underplay the power of words. When we face ridicule, sometimes we make the mistake of just telling ourselves that we are immune. But those words that we think we are ignoring, can haunt us without us knowing. Not appreciating how ridicule works on us, can affect our lives more than we want to admit. We need to know the affects on us, on our kids, and on how we speak to others. We can learn a great deal from one leader, Nehemiah, with how he faces this type of opposition.

We love victory stories. We love seeing stories of great men and women who persevere until they reach their goal, their summit. But one of the saddest things is to see someone or some organization rise to great heights only to not be able to tumble down. Watching neglect destroy a something beautiful is a tragic thing to witness. Unfortunately, this is part of the story of an ancient leader named Nehemiah. When he takes leave from Jerusalem, after rebuilding things physically and spiritually, things spiralled downward. But what happens when he returns, teaches us something about the impact of neglect and what to do when we fall prey to it in our lives.

There are some messy jobs out there. It takes a strong work ethic and an equally strong stomach to do what no one else could handle. But sometimes what makes it so messy is not the work itself, but the spiritual environment. Maybe that’s you. You would say that it is just hard to be a Christian where you work. For others, it’s not just the workplace environment. For many, it’s hard to be a Christian in the family you’ve been placed in, or the school you go to. How do you navigate through all the stuff you’re not sure a Christian should be exposed to? What do you do about the elements of the workplace that you can’t endorse? When do you take a stand? And how? It’s MESSY and it’s not always easy to know how to draw the lines. Especially because retreat is not an option. We know Jesus has called us to go into the world and He told us it would not be easy. The good news is that we can learn from those who went before us. And Daniel is a great place to start...

Imagine you show up for the first day of class, sit down at the desk and pull out your books and your laptop. You are ready to go. Then the professor walks in, and begins his intro lecture. That’s when you realize. You are in the wrong class. You now have to make the walk of shame to the exit. Maybe you’ve been in a place where you feel like you don’t belong. It couldn’t have been worse than what the biblical character Daniel felt. For him it was a spiritual issue. How could he possible be a godly person, in an environment completely opposed to that effort? That’s life in exile. And if you are a Christ-follower, the Bible says you are in exile too. Maybe you’ve felt that before. It’s difficult to live a godly life in an environment that is not set up to promote godliness. That’s Daniel’s story. We can learn a lot from him. Particularly instructive is what he did first… he resolved his allegiance.

Imagine you are in a situation where you have the chance to take a risk and speak up. Maybe it’s a family member that is making some bad decisions and you have the opening to say something to them. Maybe a friend you’ve known for a long time finally cracks open the door to a spiritual conversation. Maybe at work, your boss asks for your input on an ethical decision for the company. How far do you go? What if you say to little? What if you say too much? Maybe as an act of faith we should be reckless. Perhaps we should be seizing those rare opportunities and just trust that God will clean up the mess. Or maybe we should trust our instincts and rely on our own read of the situation. But is that leaning on our own understanding and not trusting God? How are we supposed to handle these delicate moments? We can learn a lot from how Daniel operated. He was in a situation that was so delicate, his life and the lives of his friends were on the line.

Remember that season of your life where you didn’t have to interact with any difficult people? No one does! Difficult people are a part of life. But there is one category of people that can create a particularly messy situation. These are the people that operate from a completely different worldview or faith, and are antagonistic to you yours. It could be a family member that always tries to prove to you why your beliefs are illogical and irrational. It is the co-worker that puts you on the spot every time they read about a noteworthy Christian messing up. How should we engage that type of person. The Bible character, Daniel, was no stranger to this situation. He had a difficult person that he showed incredible love to. There is much we can learn from this incredible story.

Somewhere deep down, each of us wants to make an impact. God’s wired an impulse into our souls that is driven to have a positive influence. Sometimes when we see an extraordinary character in the Bible like Daniel, it is inspiring but also can be discouraging. We look at these incredible opportunities and adventures and wonder how our lives could compare to them. We see what God did through their incredible lives but feel so ordinary. Where do we even start? Daniel instructs us there too. There is something so simple, but more powerful than we realize. And we put it into operation starting tomorrow. Something we can commit to and then watch God work. God calls us to be committed to EXCELLENCE.

One of the most obvious questions that we often don't think to ask is: How can I feel close to God? No matter where we are at in our journey with God, many of us are at a place where we are asking this question. Some might not know what they believe about God, but they see that people they respect seem to have had a genuine encounter with God. They wonder what it would look like for them to feel that. Others may have recently started following Jesus. Maybe they have felt their enthusiasm wane and wonder how they get it back. For seasoned believers, some have felt apathy creep in unnoticed and want to know how to get their fiery passion back. This episode in the story of Nehemiah, outlines the path to renewal that we all need.

In chapter 12 we learn that the people of Jerusalem take time to celebrate (with great sacrifices and great joy) what God has done in their midst and the sound of their rejoicing was heard far away. It's here where we learn that that it's good to stop and rejoice, but to also take our positions in expectation of what God has in store next.

In chapter 7, before they start to worship, we see a detailed list of what the families gave to the work. We can learn many truths about what it loos like to give as a church, and why it can be so hard to talk about money at church.

In chapter 8, the people of Jerusalem gather together. It is one of the first things they do as they are rebuilding the spiritual community as God’s people. We learn many truths about what it looks like for us to gather together as a church.

There’s a question that is hovering in virtually every single room that is occupied by at least one human. It is palpable in school lunchrooms everyday. It causes tension at family reunions. It can be the instigation and the disintegration of a romance. It’s what makes isolation unbearable and unnatural. But it’s what sometimes makes friendships even harder. It may be the single deepest question we have. It emanates from the most primal recesses of our souls. And we may not even know that this question is storming through our lives every day. The question is: Do I Belong? But what if the reason virtually all of us spend our lives seeking the answer to this question is because we first and foremost need God to answer it...

In chapter 11 we are introduced to the men of valor, and others who were chosen to live in Jerusalem. We can learn many lessons from looking at what happened in Jerusalem at this period in history, and realize how that gives us purpose in life today.

There are some famous Bible stories - Moses and Pharaoh, David and Goliath, Jonah and the whale. And that’s not to mention the stories of Jesus. They are great stories. They are memorable and inspiring. But do we treat them as simply feel-good stories, or do we process the fact that the Bible claims them to be real. That’s an important distinction. The Tortoise and the Hare is a motivational story. There’s a lot we can learn from it. But it’s not presented to be historical. If Bible stories are simply motivational fables, let’s take a few tips and try to better our lives. But if they are true… then we’ve just had an encounter that changes everything.

When I think of the word “dignity,” I think of someone with an ascot and maybe even a monocle. It seems like something only the ultra refined would be concerned with. But in reality, we have a much more down to earth relationship with that word. Dignity is the opposite of shame. Shame is when an ugly part of my life starts to become my identity. So shame and dignity deal with self-worth. And no one is exempt from wrestling with that. Often we attempt to find our dignity in something in reaction to our shame. But these attempts to run from shame, always fall short. But when we encounter Jesus, we Encounter Dignity.

If you could have coffee this afternoon with one person in the world, who would it be? It can be anyone. Someone you admire. Someone you want to learn from. Someone you believe in. Now, here’s the opposite question. Who is the last person on planet earth you’d have coffee with? There’s a good chance the answer to that question came more quickly than the first. One thing that is predictable about Jesus, is that you cannot predict what He’s going to do. The stories about Him in the Bible are so engaging because they are often shocking. One of the things that was the most flooring to those who witnessed his life, are the people He chose to spend time with. It shattered their norms and expectations. But that dynamic about Jesus, is powerfully instructive for us. When we encounter Jesus, we Encounter Grace...

In your world who’s the big shot? Maybe it’s a boss that holds significant authority. Maybe it’s someone well known that influences many people. It is not hard for each of us to think of a prominent figure that commands the respect of those around them. There was a man like this who had an encounter with Jesus. He was a big shot in most circles he walked in. He was a Roman Centurion. While there were officers who outranked him and could tell him what to do, most of the people immediately around him did what he said. But he responded to Jesus in an astonishing way. He said that he was not even worthy to have Jesus in his house. When this man encountered Jesus, he encountered authority.

Generosity is something that makes us feel good, but we still struggle to exercise it. In the story of Zacchaeus, we see how salvation unleashes his generosity. We see the joy that comes from generosity. If we could harness the power of generosity, not only would we benefit selfishly because it brings us joy, but we would be displaying Christ to those around us. This would hopefully open up opportunities to share the source of our joy and draw people to Jesus. This “Pay it forward” mentality could spread like wildfire, not only spreading joy, but the promise of eternal life. How can we unleash generosity in our life?

So often, many of us, are just kind of walking through life unaware or oblivious to how God’s grace and compassion are shaping and encouraging our daily lives. In the moments and seasons of struggle, God, in His time, reaches out with deep compassion. In the life and work of Jesus the Bible shows us the very character of a compassionate God who has reached down to needy humanity. It is a profound, deep rooted compassion that gives us hope. For those that follow Jesus, whom have been touched by Him, His compassion changes everything! Are you trusting in this compassionate God?

One of the most obvious questions that we often don't think to ask is: How can I feel close to God? No matter where we are at in our journey with God, many of us are at a place where we are asking this question. Some might not know what they believe about God, but they see that people they respect seem to have had a genuine encounter with God. They wonder what it would look like for them to feel that. Others may have recently started following Jesus. Maybe they have felt their enthusiasm wane and wonder how they get it back. For seasoned believers, some have felt apathy creep in unnoticed and want to know how to get their fiery passion back. This episode in the story of Nehemiah, outlines the path to renewal that we all need.

What does it look like to show mercy to someone? It’s helping someone out that is in a tough spot. It could be welcoming someone into your circle of friends because they are lonely. Maybe it’s giving a hurting person the gift of your time. Or even more difficult, extending forgiveness to someone who hasn’t asked for it. Mercy is a costly thing to give. But there is one thing that can very quickly extinguish mercy from our hearts. It’s the mercy blocker: self-righteousness. It’s too easy to feel no compulsion to show mercy, when I can so easily make a case that someone doesn’t deserve it. But when we encounter Jesus, we cannot help but Encounter Mercy.

There are some messy jobs out there. It takes a strong work ethic and an equally strong stomach to do what no one else could handle. But sometimes what makes it so messy is not the work itself, but the spiritual environment. Maybe that’s you. You would say that it is just hard to be a Christian where you work. For others, it’s not just the workplace environment. For many, it’s hard to be a Christian in the family you’ve been placed in, or the school you go to. How do you navigate through all the stuff you’re not sure a Christian should be exposed to? What do you do about the elements of the workplace that you can’t endorse? When do you take a stand? And how? It’s MESSY and it’s not always easy to know how to draw the lines. Especially because retreat is not an option. We know Jesus has called us to go into the world and He told us it would not be easy. The good news is that we can learn from those who went before us. And Daniel is a great place to start...

There are things that we teach our families. Some are general life skills and some are significant truths and beliefs. Many of us learned these things by accident, half heartedly, or haphazardly. Yet, the bible has clear cut ways to teach and train our families in the kinds of things that change the direction of our families towards Jesus. So, how can we rest assured that we will teach and influence our children and families with what matters most? Well, God, in His word, is calling people to use their lives and everything in them to teach their families about Him. Yes, God calls us to seize some moments and plant other moments in order to influence the generations ahead of us! The beautiful thing is this, you can realign your family and your generations towards a greater inheritance today!

Some families have heirlooms that have been passed down through the generations. Maybe your family has something like that. It could be your grandmother’s china or a ring your abuelo used to wear. But in families, it’s not just the tangible artifacts that get passed down. We pass along intangible things as well. Have you ever heard the phrase: do what I say, not what I do! Maybe you’ve even caught yourself saying that before. Sadly, we know that phrase is empty. Especially, when it comes to the parent child relationship, most of what is passed along is caught rather than taught. Children are sponges absorbing the perspectives, beliefs and habits of their parents. The reality is for better or for worse, we are replicating ourselves. And that doesn’t just affect our children, it shapes our generations. The only real way to pass down the right traits, is to actually possess them ourselves.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Like father, like son. A chip off the old block. You can usually tell how common a phenomenon is by how many idioms describe it. Everyone has seen how kids take on the tendencies, habits, perspectives, and beliefs of their parents. They don’t have to try to. It just happens. So is it a good thing if someone is a “chip off the old block”? That depends. Good things and bad things get passed down. This very real part of family life is addressed directly in the Bible. It is a tragedy when children are affected by the sins of their parents. But he has provided a way to break that from being passed down through the generations. Through Jesus, what once were dominant family traits can become RECESSIVE TRAITS. And that shift in family DNA can happen with you!