City Alive Church

The idols of this world cannot be killed be fire. They can only be killed by a cross. Jesus comes as the greater Elijah who issues a greater call.

Many of us can easily explain what we were saved from. But what are we saved for? John tells us: we are saved for Jesus. We don't use Jesus as a means to an end. He is the end goal that we seek. We have been saved for full participation in the fellowship of the Father, Son, and Spirit.

Joseph has been cast down, but God raises him up. Joseph learns that his calling is bigger than he is, and that God has positioned him to prepare for a coming famine. In the middle of terrible evil, the Sovereign God has been working all of it for good. Joseph's redemptive suffering rescues his people and saves many lives. Check out our Story of God podcast to find the whole series in one place: h...

Joseph is his father's favorite son. He has a colorful robe and big dreams. But instead of rising up, his life takes one downward turn after another. He goes down into a pit, down to Egypt, and down into prison. And yet through all the "downs", the loyal love and presence of God was with Joseph. Check out our Story of God podcast to find the whole series in one place: https://cityalivechurch.churc...

The Christian proclamation is unique among the religious claims of the world. Because it doesn't offer good advice, good commands, or good inspiration. It offers something better: new creation. The risen Jesus has inaugurated God's kingdom of new creation. And he shares the life of the age to come with us right here in the present.

We live in a consumer culture. We are constantly consuming goods, services, digital content, and more. The irony is that for all of our consuming, we are still hungry. Jesus offers us a radically counterintuitive way of living. It's a way of life that seeks a different kind of wealth, with treasure in heaven. Our generous Father is offering us something better: a kingdom.

Yahweh leaves his holy temple. He bends the heavens and comes down. He rides on dark storm clouds. He breathes fire. Lightning flashes. The earth quakes. And he routs his enemies. What provokes this dynamic response from Yahweh? David's cry for help. Four times in Psalm 18 David refers to Yahweh as his Rock. It's in our weakest moments that we find God's rescuing strength. When everything else is...

What do you want from your spiritual life? More importantly, what do you think God wants? This week we explore how Jesus comes as the culmination of the long line of Old Testament prophets. And they tell us what God wants from us: mercy. Contrary to the kind of religion that is only external, "spiritual" performance, God desires that we demonstrate our love for him by loving those in need.

This week Joey briefly examines both parties in light of Scripture, and points ahead to a better power. This world’s governments are instituted by God to restrain evil, but the only true and lasting solution is a redeemed heart. We cannot change this nation by forcing it from the top down. Through the cross, we see the deeply counterintuitive power of God: sacrificial love.

At its core, a worldview is a story. And at the heart of America's political divide are two competing stories. But neither story is worth building your life on. The Scriptures tell us a bigger and truer story. It's the true story of the world. And this story offers us: a greater King, a better citizenship, a different enemy, and a happier ending.

Throughout his ministry Jesus is driving out of creation the powers of darkness which held the world in bondage. And in one of the most dynamic displays of his power, Jesus' disciples have a moment of fear and awe as they wonder who is in their boat.

We live in an age of individualism, DIY spirituality, a spiritual-but-not-religious culture , and compromised spiritual leadership. In spite of all these things, we believe in the church! The local gathering of believers is the New Covenant temple where we experience Christ. If you want to encounter Jesus, he's in church.

What would it look like for God to be King? In Jesus Christ, the reign of God has come to drive out sin, sickness, and death. In Luke 7:11-17 Jesus interrupts a funeral service to bring a young man back to life.

Deeper than what our eyes can see, prayer engages us in a conflict in the spiritual realm. Without true spiritual authority the church is bankrupt. In Acts 12, the fervent prayers of the church release an angel that gets Peter out of prison. Our prayers aren't confined to our geography. In prayer God reaches through walls we cannot.

What is the first thing you do when you pray? While there's no single correct way to begin our prayer time, Scripture does give us guidance about how to approach God: with adoration and with an open ear.

Here's a secret most preachers won't tell you: nobody naturally feels good at prayer in the beginning. Jesus' own disciples asked him to teach them how to pray. Join us the next couple of weeks as we go on a journey with Jesus where he teaches us what it means to pray.

At City Alive we come to the Lord's table every week. Why? The greatest turning points in the Bible center around food. Humanity fell at a meal, is saved by a meal, and is heading towards a meal in the age to come.

Technology has transformed every area of our lives. Some are too optimistic or pessimistic about our devices. But the truth is that our technology is like fire. It can either create life or destroy it. Our phones can either lead us to experience God in new ways or drive us away from him. Our technology should cause us to look up to the Lord, who is the only true Creator. And to look ahead, to the...

What truly separates Nazirites is the call of God. In today's text, God calls Samuel as a young teenager, and it alters the course of Samuel's life and Israel's history. God doesn't need a perfect person. He is just looking for someone who will say yes to his call.

Miracles happen when our lack is met by God's abundance. Hannah's repeated prayers for a child are answered. And the transformation of this family lead to the transformation of the nation of Israel.

The American church is experiencing a radical decline. We live in a generation of DIY spirituality, where everyone does what is right in their own eyes. Yet despite a corrupted nation and compromised spiritual leadership, God always raises up consecrated Nazirites who will bring about his purposes in the earth.

This week we explore God's radical challenge to the prophet Hosea: to marry a prostitute. Hosea's faithful love to his unfaithful wife is a profound picture of God's covenant love for his people.

The Kingdom of God is more political than most Christians realize. "Jesus is Lord" is both a spiritual statement and a political one as well. Jesus is the risen and ascended Lord of heaven and earth. But Jesus' kingdom operates with a different sort of power. It's the cross-shaped power of sacrificial love.

What is the most important thing to gain wisdom? What is the most important thing in your life? Your Heart. Proverbs says to guard it more than anything else, because everything else in your life flows out from it.

What do 3,000 year old proverbs have to do with us today? It turns out, quite a lot. The average adult makes 35,000 decisions every single day. In an age of endless options and possibilities, we need God's wisdom more than ever. Proverbs is immensely practical. It gives us insight from God for our families, friendships, work, money, and time so we can live a life of flourishing.