City Church Houston

One of Jesus' most well-known stories tells the tale of a man who was attacked by robbers and left for dead on the side of a road. The surprising twist in the story is who comes to help him, and this raises important questions for us today about how we live our lives.  Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor RENEWING HOUSTON BY BRINGING BEAUTY INTO BROKEN PLACES Sundays at 10:30 AM House of Blues 1204 Car...

Though familiar to many people, the Parable of the Sower is actually a very complex story about finding both grace and hope while we wait on the harvest of God's promises. Clint Wilson | Community & Care Pastor

When he and his followers are accused of not being "religious" enough, Jesus tells a series of parables that reveal just how transformative the gospel can be for those of us who feel worn out by the old, endless rituals and empty rules. He invites us to encounter something totally...well, new. Clint Wilson | Community & Care Pastor

This is one of the most famous and beloved story Jesus ever told. Though it's commonly known as the parable of the prodigal son, the story actually features two sons. They represent two different ways of avoiding God. And it turns out there's more than one prodigal. The father in the story helps us to imagine just how outrageously extravagant God's love for us is.  Leo Schuster | Le...

The final feast of Esther is a culmination of the entire story: a two-day festival devoted to the sheer joy of divine deliverance. We learn a deep truth here—that celebrations are just different on the other side of salvation.  Clint Wilson | Community & Care Pastor

Esther is a story of reversals, but never more so than in the story's final twist. In a moment of political intrigue, Esther devises one final counter-decree to secure her people's future. This moment points us to Jesus Christ, who was God's counter-decree of love in the face of the powers of death and despair.  Clint Wilson | Community & Care Pastor

This episode is the heart of the Esther story and it has it all: Suspended suspense, intense irony, a dramatic reversal of fortune, and dark humor. While it reads like a made-for-TV drama, our entertainment isn't it's primary aim. This story for the ages offers timeless lessons to help us navigate with bravery and grace the drama of our own lives.  Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor RENEWING HOU...

How do we deal with the things in life that shake us to the core? How do discover who we really are so we live lives of lasting purpose? These are just a few of the large questions addressed in this extraordinary segment in the fascinating story of Esther.  Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor RENEWING HOUSTON BY BRINGING BEAUTY INTO BROKEN PLACES Sundays at 10:30 AM House of Blues 1204 Caroline St., 77002...

The rivalry between Mordecai and Haman reveals the cost and the great reward of living by faith. When God extends us invitations to transformation, how we respond shapes our hearts and our futures. Anna Russell Thornton

Esther finds herself in an ambiguous and complex situation where God is seemingly silent. How she responds during her season of silence gives readers a clue of how we can respond when God is seemingly not present in our difficult situations. Kai Chen | Pastoral Resident

In these final words of the New Testament's first book we find the reaction was mixed when the disciples saw Jesus. Some doubted. Others worshiped him. Instead of scolding the skeptical, Jesus instead cast his vision for the future--a vision that's not only comprehensive but captivating.  Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

Jesus' ministry was bookended by important forty day periods of time. While he was alone in the wilderness during his first forty days, his final forty days was spent with others. What did he do during those fascinating forty days between his resurrection from the dead and ascension to heaven? What does it mean for us today?  Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

Why does the season of Lent last 40 days? More than any other Biblical reference, Jesus' 40 day experience in the wilderness is the backdrop for the 40 days of Lent. In this remarkable story we find invaluable insights about temptation, why it can feel so fierce and leave us feeling so frail. And we discover how we can resist it and grow healthier in the process.  Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

Life can feel like one crisis after another. It must have felt that way throughout David's forty years on the throne of Israel. How do we find the space needed to set about spiritual growth and renewal? David's psalms may hold a key. Clint Wilson | Community & Care Pastor

Coming off of an incredible victory, Elijah is physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted, and needing a true rest that only God can provide. What causes exhaustion in our lives and how does God respond to us? Kai Chen | Pastoral Resident

It should have taken them less than two weeks. Instead it took 40 years. What can we learn from Israel's 40 years wandering in the wilderness? Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

Moses, one of the most famous individuals in history, is more closely linked to the number forty than anyone in the Bible. His dramatic story helps to enrich our approach to the forty days of Lent as a season for spiritual growth.  Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

The first chapter of the Bible is not only one of the most famous and important pieces of literature, it features what is foundational to a full life. In it we discover what is central to life, how to deal with darkness in our life, and how to build sustainable rhythms that promote our well-being.   Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

How do we build a healthy self-image? Where we we get a sense of purpose in life and meaning in our work? Why does it matter how we treat others? Why do we feel offended when someone disrespects us or violates our human rights? Turns out we don't need to look any farther than the first chapter of the Bible for answers to these foundational questions.  Leo Shuster | Lead Pastor

There are many ways to feel lonely—sometimes by ourselves and sometimes with others. The story of scripture honors both the dignity of solitude and the powerful purpose found in community. Clint Wilson | Community & Care Pastor

Why are we the way we are? Why are we filled with potential, but also profoundly struggle? Why do we have a strong urge for freedom, but also find ourselves sometimes stuck? The famous story of Adam and Eve's seduction in the garden is the place to go to discover answers to these questions and find hope.  Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

This conversation will consider the role of the Fall in shaping the story and theology of the Bible. How do we make sense of sin, both our own and others’? How do we reconcile the ancient story of sin with our modern appreciation for the beauty and dignity of all human life? The story of the Fall, as with all stories in scripture, offers a compelling synthesis of both an abiding appreciation for t...

In his novel, East of Eden, John Steinbeck wrote about the grizzly story of Cain and Abel that it is important because it is a chart of the human soul. It It helps us make sense of our inner world and gives us clues to help us grow into more healthy versions of ourselves. Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor

While an ancient tale, Noah's Ark is a timeless account of the promises of an immortal God in the face of mortal suffering and fear.  Clint Wilson | Community & Care Pastor

In the famous story of the Tower of Babel we find a cautionary tale of city dwellers whose ambition led to their downfall. It's a powerful reminder of the dangers of building our cities, our lives, and our churches on our own terms rather than aligning with God's purposes.  Leo Schuster | Lead Pastor