City First Church Messages

Alone time is great… for a while. But we weren't designed to do life alone! We all need a place to belong. Discover how real purpose in life is found within the family of God!

"What is my purpose in life?" We've all asked this question at some point. The truth is, you were designed by your Creator ON purpose and FOR a divine purpose. Pastor Jeremy shows us how to dial into what we were made for!

We celebrate Palm Sunday and Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem for Passover week. Traditionally, Palm Sunday kicks off Holy Week, which are the days leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. These events shaped history and transformed lives forever!

In life, people will always offend us. But you don't have to fall into the trap that's guaranteed to steal your peace and joy– the trap of taking up an offense. It may seem impossible, but Pastor Jeremy explains how you can be unoffendable!

We like an easy, struggle-free life but also want a meaningful life. You simply can't have both. It's time to leave the “comfort trap” and begin fulfilling your God-given purpose!

We are all critics and have also been criticized. If we're not careful, both can turn into toxic traps! Pastor Kyle unpacks several powerful ways to overcome debilitating criticism and stop being so critical.

We've all heard the saying, “Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future.” It's true! At every stage of faith, who we choose to have as our friends matters. Pastor Jen shows us how to have healthy, life-giving friendships.

It's easy to love our friends, but what about the people we don't really like? Pastor Jeremy helps us see, through Jesus' example, how to love those who are tough to love—no likes required.

Parenting is tough! And strong, healthy families don't happen by accident. It takes intentionality. Pastor Lisa Seaton unpacks practical tools for building healthy, Christ-centered family relationships.

Pastors Jeremy and Jen give real-life advice based on their 30+ years together on what it takes to have a healthy marriage. Discover several key principles that can be applied to any relationship.

We all get hurt and offended throughout our lives. But we have a choice: to hold on to the offense or choose to forgive. Forgiveness doesn't erase the hurt that was caused; it's a choice to break free from its grip and not let it run your life!

All relationships are messy. But they don't have to be! So, how do we uncomplicate things? It will take some work, but placing Jesus instead of ourselves at the center of our key relationships is a great place to start.

Pastor Jeremy expands on the theme of the Second Great Awakening– true salvation should lead to a transformed life, which, in turn, should inspire social change. As God changes you, that change changes the world around you!

Pastor Jeremy kicks off our new series, “Awaken,” with an important reminder– God wants a very real and personal relationship with each one of us. God doesn't merely want to help us behave better in 2025; He wants to bring a fresh work of His spirit into our hearts and revival into our souls!

Pastor Lisa reflects on this past year and celebrates the amazing things God has done in and through City First Church!

Christmas reminds us of God's unconditional love for us. God sent His Son to be the light of the world– to be our Rescuer! If you come into the light, you will find a Savior who will rescue you from sin, and bring hope, no matter what you are going through.

Pastor Jen reminds us of this beautiful truth– Christmas means that Love came down to Earth. Jesus, the Son of God, came down from heaven to connect with us on a very real and personal level!

When people are weary, God's people show up with faith, generosity, and with eternity in mind. This Legacy Weekend, we celebrate what God did in 2024 through your generosity while believing for even greater things in 2025!

We all understand that Christmas can be complicated. There is often a gap between our reality and our expectations of the Christmas season. Pastor Lisa Season explains how we have a unique opportunity to invite God into our mess, surrender the chaos, and embrace joy during the holidays!

Generosity actually gives you joy and happiness! Joyful generosity does not come from giving out of abundance but from giving out of gratitude. Pastor Jeremy encourages us to choose to be generous even when gratitude feels impossible because when we give, people's stories are changed!

We are natural-born takers, not givers. You have to train yourself to be generous in life. Pastor Jeremy unpacks the core reasons why we're called to be generous. To feel good about ourselves isn't why we give; generosity unlocks a rich and fruitful life! Obedient giving constantly reminds us that God is our source, not money.

Charlotte Gambill kicks off our new series, “A Life That Gives,” with not just an ordinary message about generosity. The way to increase your life is by releasing your life to make a difference for eternity. God wants to use you to do extraordinary things no matter how ordinary you may feel!

What does Jesus want in this election? Ultimately, Jesus wants the Church to be united and live the way He called us to live. No matter who wins or loses, our mission will remain the same– to introduce everyone to Jesus and teach them to follow Him. Pastor Jeremy gives some helpful tools on what should inform our voting in the upcoming election, and be encouraged that no matter who is elected, Christ will ALWAYS be King!

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to control everything in your life—your schedule, relationships, or even what others think of you? In this message, Pastor Lisa Seaton breaks down the illusion of control using the movie Jurassic Park as a fun yet powerful metaphor. Just like trying to control dinosaurs is impossible, we often try to control things that are far beyond our reach. There's a difference between trying to control everything around us versus exercising self-control—a fruit of the Spirit. It's not about giving up but about learning to trust God with what's out of your hands and focusing on what you can control: your attitude, actions, and faith.

In this fun and meaningful message, Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt explores *Nacho Libre* and the true story of a priest who became a wrestler to support orphans. We're reminded of the power of impacting ONE LIFE at a time. Your career may be temporary, but the influence you have on others can make an eternal difference. So who's your ONE LIFE?

We're keeping the “At The Movies” series going with an encouraging message from Pastor Jen DeWeerdt! This week, we'll take a look into the inspiring underdog story of *The Boys in the Boat* and discover some powerful spiritual lessons along the way. Just like the 1936 rowing team beat the odds, we'll see how Jesus calls ordinary people—like us—to trust Him in extraordinary ways. Through the story of Simon Peter's miraculous catch of fish, we're reminded that God often uses what we already have and invites us to step into the “deep waters” of faith, where the impossible becomes possible. Are you ready to trust Him and take that step?

If you've ever felt like giving up or wondered why life feels like a battle, check out this message from Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt. Discover how the story of one of the biggest motion pictures of our time mirrors the spiritual battles we all face! We each have struggles, temptations, and trials—but God equips us with spiritual armor and the power of community to stand strong.

Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety? You're not alone. In this week's message, Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt explores the powerful themes from the movie *Inside Out 2* and how they relate to the real-life battle many of us face with anxiety. Just as the characters in the movie navigate their emotions, we often find anxiety trying to take control. But there's hope! Join us as we discuss the rise of anxiety in today's culture, what the Bible really says about it, and practical ways to overcome it through faith. Discover how worship, a shift in perspective, and understanding God's greater story for your life can help you face anxiety head-on.

Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt dives into the incredible story of Gideon and his 300 men, who defied the odds and defeated a massive army using nothing but trumpets, clay jars, and torches. Learn how Gideon's faith and creativity led to an impossible victory, and discover how his story can inspire you to face your own battles, no matter how overwhelming they seem. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, addiction, or any other challenge, Gideon's example shows that you already have what you need to overcome—with faith, resourcefulness, and the right community by your side.

Have you ever been paralyzed by fear, only to wonder how some people seem to charge forward despite their doubts? In this message, Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt dives deep into the reality of fear, not as something to avoid, but as something to confront head-on. Drawing inspiration from the story of Gideon,we explore how even the most reluctant heroes, filled with hesitation, can still accomplish incredible things when they choose to act despite their fears. Discover practical steps to conquer your fears and step into the life God has called you to, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Love a good underdog story? Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt draws parallels from history making champions to one biblical underdog with the odds stacked against him. What's the one thing they had in common? They were not slated to succeed and yet they overcame. So who do you listen to? The naysayers and critics? Discover how God uses unlikely people to achieve extraordinary things. This message will remind you that your future is in God's hands—and He sees the hero in you.

Ever feel like you're stuck in a dark room, waiting for the picture to develop? Waiting is tough—whether in a grocery line, a parking lot, or for that perfect cup of coffee. Our culture hates waiting! In today's message, Pastor Lisa Seaton wraps up our series on the Miracles of Jesus by exploring the challenge of waiting. Whether it's for healing, reconciliation, a better job, or a significant other, we all face it. Through the story of Lazarus, discover how God's delays are for our benefit and His glory.

Join us as Derek Staaland takes us through an incredible biblical account, where Jesus turns an ordinary day into an extraordinary encounter. Discover how one man's simple act of trust led to a life-changing moment, and how Jesus meets us right where we are, knowing exactly what miracle we need.

Faith often defies our human logic. We crave explanations and insight, but that doesn't stop Jesus from working in miraculous ways, often beyond what we can see. Join Pastor Chris Durso as he unpacks the incredible story of a man born blind and reveals the life-changing truth that Jesus is still performing miracles today.

The gospels are full of stories documenting Jesus's miracles—healing bodies and raising the dead—but what if there was a miracle more profound than that? Our friend Ryan Leak kicked off the first week of our new series with a powerful word that will jumpstart your faith and renew your belief in the miraculous.

When Jesus asks a question, He's ready to give an answer that can transform your life. In the final message of our series, “Questions Jesus Asked,” Pastor Kyle Rodgers delivers a powerful sermon that can truly change your story – but it requires action from you. Are you tired of the same old routine? Eager for change? Praying for a miracle? It's time to get up and walk! Don't miss this life-changing message.

Pastor Jen DeWeerdt's message, "Who Do YOU Say I Am?", dives deep into one of Jesus' most profound questions about His identity. Imagine Jesus sitting with His disciples, asking them to reflect on who they believe He truly is. Peter's bold declaration that Jesus is the Messiah isn't just a statement—it's a life-changing realization. This message will remind us all that recognizing Jesus as the Son of God can transform every part of our lives.

Worry is rampant. From finances to family, politics to your purpose, there's plenty to worry about. But Jesus posed a poignant question. Join us as Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt takes a deeper look at this one question, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” We'll dive into a long held truth that anything you give your attention to, you empower. So where's your focus?

Let's face it, we all mess up. We fall short, we disappoint. Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt walks us through the story of Peter, a man, who like many of us, missed the mark and ran back to his old way of life. But Jesus meets him right where he is at. And He's doing the same for us today. Lean in and listen as we hear another one of the questions Jesus asked. 00:19 - Questions Jesus Asks 01:05 - The Saint and Sinners: Peter 04:06 - The Story of Peter 08:39 - Expectations in Life 15:33 - Jesus' Love for His Disciples 21:36 - Jesus' Love for the People 25:47 - Jesus Meets Me Where I Am 28:17 - Jesus Reminds Peter of His Love 33:39 - How to Realize You're a Failure 36:35 - Peter and His Track Record 39:21 - Post-sermon ------------------------------------------ Need PRAYER? https://cityfirst.church/prayer Ready to ACCEPT Jesus into your life? https://my.cityfirst.church/acceptjesus SUPPORT our Mission: https://cityfirst.church/give SHARE your Story: https://my.cityfirst.church/shareyour... SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to receive all new content! City First Church exists to be a movement of God's Love so that Cities are Full of Hope and People are Full of Purpose! Find Hope and Connection wherever you are with our City First App! Download it Today! https://www.cityfirst.church/app/ #cityfirstchurch #hope #purpose #God #Jesus

We live in a chaotic world, and it takes a toll on our mental health. Our minds are constantly racing, leaving us unable to find peace. But there must be a better way. Pastor Lisa Seaton gives us the practical keys and biblical wisdom to cultivate a sound mind.

Are you tired of the endless pursuit of happiness, peace, and control? Fear often drives us to seek fulfillment in all the wrong places and people, turning them into idols along the way. But what if there's a better way? Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt is here to show us how to break free from the grip of these false gods and give Jesus the rightful place He deserves in our lives.

The grass isn't always greener, but comparison distracts us from seeing God's goodness in our own lives. It's possible that God is at work, but you're just turned in the wrong direction. So where are you looking? Pastor Jen DeWeerdt shares a powerful message that gets us focused on the right things so we don't miss out!