CityRise Sermons

In this opening message of our new series, "Set Free," Pastor Alberto Avila explores the book of Galatians and the timeless struggle of the "human problem": the tendency to add extra requirements to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Using his own experiences with a 20-year marriage and building a backyard fort, Pastor Alberto illustrates how easy it is to deviate from the truth by even a single degree....

In this Easter message, Dr. Roger Patterson dives into John 20 to explore the moment that changed history forever . Many people reject the resurrection not because of a lack of evidence, but because it doesn't fit their existing framework of what is possible . Dr. Patterson challenges us to look past our expectations and examine the five distinct reactions to the empty tomb found in Scripture: dis...

What if what looks like defeat is actually the greatest victory the world has ever known? In this powerful message, Dr. Roger Patterson explores the profound significance of the crucifixion through the lens of John 19. While the world saw a humiliated man in a mock coronation, the spiritual reality was the enthronement of the King of Kings. Using the metaphor of a "hidden gem" found in an old draw...

Is the "blood of Jesus" just an outdated religious phrase, or is it the key to your eternal freedom? In this powerful message from Hebrews 9:11-28, Dr. Roger Patterson of CityRise Church explores why the shedding of blood was necessary for the forgiveness of sins and how Jesus serves as our "Better High Priest." While the modern world often tries to minimize sin as mere "mistakes," Dr. Patterson r...

In this powerful message from our Easter series, "The Power of the Cross," Pastor Ben Hays explores the profound depth of what Jesus endured on our behalf. Drawing from the prophetic words of Isaiah 53, we uncover five specific "weights" that Christ carried so that we no longer have to bear them ourselves. Using the classic imagery of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, Pastor Ben illustrates ho...

s the cross God's emergency response to human failure, or was it the plan from the very beginning? In this powerful message from CityRise Bellaire, Pastor Kirby Follis dives into Genesis 3 and Luke 24 to reveal the "scarlet thread" of redemption that runs through the entire Bible. Discover why the cross wasn't "Plan B" but a perfect, pre-ordained blueprint designed to defeat sin, shame, and death....

Is your view of God big enough to handle your bank account? In this powerful message from the "Pathways" series, Dr. Roger Patterson dives into 1 Chronicles 29 to explore the profound connection between our worship and our wealth. Many of us live under the stress of "ownership," clinging tightly to what we have, only to find ourselves in a cycle of lack and anxiety. Dr. Patterson challenges us to...

What does it take to be an authentic leader in a rapidly changing world? In this powerful message, Dr. Roger Patterson continues our Pathways series by diving into 1 Chronicles 29 to explore the leadership of King David as he prepared for the construction of the Temple. Drawing a parallel between the 1804 Lewis and Clark expedition and the journey of the modern church, Dr. Patterson discusses how...

In this powerful message, Senior Pastor Dr. Roger Patterson explores the critical pivot from vision and planning to bold action. Drawing from 1 Chronicles 28, we look at King David's final charge to his son Solomon as he prepares to build the Temple. David's words, "Be strong and courageous, and do it," serve as a timeless blueprint for every believer. Dr. Patterson breaks down four essential prin...

"A man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps". We all plan—daily, weekly, and for the long term—but often our planning is just a disguised attempt to maintain control. Join Senior Pastor Dr. Roger Patterson as he dives into the tension between human preparation and divine sovereignty. Discover how CityRise Church is entering a new season of impact and how your "Pathway of Planning" c...

When life gets foggy and the "land" is nowhere in sight, how do you keep moving forward? In this powerful message from our 40 Days of Faith series, Chris DeArman explores the life of Noah—a man who was called to build an ark for events "as yet unseen." Through the lens of Hebrews 11:7, we learn how to navigate seasons of uncertainty, risk, and danger by leaning into the certainty of God's Word rat...

In this powerful message, Dr. Roger Patterson explores the life of Enoch, the man who "walked with God" and was taken to heaven without seeing death. As part of our 40 Days of Faith series, we examine how every life preaches a sermon and how our daily walk impacts generations to come. Enoch lived in a time of increasing wickedness, yet he maintained a life of integrity, righteousness, and propheti...

Why was Abel's gift acceptable to God, while Cain's was not?. In this powerful message, Dr. Roger Patterson explores what it means to live with a "Faith That Offers Its Best.". Join us as we dive into Hebrews 11:4 to discover how our offerings—given in faith—can continue to speak long after we are gone. As we continue our church-wide series, 40 Days of Faith, Pastor Roger uses the story of Cain an...

Are you ready for a fresh start in 2026? As we kick off the New Year, Student Pastor Tim Yeager opens our "40 Days of Faith" series by looking at what it means to have a faith that doesn't shrink back. Using the book of Hebrews, Tim explores the "need for endurance" in our spiritual lives. We often start the year with big resolutions—gym memberships, healthy eating, or new habits—but research show...

Is your Christmas season feeling more stressful than soulful? In this powerful Christmas message, Pastor Chris DeArman explores Philippians 2 to reveal a side of Jesus we often overlook: The Servant King. While the world competes for status and "selfish ambition," Jesus offers a different way to live that leads to true connection and community.  In this sermon, you'll discover three profound ways...

The Magi traveled a great distance and expense to offer Jesus gifts. But what do gold, frankincense, and myrrh truly signify, and why is Jesus worthy of our worship today? In this Advent sermon, Dr. Roger Patterson of CityRise Bellaire walks through the story of the wise men in Matthew chapter two. He explains that each gift answers the question, "Who is this child and why is he worthy of my worsh...

Join Pastor Chris DeArman from CityRise Church as he explores the profound meaning behind Jesus's humble arrival, challenging the idea that God keeps His distance. This sermon focuses on the core Big Idea of Christmas: God does not do long distance relationships. 👑 Key Takeaways from the Sermon The Big Idea: God doesn't do long distance relationships; He draws near to us by sending His son to ste...

Join Pastor Ben Hays of CityRise West U Baptist for the first message in our Advent series, The King Has Come! As our world faces widespread governmental instability and longs for peaceful and righteous governance, this sermon unpacks the powerful, ancient messianic prophecy from Isaiah 9. We live between the first and second advents of King Jesus. Discover the profound difference between the king...

Join Student Pastor Tim Yeager as he explores the Book of Exodus, specifically chapters 15 and 16, to draw powerful lessons on navigating the "wilderness" of life. This sermon, part of the "Can I Still Experience God" series , addresses how we often lose perspective during times of adversity, just like the Israelites who quickly grumbled after witnessing God's miracles. Key Takeaways from the Serm...

Are you in the "messy middle" of a challenge, tempted to give up when things get tough? Join Dr. Roger Patterson as he preaches from Exodus Chapter 14 on the essential nature of having a "Faith That Finishes." Drawing on the story of the Israelites facing Pharaoh's army at the Red Sea, Dr. Patterson explores the crucial difference between the Voice of Fear and the Voice of Faith. Just as the Texas...

Are you struggling to reconcile God's sovereign plan with your personal choices? In this powerful sermon, Dr. Roger Patterson addresses one of the most debated topics in theology: Predestination and Free Will. He explores the "unsearchable ways of God" by looking at three essential biblical concepts: Predestination: God's eternal decision of what will ultimately come to pass. Providence: God's ong...

Dive into Exodus Chapter 5 with Pastor Ben Hays (West U Baptist) to explore the four hard spiritual truths about obedience and opposition. Why does following God often lead to immediate resistance, and why does victory rarely come quickly? Ben Hays unpacks the story of Moses and Pharaoh, showing us that things often get worse before God brings a magnificent comeback. Learn how God uses opposition...

Facing a moment when you realize you're "flying the wrong direction"? This sermon from Dr. Roger Patterson, based on the story of Moses in Exodus 4, offers four essential principles for adjusting your course and moving forward in obedience to God. Dr. Patterson emphasizes that spiritual transformation begins with a change in direction, drawing a parallel with the story of "Wrong Way" Corrigan and...

In this powerful sermon, Dr. Roger Patterson dives into the biblical concept of the "crisis of belief" —the pivotal moment when what we know about God is challenged by what we feel about ourselves or our circumstances. Using the life of Moses as a primary example (Exodus 4:10-17), Dr. Patterson explores the excuses we use—"Not me, Lord," "Not now, Lord," or "Not this, Lord"—and how our inadequacy...

Do you struggle with crippling anxiety, anticipatory fear, or Imposter Syndrome when God calls you to a new purpose? You're not alone. Even the most decorated people, like Olympian Michael Phelps, and the greatest leaders in the Bible, like Moses , battled the fear of failure. In this powerful sermon based on Exodus 4:1-12 , Dr. Roger Patterson challenges us to stop living for the "What Ifs" and s...