This week on the CityHill Church podcast, we're diving into Week 3 of our Daniel Series, "Raised to be Resilient." Pastor Daniel kicks off by clarifying some modern slang (King Nebuchadnezzar was a "bad guy" not a "baddie," and Daniel was the real "baddie" – meaning impressive or cool!). He emphasizes that God is raising a generation of radical faith, ready to take ground for the King.

We'll explore the gripping story of Daniel in the lions' den, drawing out powerful lessons for our lives. Daniel, serving under King Darius at around 80 years old, faced immense opposition due to his exceptional qualities and the king's plan to promote him. This didn't sit well with other officials, who plotted to bring him down.

The sermon highlights three key takeaways from Daniel's resilience:

When God raises us up, the enemy will try to tear us down. Just as Daniel faced persecution for his promotion, we can expect resistance when we stand for Jesus. However, what the enemy intends to break us, God uses to build us. Resistance doesn't always mean you're going the wrong way; it can mean you're going the right way.

We can't be Raised with Resilience without a Posture of Prayer. Daniel's accusers knew his unwavering commitment to prayer. Even when faced with a decree that meant death, Daniel continued his daily practice of prayer, not panicking or trying to fix it himself, but starting with prayer. His life of prayer had built strong "faith muscles" and resilience.

When we are Raised to do what is Right, we can trust God with the Results. Daniel chose to honor God, even if it meant being "lion lunch." He trusted in God's goodness, faithfulness, love, and righteousness, regardless of the outcome. Ultimately, God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions, and Daniel was found unharmed because he trusted in God. As a result, King Darius issued a decree for all people to fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

Join us as we learn how Daniel's prosperity was a reflection of his posture of prayer, and how we too can be raised with resilience by doing what is right and trusting God with the results.

This week on the CityHill Church Amanzimtoti podcast, we continue our journey through the Book of Daniel, focusing on what it means to be "Raised to do Right."

We'll explore the delicate balance between condemnation and condoning when addressing sin in others' lives. Condemnation, a "Bruce Lee style" expression of disapproval, makes people feel guilt and shame, while condoning ignores, diminishes, or avoids conflict. Both approaches lack love and grace, leading to legalism or license. The goal is to speak the truth in love, allowing for repentance and restoration, not to bully with religious rules or allow people to suffer in their sin.

The message will delve into the story of King Nebuchadnezzar, a ruthless and prideful ruler, who, despite his oppressive nature, was influenced by Daniel. We'll revisit Nebuchadnezzar's troubling dreams and Daniel's courageous interpretations, highlighting how Daniel, even when delivering difficult news, chose "truth in love" rather than condemnation or condoning.

We'll also touch on common dream interpretations, such as falling, being chased, or losing teeth, and how they might reflect our anxieties or processing emotions.

Finally, we'll discuss how to share truth in love, emphasizing the importance of prayer, gentleness, humility, and self-reflection, as inspired by Galatians 6:1. Our aim is always repentance and restoration, recognizing that we are never better than those who need correction, and that how someone responds to the truth is ultimately up to them. Join us as we learn to encourage, uplift, and support one another for God's glory.

This week on the CityHill Church Amanzimtoti podcast, we begin our new series, "Daniel - Raising a Generation - (Part 1)"! Join us as we explore the Book of Daniel, a prophetic book that provides a blueprint for believers today. Discover how God calls us to conquer and live out our "Capital K" Kingdom calling, even amidst a world that tries to dilute and distract us. Learn how Daniel and his friends resisted compromise and strategic attacks from the enemy to maintain their God-given identity. We'll uncover powerful lessons on standing firm with honor and respect, demonstrating that what we stand for is far more important than what we stand against. Tune in to be encouraged and challenged to reflect the King and His Kingdom in every area of your life!

Welcome to this weeks message from CityHill Church Amanzimtoti

This week, CityHill Church Amanzimtoti dives into a message that promises to ignite something powerful within us. We're talking about being "Spirit-Filled" and what that truly means for living an effective Christian life.

Building on past weeks, we revisit Acts 19:1-2, where Paul encounters disciples who hadn't even heard of the Holy Spirit. The sermon aims to remove the "weird" and restore the "wonder" surrounding the Holy Spirit, often misunderstood or misrepresented. We'll clarify terms like "Pentecost" (meaning 50, referring to the outpouring of the Spirit) and "Charismatic" (meaning gifted), emphasizing that being godly doesn't mean being goofy. The Hebrew word "Ruach" and Greek word "Pneuma" for Spirit both literally mean "Breath" or "Wind," signifying "wind in our sails" and "breath of fresh air and life".

The core of this week's message revolves around the concept of "Baptism". We'll explore three types of baptisms in our spiritual journey:

Baptism into the Body of Christ (Salvation): This is a relational immersion into Christ and His church, an "all in" commitment, not just a silent decision. We receive the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation.

Water Baptism: This is a separate, public declaration of our private decision to follow Jesus, symbolizing His death, burial, and resurrection as we are immersed into the Body of Christ. It's not required for salvation, which is a free gift of 100% Jesus.

Baptism in the Holy Spirit: While we receive the Spirit at salvation, Jesus told the disciples to "wait for the gift my Father promised" to be "baptised with the Holy Spirit". This immersion in the Holy Spirit is for Kingdom purposes, empowering us to do the work God has called us to do, helping the church and advancing the Kingdom. It's about being "clothed with power from on high".

Being Spirit-Filled transforms our lives, developing fruit, bringing courage, and making the Bible a living word. It ignites a fire, changes our ability to share faith, and gives us authority in spiritual warfare. Just as the Apostle Peter was transformed from being scared to boldly proclaiming the Gospel after being Spirit-Filled, we too need this empowerment.

How do we get Spirit-Filled? The sermon outlines four key steps:

Remove all Barriers: This means stopping what God is telling us to stop, doing what He's telling us to do, and dealing with fears or obstacles that hold us back from our next spiritual step.

Request the Gift of the Holy Spirit: Simply ask God to fill your life with everything He has to give.

Receive Him by Faith: Step out of your comfort zone with "eyes wide open trust," moving deeper into the "river of God" where life abounds. God isn't looking for perfection, but for faith to take the next step.

Relate to Him daily: Our ultimate reward is an intimate relationship with Jesus, allowing Him to transform us from fearful and timid to bold, representing the King and the Kingdom.

Join us to discover how being Spirit-Filled will enable you to conquer and advance God's Kingdom, glorifying Him until we are called home.

This week on the CityHill Church Amanzimtoti Podcast, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday by exploring the true meaning behind the day. Far from tradition or hype, Pentecost is about receiving God’s power to live with purpose, make a difference, and live Spirit-filled lives.

We unpack the deep spiritual significance of the three major biblical feasts—Passover (Salvation), Pentecost (Power), and Tabernacles (Heaven)—and how Jesus fulfilled each one. Through practical insight and biblical clarity, we discover how the Holy Spirit:

• Empowers us to live righteously,

• Enables us to live supernaturally, and

• Equips us to live on mission.

Whether you're new to the Holy Spirit or simply looking for a fresh understanding, this episode will inspire and challenge you to embrace the fullness of what God wants to do in and through your life.

🎧 "Being filled with the Holy Spirit doesn’t make me better than you—it makes me better than me."

Welcome to the weekly podcast of CityHill Church Amanzimtoti. Get ready for a high-seas adventure in this week's episode as we delve into Acts Chapter 27! Join us as we follow the Apostle Paul on a truly harrowing journey to Rome, where he's being sent as a prisoner to stand trial before Caesar. Despite Paul's divine warning of impending disaster, the ship's crew sets sail, only to be caught in a violent, multi-day hurricane that threatens to tear their vessel apart. Experience the fear, the desperation, and Paul's unwavering faith as he encourages his fellow travelers and miraculously predicts their survival, though the ship itself will be lost. This thrilling account is more than just a gripping story of survival; it's a powerful testament to God's sovereign hand, even in the midst of chaos, and Paul's extraordinary courage and trust in His promises. Tune in to discover the dramatic details of this legendary shipwreck and the profound lessons it holds for us today!

This week, join CityHill Church Amanzimtoti as we explore how to navigate life's toughest moments by learning from the example of Stephen, a man who faced an impossible situation without losing his faith. Discover how looking up to Jesus, looking ahead with an eternal perspective, and looking beyond our immediate pain can transform our tests into powerful testimonies. This message will challenge you to embrace a Spirit-filled life, finding peace amidst trials and understanding that God uses our stories for His glory. Tune in to be encouraged and equipped to stand out for your faith, no matter the opposition!

Welcome to the weekly CityHill Church Amanzimtoti Podcast. This week's podcast dives into the significance of communion, drawing from 1 Corinthians 11:17-37. While it’s important not to let communion become a mere ritual, it is a sacred and holy moment to be revered.