City River Sermons Podcast: Recent Episodes
City River
Father God has given Jesus His glory. Jesus has given us that glory as sons and daughters so that the world may believe. The glory of God is the glue that brings us together in UNITY.
John 17:20-26
Jesus was transfigured before the eyes of Peter, James and John. We unpack the hidden message behind the transfiguration and what it reveals to us about the character of God and what it means for our daily walk with Him.
Mark 9:2-6; Psalm 50: 1-6; Mark 8:34; Exodus 34:29-30
What is laid down for the sake of lifting others, becomes God’s invitation to show up in His power.
Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:11-20; ! Cor 9:15-23; Mark 1:37
When Jesus shows up, the Kingdom of God comes near and He invites everyone to immediately respond by repenting, believing the “good news” and following Him.
Mark 1:14-20, 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
With Great Freedom comes Great Responsibility - A look at Paul's advice on how to live out our freedom
John 8:32, 36, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, 8:1-4,7,13, 10:23-33
Drink His water to be refreshed. Be cleansed by His water. Be filled and baptized by His Spirit. Be empowered for a life of purpose. COME!
Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29, Isaiah 44:3, Ezekiel 36:25-27, Mark 1:4-11, John 3:5, Acts 19:1-7, Titus 3:5-6, Revelation 22:17
Real life testimonies of Christmas joy in the midst of the world’s ugliness.
Luke 4:18-21
Christ came to set captives free despite their circumstances.
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Luke 4:18-21, Revelation 21:3-4
John the Baptist came before the Lord to a suffering people. Today, like him, each of us continues his work of preparing the way of the Lord into hurting people’s lives.
Mark 1:1-8
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As we prepare to celebrate His birth, let us also remain vigilant and ready for His second coming.
Mark 13:24-37
Armenia, feeling forgotten by the rest of the Global Church, is visited by 320 internationals from 37 nations, and has her hope reawaken.
Ezekiel 34:11-61, 20-24
Five warning are provided in the given scriptures that are conveying the heart of God to not fall into their influence: (1) Being Stuck Half-way, (2) Laziness, (3) Complacency, (4) Captiousness (or perhaps Carping might be more fitting), and (5) Lukewarmness.
Matthew 12:43-45; Matthew 25:24-26; Zephaniah 1:12; Luke 7:32; Revelation 3:15,16
Shechem... Location matters! Joshua brings the people of Israel to the place the Lord met their forefather Abram, and reestablishes their covenant with Him. Today, we are the mobile locations of the Lord's covenant dwelling place.
Joshua 24:1-3, Genesis 12:1-9, Joshua 8:3-35, Joshua 24:14-25, Hebrews 11:22, Genesis 50:24-26,
The God of yesterday, today and forever is always at work, setting the stage for what He is inviting us into. Our obedience allows us to step into His miracle!
Joshua 3:7-17, 3:1, Genesis 22:13
Not only does the Lord command us to love all our neighbours, He also equips and transforms us to be able to.
Matthew 22:34-40, Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, 33-34, 37, Genesis 1:26-27, 5:1-2, John 13:34-35
From the beginning, God created humanity with a plan to live in and among us. Despite humanity's sinful history, He continues to live among us, showing Himself merciful and gracious, for His Name's sake.
Exodus 33, 34:5-7
Everyone is invited to the greatest of all feasts. And everyone is individually responsible to prepare well for this feast!
Matthew 22:1-14, Psalm 23
While God's gift of Salvation is free, we are responsible to tend it well to see its fruit in our lives.
Matthew 21:33-46, Psalm 80:7-8, Exodus 20:1-4
God is always ready to be found, always ready to answer and always ready to reward.
Matthew 22:28-32, Exodus 17:5-6, 1 Corinthians 10:1-5, Hebrews 11:6, Acts 17:24-27
Jesus' life and message demonstrate His generousity, even to the undeserving, at the same time confronting the envy in our hearts
Matthew 20:1-16, Jonah 3:10-4:11
Like the One who forgave us and reconciled us to our Heavnly Father, we are called to forgive, not despise and to reconcile - this is our ministry of reconciliation.
Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35, Matthew 5:23-24, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
The Son's Bride was designed in the heart of God heart in heaven and made by Him on Earth. He modelled that in the making of Eve from Adam's rib, in the Passover when Israel was made into a nation, and again on the Cross when the Lamb died to make His Bride, the Church! Psalm 149. Exodus 13:1-13, John 9:4
Jesus not only calls us to be His disciples, to pick up their cross and follow Him, but first, He models it to us with His own Radical Obedience Matthew 16:21-28
God loves family unity. Wherever there is unity among the people of God, there, the blessings of God flow Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 133; Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:10-20, 21-28
Jesus, consumed with the Kingdom of Heaven, demonstrated life in the Kingdom through His Radical Love. Matthew 14:13-21, Isaiah 55:1-5, Romans 9:1-5
Moving from a place of restlessness to a place of rest, where we can trust the Lord that He has gone before us to complete the promises he gave us for our lives. We can rest in His presence as God reveals the finished work of the promise. In God’s tangible manifest presence, He allows us to enter into a place where we lack nothing, where we have all that we need and where we have more than enough, as promised in Psalm 23. Psalm 23 - Anchor Passage, Deuteronomy 31:8, 2 Corinthians 1:20, 1 Peter 2:24, Psalm 147:3, James 1:17
As we go through the fog of life, the Word of God is our best guide. Genesis 25:19-34, Psalm 119:105-112, Isaiah 55:10-13, Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13, Romans 8:1-11, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
We are living in the end times. The Church of Christ is on the earth to represent Jesus to a dying world. As beleivers we need to be equipped and prepared for this mission. The enemy is there to make us numb towards the Lord and towards the needs of the people in this world. We need three things to meet these needs: Love, Power and Wisdom. Acts 3:19-21; Ephesians 4:11-12; 2 Timothy 1:7; Luke 10:33-34
When He return, Jesus will judge both Nations and Individuals... make sure you're be ready! Ηebrews 11:16, Psalm 22:27, Acts 17:26-27, Psalm 2:8, Matthew 28:19-20, Matthew 24 and 25, Romans 11:25-27, 2:11
Made of the dust of the Earth, humans have the responsibility over the land and over their own person. Genesis 2:7, Joshua 24, Judges 1-2
"In Scripture, we find three ways that people started to follow Jesus: a. preaching, b. personal introduction from other followers and c. Jesus’ direct invitation Who are you personally introducing Jesus to? John 1:12-13, 35-37, 40-43, 45-46, Acts 2:1,41, 4:4, 31, 5:42, 11:26, 1 Corinthians 11:1
The same Creator God who formed humanity out of the dust of the earth, and breathed the breath of life into Adam's lungs, healed a blind man with mud and breathed on the Disciples for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Genesis 2:7, John 20:22, John 9
City River: One River, Many Streams - We are committed to being a living expression of the river that flows from the throne of God, while also embracing diversity and partnership with other churches and organizations. Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, John 17:21
Jesus of Nazareth, lived, suffered, died, and was resurrected fully as Human. His Spirit, who now lives in us, empowers us to do the same and greater works! Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; Micah 5:3, Hebrews 4:15
Jesus, uniquely, has two natures at the same time: Divinity & Humanity. He is GOD! John 1:1-18; Phil. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-3, Micah 5:2; John 1:4, Mark 2:5-12, John 10:28, 17:2
God loves each person with an infinite love, and He wants to express that love through us. Matthew 22:34-39, John 14:15-21, John 13:36, Colossians 2:15
Humans, given the privilege of carrying the presence and glory of God, can be light in the midst of the darkest of places. Ephesians 5:8
There are many things that war against faith in us; especially true of doubt.
Matt 8:26; Matt 13:58; Matt 17:20; Luke 17:5-6; Matt 14:31; James 1:6-8; Mark 11:23; Matt 9:22; Matt 8:10; Matt 15:28
His presence is your never-ending happy ending. God has rewritten your story to bring justice to you.
Genesis 39:2
God first created a "Space" then filled it, and mandate Humanity to do likewise, individually as well as corporately in order to see the glory of God fill the Earth.
Genesis 1, Exodus 40:34, Numbers 14:20-21, Psalm 19:1, 11:4, Isaiah 6:3, 42:6-7, 66:1, Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians, 6:19, Hebrews 11:6, James 4:8
From before the foundation of the world, Jesus was and remains the eternal Passover Lamb.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26, 33 - Genesis 14:18-20 - Revelation 13:8, 19:19
Mary, the sister of Lazarus, gives us a beautiful portrait of genuine worship. On Palm Sunday, it’s important we take time to examine what motivates us to worship Jesus.
Mark 14:3-9
God has an important plan for your life. It is up to you to carry it out by living in communion with Him.
Ephesians 2:8-10
Kindness says, "You are important; you are not ignored; you are noticed; you are loved." God's kindness to us is an invitation and encouragement for us to also be kind to one another.
James 1:2; Colossians 3:12
Jesus, the Lamb and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, is worthy and shows us the way to victory through weakness.
Revelation 4-5
Being born again allows us to See the Kingdom; being born of water and spirit allows us to enter the Kingdom; and through maturity we inherit the Kingdom.
John 3:3-6; Galatians 5:19-23
"If you forgive, your Heavenly Father will forgive you." Is forgiving a condtion for forgiveness?
Matthew 6:12-15, Mark 11:22-25, Luke 17:1-6. Colossians 3:12-17
Jesus said "No one can enter the Kingdom unless...". Let's have a look at the "Unless"
Matthew 5:17-20, 18:1-4, John 3:1-6
One of the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven is forgiveness. We forgive because we are forgiven.
Ezekiel 20:44, Exodus 25:10-22, John 20:21-23, Matthew 6:12, 14-15,
The keys of the Kingdom of Heaven are for the transofmation of our minds and the freedom of our souls.
Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 6: 22-23, Ephesians 5:123, Ezekiel 20:44, 1 Thessalonians 5:23
The keys of the Kingdom of Heaven that Jesus gave Peter are the keys to our salvation, freedom and maturity.
Matthew 16:13-19, John 21:18, Romans 12:1-2
One year closer to the full manifestation of His Kingdom, Jesus still says "Follow Me!"
Luke 4:16-21, Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 12:1-2
Christmas is a practical expression of God's desire to unite humanity as His family through the incarnation of Jesus.
John 3:16
During the Christmas season, we are reminded that God is faithful to fulfill his promises and prophecies.
Matthew 2:1-6
Joy is a central theme in the Christmas story where we also see examples of obstacles to joy and how to overcome them.
Luke 1:26-50, Matthew 1:18-25 and Matthew 2:1-12.
In this Advent Season, we hope! As we look back to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we wait in hope for His return to fully establish His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
Luke 2:22-33
Water baptism reminds us that we can experience the power of Christ’s new life today, together.
Romans 6:3-5
In this message Ara shows how the story of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels, specifically the first 4 chapters of Matthew, could be our story as well.
Matthew Chapters 1 to 4
What is between the one fruit that we enjoy and the one that comes afterward? It starts with the seed of the fruit that is planted into good soil, which is given water and sun, which then grows into a tree that in turn produces more fruit that we enjoy again. All of these are examples of what happens from the first manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit to mutiplied manifestations of the fruits.
Galatians 5:22; John 12:24
To understand the true significance of the Cross of Christ we need to have a good understanding and appreciate of what sin is. In this message, we get into the depth of the nature of sin at it’s core rather than seeing sin simply as the wrong things that we do. From this point, understanding why the Cross was determined before the creation becomes possible.
John 16:8,9
There are hidden proverbs within the Book of Proverbs. God has very cleverly hidden these so when we search them out, we are delighted and amazed at what He reveals. In this proverb, we see how humility leads to wisdom, just as pride leads to foolishness.
Proverbs 13:10
A model of evangelism from the Bible for today’s North American culture Acts 2:40-41, 2-6; 4:1-4, 3:6-10; 8:4-8; 36-40, 26-30 etc.
Before the creation of the world, God made provision to purchase each of us back from sin and cover us with His glory, so that we can move from glory to glory 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; Genesis 2:18-3:21
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
Communion is an opportunity to express our personal gratitude and celebration for everything Jesus did for us when he died on the cross, was resurrected and returned to heaven victorious. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Holy Spirit guides, encourages and empowers us to live a biblical Christian life
Acts 2:1-4; John 14:16-17; Gal 5:22-23; 1 Cor:12:7-10; Acts 1:8, 4:31; Romans 15:13; Acts9:31; John 14:26
The background of the day of Pentecost is that it was a feast day of Israelites celebrating the day God gave the Law to Israel and the start of the dwelling presence of God among Israel Exodus 19-20
In difficult situations breakthrough comes when we receive Rhema from God. An example from the life of Elijah. 1 Kings 19:1-18
Different kinds of laughter in the Bible Genesis 18:9-12; Genesis 21:5-7; Job 5:21-23; Proverbs 14:11-14; Proverbs 1:24-26
In difficult situations breakthrough comes when we receive Rhema from God John 6:63; Isaiah 40:31
Like Abraham we are to start take possession of the God's promises in faith before we see them fulfilled Genesis 23:1-20; 25:7-11; 49:29-32
We can do distinctly Christian, Kingdom of God things and have fun while we are doing it. We can have more fun than the world doing kingdom stuff. Doing the stuff Jesus did is fun. Nehemiah 8:10; Luke 10:1-2, 8, 17
When we come together and worship God together, something spiritual, supernatural and mystical happens beyond the physical, in which we encounter God together. We encounter God together through worship, hearing His word and doing His word. Hebrews 10:24-25; Mark 7:1-23
When I learn how Jesus relates to people and situations, I can understand how God relates to people and situations in my life. Social Justice; Racism. John 15:15; Luke 9:51-56; John 4:3-10
God set apart times, days and seasons in the beginning of the creation. The Feast of Trumpets is such a time appointed by God to foreshadow the Church being the trumpet in the hands of God. God blows the breath of the Holy Spirit through the Church, calling the world to Himself and the Church becoming an agent of change for the society. Genesis 1:14-15; Leviticus 23:23-25
We can relate to God more fully if we relate to God the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. Our relationship with God will most effectively grow as we see and develop relationship with Jesus John 14:6-9
We must guard our hearts against the posture of accusing and judging. Judgement defiles us. The Lord is asking us to step up and love others as he loves us. Zechariah 3; Proverbs 17:15; Matthew 5
Holy Spirit revelation and God encounters are most relevant when we are telling other people about Jesus Acts 1:8
The context of a bible promise will help us more effectively understand and apply that promise Jeremiah 29:11
When there is pain in our hearts inflicted by people, when we let God show us our own brokenness and sinfulness, and need for God’s grace, then our healing begins. And then our relationships and families can be restored. Then we can receive God’s forgiveness and “forget” our pain, and be receivers and givers of grace. Genesis 45
All the Christians around the world and throughout history.are connected as one. We are a family. God is shaking Lebanon. He has a plan for Lebanon. His light is shining in Lebanon through the Church. A Bride will come out of Lebanon. Isaiah 60:1-3
God’s covenant with a person affects his/her entire the family. Sin of a person affects his/her family. Reconciliation among Egypt, Assyria and Israel; between Armenians and Turks. Forgiveness and mercy are the nature of God. So we are to forgive and have mercy on our enemies. Isaiah 19
When we experience difficulty and uncertainty the Lord is near. We are not to worry. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philipians 4:1-13
Christians do judge actions; Christians do not judge heart intent, motivation or value of another person. Matthew 7:1-6
I should not let my opinions lead me to judge others and hold them in contempt, making them obstacles in my relationship with them, leading to bad relationships. Romans 14:1-3, 13, 15:1-2
Our purpose in life is to love - love God, love others and love ourselves, and to embrace the values of the Kingdom that are about love, acceptance and forgiveness, starting with families.
Psalm 103:13-17. Isaiah 40:6-8. Malachi 4:5-6, Luke 1:16-17. John 14:2-3. Matthew 25:1-5
Meaningful relationship with Father God comes when we are genuine, committed and loving. Jeremiah 29:11-13; Matthew 7:11; 1 John 3:1
As we are joined with God in our spirits, He changes us to love one another. This is the testimony the world needs in the midst of conflict and injustice. James 4:1-12; 1 Corinthians 6:17
God planned that it would be on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit would be poured out on the first Christians. Pentecost in Old Testament times celebrated the covenant between God and the people of Israel as a marriage covenant. Pentecost is a reminder that God enters into a covenant with us.
Acts 2:1
Communion was served by Alvin Koh, Executive Director of MissionGTA (www.missiongta.com)
Jesus’s peace is much more than the world’s idea of peace. The presence of Jesus always restores peace. John 14:27 Communion was served by Samuel and Tamar Albarian
In this time of shaking God wants His children to pay attention to Him our Father. He is removing things which we depend on which are not God Himself . He is preparing us for an unshakable kingdom. Hebrews 12:26-29
Jesus’ calling which is God’s calling for the church and is the character of the kingdom of God Isaiah 61
Communion connects us to the church and believers of the past all the way back to Pentecost, and Jesus and the Disciples’ last supper. Furthermore, communion ties us back to the sacrifices of the first Passover, Abraham, Noah, and Adam and Eve, all of which were foreshadowings of the sacrifice of God the Son for the sins of the whole mankind.
Just as heaven and earth intersected in Jesus 2000 years ago, let us be people through whom the palpable presence of God and its results are experienced by us and the people around us John 1:1-5, 14; Philipians 2:5-8; 1 Samuel 3:19
Are we allowing things from the outside to enter into the inner court of our heart and defile it and lose the peace we are supposed to have?
A 4 step practice to move us from fear to peace. The real issue with fear is trust, that is, who do we trust? Psalm 91
The quality of our faith is determined by the object and the instructor of our faith. Romans 10:17
The key in moving from doubt to faith is to maintain and develop our personal relationship with God. Mark 9:24
To effectively understand and apply the Bible in our life, we must be able to consistently hear God's voice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Thank God for the freedoms we enjoy in Canada. May these freedoms never become our bondages.
Hebrew 11:16
Thank God for the freedoms we enjoy in Canada. May these freedoms never become our bondages. Hebrews 11:16
Prophecy is most impacting when we prophesy from experiencing and communicating God's heart. 1 Corinthians 14:3
As the world battles to go Left or Right, the Church is called to be the Kingdom of God
As Christ shines His light upon us, we in turn become His light in our world. Isaiah 60:1-3
The Relationship God has set in place with humanity is our model for all our relationships.
The God of your Father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob Exodus 3:4-6
The culture we were born and raised in affects how we relate to everything, but the Gospel of Jesus answers all cultures Genesis 3
As the people of the Prince of Peace we walk in a covenant of blessing and are agents of blessing.
Genesis 12:1-2
As we enter the new biblical year 5780 the Lord is wanting to dwell among us in a deeper way
Being a victim is not a life sentence. Every Christian has the grace and power available to receive healing from emotional wounds. John 9:1-5
As we come to the Feast of Trumpets, let us align our spirit, soul and body with the Lord, with one another and with His purposes
True Riches are given to everyone who is faithful to hear, respond, persevere and minister with Holy Spirit 1 Samuel 30:23-24
The way we relate to other Christians when we disagree defines the quality and impact of our testimony. John 13:34-35
Breakthrough and freedom with the issues of money and tiding position us to receive God’s true riches Luke 16:1-13
Entering Canada’s 153 years of confederation and looking at the destiny of the nation Nahum 1; Psalm 72:8
Time to cross over for such time as this season to be alerted to fulfillment of old promises. Joshua 3:2-6 Exodus 14:15-30
Effective spiritual fathers and mothers continually develop relationship with God, for themselves and for others. 1 John 2:12-14
God's promise that the Seed of the woman would crush the head of the Serpent is fulfilled in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. 2 Timothy 3:16
Leading someone to a relationship with Jesus requires us to let Holy Spirit lead us in that process. Romans 10:9-15
Resisting spiritual opposition requires us to totally focus on God's character and promise, and continue to do what God calls us to do.
Nehemiah 4:1-15
Matthew lists five women, mothers of different backgrounds, in the genealogy of Jesus. We can all learn from them.
Matthew 1:1-16
The only way to sustain hope during times of pain, challenge or loss is to have God’s integrity and character be the object of our hope.
Romans 8:28
Our fivefold function is an important indicator of the type of evangelism that is most effective for each person.
Ephesians 4:11
Jesus was raised from death on the third day! God did amazing things throughout scripture on the third day!
As citizens of the Kingdom how do we live in the context of the kingdoms of this world.
Jeremiah 29:4-7
Holy Spirit ministry is the most frequent biblical starting point of evangelism
John 3:1-2
Even in the time of its exile the Lord instructed Israel to be a people of peace and seekers of the peace.
James 3:13-18; Jeremiah 29:4-7