CityRise Sermon Conversations

In this Advent series, "The King Has Come," the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive into the story of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12. This week's theme is "The Worshiped King," centered on the core idea that the only appropriate response to the news of the Incarnation is worship and adoration.

The discussion explores the powerful contrast between those who worshiped the King and those who sought to destroy Him:

The Magi's Intentional Generosity: We break down the meaning of their lavish gifts (gold, frankincense, and myrrh) as an act of game-changing generosity that provided for the Holy Family's needs.

Herod's Response: The stark opposite of worship is the fear and power grab of King Herod.

Worship Through Art & Witness: The conversation looks at how Mary worshiped with poetic words (the Magnificat) , and how the Shepherds worshiped with their witness.

Giving Your First Fruits: The episode connects the Wise Men's preparation and sacrifice to the Old Testament principle of giving your best and first fruits to God, rather than our leftovers.

We also explore the unique, unshakable influence of Jesus Christ in world history and how this holiday season offers a counter-cultural opportunity to celebrate true humility and worth.

Welcome to Sermon Conversations! 🎙️

In this episode, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church continue their Advent series, "Highlighting the King," by diving into the highly familiar but profoundly impactful passage of Luke 2:1-7. The focus this week is "The Humble King".

We unpack the stark contrast between the immense worldly power of the Roman Empire, represented by Caesar Augustus and Quirinius, and the complete humility of the eternal King, Jesus, born without "room at the inn" and placed in a manger.

The conversation explores:

The King's Descent: Why the Messiah was expected, but not in such an unexpected place.

Divine Sovereignty: How God, through the Holy Spirit, stirred governmental authority (the census) to ensure Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy.

Trusting God in the Mess: The encouragement that even in life's most inconvenient and worst-case scenarios (like an out-of-town, messy birth), the Lord is working something so much bigger. Jesus came to enter into our messy world.

We hope this discussion brings a new depth to the familiar Christmas story!

Welcome to Sermon Conversations! 🎙️

In this episode, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church shift gears to kick off our Advent series, "Highlighting the King." We dive into the profound prophecy of Isaiah Chapter 9, verses 1-7, a passage central to the Christmas story that doesn't grow old.

We unpack the dramatic imagery of light shining in the darkness (Galilee, Zebulun, and Naphtali) and explore the four extraordinary names given to the Messiah:

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace

Finally, we discuss the challenge of avoiding the "diversion" of the holiday season and instead focusing on the "perfect gift" that God gave us. Christmas, truly, should be a celebration where every gift reminds us of His gift, leading to a deep joy that many miss.

Join the teaching pastors of CityRise church for the final episode in our Exodus sermon series, focusing on Exodus Chapter 16. This week, we discuss the Israelites' journey into the wilderness, where they face adversity just three days after worshipping God's glory at the Red Sea.

The conversation centers on three key moments in the narrative: the adversity the people face, their reaction (grumbling), and God's response. Despite seeing God's power in parting the Red Sea, the people quickly complain about lack of water and food, wishing they had died in Egypt.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Problem of Grumbling: We explore how the Israelites' grumbling against Moses and Aaron was actually grumbling against the Lord, the provider and maker of their circumstances.

Sin Distorts the Past: We talk about how sin misremembers the past, causing the people to forget their slavery and long for the 'security' of Egypt. This connects to the common fear of losing control when facing change.

The Miracle of the Mundane: God responds by providing quail and manna from heaven. We reflect on the importance of daily dependence on God and trusting him for the "small stuff," not just the big victories.

Looking Ahead to Advent: We point forward to Jesus's words in John 6 and 7, where he declares, "I am the bread of life" and "the living water," connecting this story to our daily dependence on Christ for true freedom.

We hope this discussion helps you go deeper in the word as we complete the Exodus series and look forward to the Advent season.

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Welcome to Sermon Conversations! 🎙️

In this episode, the teaching pastors dive into the incredible, life-altering events of Exodus Chapter 14, verses 10-31. Having just left Egypt after the plagues, the Israelites are trapped—Pharaoh's army behind them, the Red Sea ahead. It's a "dead end situation" that forces them to ask: "Lord, what are you going to do now?"

We explore how this moment—the parting of the Red Sea—is not just a spectacular historical event, but a story that marked their lives forever and set the table for what salvation looks like for us.

Join us as we discuss:

Trusting God when you feel like you've hit a dead end.

The authority God gave Moses and how we can keep moving forward instead of going back to old ways that enslave.

How God rescues and brings about the impossible.

The connection between this event and the ultimate theme of salvation.

We hope this discussion adds value to you and that your faith would be strengthened to move forward!

Welcome to Sermon Conversations! 🎙️

In this episode, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church gather to discuss the Scripture focus for the upcoming sermon: Exodus Chapter 7, verses 1-24. This critical passage sets the stage for the plagues, as Moses and Aaron return to Pharaoh with God's message.

The core theological question we unpack is: "Who is your god?". Through this conversation, we explore how God demonstrates that "He is God"—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and that there are "no exceptions to Him". We dive into the profound meaning of God saying to Moses, "I have made you like god to Pharaoh".

Join us as we discuss the history, theology, and practical application of this foundational text, including the importance of humility and being led in the "way of everlasting".

Join the teaching pastors of CBS church as they dive deep into Exodus 5:1-23 and the challenging experience of Moses and Aaron's first encounter with Pharaoh. This pivotal moment, where their obedience to God is immediately met with increased suffering and opposition, offers powerful insights for believers today.

In this Sermon Conversation, we discuss:

The Shock of Resistance: Why is it that stepping out in faith and obedience to God often leads to opposition, not ease?

A Crisis of Belief: We explore Moses's raw, broken honesty with God after his plan seems to backfire, and how we can relate to that feeling of "Why did you send me?"

Opposition as Affirmation: The idea that sometimes, resistance is actually a sign you are in God's will and a signal that you are a threat to the enemy's kingdom.

The Power of Honesty: The importance of bringing our difficult questions, complaints, and brokenness to God, just as Moses did, knowing He is patient and will meet us there.

Trust vs. Belief: The difference between believing in God's ability and trusting Him enough to step into the "wheelbarrow" despite the fear.

Beyond Comfort: Why comfort can be "the enemy of the day" in the Western church and how trials build deep, intimate relationship with God, which is more important than the task itself.

In this deep-dive sermon conversation on Exodus 4:18-31, the teaching pastors unpack Moses' pivotal first step back to Egypt. We explore key lessons for every believer facing a major decision, including how to overcome fear, doubt, and "analysis paralysis"1111.

Key Topics Covered:

Wise Counsel: Why Moses sought the blessing and counsel of his father-in-law, Jethro, and the importance of having a "wisdom council" in your life to ask hard questions and affirm God's call

Obedience and Honor: The practical application of taking a step of obedience while honoring those in authority (like a boss, spouse, or pastor)3.Covenant and Identity: The significance of Moses reaffirming the covenant sign of circumcision for his son before leading Israel, showing he identifies with "my brothers in Egypt"

Trusting God's Sovereignty: Finding comfort and encouragement in the Lord's word, knowing that the mission is a "co-commission" (God through you), and that God is in control

Learn how to increase your faith and decrease your fear by resting in God's sovereignty as you navigate the unknowns in your life.

Is your faith being tested? 🙏

Dive into the CityRise Sermon Conversations Podcast as our teaching pastors discuss Moses' crisis of belief at the burning bush in Exodus 4. This week, we're picking up where Moses says, "Lord, send someone else" (Exodus 4:13), moving past his excuses to a moment of decision: a crisis of belief.

Key Discussion Points:

Anticipatory Anxiety: The shift from the paralyzing question of 'What If' to the faith-fueled commitment of 'Even If' in our walk with God.

The Power of Persistence: Exploring the immutability of God's plans and how "I AM WHO I AM" means "I'm the one who doesn't go away."

Facing the Crisis: A deep dive into the two choices we face in a crisis of belief: trust Him or turn away.

Biblical Examples: Examining different types of crises of faith—from calling (Gideon, Jonah) and suffering (Job) to isolation (Elijah) and persecution (Peter, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego).

Pastors' Personal Struggles: Our leaders share vulnerable, powerful stories of their own major crises of belief in life and ministry, including moments of failure, waiting, and confusion.

The greatest question isn't 'Can I keep going?' but 'Will I keep walking with Him by faith?'

Join the conversation and learn how to take the next step when God's persistence meets your struggle.

Scripture Focus: Exodus 4:10-14 and related passages.

In this week's pastoral discussion, we continue our series on the encounters of Moses at the Burning Bush from the book of Exodus (primarily Exodus 4). Moses is full of excuses and questions—not about Pharaoh and the Egyptians, but about his own people, the Hebrews: "What if they don't believe me?"

The conversation focuses on Moses's crisis of identity and how God answers his self-doubt not with a simple reassurance, but with three powerful signs to deconstruct Moses and prepare him for the mission:

Throwing Down the Staff: God challenges Moses's identity as a shepherd, asking him to throw down the staff—the symbol of his life and work. This is a powerful application for us today: What do we wrap our identity in? (07:05)

The Leprous Hand: The second sign demonstrates God's power over human strength and weakness. The hand that once killed an Egyptian soldier is instantly made weak and then healed, showing that God works through inability to reveal His power. (08:45)

Turning the Nile to Blood: The final sign is a foreshadowing of the plagues, showing Moses that God is in complete, supernatural control of his surroundings and all outside forces. (09:41)

This dialogue explores the profound truth: we don't have to be "enough" because God is I AM. The ultimate takeaway is the transition of Moses’s shepherd rod into the Staff of God—a symbol of a redeemed identity claimed by the Almighty.

Key Themes: Identity in Christ, over-reliance on self-strength, embracing weakness, God's sovereignty, and overcoming excuses.

Scripture Focus: Exodus 4

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