CityRise Sermon Conversations

In the final installment of our "Pathways" series, Pastor Roger Patterson is joined by our other teaching pastors to discuss The Pathway of Permanent Purpose.

As CityRise Church prepares for its 100th anniversary in 2028, we look to the end of King David's life in 1 Chronicles 29:18–25 to understand how to build something that lasts for generations. This conversation dives into the heart of legacy—moving beyond buildings to the "permanent purpose" of raising up the next generation of leaders.

In this episode of Sermon Conversations, Pastor Mark Edorthy is joined by Ben Hays, Justo Robinson, and Robby Dobbs to discuss the fifth installment of our "Pathways" series: The Pathway of Joyful Worship.

As CityRise Church continues its journey toward our 100th anniversary, our pastors dive into 1 Chronicles 29:10-17. They explore King David’s beautiful prayer of transition and the profound realization that everything we have belongs to God. This conversation shifts the perspective on giving from a "requirement" to a "privilege" born out of a heart of worship.

In this episode of Sermon Conversations, Pastor Roger Patterson is joined by Tim Yeager, Whoso Robinson, and Ben Hayes to discuss week four of our "Pathways" series: The Pathway of Authentic Leadership.

As CityRise Church approaches its 100th anniversary, our pastors reflect on what it means to lead a church through rapid cultural and technological shifts—including the emergence of AI. Using 1 Chronicles 29:1-9 as a guide, the team explores the life of King David and his final act of leadership: preparing the next generation and "going first" in sacrifice.

How do you move from a God-given plan to real-world action? In this episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive into 1 Chronicles 28:20-21 to explore the "Pathway of Action". Following their discussions on legacy and planning, the team focuses on the critical moment when King David commissions his son, Solomon, to build the Temple.

Taking action is often the hardest part of any spiritual journey. Whether it’s adopting a child or moving to a new mission field, the "muddy middle" is where fear often creeps in. Join us as we discuss why "action is the great separator" and how we can find the courage to walk obediently in God’s provision, even when we feel unsure.

Welcome to another episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast! This week, the teaching pastors of City Rise gather to discuss the theology and history behind our upcoming sermon focus from 1 Chronicles 28:9–19.

As we continue our "Pathways" series, we explore the "Pathway of Planning." Using the transition of leadership from King David to his son Solomon, we discuss what it looks like to move a future vision into a present reality through God-honoring plans. Whether we are renovating a 100-year-old church or building a life of faith, the blueprint remains the same: it must be built on a personal relationship with God.

How do you keep moving forward when you can't see what's on the horizon? In this episode of the CityRise Sermon Conversations, our teaching pastors dive into Hebrews 11:7 to explore the life of Noah. We discuss the challenge of obeying God concerning "events as yet unseen" and what it means to be a "preacher of righteousness" in a world that might think you’re crazy.

Whether you are in a season of "foggy" transitions or a decades-long "daily grind," this conversation offers practical insights on hearing God’s voice, the discipline of habits, and trusting the One who steers the boat.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Moving in the Unseen: Why faith is like walking through the woods with a flashlight—you only get more light once you take a step.

The "Cloudy Before Clear" Principle: Navigating seasons of life where the directive isn't yet obvious.

Standing Alone: The reality of following God when it feels like you are the only one in your workplace or community standing for what is right.

Consistency Over Intensity: How Noah’s 75-year "boat building" project mirrors our own journeys in marriage, parenting, and career.

Certainty vs. Uncertainty: Finding peace by anchoring yourself in what you know (God’s Word) while being okay with the "when" and "how" you don't know.

Key Scripture:

Hebrews 11:7 – "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household."

Connect With Us:

Watch Sermons Live: Join us at CityRise.org/live to stream upcoming services or catch up on recent messages.

Go Deeper: Subscribe to our channel for weekly discussions on theology, history, and the Scripture focus for our church family.

How do you keep moving forward when you can't see what's on the horizon? In this episode of the CityRise Sermon Conversations, our teaching pastors dive into Hebrews 11:7 to explore the life of Noah. We discuss the challenge of obeying God concerning "events as yet unseen" and what it means to be a "preacher of righteousness" in a world that might think you’re crazy.

Whether you are in a season of "foggy" transitions or a decades-long "daily grind," this conversation offers practical insights on hearing God’s voice, the discipline of habits, and trusting the One who steers the boat.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

Moving in the Unseen: Why faith is like walking through the woods with a flashlight—you only get more light once you take a step.

The "Cloudy Before Clear" Principle: Navigating seasons of life where the directive isn't yet obvious.

Standing Alone: The reality of following God when it feels like you are the only one in your workplace or community standing for what is right.

Consistency Over Intensity: How Noah’s 75-year "boat building" project mirrors our own journeys in marriage, parenting, and career.

Certainty vs. Uncertainty: Finding peace by anchoring yourself in what you know (God’s Word) while being okay with the "when" and "how" you don't know.

Key Scripture:

Hebrews 11:7 – "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household."

Connect With Us:

Watch Sermons Live: Join us at CityRise.org/live to stream upcoming services or catch up on recent messages.

Go Deeper: Subscribe to our channel for weekly discussions on theology, history, and the Scripture focus for our church family.

If you found this conversation helpful, please like and share it with someone who needs encouragement in their walk of faith!

What does it actually mean to "walk with God" in the middle of a major life transition? In this episode of the CityRise Sermon Conversations podcast, our teaching pastors dive into Hebrews 11:5-6 to explore the life of Enoch—one of only two people in the Bible who never tasted death.

Whether you are navigating a new season of parenting, a career change, or a period of "waiting on the Lord," this conversation offers practical insights on how faith pleases God. We discuss the fascinating generational link between Enoch, Methuselah, and Noah, and why "walking" is about taking one consistent step at a time rather than seeking a mountaintop experience.

Are you ready to transform your spiritual life in 2026?

In this episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors at CityRise sit down for an intimate discussion on Pastor Roger’s new book and upcoming series, "40 Days of Faith."

Inspired by a powerful moment during his sabbatical while reading Hebrews 10:39, Pastor Roger shares how the Holy Spirit "poured out" 40 unique principles of faith directly from the scriptures. This episode isn't just about theology; it’s a practical look at how regular people—like Enoch, Abraham, and even us—can walk with God daily to please Him.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Origin Story: How a quiet Saturday morning and a cup of coffee turned into a church-wide spiritual journey.

The "Hall of Faith": Why the characters in Hebrews 11 aren't superheroes, but regular people who struggled, sinned, and yet remained faithful.

The Faith Walk: Understanding faith as a continuous relationship, much like the teams on The Amazing Race.

Tools for the New Year: Why a finite, 40-day challenge is the perfect way to kickstart your 2026.

Whether you feel like you're at the "bottom of the barrel" or you've been walking with Christ for 30 years, there is a fresh word for you in this conversation.

"In a world full of Herods, Jesus burns bright."

Welcome to Episode 54 of the CityRise Sermon Conversations podcast! This week, our teaching pastors dive into one of the most profound Christological passages in all of Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11. While often associated with the Easter season, the team explores how this "Christological poem" is actually the perfect lens through which to view the Christmas story.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Concept of Kenosis: What it means that Jesus "emptied Himself" by setting aside His divine prerogatives without ever ceasing to be fully God.

Jesus vs. Herod: The stark contrast between earthly rulers who demand to be served and the King of Kings who came to serve.

The Humanity of Christ: How Jesus experienced every stage of life—from infancy to adulthood—to fully relate to our struggles and temptations.

The Practical Application: How the "Christian ethic" of service and humility should transform our daily lives and counter-cultural success.

The Returning King: A look at the ultimate exaltation where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Whether you are struggling personally this holiday season or looking for a fresh perspective on the Nativity, this conversation will help you see the "humble king" in a new light.

Watch more messages at: CityRise.org/live