CityRise Sermon Conversations

What happens when Christians trade the freedom of the gospel for the exhaustion of a "performance review" faith? In Episode 72 of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive deep into Galatians 5:2-15 as part of the ongoing "Set Free" series through the book of Galatians.

In this episode, the pastors unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in the New Testament: what Paul actually means when he warns about "falling away from grace." They discuss the dangerous, subtle drift from resting in Christ's finished work into modern legalism, and how toxic online influencers can easily distract us from true, relationship-driven faith. From hilarious Houston traffic analogies to powerful cultural reflections on political polarization, this conversation explores how understanding God's overwhelming grace inevitably overflows into loving and serving our neighbors.

Whether you are studying Galatians 5 for personal growth or preparing to hear this Sunday's sermon at a CityRise campus, this episode will challenge you to stop biting the hook of cultural outrage and start standing firm in Christian freedom.

Are you living as a child of the promise or a slave to performance?

In this episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive into the rich (and sometimes complex) allegory of Hagar and Sarah in Galatians 4. As we continue our series, Set Free, we explore why Paul uses the history of Abraham’s sons to drive home a singular, life-changing point: For freedom, Christ has set us free.

We also take a moment to celebrate Mother’s Day, sharing personal wisdom from the women who shaped our lives, and discuss the tension of waiting on God’s perfect timing versus taking matters into our own hands.

In this episode of Sermon Conversations, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church gather to discuss the profound shifts found in Galatians 3 and 4. As they continue their verse-by-verse study, they move from the academic and doctrinal "knife and fork" arguments of earlier chapters into the personal, relational heart of the Gospel.

The team explores the transition from being "strangers" to becoming "family," highlighting the radical unity found in Christ—where cultural, social, and gender barriers are removed. They also dive deep into the doctrine of adoption, sharing moving personal stories from international orphanages and local courtrooms to illustrate the difference between being a slave to the law and a child of God.

Is Christianity "too simple," or are we just making it harder than it needs to be?

Welcome back to the Sermon Conversations podcast! This week, Pastors Mark Edworthy, Tim Yeager, Robbie Dobbs, and Ben Hays continue our "Set Free" series as we dive deep into Galatians 3.

In this episode, the team explores Paul’s heavy-hitting arguments regarding faith, the legacy of Abraham, and why we often try to use the Law like a hammer to cut a board—it’s a great tool, but it wasn't designed for that job. We discuss the "bewitching" allure of legalism, the "Debtor's Ethic" in modern worship, and how the Law actually serves as a vital guardian (or "pedagogue") to lead us to Christ.

Welcome to Episode 68 of Sermon Conversations! In the second week of our "Set Free" series on the book of Galatians, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church explore the powerful transition from "Religion to Revelation".

The episode begins with the pastors sharing their own personal conversion stories—ranging from growing up as a "missionary kid" to finding faith later in life—highlighting how Christ transforms the heart regardless of one's background. We then dive into Galatians 1:11-24, where the Apostle Paul defends the divine origin of the Gospel he preached, asserting it came directly by revelation from Jesus Christ and not from any human source.

Welcome to the start of our new sermon series, "Freedom in Christ." In this episode of Sermon Conversations, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church begin a line-by-line journey through the book of Galatians.

Focusing on the first ten verses of chapter one, Pastors Roger, Pastor Robby, Alberto, and Justo discuss the unique intensity of Paul’s letter to the Galatian churches. Unlike his other letters, Paul skips the usual commendations to address a critical crisis: the desertion of the true Gospel.

The pastors explore Paul’s divine authority, the significance of Christ’s rescue from "this present evil age," and the stern warning against any "different gospel" that adds human works to God's grace. The conversation concludes with a powerful look at verse 10—challenging us to consider whether we are living for the approval of people or for the service of Christ.

Join Pastors Roger Patterson, Kirby Follis, Mark Edworthy, and Justo Robinson as they dive into the foundational event of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In this episode of Sermon Conversations, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church explore John chapter 20, breaking down the dramatic moments at the empty tomb. From Mary Magdalene’s emotional discovery to the race between Peter and John, the pastors discuss the physical and spiritual evidence that points to the risen Savior.

The conversation touches on the "missing" elements of the Easter story—the missing body, the missing understanding of scripture, and the missing faith of Thomas—and how Jesus meets us in those gaps today. Whether you are preparing for Easter or looking to go deeper into the Word, this discussion provides historical context and theological insights into why the resurrection is the cornerstone of our hope.

In this episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church gather to discuss the profound theological significance of "The Cross and the Crown" as they prepare for Palm Sunday and the Easter season.

The conversation centers on John 19, exploring the stark juxtaposition of the Roman soldiers' mockery against the eternal reality of Jesus as King. The pastors break down the "crown he wore" (the thorns of the curse), the "crown he wears" (glory and honor), and the "crowns he gives" to believers who remain faithful.

From the physical and emotional pain of the crucifixion to the symbolic reversal of the Genesis curse, this episode offers a "knife and fork" look at the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. Join us as we reflect on the majesty of Christ and the grace found at the foot of the cross.

Join teaching pastors Mark Edworthy, Roger Patterson, and Justo Robinson, and Kirby Follis for a deep dive into Hebrews 9 as they continue our Easter countdown series, "The Power of the Cross".

In this episode, the team explores why the blood of Christ is central to the Christian faith and how it serves as a "better" alternative to the Old Testament sacrificial system.

From personal stories of childhood lessons on sin to reflections on the ancient architecture of Notre Dame, this conversation moves from the "shadows" of the Old Testament tabernacle to the reality of Jesus as our eternal mediator. Whether you are looking to understand the theological roots of the New Covenant or seeking a clear conscience through the grace of God, this discussion offers a powerful look at the path to salvation.

In this episode, we discuss:Why the "blood" is a non-negotiable part of the Gospel.

The difference between the first and second Adam.

How Jesus serves as our "bridge builder" (Pontiff) to God.

The reality of sin and the need for a spiritual "doctor".

The connection between Old Testament saints and New Testament faith.

In this episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive into a new sermon series: The Power of the Cross. As we march toward Easter, we explore the profound truth that the crucifixion of Jesus was not an accident or a "Plan B"—it was God’s intentional plan from the origin of creation until His return.Join us as we trace the "scarlet thread" of redemption from the first mention of the Gospel in Genesis to the resurrected Christ on the road to Emmaus. We discuss how God’s plan for forgiveness was revealed at humanity's worst moment and why the cross remains the ultimate mission for the church today.Watch our services live or catch up on recent messages at CityRise.org/live