CityRise Sermon Conversations

The CityRise Church teaching pastors gather this week for a Sermon Conversation to dive into Week 5 of the "Can I Still Experience God?" series, focusing on Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush in Exodus 3.

The main idea for this discussion is clear: God doesn't play hide and seek; He longs to reveal Himself to us.

The pastors discuss the profound meaning and power of God's proper name, Yahweh (or "I AM WHO I AM"), and why this revelation was the key to empowering Moses—who was struggling with self-doubt and fear—to step into the next phase of his calling.

Join the pastors as they explore:

The personal stories behind naming their own children and the power of a proper name.

The overwhelming frequency of God's proper name (Yahweh) in the Old Testament.

The contrast between Moses' small "Here I am" and God's expansive "I AM."

What attributes of God are revealed in the statement "I AM WHO I AM" (preexistence, immutability, sovereignty, and faithfulness).

The importance of getting your eyes off your own inadequacy and onto the authority of the One who calls you.

The call back to faithfulness and the "Ebenezer Principle" that encourages forward movement.

This conversation will help you go deeper in the Word as our leaders process together what God wants to communicate to our church family.

Key Scripture Focus: Exodus 3:13-15.

In this powerful episode, we're talking about a timeless question: How does God speak? Using the rich, dramatic story of Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-10, we uncover the principles of divine revelation and the nature of our response. We discuss how God's silence in the Old Testament sets the stage for a watershed moment where He speaks directly, fulfilling ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

This conversation isn't just about biblical history; it's about what God wants to tell you. We unpack the significance of God knowing Moses's name, His call to prepare ourselves to listen ("take off your sandals"), and how He reveals His plans in snapshots, not full essays. We also share personal stories about how we hear from God—through Scripture, during quiet times, or even in unexpected moments like a trip or a late-night thought.

Whether you're a long-time believer or someone just starting to wonder about God, this episode offers practical, relatable insights into recognizing and responding to God's voice in your life today.

Join the conversation and discover how God is still speaking! 💬

Key takeaways:

God pursues us even when we feel lost or guilty.

The significance of a "take off your sandals" moment—a posture of stopping to listen.

How God reveals Himself progressively, not all at once.

Practical ways to hear God's voice in your daily life.

The difference between a descriptive biblical account and a prescriptive one.