In this opening message of our new series, Different on Purpose, Pastor Jomel walks through 1 Peter 1 and reminds us that Christians are called to live differently—not to appear better than others, but because we belong to Jesus and have been given a living hope.

Through Christ’s resurrection, we have new birth, a secure inheritance, and a salvation that God Himself is carrying to completion. Even in suffering, Peter points us to a hope that is not fragile, distant, or wishful thinking, but alive because Jesus is alive. Because of this hope, we can endure trials, trust God’s work in us, and live with our minds ready for action.

This message invites us to recognize what it means to be in Christ and commit to living like it.

In this episode, Pastor Amos reminds City Lights of the heartbeat of the church: to help people find and follow Jesus and to experience a disciple-making movement in Chula Vista. Looking at Jesus’ call to His first disciples in Mark 1 and His commission in Mark 16, we’re reminded that following Jesus is not just an invitation to believe, but an invitation to become His apprentices and join His mission.

This message challenges us to gather purposefully, grow intentionally, and go missionally—bringing the good news of Jesus into the places we live, work, play, and study. As City Lights launches its first missional communities, we’re invited to take seriously Jesus’ call to go into the world, proclaim the gospel, and be the light of Christ in our city.

In the final message of the “Even Though” series, Pastor Amos walks through the closing verses of Psalm 23 and reminds us that God’s presence does not disappear in the valley—it becomes even more personal. Reflecting on the image of the Lord as both Shepherd and King, this message explores what it means for God to prepare a table in the presence of our enemies, to anoint and heal us in the middle of hardship, and to pursue us with goodness, mercy, and steadfast love all the days of our lives.

Through honest reflection on suffering, loss, and the deep valleys we all face, this episode encourages listeners not to give fear, bitterness, comparison, or the lies of the enemy a seat at the table. Instead, we are invited to trust the Shepherd who remains fully in control, who restores our souls, and who uses even the hardest seasons to draw us into deeper intimacy with Him. Even though we walk through the valley, God is still good.

In this episode of the City Light Church podcast, we continue the Even Though series through Psalm 23 with a deeply personal conversation from Jake and Ilse as they share the story of losing their son, Axel. Through heartbreak, grief, and impossible decisions in the NICU, they recount how God met them in the middle of their darkest valley with peace, strength, and His presence. This powerful testimony reminds us that even in suffering, the Lord is still our Shepherd — faithful to guide, comfort, and carry us through what we could never survive on our own.

This week, we begin our new series, Even Though, with a message from Psalm 23 about trusting God in the valleys of life. David reminds us that faith does not deny the reality of darkness, pain, grief, or uncertainty. Instead, faith declares that the valley is not the end.

Through the image of the Lord as our shepherd, we see that God is personal, present, protective, and faithful. Even when the path is hard to see, we are not left to walk alone. The Lord provides what we need, restores our souls, leads us through difficult places, and stays near to His people. Whatever valley you may be walking through, this message is a reminder that the Shepherd is with you—and He will not abandon His sheep.

In the final message of our Renew Your Mind series, we look at Philippians 4 and the promise of peace that comes through Christ. Paul reminds us that peace of mind is not found by ignoring anxiety, denying pressure, or pretending life is easy. It is found by rejoicing in the Lord, remembering that God is near, bringing our worries to Him in prayer, and refocusing our minds on what is true.

This message is especially timely on Mother’s Day, speaking to the weight many carry—the pressure, anxiety, unseen sacrifices, and constant demands of life. God is not asking us to carry everything perfectly. He is inviting us to bring everything to Him.

Through prayer, thanksgiving, and renewed thinking, we can experience the peace of God that surpasses understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

This week in our Renew Your Mind series, we look at Philippians 2 and what it means to have the mind of Christ. Paul calls the church to a shared mindset rooted in unity, humility, servanthood, and complete obedience.

In a world that pushes us toward pride, selfish ambition, and proving ourselves, this message invites us to follow the example of Jesus, who humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, and obeyed the Father even to the point of death on a cross. We’re reminded that the Christian life is not about becoming something we are not, but about living consistently with who we already are in Christ.

This episode is a call to lay down pride, consider others, serve with sincerity, and choose obedience even when it costs us something.

This week in our Renew Your Mind series, we look at Colossians 3 and the call to set our minds on things above. What we think about shapes what we love, what we love shapes how we live, and Paul reminds us that following Jesus means choosing a new direction every day.

In this episode, we talk about what it means to seek Christ, put to death what no longer belongs, and put on the character of Jesus. From our thoughts and desires to our words, relationships, habits, and daily decisions, above thinking is not just a Sunday mindset. It is a way of life shaped by the peace of Christ, the Word of God, and the desire to do everything in the name of Jesus.

This week, we continue our Renew Your Mind series with a message from 2 Corinthians 10 about the unseen battle that takes place in our minds. While we often focus on the struggles we can see around us, this episode reminds us that some of our greatest battles are spiritual, and that the enemy often works through lies, fear, shame, and distorted thinking to gain influence in our lives.

We look at what it means to take every thought captive, how strongholds are formed when lies go unchecked, and why God has given us spiritual weapons to tear them down. This message is both a warning and an encouragement to guard your mind, stand on the truth of God’s Word, and let Him renew your thinking so you can walk in freedom and obedience.

This week, we kick off our new series, Renew Your Mind, with a message from Romans 12 about the connection between how we think and how we live. In a world that is constantly trying to shape our values, identity, and perspective, this episode is a call to resist conformity and pursue true transformation through Christ.

We look at what it means to live as a living sacrifice, why surrender is a reasonable response to the mercy of God, and how a renewed mind leads to a renewed life. This message is both a challenge and an invitation to let God reshape your thinking so you can better discern His will and walk in it.