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Pastor Dustin delivers a sermon from Matthew 24:36-44, opening our Advent series with a sermon on how we can wait patiently in troubling times. Sermon originally recorded on November 30th, 2025.
This week we start our Christmas series, where we look through the story of Jesus' birth in Matthew 2. Pastor Dustin walks us through what following the Star meant to the Magi and what they had to go through to get to the place where they could worship Jesus. – Listen to the message here!
What if God wants to do it again—moving in power just as He did in the early church? In Acts 19:9–10 we read that “all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord.” What began in a lecture hall in Ephesus spread across an entire region. Revival did not stay small. It multiplied. In this message, Pastor Dustin calls us to believe for that same move of God in our generation. This message connects Scripture, prophetic invitation, and the biblical vision of unity—from ancient Asia Minor (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea) to what God is doing in the church today. WHY THIS MATTERS Unity does not erase differences; it dignifies them. Unity is not everyone doing the same thing; it is everyone moving in the same direction. When the church aligns with the heart of Jesus, revival becomes unstoppable. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES • Acts 19:9–10 — The gospel spreading across Asia • John 17:20–21 — Jesus' prayer for unity • Acts 2:1 — One place, one purpose, one Spirit
Exhausted? Are you running on empty? Chances are you are not tapping into the One who is in control of it all. A deep dive into Psalm 131 with Pastor Dustin.
Rounding out our LEGACY season, Pastor Dustin asked some of our staff members to share what DEEP has meant to them this year! Nic, Jordan, and Jake share how DEEP means keeping a fire burning, trusting God in times of waiting, and understanding God better through His word! - Listen to the messages here!
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
In Week Two of our series “Do It Again,” Pastor Dustin delivers a compelling message on revival, rebuilding, and the unshakable truth that God is not done with us. Throughout history, God has moved in extraordinary ways—from the Great Awakening to the Azusa Street Revival—and this sermon reminds us that what God has done before, He can do again. Today, we look at the reality of the world around us, including the brokenness in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. With high crime rates, addiction, poverty, and generational cycles of hopelessness, our city reflects the same kind of devastation Nehemiah faced in Jerusalem. But just like Nehemiah, we believe God is calling His people to rebuild, restore, and renew what has been broken. This message explores three powerful truths from the life of Nehemiah: 1. A true move of God begins with a burden. 2. God uses what you already have in your hands. 3. Revival starts when people say yes and begin to build. Pastor Dustin unpacks the vision of Citizen Church as a Christ-centered, Spirit-led, Kingdom-building movement committed to the renewal of cities and nations. We believe God is raising up a people who will carry hope, restore purpose, and transform communities from the inside out. Through Scripture, history, and real-world context, this sermon challenges us to pray bigger, act bolder, and believe that God can bring breakthrough again—right here in our city, our families, and our generation. Key themes: revival, Nehemiah, rebuilding, spiritual renewal, faith, restoration, God's promises, church vision, Kingdom movement, New Mexico, breakthrough, prayer, hope, transformation. Scriptures referenced: Nehemiah 1:3–4, Nehemiah 2:3–5, Nehemiah 2:17–18, Isaiah 54:2–3.
Pastor Dustin explained that gratitude is far more than a feeling or a seasonal practice—it's a way of life that has the power to reshape how we see everything. When we fix our attention on what God has given us, complaining becomes harder and our hearts begin to shift. The 25 Days of Gratitude Challenge was designed not as a short-term exercise, but as a catalyst for lasting transformation. Changing our patterns is difficult, but it's essential if we want to live in the fullness God intends.Just as understanding flight changes the way we see airplanes, encountering Christ changes the way we see our entire lives. Paul experienced this firsthand. Once a Pharisee who valued status and outward achievement, his meeting with Jesus completely reframed his perspective. Writing to a culture obsessed with honor and appearance, Paul reminded the church in Corinth—and us—that Christ came in humility and suffering, not worldly glory.Before Christ, we tend to see our time, talents, and treasures as ours alone. But in Christ, everything becomes a gift to steward. Our time is entrusted to us, our abilities are on loan from God, and our resources become tools for His kingdom. Stories from people in our own church, like Roger and Jason, show how talents and resources can be used to serve others and give glory to God.This matters because we are called to be Christ's ambassadors—people who carry His message to a world longing for hope. We don't save anyone; only Christ does. But we are invited to stand in the gap, pointing others back to Him. Generosity, then, isn't simply an obligation. It's a privilege and a sign of spiritual maturity.For believers, the invitation is to open our hands and grow in generosity and sanctification. And for those who don't yet know Christ, the call is to stop searching for peace and belonging apart from Him, and find it in the One who became sin for us so that we might be made right with God.[00:00] - Welcome[00:24] - The Challenge of Gratitude[01:23] - Changing Patterns and Life Transitions[02:22] - Questions About Flight and Learning[03:58] - Discovering How Things Really Work[05:42] - Paul's Transformation and the Gospel[07:17] - How to Read and Understand Scripture[09:00] - Paul's Background and Hypocrisy[11:04] - Corinth: Wealth, Honor, and Culture[12:20] - False Teachers and True Apostleship[13:44] - The Way Things Were: Old Perspective[16:24] - The Way Things Are Now: New Life[18:54] - Stories of Stewardship in the Church[22:36] - Treasures and Generosity[23:25] - Why the Change Matters[24:00] - Ambassadors of Reconciliation[27:06] - The Bobsled Analogy: God's Equipping[32:39] - Challenges for Believers[35:56] - Invitation to Non-Believers[39:29] - Prayer, Response, and Generosity Opportunity[40:47] - Closing and Sending Forth
As we wrap up our LEGACY series, Pastor Dustin closes out Mark 14 with verse 9. To leave a legacy, we have to use what God has given us - we don't wait to have more, but we are faithful with what we already have been given! When we're obedient to give what we have for the Kingdom, then we can leave a legacy that echos through the lives of others! - Listen to the message here!
Scripture Reference: Mark 12:38-13:2
“I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it.” — Matthew 16:18 This week, Pastor Dustin opens the series with a powerful message reminding us that when God has moved before, we can trust Him to move again. Across every campus, we've witnessed salvation, growth, life-change, and a level of impact only God can produce. As we prepare for Heart for the House 2025, we continue believing for greater things still to come. If you are waiting on breakthrough, believing for restoration, or asking God to show up in a fresh way, this message will encourage your faith. A Year Marked by Growth and Life Change Across Citizen Church, we've seen God move in unmistakable ways: When we say “Do It Again,” we're not speaking from wishful thinking — we're speaking from evidence. God has done the impossible again and again.
Stretch Armstrong | The Book of Acts
As we continue our LEGACY series, Pastor Dustin continues to break down Mark 9. If we want to leave a legacy then we need to prepare for what's ahead - even if we don't fully know what's ahead! When we're obedient to God, He will use it to leave a lasting impact! - Listen to the message here!
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 3:16-18
God's Moment, God's Man | Pastor Dustin Hawkins
Continuing our LEGACY series, Pastor Dustin continues to walk us through our series passage in Mark 9. When God calls us to do something for His glory, there will often be opposition against us - when this happens we shouldn't give up on what God's voice says, instead we should block out what all other voices are saying! - Listen to the message here!
Scripture Reference: Acts 2:37-39
As we continue our LEGACY series, Pastor Dustin continues to break down the story of the woman with the alabaster jar. Legacy always has a price tag, and while we all want to have a lasting impact, not everybody wants the sacrifice involved. As we walk through this season of Legacy, let us remember that a life of surrender will lead to God's glory! - Listen to the message here!
We all face moments when life feels like too much, but God's presence is more than enough. In this sermon, we're reminded how anxiety can overwhelm even the strongest, and how God meets us not in the chaos, but in the quiet. Pastor Dustin Johnston
In Week Two of our Be Generous series, Pastor Dustin Smith reminds us that encouragement is more than kind words—it's a lifestyle that reflects Jesus in what we say, how we serve, and how we act. Using Scripture from Ephesians, James, and 1 Thessalonians, he challenges us to speak life with our voices, serve with joy even in hard seasons, and show love through our daily actions.Through personal stories of transformation, Pastor Dustin shares how simple encouragement—like a card Larry Wilkinson gave him, a smile, or a word of hope, it can break generational strongholds and reveal God's plan for redemption. We're reminded that our words carry the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:21) and that genuine encouragement has the potential to draw others closer to Christ.Key Takeaway: Be generous with your encouragement. Speak life, shine your faith, and love out loud—because the way you use your words, serve others, and act in love can change lives.
Kicking off our LEGACY series, Pastor Dustin introduces us to the story of a woman who made a big sacrifice for Jesus! We all want to leave behind some form of legacy, but legacy isn't something that you stumble into - it's a decision you make and intentionally pursue! - Listen to the message here!
Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:22-23
Pastor Dustin walks us through The Progression of Repentance — the journey David took from failure to forgiveness, and how God's grace still meets us the same way today. Repentance isn't about shame — it's about restoration. It begins when we finally see what's been hidden, when conviction draws us back, not pushes us away. The Four Stages of Repentance: Realization – God opens your eyes. (2 Samuel 12:7, Psalm 32:3–4) “Conviction isn't God pushing you away; it's God pulling you back.” Remorse – Conviction breaks your heart. (2 Samuel 12:13, Psalm 51:17) “When God breaks your heart, it's never to destroy you; it's to rebuild you.” Repentance – Honesty before God. (Psalm 51) “Grace can't cleanse what pride refuses to confess.” Redemption – Grace rebuilds what sin has broken. (2 Samuel 12:20–25, Psalm 32:5) “Grace doesn't just wipe your slate clean; it writes a new story.” Repentance isn't just feeling sorry — it's a decision that leads to transformation. When God restores you, He restores your purpose, not just your peace. Key Passages: 2 Samuel 12, Psalm 32, Psalm 51
As we conclude our Recipe for Relationship series, Pastor Dustin speaks on the one verse we were given about Jesus' upbringing aside from being left at the temple - Luke 2:52. One verse, but a lot of depth in this verse as we learn from it. - Listen to the message here!
Before David fell publicly, he drifted privately. His story reminds us that sin rarely happens in a single moment—it happens through a series of unchecked decisions, quiet compromises, and subtle desires that pull our hearts away from God. In Week 5 of The Life of David, Pastor Dustin Woodward takes us into one of the most pivotal chapters in David's life: the moment temptation turned into tragedy. What began as a glance became deception, a decision, and ultimately, destruction. But even in David's darkest chapter, God's grace wasn't finished writing his story. Temptation isn't just about weakness—it's about where we've placed our loyalty. Will we trust God's will, or satisfy self-will? Through Scripture and honest reflection, Pastor Dustin shows us how temptation takes root, why desire can't be controlled outside of God's design, and how conviction opens the door to restoration. Key Scriptures: 2 Samuel 11 | James 1:14–15 | Titus 2:11–14 In this message, you'll discover: How small moments of compromise lead to life-changing consequences The difference between temptation and participation Why deception grows when we negotiate with sin instead of confronting it How conviction, not condemnation, leads to freedom and restoration The transforming power of grace that can redeem any failure If you've ever felt trapped by temptation or weighed down by regret, this message is for you. God's grace meets us not at the end of our story, but right in the middle of our failure.
Continuing our series RECIPE FOR RELATIONSHIPS, Pastor Dustin gives us the steps needed to have a good marriage. Marriage is a commitment, it takes work to keep it healthy, but when we put in the work and build it all on Jesus then a marriage can weather any storm! - Listen to the message here!
Scripture Reference: John 14:16-20
This week in our series RECIPE FOR RELATIONSHIPS, Pastor Dustin teaches us about the gift of singleness. We don't typically think of singleness as being a gift or benefit, but scripture tells us that a season of singleness can be used for the glory of God! - Listen to the message here!
Sometimes God calls us long before He crowns us. In this message, Pastor Dustin unpacks the moment David spares Saul's life in the cave of En Gedi (1 Samuel 24) and shows us why waiting on God's timing is worth it. From the battlefield where David defeated Goliath to the hidden caves where he learned restraint, David's story reminds us that promotion without preparation can destroy us, and that God tests the heart in secret before He trusts it in public. You'll discover: Why premature promotion can derail your calling How waiting tests integrity and shapes character How patience builds influence and defines legacy If you've ever felt overlooked, delayed, or tempted to take matters into your own hands, this message will help you trust God's timing and lead with integrity. Key Scriptures: 1 Samuel 17 | 1 Samuel 18 | 1 Samuel 19 | 1 Samuel 21–22 | 1 Samuel 24 Questions to reflect on: Am I letting impatience lead me, or is integrity guiding me? How am I responding to conflict — with restraint or revenge? Am I building trust through consistency even when unseen? Do I care more about being seen today, or carrying influence tomorrow?
Who Are You? | The Book of Acts
Scripture Reference: John 16:7–15
This week, Pastor Dustin teaches us about the reality of spiritual warfare, and how God has given us the tools to combat it! We have an enemy that is looking to twist our thoughts, leading us away from God's plans for our lives, but we've been given the Armor of God to withstand every trick of the enemy! – Listen to the message here!
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As we wrap up our series THIS IS PURP[US]E, Pastor Dustin talks about how the church is a lot like an army. We're all fighting the same war against the same enemy, but Dustin reminds us that if we're part of the Church then we're all on the same team with the same mission - we're not fighting alone! - Listen to the message here!
Parenting is one of the greatest callings God entrusts to us — and also one of the most challenging. In Week 4 of our Home Sweet Home series, Pastor Dustin and Mandy Woodward teach on Godly Parenting, reminding us that raising children is not about perfection, but about faithfully stewarding the lives God has placed in our care. The Bible calls us to lead by example, embrace our responsibility, speak with intention, and trust God to do what we cannot. More than providing for our children, our ultimate responsibility is to point them to Jesus — in our actions, words, and everyday rhythms at home. Key Scriptures: Proverbs 22:6 | Jeremiah 1:4 | Deuteronomy 6:4–9 | Romans 12:2 | 1 Corinthians 15:33 | Proverbs 18:21 | James 5:16 In this message, you'll discover: – Why you must lead yourself before you lead your kids – The role of teaching and correcting in shaping attitudes, actions, and associations – The importance of speaking words of life and identity over your children – How to release control and trust God's plan for their future “Your words today become their inner voice tomorrow.” “You replicate who you are, not who you wish you were.” 31 Virtues to Pray Over Your Children: Salvation Grace Love Honesty Self-Control Love for God Justice Mercy Respect Self-Esteem Faithfulness Courage Purity Kindness Generosity Peace-Loving Joy Perseverance Humility Compassion Responsibility Contentment Faith Servant's Heart Hope Willingness to Work Prayerfulness Self-Discipline Passion for God Heart for Missions Gratitude Closing Prayer/Declaration: “Lord, thank You for the gift of family. Strengthen us as parents. And let our children rise up secure in their identity, bold in their calling, and rooted in Your Word. Make our homes a place where Your presence dwells and Your name is honored. We declare our homes will be houses of faith and peace, and our parenting will reflect Your heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.” This message is for every parent, grandparent, or guardian who wants to raise children anchored in Christ. Parents — which of the 31 virtues are you praying over your kids this week? Drop it in the comments!
In this sermon, Pastor Dustin continues our mini series in the book of Acts called "For the Sake of Others," with a sermon on Acts 14:8-20. While on their first missionary journey, Paul & Barnabas encounter a purely pagan culture for the first time and bring physical, spiritual, and emotional healing to Lystra. Sermon originally recorded on August 24th, 2025.
Needed | Pastor Dustin Hawkins
Imagine if a hospital turned away sick people for being "too sick." That would be insane! But often times we do the same thing in church to people for being "too far gone." In this message from Pastor Dustin, he talks about how the church should be a hospital for the broken! – Listen to the message here!
Marriage is more than a contract — it's a covenant established by God. In Week 3 of our Home Sweet Home series, Pastor Dustin and Mandy Woodward unpack what Scripture teaches about God's design for marriage and how it shapes the strength of the family, the home, and even society itself. Drawing from Ephesians 5:22–31, this message reminds us that marriage exists to reflect the covenant love of Christ and the Church. It's not about perfection, but about commitment, sacrifice, and faithfulness. Key Scriptures: Ephesians 5:22–31 | 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 | Colossians 3:13 | Hebrews 13:4 | Matthew 6:33 In this message, you'll discover: – Why marriage is a covenant, not a contract – How to build a marriage on commitment and faithfulness, not feelings – God's way to navigate love, conflict, intimacy, and priorities – The difference between culture's definition of success and God's definition – Practical commitments every marriage needs to thrive “Feelings may start a marriage, but only faithfulness can sustain it.” “The win in marriage is never me over you, but us over the issue.” Marriage Commitments: We're choosing holiness instead of chasing happiness. We'll stay faithful even when the feelings aren't always there. We'll fight for each other, not against each other. We'll keep God first, each other second, and let everything else come after that. Closing Prayer from Pastor Dustin & Mandy: Lord, thank You for our marriage. Help us choose holiness over happiness. Keep us faithful when feelings fade. Teach us to fight for each other, not against each other. We put You first, each other second, and everything else after. Bless our home and make our love a light for You. In Jesus' name, Amen. This message is a must-watch for married couples, engaged couples, or anyone preparing for the future. Build your marriage on God's design, and you'll leave behind a legacy that lasts.
Pastor Dustin Lang returns to his home church, New Story, and shares from his journey of church planting. Drawing from the book of Haggai, he invites us to reflect on our own priorities—are we more focused on personal comfort or on building God's kingdom?This message speaks to both younger and older generations, reminding us what it means to live with eternal purpose. Pastor Dustin also points to the importance of walking together as a community, supporting one another as we dedicate our lives to God's work.
As we kick off our brand new series THIS IS PURP[US]E, Pastor Dustin teaches us about how the church isn't just a place you attend, but it's a family you belong to! - Listen to the message here!
In a culture that often defines people by their relationship status, God reminds us of a better truth: your worth and identity come from Him alone. In Week 2 of our Home Sweet Home series, Pastor Dustin and Mandy share a timely message called “The Gift and Goals of Singleness.” Singleness is not a gap to be filled but a gift to be embraced — a season to walk in purity, pursue spiritual growth, and maximize your influence for the Kingdom. Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 7:7–8, 17 | Ephesians 4:14–15 | Matthew 7:16–17 | Galatians 5:22–23 | Proverbs 13:20 In this message, you'll discover: – How to be content and maximize your singleness – What to become and what to look for in relationships – 10 warning signs you can't ignore when pursuing a future spouse – Why your identity is complete in Christ — not in your relationship status “Learn to see singleness as a gift, not a gap.” “Use your freedom for Kingdom impact.” Closing Prayer from Pastor Dustin & Mandy: God, my identity is not found in my relationship status but in You. I am chosen, complete, and called. Use this season for Your purpose. Let me walk in wholeness, trust Your timing, and live with joy as I follow You wholeheartedly. Whether you're single, married, or somewhere in between, this message will encourage you to see your season through God's eyes and embrace the unique calling He has for you. What's one way you can maximize your season of singleness? Share in the comments!