Citizens Church Sermons

Jesus reveals God the father as good for us, and good to us. Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 and John 14:6-7

The Son of God emptied Himself in incarnation and death because He loves us. This act of self-giving love humbles us and invites us imitate the mind of Christ. Scripture: Philippians 2:3–11

Advent is about hope, but during this season many struggle with a sense of hopelessness. This message shows how Jesus uniquely helps us navigate misplaced and deferred hopes—as the Wonderful Counselor.  Scripture: Isaiah 8:21-9:6

To close the Friend of Sinners series, we invited some of our own to share their testimonies of how Jesus has been a friend to them.

In this passage, Jesus encounters two of his discouraged disciples on the road to Emmaus. He ministers to their discouragement with the promises of God, especially those affirming His sacrifice on their behalf. Through this encounter, we are reminded of the immeasurable hope we have in Christ in the midst of grief and sorrow. Scripture: Luke 24:13–27 

Today's message focuses on the story of Jesus and the rich young ruler from Mark 10, urging believers to prioritize eternal life over earthly wealth. It challenges us to evaluate our attachments, emphasizing that following Jesus may require earthly sacrifices but leads to true fulfillment and discipleship in Jesus. Through this passage, the importance of faith, surrender, and commitment to Chr...

Jesus loves the fearful by revealing Himself as Lord over the storm, Friend within the storm, and Savior beneath the storm. He drowns our fears in His perfect love. Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Jesus heals Peter of the shame of his denials by covering his worst moment with love. The healing Jesus offers to Peter, He also offers to us. Scripture: John 21:15-19

Jesus’s love for the sinner who repents is unending. His offer of grace is not contingent on obedience. As we see from Jesus' interaction with Peter, there is more mercy in Christ than there is sin in the repentant. Scripture: Luke 5:1–11

Jesus encourages the skeptic, as we see in John 1 when Jesus welcomes and affirms Nathaneal's doubts and his longing for truth. It's encouragement for us to welcome doubt, in a way that turns our cynicism towards faith and hope in God. Jesus doesn’t want perfect theology, but he wants our worship and our trust. Scripture: John 1:43-51

In response to a polarizing political question, Jesus teaches his followers to honor and submit to government while reminding us that we owe God way more than we owe our country. Scripture: Mark 12:13-17

As we look out at our political moment, the story Jesus tells in Luke 10 reminds us that our greatest calling is to love God and love neighbor. In a climate of fear and hate, Christians are to be a people of love.

Jesus’s answer for his political moment is the same answer he would give for our political moment: the Kingdom of God will prevail. Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away, but our eternal hope is that Jesus is Lord. Scripture: John 18:33-36

Only through the indwelling of the Spirit, are we able to bear new fruit. Salvation is given by God and God alone, and identity is given to us by the One who created everything. Scripture: Ephesians 2:8–10

Jesus can comfort every kind of sufferer and understands every kind of suffering because He takes every kind of suffering onto Himself. Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Jesus wants to be Messiah over every part of our lives—even for “the outcast”. He meets all of us in our pain and shame and offers us living water that we may be made whole. Scripture: John 4:1-30

Jesus invites us to leave the distracted life for the devoted life. He meets us in our “anxious and troubled” and welcomes us to return to His feet. Scripture: Luke 10: 38–42

Jesus is a friend of sinners. In Luke 7:33-50, Jesus speaks to the unrighteous and the self righteous. His words to them are the words we need to hear today.

Every human soul longs for God and finds ultimate satisfaction only in God. Sin distorts our longings so that we desire as God things that are not God. Psalm 84 gives us a picture of a life that rightly desires the Lord.

To close out our mini-series on Rhythms, we look at how God's promised future of Glory shapes the way we live now. Because God’s presence will change everything into what it was always meant to be. Scripture: Isaiah 65:17–25

Work is a part of God’s good design for humanity. When we view it properly, we are free from the weight of earning dignity through it and are able to walk in the good works God has for us from dignity, in Christ Jesus.

The rhythm of play is often neglected in theology. What is play? Is it even biblical? How can we practice it in a healthy way? This sermon explores the meaning of play from various angles, including a unique perspective from “the sacred mountain.”

It can be hard to slow down in a busy society. What keeps us from experiencing true rest? How is Sabbath different from the slow movement? This message shows us how to cultivate a life of sabbath-shaped rest. Scripture: Exodus 20:8–11

James ends the letter with wisdom on how to relate to those who wander from the truth. We faithfully respond to this passage by examining our own hearts and pursuing those who wander with grace.

Life can often feel divided. Sickness unravels health, suffering disrupts peace, flesh pulls at spirit. How should we navigate these forces? James shows us how to be not just better people but whole people. Here is practical instruction for living a life of wholeness--in circumstances, sickness, and sin.