City United Church Podcast

Follow City United Church Podcast
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Messages from City United Church in Massachusetts. Visit us at www.cityunited.church

City United Church


    • May 18, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 344 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from City United Church Podcast with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from City United Church Podcast

    "Goodbye Burdens"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2025 27:59


    In his sermon, Pastor Pencil addresses the theme of burden-bearing by exploring Psalm 55 and encouraging the congregation to cast their cares upon God. He opens by acknowledging the overwhelming weight of life's burdens that many face and emphasizes that we were not designed to carry them alone. Using King David's experiences during Absalom's rebellion as a backdrop, Pastor Pencil illustrates how even in moments of betrayal and strife, individuals can find relief by transferring their burdens to Jesus. He highlights that the resurrection of Jesus is a testament to God's love and capability to sustain us through trials. The core message of the sermon is encapsulated in the phrase, "Don't pick up what Jesus put down," reminding the audience that by releasing their burdens to God through persistent and faithful prayer, they can attain peace and support. Throughout the sermon, Pastor Pencil shares personal anecdotes and scriptural references, reinforcing the idea that God actively delivers us from our burdens and provides stability amid life's storms. He invites the congregation to identify their specific burdens, to practice casting them in prayer, and to trust in God's sustaining presence even when circumstances seem unchanged. Ultimately, Pastor Pencil concludes by urging everyone to not only cast their burdens upon the Lord but to cultivate a relationship with Him, leading to a life free from the weight of unmanageable burdens.

    "Goodbye Insecurity"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2025 29:04


    Pastor Pencil emphasizes the importance of saying goodbye to insecurity in his sermon, reminding us that comparison can distract us from our unique calling. He uses Peter's conversation with Jesus as an illustration, highlighting how insecurity can lead to questioning God's fairness. The speaker encourages the congregation to focus on their individual relationship with Jesus and to confidently follow Him without being sidetracked by others' paths. Ultimately, Pastor Pencil calls for personal reflection, urging everyone to activate divine confidence by embracing their God-given assignments.

    "Goodbye Regrets"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2025 24:52


    In the sermon, Pastor Gary addresses the theme of regrets as part of the "Goodbye" series. He emphasizes the pervasive nature of regret, particularly experienced during moments of loss, like funerals, where people often reflect on what they wish they had done differently. Using the story of Peter from John chapter 21, who denied Jesus three times, the pastor illustrates the weight of regret and the possibility for healing and restoration. He highlights that regret often pulls us back to familiar patterns and robs our efforts of power, causing us to retreat to what feels safe. However, he reassures the congregation that Jesus meets us in our failures and offers a path to restoration. Pastor Gary cites several steps to help navigate regret: identifying where we retreat to old habits, receiving Jesus's restoration, accepting our past mistakes as part of God's purpose, and moving forward despite the cost that following Jesus may entail. He concludes by reinforcing that we are not defined by our failures but by the love and purpose God has for us. The takeaway message is clear: it's time to say goodbye to regrets, embrace God's grace, and step into the new life ahead.

    "Goodbye Old Identity"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2025 28:46


    "Goodbye Fear"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2025 24:03


    In Pastor Gary's Easter sermon, he focuses on the theme of new beginnings and the transformative power of the resurrection of Jesus. He emphasizes that Easter signifies not just a fresh start but a complete reboot of our lives through Christ. Referencing 2 Corinthians 5:17, he explains that those who are in Christ become new creations, shedding their old selves and embracing a new purpose filled with hope and courage. The central message revolves around overcoming fear, which often prevents individuals from experiencing their true potential. Pastor Gary notes that while fear isolates and paralyzes us, the resurrection of Jesus breaks through those barriers, offering us peace and a mission.Throughout the sermon, Pastor Gary provides insights on how fear can hinder our relationships and actions, and highlights the importance of inviting Jesus into our fears. He illustrates how, after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, calming their fears with His presence and offering them peace. He discusses the empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit, equipping believers to live boldly and spread the message of forgiveness and reconciliation. Ultimately, Pastor Gary encourages the congregation to confront their fears and to embrace the peace, purpose, and power that Jesus provides, reminding them that fear cannot control the peace of Jesus. The sermon concludes with a call to faith, inviting those who may not yet know Jesus to seek Him for strength and salvation.

    "Who Is This Man?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2025 33:45


    In Pastor Pencil's sermon for Palm Sunday, he addresses the question, "Who is this man?" Referring to Jesus, the speaker emphasizes that this question has been asked for over two millennia and is still relevant today. He uses the biblical passage from John 12:12-19, which recounts Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowd hails Him as king while the Pharisees express their fears about losing their influence, showcasing the stark contrast between the people's cany belief and the leaders' skepticism. Pastor Pencil underscores that Jesus is not just a prophet or a teacher but is indeed Emmanuel, Messiah, and our eternal King.Throughout the sermon, Pastor Pencil elaborates on various aspects of Jesus' identity, from being a prophet and a teacher to the suffering servant and the risen Savior. He highlights significant moments in Jesus' life, including the miracles He performed and the prophecies that foretold His coming. The sermon culminates in a personal challenge for the congregation: to explore their own understanding of who Jesus is, urging them to move from head knowledge to heart knowledge and to recognize Him as their Savior. In closing, he invites those who wish to accept Jesus into their lives to pray, offering a pathway to deeper faith and understanding.

    "How Can We Resist Worldliness?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 31:20


    In his sermon, Pastor Pencil continues the "Live Out Loud" series by exploring how to resist worldliness, using James Chapter 4 as the primary text. He emphasizes that total submission to God is crucial in combating worldliness, which often leads to conflicts and desires that distract from faith. The pastor warns against the pride and criticism that stem from worldly behaviors, reminding the congregation that judgment belongs to God alone. He concludes by urging everyone to actively submit to God and surrender their lives, encouraging a deeper relationship with Him through humility and prayer.

    "How Do We Persevere in Faith?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2025 35:25


    Pastor Gary concludes the sermon series on "Live Out Loud" by emphasizing the importance of persevering in faith, especially during life's challenging moments. He reviews key lessons from the book of James, stressing the need for generosity, patience, strong relationships, and a vibrant prayer life to navigate trials effectively. He also encourages the congregation to trust God through tensions and transitions, reminding them that faith in action is vital. Ultimately, he challenges everyone to live out their faith boldly and rely on God's faithfulness in every situation.

    "Where Does Our Wisdom Come From?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2025 37:05


    In his sermon, Ralph Batykefer continues the series "Live Out Loud," emphasizing the importance of taking action in faith and highlighting a devotional titled "Road to Joy" that serves as preparation for Easter. He stresses that God is already at work, and believers are called to participate in that divine activity, thus bringing blessings to themselves and others. Ralph takes inspiration from the book of James, particularly James 1:22, which urges believers to be "doers of the word," showing that faith is more than mere belief—it's about how we live and interact with others. Ralph discusses the concept of wisdom, distinguishing between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. He cites James 3:13-18 to illustrate that true wisdom is seen through good conduct, gentleness, and mercy, while worldly wisdom is characterized by selfish ambition and disorder. He encourages the congregation to seek God's wisdom actively, showing that it leads to righteousness and peace. Ralph concludes with a call to action, urging attendees to seek a deeper relationship with God, embrace his wisdom, and share their faith authentically in every aspect of life. The message culminates in a prayer, inviting anyone who has not accepted Jesus as their Savior to begin that journey.

    "How Can We Tame Our Tongues?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2025 29:43


    Pastor Pencil welcomed everyone to City United, expressing excitement about the warm weather and the sermon series titled "Live Out Loud," which focuses on the book of James. This week's message centers on the importance of taming our tongues, emphasizing that the heart is the key to right speech, as our words reflect our true selves. Through illustrations and scripture, Pastor Pencil highlighted the destructive power of words and the necessity for self-control, urging the congregation to surrender their speech to God for transformation. In closing, he encouraged everyone to examine their hearts and consider surrendering their lives to Jesus to bring their tongues under His control.

    "Is Our Faith Alive?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2025 24:14


    In this week's message, Pastor Gary focuses on the theme of "Is Our Faith Alive?" through a deep dive into the Book of James, specifically the second half of chapter 2. He emphasizes that true faith is not merely about belief but must translate into action. Using James 1:22 as a foundational verse—"be doers of the word and not hearers only"—Pastor Gary challenges the congregation to reflect on their faith and asks whether it is active or stagnant. He urges believers to move beyond empty words and to acknowledge their faith through actions that help others in need, showcasing how genuine faith always responds with compassion. Pastor Gary outlines four key points regarding active faith: it requires acknowledgment, demands action, involves sacrifice, and ultimately reveals true salvation. He illustrates these concepts with examples from Scripture, such as the faith of Abraham and Rahab, highlighting that real faith often comes at a cost and sometimes means stepping outside one's comfort zone. Pastor Gary encourages his audience to actively engage in service within their community, thereby displaying God's character to the world around them. He wraps up with a call to prayer, urging attendees to reflect on their walk with Jesus and consider how they can put their faith into action, ultimately ensuring their faith is alive and impactful.

    "Do We Show Favoritism in Our Faith?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 30:47


    In this week's sermon by Pastor Gary, titled "Real Faith Doesn't Have Favorites," he emphasizes the call from the Book of James to actively live out one's faith without favoritism. Drawing from James 1:22, Pastor Gary stresses that faith should be expressive and not merely internalized, highlighting the dangerous trend of showing favoritism, particularly in contexts like the church where equality among members should prevail. He describes how favoritism permeates various aspects of society, influencing interactions and judgments based on external factors such as wealth or appearance. He then urges the congregation to recognize this tendency in their lives and to confront their prejudices, asserting that everyone holds intrinsic value in God's eyes, regardless of their social standing. Pastor Gary further emphasizes the need for Christians to reflect God's values of love and acceptance, advocating for a church environment that welcomes all and prioritizes grace over judgment. He highlights that real faith calls for equal treatment and compassion, reinforcing that favoritism is sin. To combat this, he encourages self-examination and active efforts to treat others inclusively. The sermon culminates in a challenge for the congregation to release any biases they hold and to embrace God's unconditional love, reminding believers that faith without favoritism mirrors the true essence of following Christ. Ultimately, the message is a powerful call to embody love, grace, and unity in a divided world.

    "How Can Trials Strengthen Our Faith?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 26:51


    Pastor Gary kicked off a new collection of talks called "Live Out Loud," focusing on the Book of James and emphasizing the call for believers to actively live out their faith. He highlights that trials are not merely setbacks but opportunities for growth, encouraging the congregation to view struggles as a means to strengthen their faith and develop endurance. Pastor Gary underscores the importance of seeking wisdom through prayer during challenging times, reminding us that God tests us to bring out the best in us, while temptation comes from our own desires. Ultimately, he encourages everyone to embrace trials as part of God's transformation process, leading to a deeper understanding and practice of their faith.

    "Super Vision Sunday 2025"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2025 32:58


    It's Super Vision Weekend! A time when we pause and celebrate what God has done during the past year and focus on what's ahead. As we look to multiply our church in 2025, it will be important to maintain a proper focus as we ask God to use our church to make a more significant Kingdom impact.“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 As we focus on multiplying our church for the future, we must remain faithful to our God-given vision and mission.

    "Multiply Our Giving"

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2025 34:07


    Pastor Pencil emphasizes the importance of being part of a movement larger than ourselves, built on God's ability to multiply our efforts. He challenges the congregation to lead with open hands, contributing their time, talents, treasures, and voice to God's work in the world. Using the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, he illustrates how even small contributions, coupled with faith and obedience, can lead to abundant outcomes. The sermon concludes with a call to evaluate personal giving and trust in God's faithfulness to multiply efforts for His glory.

    "Multiply In Our Community"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2025 29:41


    Pastor Gary's message emphasizes the importance of recognizing our "sent identity" within our communities, highlighting that we are not merely present in these places but placed there by God to make a difference. He encourages the congregation to embody unity through collaboration, reflecting on Jesus' prayer in John 17 about the impact of our collective mission. To achieve this, Pastor Gary outlines four key actions: embrace our identity, connect with others purposefully, create movements for multiplication, and transform our communities through mission-driven unity. Ultimately, he calls on everyone to live out their faith in everyday interactions, fostering genuine relationships and serving others to spread the gospel.

    "Multiply Your Perspective"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2025 29:22


    Pastor Gary emphasizes the importance of starting the new year with a focus on prayer and alignment through a 21-day fast, encouraging the congregation to download the Multiply prayer guide. He introduces the growth collection titled "Multiply Everywhere in Every Place," aimed at exploring God's multiplication principles that extend beyond numerical growth to impact lives and communities. By sharing examples of historical figures who sparked transformation, he inspires the church to see their potential for greatness and engage in discipleship that leads to broader movements of faith. Ultimately, he calls the congregation to shift their perspectives, embrace abundance thinking, and take personal responsibility to multiply their influence for Christ in the world.

    Stepping Into 2025 (Standalone)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 36:37


    In Pastor Pencil's New Year sermon for 2025, he welcomes the congregation to City United with excitement for what God has planned in the coming year. He emphasizes the importance of the upcoming sermon series titled "Multiply" and encourages everyone to engage in the 21 days of prayer and fasting. Central to his message is the theme that prayer is vital for spiritual growth and action. He shares a quote from Pastor Gary, reminding the congregation to "keep our eyes on the mission and not the madness," urging them to love God and their neighbors. Pastor Pencil uses Colossians 4:2-6 as a key scripture, stressing the significance of communication with God through prayer and with others through interpersonal interactions. The pastor articulates that effective prayer life should be devoted, watchful, and filled with gratitude, encouraging members to actively engage in meaningful prayer rather than casual or complacent expressions. He also highlights the importance of horizontal communication—how we engage with outsiders through our actions and words—stressing that both dimensions must align for effective witness and growth in the faith community. He concludes with a call to strengthen communication with God and each other, inviting those who are seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus to take the first step towards faith. Pastor Pencil's message serves as both an encouragement and a challenge to begin the new year with a renewed commitment to prayer and community outreach.

    "The Perfect Start -- Jesus Will Guide Us"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2024 21:11


    In his sermon, Pastor Gary encourages the congregation to embrace the New Year as an opportunity for spiritual transformation and growth. He emphasizes the importance of releasing past burdens to make way for a renewed self, aligning one's actions with God's kingdom impact, and nurturing spiritual disciplines. Pastor Gary highlights that change often comes from small, consistent steps and the need for a supportive community to foster resilience. He concludes by inviting everyone to consider their next step toward God's vision for their lives, reminding them that a new year has the potential to bring a new you through faith and commitment.

    "The Perfect Presence -- Jesus Is Life in Us"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 28:41


    Pastor Gary welcomes the congregation and reflects on the chaotic, often stressful experience of preparing for Christmas, reminding us that the season should center on Jesus and the transformation he brings to our lives. He contrasts the emptiness of Christmas without Jesus—marked by exhaustion and joylessness—with the abundant life found in embracing him. Highlighting the importance of connection and reflection during the holidays, he emphasizes that true meaning comes from recognizing Christ's presence in our lives. Concluding with a call to action, he invites everyone to trust Jesus more deeply this Christmas, emphasizing that Christianity is not about trying harder, but trusting deeper.

    "The Perfect Authority -- Jesus Is Over Us"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024 34:07


    Pastor Pencil's sermon focuses on the true meaning of Christmas by emphasizing the importance of surrendering to Jesus as the perfect authority in our lives. He highlights that while traditions can enrich the season, they should not overshadow the celebration of Christ's birth and the joy that comes from a relationship with Him. The sermon points out that true joy and transformation come when we relinquish control, allowing Jesus to guide us, as His authority is rooted in love, humility, and healing. Ultimately, Pastor Pencil encourages everyone to embrace this profound gift of Christmas, offering a path to peace and purpose through surrendering to Jesus.

    "The Perfect Purpose -- Jesus Came for Us"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024 24:40


    Pastor Gary highlights the importance of focusing on the true meaning of Christmas amidst the busyness of the season. He emphasizes that Jesus came not just to improve lives but to give new life to those spiritually dead, transforming us from the inside out. By recognizing our deeper need for divine power rather than superficial fixes, we can embrace God's plan for our lives. Ultimately, he encourages us through the message of grace and hope, reminding us that the purpose of Christmas is to celebrate the life and love Jesus brings to us.

    "The Perfect Picture -- Jesus Came to Us"

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 26:50


    Pastor Gary shares the significance of Christmas, emphasizing that it should be a time of reflection and deeper connection with Jesus rather than just a season of busyness and superficial traditions. He highlights that God didn't merely send a message but sent Himself in the form of Jesus to restore our relationship with Him, showcasing His love and heart through His actions, words, and presence on earth. As we approach Christmas, Pastor encourages us to move from mere activity to genuine transformation by inviting Jesus into our lives and allowing Him to help us navigate our fears, doubts, and messiness. Ultimately, he urges everyone to make room for Jesus this Christmas, recognizing that the true essence of the holiday lies in His presence amongst us.

    "Reversing Thoughts on God"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2024 37:25


    Have you ever wished for a do-over in life? Imagine if we could reverse the clock, armed with the wisdom we've gained through years of experience and faith in God. By examining life through a reversed lens, we can inspire a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to leaving a legacy that honors our Creator.“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:13-14In this collection, we will explore biblical wisdom and practical insights from the book of Ecclesiastes that challenge us to live intentionally, making the most of every moment God has given us. We'll see how understanding God's divine order can transform our choices and future paths.

    "Reversing Thoughts on Authority"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2024 32:45


    Have you ever wished for a do-over in life? Imagine if we could reverse the clock, armed with the wisdom we've gained through years of experience and faith in God. By examining life through a reversed lens, we can inspire a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to leaving a legacy that honors our Creator.“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:13-14In this collection, we will explore biblical wisdom and practical insights from the book of Ecclesiastes that challenge us to live intentionally, making the most of every moment God has given us. We'll see how understanding God's divine order can transform our choices and future paths.

    "Reversing Thoughts on Wisdom"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2024 32:03


    Have you ever wished for a do-over in life? Imagine if we could reverse the clock, armed with the wisdom we've gained through years of experience and faith in God. By examining life through a reversed lens, we can inspire a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to leaving a legacy that honors our Creator.“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:13-14In this collection, we will explore biblical wisdom and practical insights from the book of Ecclesiastes that challenge us to live intentionally, making the most of every moment God has given us. We'll see how understanding God's divine order can transform our choices and future paths.

    "Reversing Thoughts on Wealth"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 36:18


    Have you ever wished for a do-over in life? Imagine if we could reverse the clock, armed with the wisdom we've gained through years of experience and faith in God. By examining life through a reversed lens, we can inspire a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to leaving a legacy that honors our Creator.“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:13-14In this collection, we will explore biblical wisdom and practical insights from the book of Ecclesiastes that challenge us to live intentionally, making the most of every moment God has given us. We'll see how understanding God's divine order can transform our choices and future paths.

    "Reversing Thoughts on Friendships"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2024 33:20


    Have you ever wished for a do-over in life? Imagine if we could reverse the clock, armed with the wisdom we've gained through years of experience and faith in God. By examining life through a reversed lens, we can inspire a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to leaving a legacy that honors our Creator.“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:13-14In this collection, we will explore biblical wisdom and practical insights from the book of Ecclesiastes that challenge us to live intentionally, making the most of every moment God has given us. We'll see how understanding God's divine order can transform our choices and future paths.

    "Reversing Thoughts on Time"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024 31:32


    Have you ever wished for a do-over in life? Imagine if we could reverse the clock, armed with the wisdom we've gained through years of experience and faith in God. By examining life through a reversed lens, we can inspire a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to leaving a legacy that honors our Creator.“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 3:13-14In this collection, we will explore biblical wisdom and practical insights from the book of Ecclesiastes that challenge us to live intentionally, making the most of every moment God has given us. We'll see how understanding God's divine order can transform our choices and future paths.

    "Pillar #5: The Inerrancy of Scripture"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2024 24:00


    What keeps our faith strong when things around us seem to be collapsing? The five foundations of the Christian faith uphold Christianity, like strong columns supporting a grand building. These five fundamental truths form the foundation for what we believe as Christians. They are essential to our faith, and we are to defend them with our lives. Understanding these pillars not only strengthens our own beliefs, but also helps us explain our faith to others.“If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3 (KJV)In this collection, we will look at the five foundations of the Christian faith and how they bring us hope and form a solid foundation for our lives.

    "Pillar #4: The Second Coming"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2024 32:06


    What keeps our faith strong when things around us seem to be collapsing? The five foundations of the Christian faith uphold Christianity, like strong columns supporting a grand building. These five fundamental truths form the foundation for what we believe as Christians. They are essential to our faith, and we are to defend them with our lives. Understanding these pillars not only strengthens our own beliefs, but also helps us explain our faith to others.“If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3 (KJV)In this collection, we will look at the five foundations of the Christian faith and how they bring us hope and form a solid foundation for our lives.

    "Pillar #3: The Resurrection"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2024 24:51


    What keeps our faith strong when things around us seem to be collapsing? The five foundations of the Christian faith uphold Christianity, like strong columns supporting a grand building. These five fundamental truths form the foundation for what we believe as Christians. They are essential to our faith, and we are to defend them with our lives. Understanding these pillars not only strengthens our own beliefs, but also helps us explain our faith to others.“If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3 (KJV)In this collection, we will look at the five foundations of the Christian faith and how they bring us hope and form a solid foundation for our lives.

    "Pillar #2: The Crucifixion"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2024 28:47


    What keeps our faith strong when things around us seem to be collapsing? The five foundations of the Christian faith uphold Christianity, like strong columns supporting a grand building. These five fundamental truths form the foundation for what we believe as Christians. They are essential to our faith, and we are to defend them with our lives. Understanding these pillars not only strengthens our own beliefs, but also helps us explain our faith to others.“If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3 (KJV)In this collection, we will look at the five foundations of the Christian faith and how they bring us hope and form a solid foundation for our lives.

    "Pillar #1: The Virgin Birth"

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2024 24:29


    What keeps our faith strong when things around us seem to be collapsing? The five foundations of the Christian faith uphold Christianity, like strong columns supporting a grand building. These five fundamental truths form the foundation for what we believe as Christians. They are essential to our faith, and we are to defend them with our lives. Understanding these pillars not only strengthens our own beliefs, but also helps us explain our faith to others.“If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3 (KJV)In this collection, we will look at the five foundations of the Christian faith and how they bring us hope and form a solid foundation for our lives.

    "Empowered to Answer the Call"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 29:06


    Being On Mission is being empowered by Jesus to share the Gospel with the people around us and all over the world. To do this we must tap into Jesus' limitless strength and wisdom, surrendering our will and allowing His power to work through us. When we are empowered by Jesus for the Gospel, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that His purpose for our life is greater than we can imagine.“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 (NKJV)                                              In this collection, we will look at what it means to be On Mission here, near, and far.

    "Empowered to Obey Locally"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 29:12


    Being On Mission is being empowered by Jesus to share the Gospel with the people around us and all over the world. To do this we must tap into Jesus' limitless strength and wisdom, surrendering our will and allowing His power to work through us. When we are empowered by Jesus for the Gospel, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that His purpose for our life is greater than we can imagine.“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 (NKJV)                                              In this collection, we will look at what it means to be On Mission here, near, and far.

    "On Mission Regionally w/ Disaster Relief"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 30:35


    Being On Mission is being empowered by Jesus to share the Gospel with the people around us and all over the world. To do this we must tap into Jesus' limitless strength and wisdom, surrendering our will and allowing His power to work through us. When we are empowered by Jesus for the Gospel, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that His purpose for our life is greater than we can imagine.“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 (NKJV)                                              In this collection, we will look at what it means to be On Mission here, near, and far.

    "Empowered to Share God's Love"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2024 36:49


    Being On Mission is being empowered by Jesus to share the Gospel with the people around us and all over the world. To do this we must tap into Jesus' limitless strength and wisdom, surrendering our will and allowing His power to work through us. When we are empowered by Jesus for the Gospel, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that His purpose for our life is greater than we can imagine.“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 (NKJV)                                              In this collection, we will look at what it means to be On Mission here, near, and far.

    "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: The Value of Accountable Friendships"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2024 30:53


    When you hear someone say, “That's old school!”, they are probably referring to something from an earlier era or something they think is “old-fashioned.” However, the phrase “old school” was originally used to suggest a high regard for something shown to have lasting value or quality.In this collection we will look at the lives of some timeless figures from the Old Testament. Though ancient, their stories hold profound relevance for our lives today, offering us insight through their guiding values.“These things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:11-12Get ready to dig into the archives of time and learn some valuable lessons on how we are to live in these ever-changing times.

    "Saul: The Cost of Pride and Jealousy"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2024 31:57


    When you hear someone say, “That's old school!”, they are probably referring to something from an earlier era or something they think is “old-fashioned.” However, the phrase “old school” was originally used to suggest a high regard for something shown to have lasting value or quality.In this collection we will look at the lives of some timeless figures from the Old Testament. Though ancient, their stories hold profound relevance for our lives today, offering us insight through their guiding values.“These things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:11-12Get ready to dig into the archives of time and learn some valuable lessons on how we are to live in these ever-changing times.

    "Esther: The Pressure of Doing What's Right"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 31:14


    When you hear someone say, “That's old school!”, they are probably referring to something from an earlier era or something they think is “old-fashioned.” However, the phrase “old school” was originally used to suggest a high regard for something shown to have lasting value or quality.In this collection we will look at the lives of some timeless figures from the Old Testament. Though ancient, their stories hold profound relevance for our lives today, offering us insight through their guiding values.“These things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our instruction, on whom the ends of the ages have come. 12So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:11-12Get ready to dig into the archives of time and learn some valuable lessons on how we are to live in these ever-changing times.

    "I Am Not the Right Person for the Job"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2024 34:41


    Many people think potential comes from good genes or enormous talent. But as Christians we know that God is the master builder of our lives. Moses was a person in the Bible who doubted his potential even though he was called by God to be a great leader. Instead of stepping into his potential, he made excuses for why he couldn't lead, only to later look back on his life and realize that God had done incredible things in and through him.“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter 25and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin. 26For he considered reproach for the sake of Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since he was looking ahead to the reward.”—Hebrews 11:24-26Come and discover the life lessons of spiritual leadership as God develops Moses to his full potential. By looking at Moses' life, we can learn how to unmask the excuses in our lives that keep us from reaching our potential.In this collection, we will look at the excuses that almost prevented Moses from accomplishing all that God asked of Him.

    "I Can't Communicate Well"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2024 34:41


    Many people think potential comes from good genes or enormous talent. But as Christians we know that God is the master builder of our lives. Moses was a person in the Bible who doubted his potential even though he was called by God to be a great leader. Instead of stepping into his potential, he made excuses for why he couldn't lead, only to later look back on his life and realize that God had done incredible things in and through him.“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter 25and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin. 26For he considered reproach for the sake of Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since he was looking ahead to the reward.”—Hebrews 11:24-26Come and discover the life lessons of spiritual leadership as God develops Moses to his full potential. By looking at Moses' life, we can learn how to unmask the excuses in our lives that keep us from reaching our potential.In this collection, we will look at the excuses that almost prevented Moses from accomplishing all that God asked of Him.

    "I Have No Influence"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2024 34:41


    Many people think potential comes from good genes or enormous talent. But as Christians we know that God is the master builder of our lives. Moses was a person in the Bible who doubted his potential even though he was called by God to be a great leader. Instead of stepping into his potential, he made excuses for why he couldn't lead, only to later look back on his life and realize that God had done incredible things in and through him.“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter 25and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin. 26For he considered reproach for the sake of Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since he was looking ahead to the reward.”—Hebrews 11:24-26Come and discover the life lessons of spiritual leadership as God develops Moses to his full potential. By looking at Moses' life, we can learn how to unmask the excuses in our lives that keep us from reaching our potential.In this collection, we will look at the excuses that almost prevented Moses from accomplishing all that God asked of Him.

    Cara's Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 4:42


    "I Am Not Important"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2024 31:25


    Many people think potential comes from good genes or enormous talent. But as Christians we know that God is the master builder of our lives. Moses was a person in the Bible who doubted his potential even though he was called by God to be a great leader. Instead of stepping into his potential, he made excuses for why he couldn't lead, only to later look back on his life and realize that God had done incredible things in and through him.“By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter 25and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin. 26For he considered reproach for the sake of Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, since he was looking ahead to the reward.”—Hebrews 11:24-26Come and discover the life lessons of spiritual leadership as God develops Moses to his full potential. By looking at Moses' life, we can learn how to unmask the excuses in our lives that keep us from reaching our potential.In this collection, we will look at the excuses that almost prevented Moses from accomplishing all that God asked of Him.

    "Live Right"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2024 34:22


    Do you ever long for an anchor in the turbulent storms of our world? Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians offers hope for the weary heart. With an unshakeable focus on the promise of Christ's return, this letter inspires resilience and perseverance in the face of life's daily trials.“And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you. 13May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.”  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13                                                                           The message of 1 Thessalonians is meant to ignite our faith, leading us toward spiritual growth and unshakeable hope. When the world's demands threaten to overwhelm us, 1 Thessalonians anchors our soul in the encouragement of the Gospel. Discover the transformative power and wisdom of this remarkable letter.

    "Keep Praying"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2024 31:36


    Do you ever long for an anchor in the turbulent storms of our world? Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians offers hope for the weary heart. With an unshakeable focus on the promise of Christ's return, this letter inspires resilience and perseverance in the face of life's daily trials.“And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you. 13May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.”  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13                                                                           The message of 1 Thessalonians is meant to ignite our faith, leading us toward spiritual growth and unshakeable hope. When the world's demands threaten to overwhelm us, 1 Thessalonians anchors our soul in the encouragement of the Gospel. Discover the transformative power and wisdom of this remarkable letter.

    "Stand Firm"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2024 29:34


    Do you ever long for an anchor in the turbulent storms of our world? Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians offers hope for the weary heart. With an unshakeable focus on the promise of Christ's return, this letter inspires resilience and perseverance in the face of life's daily trials.“And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you. 13May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.”  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13                                                                           The message of 1 Thessalonians is meant to ignite our faith, leading us toward spiritual growth and unshakeable hope. When the world's demands threaten to overwhelm us, 1 Thessalonians anchors our soul in the encouragement of the Gospel. Discover the transformative power and wisdom of this remarkable letter.

    "Don't Be Alarmed"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2024 29:01


    Do you ever long for an anchor in the turbulent storms of our world? Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians offers hope for the weary heart. With an unshakeable focus on the promise of Christ's return, this letter inspires resilience and perseverance in the face of life's daily trials.“And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you. 13May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.”  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13                                                                           The message of 1 Thessalonians is meant to ignite our faith, leading us toward spiritual growth and unshakeable hope. When the world's demands threaten to overwhelm us, 1 Thessalonians anchors our soul in the encouragement of the Gospel. Discover the transformative power and wisdom of this remarkable letter.

    "Stay Encouraged"

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2024 31:30


    Do you ever long for an anchor in the turbulent storms of our world? Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians offers hope for the weary heart. With an unshakeable focus on the promise of Christ's return, this letter inspires resilience and perseverance in the face of life's daily trials.“And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you. 13May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.”  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13                                                                           The message of 1 Thessalonians is meant to ignite our faith, leading us toward spiritual growth and unshakeable hope. When the world's demands threaten to overwhelm us, 1 Thessalonians anchors our soul in the encouragement of the Gospel. Discover the transformative power and wisdom of this remarkable letter.

    Claim City United Church Podcast

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel