Rise City Church Podcast

Suffering isn't the end of the story. In Romans 8, Paul reminds us that our present pain, no matter how deep, isn't even worth comparing to the glory that's coming. From creation itself to our own hearts, everything is groaning for redemption. But this isn't a groan of death; it's the pain of labor. Something new is being born. This week, Pastor Jason Clarke reminds us that even when life feels broken, frustrating, or overwhelming, God is still at work. The Holy Spirit meets us right in our weakness, praying for us when we don't even know what to say. God isn't just bringing beauty out of ashes. He is using every single hardship to shape us into the image of Jesus. Your pain has a purpose. God's using it to shape something lasting in you.

What does it actually mean to seek first the Kingdom? In Matthew 6, Jesus reminds us that life isn't about chasing success or security. It starts with putting God first—and trusting Him to provide what we need. When we live with a Kingdom-first mindset, it changes how we spend our time, handle our money, and even how we engage in politics. Join us as we unpack what it looks like to pursue the presence, power and practice of Jesus here on earth for a life saturated with Kingdom purpose.

Why is it so hard to do the right thing—even when we want to? In Romans 7, Paul gives voice to the tension we all feel: the battle between our flesh and The Spirit. There's a war going on inside us—and it's not just a matter of willpower. It's the reality of sin nature—something that was never meant to be there in the first place. But here's the truth: Sin isn't an identity to wear; it's an enemy to fight. What God designs for life, Satan tries to hijack for destruction. Left unchecked, sin leads to shame, despair, and bondage. But through Jesus, we don't have to live under its control. Tune in as Romans 7 shows us how to stop surrendering to sin—and start making war.

What if faithfulness isn't about perfection, but about staying committed to God in a world that constantly pulls us away? Psalm 101 shows David's desire to live blamelessly—not without sin, but with a heart set on honoring God. God doesn't reward greatness—He rewards faithfulness. Staying true to Him starts with guarding our hearts, our homes, and the small choices we make daily. Join us as Phil Comer unpacks  what it means to live faithfully in an unfaithful world - trusting God to strengthen us in every season.

What if the things you're chasing—success, approval, security—are actually holding you captive? What if true freedom isn't found in having more, but in surrendering all? Paul reminds us in Romans 6 that we are all slaves to something—whether sin or righteousness. The good news? Because of Jesus, we don't have to stay chained to sin. Join us as we explore what it means to offer our lives fully to God, not out of obligation, but as an act of worship. When we surrender, we don't lose. We gain a new identity, a new purpose, and the power to truly live!

Why is our world marked by pain, suffering, and death? Paul answers this question in Romans 5 by tracing it back to one man—Adam. Through his sin, the curse entered the world, spreading brokenness to all. But that's not the end of the story.   Where Adam brought sin and death, Jesus brings grace and life. Through His perfect obedience, Jesus became the new and better Adam, reversing the curse and making a way for us to be made right with God. Tune in to hear His grace doesn't just match our sin—it overflows beyond it.  

What if, in our hardest seasons, when hope feels lost, God is already working? In Romans 4:18, Paul points to Abraham, who “against all hope, in hope believed.” His circumstances made God's promise seem impossible, yet he trusted anyway. Maybe you're in an “against all hope” season—struggling in your job, your marriage, or your faith. Maybe you feel stuck in sin or burdened by shame. But the good news is that faith isn't about working—it's about trusting. Like Abraham, we are invited to believe that God will do what He promised. Join us as our Youth Pastor Jordan explores what it means to trust God when the odds are against us. Because the same God who was faithful to Abraham is faithful to you.

Your life is a worship song—every choice, action, and word is an offering to God. Our bodies are the greatest instruments of worship. Living a life of service to Him is the greatest form of worship! Listen in as Jason unpacks Romans 12 and invites you to join Team Jesus. God wants you to join His team and He has gifted and wired you with a specific spot on His team.  Even when we serve behind the scenes, God sees and honors it. As we allow the holy spirit to transform us, we realize more and more what a privilege it is to worship the Lord with our life. We don't have to serve Him, we get to! So stop waiting on the sideline and get in the game. Join team Jesus today!

What if everything you believed about righteousness was wrong? In Romans 3, Paul reveals that the law was never meant to save—but to show our need for a Savior. The law is a mirror reflecting our brokenness, but Jesus shatters it, declaring our worth in Him. Join us as we unpack sin, grace, and the radical truth that salvation isn't earned—it's given.

In Romans 1 Paul addresses our deep need for the Gospel by showing how humanity is united in our rejection of God. The wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and wickedness by handing us over to the desires of our hearts. This message challenges us to face the hard truths of sin and brokenness, but it also reminds us of the incredible hope found in Jesus. He bore the wrath of God on our behalf, so we could experience joy and redemption in Him. Join us as we reflect on the depth of God's grace and the life-changing truth of the gospel—a truth that transforms us now and secures our hope for eternity.

Are you going through a season of sudden loss or chronic grief? As human beings, living the beautiful life means we experience the full range of emotions—from joy and love to grief and sorrow. God wants us to be honest with Him in our moments of grief and loss. There's no need to hide or sugarcoat our pain, especially with a Savior who has known the ultimate grief and loss. Join us as Rick McKinley explores this important question: “Does the fact that the Son of God became human make a difference in my suffering?” We'll discover that Jesus not only honors our suffering but also gives it meaning. As Emmanuel, God with us, He is a co-sufferer who walks with us in our pain. He longs to reframe our grief and loss with His holy presence. No matter the season you're in, He is our Emmanuel, right here and right now, and He invites us to come as we truly are before Him.

As the holidays approach, life often feels like it's moving at full speed. Schedules fill up, to-do lists grow, and the demands of the season can leave us feeling hurried and overwhelmed. In the midst of all this, how does Jesus meet us and guide us through even the busiest times? Jesus modeled the importance of rest and connection—stepping away to spend time with the Father and being fully present with those around Him. What if we followed His example? Instead of packing every moment with activity, what if we made room for stillness, treasured the people around us, and created meaningful memories? Listen in as we learn how to embrace rest and presence in a world that glorifies busyness, rediscovering the joy and peace of walking fully with Jesus.

Are you going through a season of dissatisfaction? Feeling unfulfilled at work, at home, in your relationships, or financially? It's okay to experience dissatisfaction. Even heroes of our faith, like David, openly expressed their struggles. You don't need to hide your dissatisfaction, ignore it, or just "push through." Instead, recognize it, name it, and then reframe it. Our world and culture often fuel dissatisfaction, constantly pushing us to want more and compare ourselves to others. But in this powerful message by Zach Landes, we'll explore how to break free from that cycle. The path out of dissatisfaction begins by partnering with Jesus in every area of our lives—even in our seasons of dissatisfaction.

After seasons of busyness and hard work, God invites us into true rest—not the kind of shallow comfort that leads to self-reliance, but deep, soul-refreshing rest that comes from fully trusting Him. In Joshua, we see the end of a long season, where God gives His people rest—not as an escape, but as a time to pause, remember His faithfulness, and be renewed in His presence. God's rest goes beyond simply stopping; it's a chance to refocus our hearts and minds on Him. Through sabbath, confession, and gratitude, we're reminded of His provision, repent of relying on ourselves, and find strength in His promises. Join us as we discover how to step into the rest Jesus offers—a rest that refreshes, renews, and reminds us of the faithfulness of the God who has been with us all along.

We're building A House for Jesus—a place where His name is lifted up. As His followers, we're called to let His light shine brightly in a world that needs hope. When Joshua asked, “Are you for us or against us?” Jesus didn't pick sides; He made it clear that He alone is to be followed. Listen in as we explore what it means to build a church where He leads, His name is preached, and where lives are changed forever by His presence and power.

Has God ever asked you to do something that didn't make sense? The word "consecrate" means to set ourselves apart for God, preparing for something significant He is about to do. In Joshua 3, the Israelites were told to consecrate themselves before God would display His power in parting the Jordan River. God didn't act until their feet hit the water—He required faith-filled obedience before showing His power. Joshua reminds us that when God makes a promise and His people obey, He will deliver. Tune in for a significant and important Sunday message in the life of our church, as we look back on the incredible home God has given us and look ahead to where we are headed. Prepare for God to move.

Would you settle for God's promises without His presence? Or, like Moses, would you boldly declare, “If You're not with us, we're not going?" God has always longed to be with His people. From walking in the garden with Adam and Eve, to dwelling in the tabernacle with the Israelites, to sending Jesus as Immanuel and then the Holy Spirit, all the way to the promise of His presence in the new creation—His desire is to be with us. God's presence is the point. It's what establishes His kingdom in and through His people. Join us as we see that His presence is what gives us the strength and courage to live out His purposes. When we are rooted in His presence, we are empowered by His Spirit to fulfill His calling.

Financial stress is something many of us can relate to, with 73% of people in a recent survey citing it as their top source of anxiety. But in the Upside Down Kingdom, true generosity flows from a heart of gratitude toward Jesus, recognizing that all we have comes from Him. Our giving isn't just to a church or pastor—it's an offering to God, acknowledging that everything we own is already His. Tune in as we explore how Kingdom generosity calls us to give our first fruits, not our leftovers, and invites us into a life of abundant blessings. Instead of focusing on our own needs, we're called to center our hearts on Jesus and trust in His faithfulness, just as Malachi 3:10 challenges us to test His promises. God desires not our money, but our hearts, and as we walk in stewardship and generosity, we discover the joy of partnering with Him.

Community should be a foretaste of the Kingdom of God, marked by deep friendship and unity. In Philippians 4:1-9, Paul calls us to build Kingdom friendships, where the hard moments are embraced as opportunities for growth. These relationships are foundational to transforming our city and our hearts. Listen in as Pastor Jason Clarke explores how Kingdom friendships reflect the love of Christ, reminding us that when conflict arises, that's when the gospel matters most.

In a culture marked by tension and uncertainty, we are called to be shining stars, leading others to Jesus through our words, actions, and attitudes. This journey begins with humble obedience—bowing before God and surrendering completely to His will. As we navigate these challenging times, our mission remains clear: to reflect the love and character of Jesus in everything we do, offering hope, peace, and light to those around us. Join us as Nathan Pursley continues our "Upside Down Kingdom" series through the Book of Philippians. Together, we'll explore how living out this responsibility can transform not only our own lives but also the lives of those we encounter each day.

The world tells us that success is about wealth, fame, and self-promotion, but Christ teaches us something different. By choosing humility and putting others first, we can shed selfish ambitions and build a community of honor and support. As followers of Jesus, we're called to serve others, even in suffering, knowing that true greatness comes through humility and sacrifice. Join us as Zach Landes explores how this Upside Down Kingdom offers hope—not just in the promise of future resurrection, but also in the transformative power of death and rebirth in our lives today.

Adopting a Kingdom mindset means doing everything with joy, excellence, and for God's glory. Writing from prison, unsure if he would live or die, the Apostle Paul made it clear: living is about Jesus, and dying is about being with Him. Listen in as we explore how to rejoice in Jesus, rely on Him in every situation, and represent Him at all times. Whether in blessing or trial, Paul teaches us that living for Christ gives us the confidence to say, "Dying is gain."

We live in a culture of picking sides and being on the right team, party, or allegiance. But what if there's another way? What if there's a third option that's more life-giving and radically selfless than the others? Paul, through the book of Philippians, lays out a new way of living, a new citizenship, that is under God's rule and reign. It not only conquers all the other ways, but it fills us with joy, hospitality, and unity — because it's all about Jesus' way of life. Join us for week one of Upside Down Kingdom to grasp a new citizenship in the Kingdom of God.

The Holy Spirit is a powerful figure in the New Testament who gave spiritual gifts, guidance, and a witness to God's miracles. That same power is available to us today. This week, we celebrate Next Gen Sunday, honoring the kids, youth, and 20-somethings in our church. Youth Pastor Jordan continues our series on the Holy Spirit to remind us that this power is for everyone, including the next generation, who are the church of today and our most important generation. We are called to guide and support them, helping them realize their God-given potential. Listen in as we explore the Power of the Holy Spirit.

If you are a believer in Jesus, you have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit—the helper that Jesus gave to us when He left this earth. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is that He is always present with us, abiding with us, comforting us, loving us, and strengthening us for His mission and purpose. Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of how you have access to the Holy Spirit's presence and discover the transformative impact this truth can have on your life.

We love gathering in the heart of our city each summer for Church in the Park. Jesus is the reason we worship. Jesus is why we preach the Word of God. Jesus is why we baptize new believers. You are welcome in the family of God. No matter where you've been or what you've experienced, there's always a place for you with the Father, who offers radical goodness and grace. Following Jesus is a journey that begins with the step of coming home. Join us for this special outdoor service at Gresham Arts Plaza as we lift the name of Jesus high—because He is worthy of all praise.

It's easy to think that missionaries in exotic places are the ones that carry out the Great Commission. But that's not what Jesus teaches. We are all missionaries. Each one of us has been called and equipped to share the gospel, and through the Holy Spirit, we have the tools and the power we need to reach the unreached. Join us as guest speaker Nate Pursley reminds us that our mission field isn't just far-off lands—it's right here in our everyday lives. This is our Jerusalem, our Judea, and our Samaria.

In a season of singleness, it's easy to feel like you're waiting for your real life to start. However, the Bible says that singleness is a gift. The truth is, marriage is not a prerequisite for participation in ministry. Singles are a cornerstone of the church, and a picture of the sufficiency of the Gospel. Join us as special speaker Zach Landes reminds us that marrieds and singles belong together and encourages both groups to push and spur each other on for the benefit of the church and one another.

What if our marriages could actually lead to joy and happiness? To build a strong and fulfilling marriage, it's crucial to create an environment where both partners feel valued and appreciated. Ephesians 5 highlights the importance of showing deep love and respect to your spouse. Join us as special guest speakers Phil and Diane Comer, who bring over 40 years of pastoral wisdom, share their insights in our current series, “Established.” You'll learn the importance of understanding and embracing each other's differences while maintaining a deep friendship, helping you to live “Happily Even After.”

Beyond just love and companionship, marriage is a beautiful gift from God. It brings together a man and a woman to partner with God in creating new life. But it's more than just creating life. Intimacy also binds together a husband and wife - it's a partnership where both spouses can help each other fulfill their calling, and that's just a beautiful thing. Join us for week 2 of Established, where we'll learn that Jesus is our ultimate model and goal. Because when we rely on His power to truly transform our lives, we will build a lasting legacy of faith, love, and mission.