CityRise Sermon Conversations

What actually happens the exact moment we die? In this week's episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive deep into 2 Corinthians 5 to unpack the transition from our temporary earthly bodies to our eternal home. Building on last week’s discussion of Jesus’ promise to the thief on the cross—"Today you will be with me in Paradise"—the pastors tackle some...

Are you homesick for a place you’ve never officially been? In this episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive into a brand-new summer topical series: "Can You Even Imagine?"  As we transition out of our deep doctrinal study of Galatians, Pastor Ben, Pastor Robby, Pastor Rynie, and Pastor Justo pull back the curtain on our global fascination with the a...

How do we live in true freedom without swinging to the extremes of legalism or license? In this episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church join U.S. Army Chaplain Colonel Robert Glazener to explore the life-changing power of Galatians 5:16–26. As we approach Memorial Day, our panel reflects on the profound connection between the ultimate freedom found in C...

What happens when Christians trade the freedom of the gospel for the exhaustion of a "performance review" faith? In Episode 72 of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive deep into Galatians 5:2-15 as part of the ongoing "Set Free" series through the book of Galatians. In this episode, the pastors unpack one of the most misunderstood concepts in the New Testam...

Are you living as a child of the promise or a slave to performance? In this episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive into the rich (and sometimes complex) allegory of Hagar and Sarah in Galatians 4. As we continue our series, Set Free, we explore why Paul uses the history of Abraham’s sons to drive home a singular, life-changing point: For freedom,...

In this episode of Sermon Conversations, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church gather to discuss the profound shifts found in Galatians 3 and 4. As they continue their verse-by-verse study, they move from the academic and doctrinal "knife and fork" arguments of earlier chapters into the personal, relational heart of the Gospel. The team explores the transition from being "strangers" to becoming...

Is Christianity "too simple," or are we just making it harder than it needs to be? Welcome back to the Sermon Conversations podcast! This week, Pastors Mark Edworthy, Tim Yeager, Robbie Dobbs, and Ben Hays continue our "Set Free" series as we dive deep into Galatians 3. In this episode, the team explores Paul’s heavy-hitting arguments regarding faith, the legacy of Abraham, and why we often try to...

Welcome to Episode 68 of Sermon Conversations! In the second week of our "Set Free" series on the book of Galatians, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church explore the powerful transition from "Religion to Revelation". The episode begins with the pastors sharing their own personal conversion stories—ranging from growing up as a "missionary kid" to finding faith later in life—highlighting how Chri...

Welcome to the start of our new sermon series, "Freedom in Christ." In this episode of Sermon Conversations, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church begin a line-by-line journey through the book of Galatians. Focusing on the first ten verses of chapter one, Pastors Roger, Pastor Robby, Alberto, and Justo discuss the unique intensity of Paul’s letter to the Galatian churches. Unlike his other lette...

Join Pastors Roger Patterson, Kirby Follis, Mark Edworthy, and Justo Robinson as they dive into the foundational event of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this episode of Sermon Conversations, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church explore John chapter 20, breaking down the dramatic moments at the empty tomb. From Mary Magdalene’s emotional discovery to the race between P...

In this episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church gather to discuss the profound theological significance of "The Cross and the Crown" as they prepare for Palm Sunday and the Easter season. The conversation centers on John 19, exploring the stark juxtaposition of the Roman soldiers' mockery against the eternal reality of Jesus as King. The pastors break d...

Join teaching pastors Mark Edworthy, Roger Patterson, and Justo Robinson, and Kirby Follis for a deep dive into Hebrews 9 as they continue our Easter countdown series, "The Power of the Cross". In this episode, the team explores why the blood of Christ is central to the Christian faith and how it serves as a "better" alternative to the Old Testament sacrificial system. From personal stories of chi...

In this episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive into a new sermon series: The Power of the Cross. As we march toward Easter, we explore the profound truth that the crucifixion of Jesus was not an accident or a "Plan B"—it was God’s intentional plan from the origin of creation until His return. Join us as we trace the "scarlet thread" of redemption...

In the final installment of our "Pathways" series, Pastor Roger Patterson is joined by our other teaching pastors to discuss The Pathway of Permanent Purpose. As CityRise Church prepares for its 100th anniversary in 2028, we look to the end of King David's life in 1 Chronicles 29:18–25 to understand how to build something that lasts for generations. This conversation dives into the heart of legacy...

In this episode of Sermon Conversations, Pastor Mark Edorthy is joined by Ben Hays, Justo Robinson, and Robby Dobbs to discuss the fifth installment of our "Pathways" series: The Pathway of Joyful Worship. As CityRise Church continues its journey toward our 100th anniversary, our pastors dive into 1 Chronicles 29:10-17. They explore King David’s beautiful prayer of transition and the profound real...

In this episode of Sermon Conversations, Pastor Roger Patterson is joined by Tim Yeager, Whoso Robinson, and Ben Hayes to discuss week four of our "Pathways" series: The Pathway of Authentic Leadership. As CityRise Church approaches its 100th anniversary, our pastors reflect on what it means to lead a church through rapid cultural and technological shifts—including the emergence of AI. Using 1 Chr...

How do you move from a God-given plan to real-world action? In this episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive into 1 Chronicles 28:20-21 to explore the "Pathway of Action". Following their discussions on legacy and planning, the team focuses on the critical moment when King David commissions his son, Solomon, to build the Temple. Taking action is oft...

Welcome to another episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast! This week, the teaching pastors of City Rise gather to discuss the theology and history behind our upcoming sermon focus from 1 Chronicles 28:9–19. As we continue our "Pathways" series, we explore the "Pathway of Planning." Using the transition of leadership from King David to his son Solomon, we discuss what it looks like to move a f...

How do you keep moving forward when you can't see what's on the horizon? In this episode of the CityRise Sermon Conversations, our teaching pastors dive into Hebrews 11:7 to explore the life of Noah. We discuss the challenge of obeying God concerning "events as yet unseen" and what it means to be a "preacher of righteousness" in a world that might think you’re crazy. Whether you are in a season of...

How do you keep moving forward when you can't see what's on the horizon? In this episode of the CityRise Sermon Conversations, our teaching pastors dive into Hebrews 11:7 to explore the life of Noah. We discuss the challenge of obeying God concerning "events as yet unseen" and what it means to be a "preacher of righteousness" in a world that might think you’re crazy. Whether you are in a season of...

What does it actually mean to "walk with God" in the middle of a major life transition? In this episode of the CityRise Sermon Conversations podcast, our teaching pastors dive into Hebrews 11:5-6 to explore the life of Enoch—one of only two people in the Bible who never tasted death. Whether you are navigating a new season of parenting, a career change, or a period of "waiting on the Lord," this c...

Are you ready to transform your spiritual life in 2026? In this episode of the Sermon Conversations podcast, the teaching pastors at CityRise sit down for an intimate discussion on Pastor Roger’s new book and upcoming series, "40 Days of Faith." Inspired by a powerful moment during his sabbatical while reading Hebrews 10:39, Pastor Roger shares how the Holy Spirit "poured out" 40 unique principles...

"In a world full of Herods, Jesus burns bright." Welcome to Episode 54 of the CityRise Sermon Conversations podcast! This week, our teaching pastors dive into one of the most profound Christological passages in all of Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11. While often associated with the Easter season, the team explores how this "Christological poem" is actually the perfect lens through which to view the...

In this Advent series, "The King Has Come," the teaching pastors of CityRise Church dive into the story of the Magi in Matthew 2:1-12. This week's theme is "The Worshiped King," centered on the core idea that the only appropriate response to the news of the Incarnation is worship and adoration. The discussion explores the powerful contrast between those who worshiped the King and those who sought...

Welcome to Sermon Conversations! 🎙️ In this episode, the teaching pastors of CityRise Church continue their Advent series, "Highlighting the King," by diving into the highly familiar but profoundly impactful passage of Luke 2:1-7. The focus this week is "The Humble King". We unpack the stark contrast between the immense worldly power of the Roman Empire, represented by Caesar Augustus and Quiriniu...