This is the official podcast of Rise City Church in Santee, CA. Rise City Church is a loving and life-giving church that brings hope and healing in Jesus name. Our mission is to call people to Wake Up Jesus, Rise to Life, & Shine to Others. Simply stated - Wake Up, Rise & Shine.

Comparison, bitterness, disappointment, and hopelessness all begin to shape us when our eyes are fixed in the wrong direction.In week two of our Imprinted series, Pastor Bobby walks through Psalm 73 and the honest struggle of feeling frustrated when life doesn't seem fair. Through the poetry of Asaph, this message explores how comparison steals joy, how bitterness takes root, and how the presence of God is the only thing that truly restores our perspective.No matter what season you're walking through, this sermon is a reminder that what we focus on shapes the way we see everything — and when we turn our eyes back to Jesus, temporary things stop pretending to be ultimate things.

Feeling forgotten can change the way we see everything — especially God.In this message, Pastor Bobby explores the tension of walking through difficult seasons and the reminder that God's faithfulness is deeper than our circumstances. Unanswered prayers, disappointment, loneliness, and pain can slowly convince us that God is distant, but Isaiah 49 paints a different picture — one of a God who sees, remembers, and stays faithful to His people.Through the beauty of biblical poetry and the story of Thomas, Pastor Bobby unpacks what it looks like to trust God in uncertain seasons and hold onto His promises even when life feels heavy.

In the body of Christ, we all have a calling. In this message, Jeremy Nicks discusses the symptoms and side effects related to our calling to serve.

In the body of Christ, we all have a calling. In this message, Jeremy Nicks discusses the symptoms and side effects related to our calling to serve.

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus brings everything down to one question: what are you building your life on?This message walks through His final words and the choice in front of all of us—to build on the rock or on the sand. Not just hearing what He says, but actually living it out.We talk about what it looks like to trust God, to let His words speak to us personally, and to live a life that actually reflects it.

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus brings everything down to one question: what are you building your life on?This message walks through His final words and the choice in front of all of us—to build on the rock or on the sand. Not just hearing what He says, but actually living it out.We talk about what it looks like to trust God, to let His words speak to us personally, and to live a life that actually reflects it.

What does it actually mean to follow Jesus—not just outwardly, but from the heart?In this message, we continue through the Sermon on the Mount and see how Jesus raises the standard in a way that challenges all of us. He doesn't just address our actions—He goes deeper, exposing the motives behind them. From anger and lust to integrity and how we treat others, this isn't about behavior modification… it's about heart transformation.If we're honest, His words can feel impossible. And that's the point. Jesus is showing us that we don't just need to try harder—we need a new heart.If He really is King, then His authority matters. This message is an invitation to stop pretending, look beneath the surface, and trust Him to do what only He can do.

What does it actually mean to follow Jesus—not just outwardly, but from the heart?In this message, we continue through the Sermon on the Mount and see how Jesus raises the standard in a way that challenges all of us. He doesn't just address our actions—He goes deeper, exposing the motives behind them. From anger and lust to integrity and how we treat others, this isn't about behavior modification… it's about heart transformation.If we're honest, His words can feel impossible. And that's the point. Jesus is showing us that we don't just need to try harder—we need a new heart.If He really is King, then His authority matters. This message is an invitation to stop pretending, look beneath the surface, and trust Him to do what only He can do.

What if what seems foolish… is actually the truth?This Easter, Pastor Bobby Harrell talks through the tension at the center of the gospel. The idea that a crucified Savior brings life can feel confusing, weak, or even hard to believe—especially when the world still feels broken and uncertain. But what if the very thing that seems foolish is actually where real life begins?This message looks at how God brings life out of what looks dead, hope into what feels hopeless, and purpose into places that feel empty. It's an honest look at why the message of Jesus can sound foolish at first—yet still changes lives. No matter where you're coming from, this is an invitation to take a fresh look at Jesus and decide for yourself.

What if what seems foolish… is actually the truth?This Easter, Pastor Bobby Harrell talks through the tension at the center of the gospel. The idea that a crucified Savior brings life can feel confusing, weak, or even hard to believe—especially when the world still feels broken and uncertain. But what if the very thing that seems foolish is actually where real life begins?This message looks at how God brings life out of what looks dead, hope into what feels hopeless, and purpose into places that feel empty. It's an honest look at why the message of Jesus can sound foolish at first—yet still changes lives. No matter where you're coming from, this is an invitation to take a fresh look at Jesus and decide for yourself.

What is God calling you to—and what's holding you back from saying yes?As we close out our Risk Theology series, Pastor Joey brings a powerful message on the risk of obedience, walking through Joshua 3 and what it really looks like to follow God into the unknown. Because discovering your purpose isn't just about clarity—it's about courage.Through the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan, we're reminded that faith often requires movement before understanding. That obedience can feel like sacrifice. And that the steps we're most hesitant to take may become the very moments that mark God's faithfulness in our lives.

What is God calling you to—and what's holding you back from saying yes?As we close out our Risk Theology series, Pastor Joey brings a powerful message on the risk of obedience, walking through Joshua 3 and what it really looks like to follow God into the unknown. Because discovering your purpose isn't just about clarity—it's about courage.Through the story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan, we're reminded that faith often requires movement before understanding. That obedience can feel like sacrifice. And that the steps we're most hesitant to take may become the very moments that mark God's faithfulness in our lives.

In this message, Pastor Bobby continues our Risk Theology series by talking about the risk of real community. It's easy to show up and slip out of church, but building real relationships? That can feel uncomfortable… even risky. Still, we weren't meant to follow Jesus alone.Through Scripture, we're reminded that faith doesn't grow in isolation—it grows when we're connected. This message is a simple challenge: stay a little longer, start one conversation, and see what God might do through it.

In this message, Pastor Bobby continues our Risk Theology series by talking about the risk of real community. It's easy to show up and slip out of church, but building real relationships? That can feel uncomfortable… even risky. Still, we weren't meant to follow Jesus alone.Through Scripture, we're reminded that faith doesn't grow in isolation—it grows when we're connected. This message is a simple challenge: stay a little longer, start one conversation, and see what God might do through it.

**What if the greatest mission field in your life is simply the conversations you're avoiding?**In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell continues our **Risk Theology** series by exploring the risk of sharing our faith.Jesus tells His disciples that the harvest is plentiful—but the workers are few. Yet for many believers, the biggest barrier isn't opportunity… it's fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of saying the wrong thing. Fear of not knowing enough.Through the story of the man born blind and the testimony of Lazarus, we're reminded that pointing people to Jesus doesn't require perfect theology, a ministry title, or all the answers. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can share is simply the story of what Jesus has done in your life.This message invites us to step past hesitation, trust God with the outcome, and take the simple but powerful risk of telling our story.

**What if the greatest mission field in your life is simply the conversations you're avoiding?**In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell continues our **Risk Theology** series by exploring the risk of sharing our faith.Jesus tells His disciples that the harvest is plentiful—but the workers are few. Yet for many believers, the biggest barrier isn't opportunity… it's fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of saying the wrong thing. Fear of not knowing enough.Through the story of the man born blind and the testimony of Lazarus, we're reminded that pointing people to Jesus doesn't require perfect theology, a ministry title, or all the answers. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can share is simply the story of what Jesus has done in your life.This message invites us to step past hesitation, trust God with the outcome, and take the simple but powerful risk of telling our story.

In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell kicks off our new series Risk Theology by stepping into the story of Esther.Esther finds herself in a moment where staying silent feels safer than stepping forward—but the cost of doing nothing may be even greater. Through this powerful moment in Esther 4, we're reminded that faith often calls us beyond our comfort and into places that feel uncertain.What if God has placed you exactly where you are for a reason?This message invites us to wrestle with fear, trust God's plan, and consider what it looks like to take a step of faith when it matters most.

In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell kicks off our new series Risk Theology by stepping into the story of Esther.Esther finds herself in a moment where staying silent feels safer than stepping forward—but the cost of doing nothing may be even greater. Through this powerful moment in Esther 4, we're reminded that faith often calls us beyond our comfort and into places that feel uncertain.What if God has placed you exactly where you are for a reason?This message invites us to wrestle with fear, trust God's plan, and consider what it looks like to take a step of faith when it matters most.

What keeps you going when the excitement fades?In this message, Pastor Jeremy dives into the tension between emotion and commitment. Through the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22, we're reminded that faith isn't proven in the highlight moments — it's formed in the middle, when obedience feels costly and the outcome is unclear.If you're walking through a season that feels uncertain, heavy, or stretched, there's a deeper foundation available — one that carries you further than feelings ever could.

What keeps you going when the excitement fades?In this message, Pastor Jeremy dives into the tension between emotion and commitment. Through the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22, we're reminded that faith isn't proven in the highlight moments — it's formed in the middle, when obedience feels costly and the outcome is unclear.If you're walking through a season that feels uncertain, heavy, or stretched, there's a deeper foundation available — one that carries you further than feelings ever could.

In this Commitment Sunday message, Pastor Bobby brings us back to the well in John 4 and reminds us what all of this is really about.Through Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well, we see a Savior who meets people right where they are and offers something deeper than what they came looking for. It's a simple story, but it carries a powerful reminder: when Jesus becomes our source, everything shifts.As we take steps forward in The Oasis Initiative, this message helps ground our hearts. This isn't just about building space — it's about making room for encounters with Christ. We're believing for a church where His life flows freely and where people in our city can truly find Living Water.

In this Commitment Sunday message, Pastor Bobby brings us back to the well in John 4 and reminds us what all of this is really about.Through Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well, we see a Savior who meets people right where they are and offers something deeper than what they came looking for. It's a simple story, but it carries a powerful reminder: when Jesus becomes our source, everything shifts.As we take steps forward in The Oasis Initiative, this message helps ground our hearts. This isn't just about building space — it's about making room for encounters with Christ. We're believing for a church where His life flows freely and where people in our city can truly find Living Water.

What does it really mean to live by faith?In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell challenges us to trust God beyond what we can see. As we step into The Oasis Initiative, we're reminded that faith isn't just something we say we have — it's what we build our lives on.As a church family, we believe God is moving in our time, in our city, and through His Church. Faith always requires a step — and this is ours.

What does it really mean to live by faith?In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell challenges us to trust God beyond what we can see. As we step into The Oasis Initiative, we're reminded that faith isn't just something we say we have — it's what we build our lives on.As a church family, we believe God is moving in our time, in our city, and through His Church. Faith always requires a step — and this is ours.

In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell invites us to see generosity not as obligation, but as overflow.As we step into The Oasis Initiative, we're reminded that generosity lifts our eyes beyond ourselves. From David giving toward a future he would never see, to Nehemiah rebuilding what had been neglected, Scripture shows us that faithful sacrifice fuels the work of God and shapes stories that outlive us.Ultimately, our generosity reflects the heart of a generous God. He gives freely. He gives faithfully. And when we live with open hands, we mirror His character to the world around us.As a church family, we're praying boldly and believing God for all He wants to do in and through Rise City in this next season.

In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell invites us to see generosity not as obligation, but as overflow.As we step into The Oasis Initiative, we're reminded that generosity lifts our eyes beyond ourselves. From David giving toward a future he would never see, to Nehemiah rebuilding what had been neglected, Scripture shows us that faithful sacrifice fuels the work of God and shapes stories that outlive us.Ultimately, our generosity reflects the heart of a generous God. He gives freely. He gives faithfully. And when we live with open hands, we mirror His character to the world around us.As a church family, we're praying boldly and believing God for all He wants to do in and through Rise City in this next season.

In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell invites us to reflect on what kind of legacy we are leaving and how God calls His people to live as a source of life for future generations.Drawing from Ezekiel's vision of living water and Paul's prayer in Ephesians, we're reminded that God's blessing was never meant to stop with us. When His love and strength flow through our lives, everything around us begins to flourish.

In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell invites us to reflect on what kind of legacy we are leaving and how God calls His people to live as a source of life for future generations.Drawing from Ezekiel's vision of living water and Paul's prayer in Ephesians, we're reminded that God's blessing was never meant to stop with us. When His love and strength flow through our lives, everything around us begins to flourish.

In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell walks us through Ezekiel's vision of living water and what it reveals about the way God brings life, growth, and renewal.As the river flows, everything it touches begins to flourish. Along the way, we're invited to reflect on what God is doing in our own lives and how He is shaping His Church to be a place of hope, healing, and restoration.At the heart of this message is The Oasis Initiative—a step of faith for Rise City Church to make room for more people to encounter Jesus and experience life to the fullest, and to continue being an oasis in the middle of a dry world.

In this message, Pastor Bobby Harrell walks us through Ezekiel's vision of living water and what it reveals about the way God brings life, growth, and renewal.As the river flows, everything it touches begins to flourish. Along the way, we're invited to reflect on what God is doing in our own lives and how He is shaping His Church to be a place of hope, healing, and restoration.At the heart of this message is The Oasis Initiative—a step of faith for Rise City Church to make room for more people to encounter Jesus and experience life to the fullest, and to continue being an oasis in the middle of a dry world.

In this message, Youth Pastor Anthony Hall walks us through the Lord's Prayer, showing us how Jesus taught His disciples to pray—and what that means for us today.Rather than presenting prayer as something we need to master, this message reminds us that prayer is an invitation. It's not about having everything figured out or saying the right words, but about the posture of our hearts and our willingness to come honestly before God.As we look at how Jesus prayed, we're invited to approach prayer and communion with God with humility, trust, and authenticity—meeting Him right where we are.

In this message, Youth Pastor Anthony Hall walks us through the Lord's Prayer, showing us how Jesus taught His disciples to pray—and what that means for us today.Rather than presenting prayer as something we need to master, this message reminds us that prayer is an invitation. It's not about having everything figured out or saying the right words, but about the posture of our hearts and our willingness to come honestly before God.As we look at how Jesus prayed, we're invited to approach prayer and communion with God with humility, trust, and authenticity—meeting Him right where we are.

In this message, Pastor Jeremy talks honestly about prayer—not as something we have to be good at, but as something we're invited into.Through Scripture and real-life moments we can all relate to, we're reminded that prayer isn't about having the right words or staying perfectly focused. It's about showing up as we are—distractions, doubts, and all—and meeting a God who already knows us and still wants to be close.As our church continues into a new season together, this message invites us to release the pressure, stop performing, and rediscover prayer as a place of real connection with God—right where we are.

In this message, Pastor Jeremy talks honestly about prayer—not as something we have to be good at, but as something we're invited into.Through Scripture and real-life moments we can all relate to, we're reminded that prayer isn't about having the right words or staying perfectly focused. It's about showing up as we are—distractions, doubts, and all—and meeting a God who already knows us and still wants to be close.As our church continues into a new season together, this message invites us to release the pressure, stop performing, and rediscover prayer as a place of real connection with God—right where we are.

In this message, Pastor Bobby unpacks the biblical discipline of fasting—not as a religious obligation, but as a relational practice that deepens humility, dependence, and attentiveness to God.Rooted in Jesus' words and echoed throughout Scripture, this teaching reframes fasting as a response to longing for Christ and His Kingdom. We're reminded that we do not live by bread alone—and that true fasting doesn't stop with us, but overflows into generosity, mercy, and love for others.As we begin a new year together, this message invites our church into a renewed rhythm of prayer and fasting, trusting God to do something meaningful in and through us.

In this message, Pastor Bobby unpacks the biblical discipline of fasting—not as a religious obligation, but as a relational practice that deepens humility, dependence, and attentiveness to God.Rooted in Jesus' words and echoed throughout Scripture, this teaching reframes fasting as a response to longing for Christ and His Kingdom. We're reminded that we do not live by bread alone—and that true fasting doesn't stop with us, but overflows into generosity, mercy, and love for others.As we begin a new year together, this message invites our church into a renewed rhythm of prayer and fasting, trusting God to do something meaningful in and through us.

Before the world ever encountered Jesus, God sent a messenger to prepare the way. In the opening of Mark's Gospel, we're introduced not to the Savior first—but to John the Baptist, a man shaped by purpose, humility, and the power of the Holy Spirit.In this message, Pastor Bobby reminds us that for many people, their first impression of Jesus comes through the lives of those who follow Him. The way we live, speak, and love has the power to either point others toward Christ or distract from who He is.

Before the world ever encountered Jesus, God sent a messenger to prepare the way. In the opening of Mark's Gospel, we're introduced not to the Savior first—but to John the Baptist, a man shaped by purpose, humility, and the power of the Holy Spirit.In this message, Pastor Bobby reminds us that for many people, their first impression of Jesus comes through the lives of those who follow Him. The way we live, speak, and love has the power to either point others toward Christ or distract from who He is.

Joy is something we all want—but many of us tie it to seasons, circumstances, or how life is going in the moment. In this message, Pastor Bobby reminds us that real joy runs deeper than happiness and isn't dependent on what's happening around us.Through Scripture and honest stories, we're invited to see that joy is found in one place: the presence of God. Even in difficult seasons, busy moments, or quiet struggles, His presence brings a joy that lasts.This message is an invitation to slow down, refocus, and rediscover the joy that comes from walking closely with Him.

Joy is something we all want—but many of us tie it to seasons, circumstances, or how life is going in the moment. In this message, Pastor Bobby reminds us that real joy runs deeper than happiness and isn't dependent on what's happening around us.Through Scripture and honest stories, we're invited to see that joy is found in one place: the presence of God. Even in difficult seasons, busy moments, or quiet struggles, His presence brings a joy that lasts.This message is an invitation to slow down, refocus, and rediscover the joy that comes from walking closely with Him.

In this week's message, Pastor Bobby unpacks what it means to live fully on mission for God — without getting pulled off course. Through Luke 9:57–62 and the story of Nehemiah, we see how the enemy uses mockery, distraction, and accusation to derail God's people, and how prayer, discernment, and steadfast obedience keep us aligned with God's purpose.If you've felt worn down, divided, or tempted to quit, this message will remind you:God strengthens those who stay the course. His plan will prevail.

In this week's message, Pastor Bobby unpacks what it means to live fully on mission for God — without getting pulled off course. Through Luke 9:57–62 and the story of Nehemiah, we see how the enemy uses mockery, distraction, and accusation to derail God's people, and how prayer, discernment, and steadfast obedience keep us aligned with God's purpose.If you've felt worn down, divided, or tempted to quit, this message will remind you:God strengthens those who stay the course. His plan will prevail.

A single man returned to Jesus after being healed—and his response reveals something deeper than gratitude. This week, we explore how thankfulness exposes the condition of our hearts and draws us closer to God.True gratitude isn't just polite—it's spiritual. It's what turns blessing into worship and keeps our faith alive.If you've been going through life without stopping to acknowledge the Giver, this message will reset your heart toward Jesus.

A single man returned to Jesus after being healed—and his response reveals something deeper than gratitude. This week, we explore how thankfulness exposes the condition of our hearts and draws us closer to God.True gratitude isn't just polite—it's spiritual. It's what turns blessing into worship and keeps our faith alive.If you've been going through life without stopping to acknowledge the Giver, this message will reset your heart toward Jesus.

Real transformation doesn't come from trying harder—it comes from the Holy Spirit working within us. This week, Pastor Bobby unpacks how staying rooted in Christ produces the fruit of the Spirit and shapes who we're becoming from the inside out.If you've been striving for change, this message reminds you: the Spirit is already doing the work.

Real transformation doesn't come from trying harder—it comes from the Holy Spirit working within us. This week, Pastor Bobby unpacks how staying rooted in Christ produces the fruit of the Spirit and shapes who we're becoming from the inside out.If you've been striving for change, this message reminds you: the Spirit is already doing the work.

When Jesus told His disciples it was better for Him to leave, they didn't understand why. But His promise of the Holy Spirit changed everything.In this message, Pastor Bobby shares how the Holy Spirit is not distant, confusing, or optional—but essential to our daily walk with Jesus. You'll learn how His presence brings conviction, guidance, and power for real transformation.You'll discover:✅ Who the Holy Spirit truly is and why His presence is better than we realize✅ How conviction leads to repentance and freedom, not shame✅ What happens when we stop resisting the Spirit and start walking with Him dailyIf you've ever wondered who the Holy Spirit is, how to hear His voice, or how to grow in spiritual maturity, this message will help you experience His power and presence in a fresh way.

When Jesus told His disciples it was better for Him to leave, they didn't understand why. But His promise of the Holy Spirit changed everything.In this message, Pastor Bobby shares how the Holy Spirit is not distant, confusing, or optional—but essential to our daily walk with Jesus. You'll learn how His presence brings conviction, guidance, and power for real transformation.You'll discover:✅ Who the Holy Spirit truly is and why His presence is better than we realize✅ How conviction leads to repentance and freedom, not shame✅ What happens when we stop resisting the Spirit and start walking with Him dailyIf you've ever wondered who the Holy Spirit is, how to hear His voice, or how to grow in spiritual maturity, this message will help you experience His power and presence in a fresh way.

What do you do when life burns the very thing God promised?When everything you built goes up in flames, is that the end—or the beginning?In this powerful and hope-filled message, guest speaker Pastor Israel Campbell shares how God told Jeremiah to “get another scroll” after everything was lost—and how that same God still restores and rewrites stories today.If you've ever faced loss, disappointment, or doubt, this message will remind you that God isn't finished with your story. He's just getting started.

What do you do when life burns the very thing God promised?When everything you built goes up in flames, is that the end—or the beginning?In this powerful and hope-filled message, guest speaker Pastor Israel Campbell shares how God told Jeremiah to “get another scroll” after everything was lost—and how that same God still restores and rewrites stories today.If you've ever faced loss, disappointment, or doubt, this message will remind you that God isn't finished with your story. He's just getting started.

When tragedy strikes and the church faces pressure, how do we respond? In this message, Pastor Bobby looks at how Jesus and the early church navigated moments of loss, persecution, and uncertainty—and what it means for us today.You'll discover:✅ Why our first response must be to go to God in prayer and scripture✅ How to show compassion even in seasons of grief✅ What it means to live boldly in faith, forgiveness, and surrender✅ How persecution, rather than silencing the church, has always advanced the gospelIf you've been wrestling with fear, anger, or unanswered questions in the wake of cultural and personal loss, this teaching will encourage you to anchor your heart in Christ and live courageously for Him.