This week, we dive into Hebrews Chapter 5 as Pastor Bo unpacks the profound role of Christ as our ultimate high priest. We explore what it means to move from spiritual infancy to maturity, learning how to transition from the "milk" of basic teachings to the "meat" of deeper understanding and faith.   Pastor Bo reflects on how Christ's perfect mediation bridges the gap between us and God, ensuring our prayers are heard and that we approach God with boldness and confidence.  Related to maturing in our faith, Pastor Bo discusses how to understand suffering - what is Godly suffering verse suffering that we may bring on ourselves. Hebrews 5 as well as select passages from 1 Peter are the basis for this “meaty” teaching.

(00:00) Power of Faith and the Word
(03:47) The Role of the High Priest
(10:45) The Sufferings of Christ
(21:41) Understanding the Sufferings of Christ
(32:16) The Call to Boldness and Obedience
(44:32) Discerning God's Voice and Repentance
(52:31) Connecting With City Light Church

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Join us this week as Pastor Bo breaks down what it means to enter God's rest.  We'll look at what it meant for Joshua and the Israelites, but more importantly what it looks like for believers today.  Pastor Bo elaborates on how God's rest includes having peace with God and how it gives us freedom from the condemnation of guilt & shame.  It also helps us to no longer feel like we are on a hamster wheel - continually trying to please God - as we approach Him.  Tied in with this, Pastor Bo shares the importance of having robust faith & expectation in our daily walk with God.  This will change basic activities, like giving our offering out of a sense of obligation, into life-transforming experiences of God's love and goodness, as we reap the blessings God promises us in His word.  With humor in abundance, you'll enjoy taking in this week’s message full of life-giving truth.

(00:00) The Living Word and Christmas Celebration
(03:51) The Power of Giving and Receiving
(08:36) Resting in God's Promise
(15:55) Entering God's Rest Through Faith
(30:12) Resting in God's Word and Promise
(44:32) Guidance Through God's Word
(49:57) Boldly Come to the Throne

Join us as we humorously explore what it means to be "Fruity Christians."  Drawing from Matthew 21:18-19, we unpack the metaphor of spiritual productivity, challenging ourselves to produce genuine, godly fruit rather than just showcasing outward appearances.  Considering how truffles grow under certain conditions and in a specific climate, we understand how some spiritual fruit is also rare, and only comes about from embracing growth through trials and life’s difficulties.  These reflections inspire us to align our lives with biblical promises, embracing challenges as stepping stones toward spiritual maturity and fruitful living marked by answered prayers.

(00:00) Living in Constant Dependence on God
(02:58) The Importance of Bearing Fruit
(19:41) Embracing Growth Through Pain and Resistance
(36:19) Enduring Pain and Waiting
(48:17) Growing Fruitfulness Through Prayer and Maturity

www.citylightnyc.com

Unlock the teachings of Hebrews chapter two with the guidance of Pastor Bo. He discusses the challenges faced by early Hebrew Christians with insights into how their struggles mirror our own today. We reflect on the message of Hebrews, emphasizing the supremacy of Jesus Christ and the subtle dangers of "drifting away" from faith when spiritual practices are neglected. Through poignant personal stories and biblical references, we offer encouragement for maintaining steadfast faith, highlighting the ever-present opportunity to return to God. Just as the prodigal son was embraced, so too can we find our way back to an active, living faith that cherishes salvation daily.

(00:00) Exploring God's Word With Pastor Bo
(03:24) Warning Against Drifting Away
(11:02) The Warning Against Drifting Away
(26:04) The Mystery of Christianity
(34:00) Jesus as Merciful High Priest
(50:13) City Light Church Podcast Subscription

www.citylightnyc.com 

Unlock the profound truths and transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice in our latest episode. Experience a journey through  Hebrews chapter one with Pastor Bo, as we explore how Jesus’ sinless blood exemplifies God’s boundless love and the Holy Spirit’s life-changing influence.  Embrace a more profound understanding of God the Father through the person of Jesus Christ, the expressed image of God's glory. We navigate common misconceptions and emotional barriers, offering insights into how Jesus' words and actions reveal the Father’s true personality and intentions. If negative experiences with earthly fathers have clouded your perception, this episode encourages you to find clarity and warmth in the divine nature of God as a Father. With a touch of humor, we remind you why carrying large Bibles and notebooks might just be the secret to deeply internalizing God's word

www.citylightnyc.com 

(00:00) God's Word and Biblical Literacy
(11:52) Discovering the Father Through Jesus

Lost wallets and malfunctioning car trunks may sound like the start of a comedy sketch, but they actually set the stage for a profound reflection on joy and the unexpected blessings in life. As we share a laugh over these chaotic moments, the conversation deepens into the transformative power of faith and the Holy Spirit within our City Light Church community. From the incredible moment of witnessing 24 individuals publicly declare their faith through baptism to navigating challenges like Pastor Bo's unexpected illness, we find strength in God's unconditional love and the joy it brings, regardless of circumstances.

As election day looms near, the discussion takes a turn towards civic responsibility and moral duty. By drawing parallels between apostles Peter and John, we explore how their imperfect journeys offer valuable lessons on living authentically in faith. Emphasizing the contrast between religious obligation and a genuine spiritual relationship, we reflect on the freedom found in embracing God's love without the need for earning it, just like the unique insights John received from his deep connection with Jesus.

We invite you to connect further with CityLight Church, experience the boundless love and grace that define our mission, and explore more at www.citylightnyc.com 

Holding onto faith amidst life's storms is a challenge many of us face. Today, we explore how enduring faith in Christianity is not just about holding steady but also about recognizing the misconceptions around the nature of suffering. Together, we unravel the truth that while God is inherently good, many of our struggles stem from personal actions or external forces beyond divine control.

Our journey takes inspiration from the early Christians, as recounted in the book of Hebrews, who faced immense trials yet grew stronger in their faith. The path to spiritual fulfillment, much like the journey of Abraham, is paved with patience and transformation. These stories, along with personal anecdotes, illustrate the profound growth that occurs when we endure hardships with faith. This episode sheds light on the necessity of perseverance, showing how God is constantly preparing us, molding us to receive His promises no matter the adversities we face.

Finally, we witness the power of divine intervention through the miraculous story of the Syrian army's retreat. This powerful narrative exemplifies how faith and perseverance can lead to miraculous transformations, offering a beacon of hope. We celebrate these acts of divine turnaround with gratitude and invite you to connect with the City Light Church community. Whether you're seeking encouragement or looking to deepen your faith, the support and love available through our community are boundless. Embrace the strength of enduring faith, and may this episode inspire you to hold onto hope and trust in the transformative power of God's grace.

For more information and resources, visit www.citylightnyc.com 

(00:00) Enduring Faith in Christianity
(13:47) Endurance in the Promise of God
(29:44) The Power of Waiting on God
(42:59) The God of the Turnaround
(50:49) Divine Turnaround and Grace

For more information and resources, visit www.citylightnyc.com 

(00:00) An Audacious Ask
(10:58) Conquering Mountains With Faith
(21:59) Men of Faith
(35:51) The Audacity of Faith

For more information and resources, visit www.citylightnyc.com 

(00:00) Embracing Faith and Biblical Culture
(10:24) Building Through Faith and Opposition
(22:01) Building a Spiritual Ark
(25:44) Preparation and Closed Doors
(40:34) Raven or Dove
(54:45) Connecting With City Light Church