CityTalk NOVA

As the United States marks its 250th birthday, Pastor Mark reflects on what it means for Christians to love their country without losing sight of their greater citizenship in heaven. Drawing from Psalm 33, Jeremiah 29, and other passages, he considers the principles that shaped America's founding, the cultural challenges facing the nation today, and the unique calling of believers to seek the...

There is a question that seems to surface in every human heart at some point: Is there more to life than what I can see? In Acts 14, the Apostle Paul intentionally engages people who are searching for answers. After witnessing a miraculous healing, the crowds conclude that Paul and Barnabas must be gods. Their reaction reveals something deeply human: we are wired to worship and drawn toward the tr...

Humility is not weakness—it is seeing ourselves rightly before God and others. As the gospel spread beyond Jerusalem, the early church faced challenges that tested pride, prejudice, and faith. In Acts 11–12, we encounter Barnabas, a man described as “good, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith,” whose character helped strengthen a growing church. We also see unlikely people serving one another, bel...

"Our country is more divided than ever." It's a phrase we hear constantly — and there's real truth to it. But the "us vs. them" mentality isn't new. Throughout history, people have naturally gravitated toward those who look, speak, and think like them. That instinct isn't always sinful — but it becomes sin when it leads us to exclude, mistreat, or look down on o...

From persecutor to preacher. From enemy to ambassador. Acts 9 records one of the most dramatic turnarounds in history as Saul — a man determined to destroy the church — encounters the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. In this message, Pastor Mark walks through Saul’s conversion and the surprising ways God works through both Saul and Ananias to display the power of the gospel. This passage remin...

This week at CityView Church, we celebrated four years in our church building with a special service of thanksgiving, testimony, and celebration. Preaching from Psalm 105 , Pastor Mark shared how gratitude shapes the life of a believer and the identity of a church family: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the peoples.” As CityView reflects on God’s faithfulne...

What happens when God calls us somewhere we never planned to go? In Acts 8 , the early church is suddenly scattered by persecution after the death of Stephen. What looked like tragedy and disruption became the very thing God used to spread the gospel beyond Jerusalem. Through Philip’s obedience, we see how God often works most powerfully when we are stretched beyond our comfort zones. This message...

In Acts 7 , Stephen stands before his accusers and tells the sweeping story of God—from Abraham to Moses to Jesus. It’s a story of God’s faithfulness, humanity’s resistance, and ultimately, Christ as the fulfillment of it all. Stephen’s courage reminds us that following Jesus has never been about comfort or cultural approval. It’s about faithfulness to a story that is bigger than our lives. As we...

What do you actually trust when life gets complicated? Guest preacher Blake Dumais walks through Proverbs 3:5–6 and challenges us to rethink how we make decisions. While many of us say we trust God, our instincts often lead us to rely on our own understanding first—and only turn to God when things fall apart. This message explores four key questions: Who do we trust? Why can we trust God? How much...

Just weeks after Jesus’ resurrection, the early church was growing rapidly—but it wasn’t without challenges. In Acts 6, a complaint begins to divide the community, revealing how easily even a thriving church can “score an own goal” from within. In this message, we explore how dissension, comparison, and a “spectator mindset” can quietly undermine the mission God has given His people. But more impo...

In Acts 5, the early church is growing—but it’s not without challenges. From hidden sin within the community to rising pressure from the outside, opposition comes from every direction. In this message, we explore what it looks like to follow Jesus when faith is costly. Where does opposition come from? How should we respond? And how can we stay faithful without losing heart? The early believers did...

Easter celebrates the most stunning victory in history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But before we rush to celebration, we pause to remember the Cross. Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished,” reminds us that everything needed for our forgiveness has already been accomplished. And on Easter morning, the question becomes: Could the resurrection really have happened—and if so, what does it mean for...

On Palm Sunday, we remember the moment Jesus entered Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowd—a king welcomed with celebration and expectation. But within days, everything changed. Why? Because Jesus wasn’t the kind of king people expected . In this message, we look at how the same crowd that praised Jesus quickly turned against Him—and what that reveals about our own expectations of God. While people...

In Acts 3 , a miraculous healing draws a crowd—but the spotlight doesn’t stay on the miracle. It points to Jesus. In this message, we explore what miracles are really for and why the early church didn’t treat them as the main event. When Peter heals a man who couldn’t walk, he makes it clear: this wasn’t by human power, but through Christ . The miracle became an opportunity to boldly proclaim who...

Pentecost is one of the most dramatic moments in the Bible—but its significance goes far beyond the spectacle. In Acts 2 , the Holy Spirit comes with power, fulfilling God’s promise and launching a new era. But the greatest miracle isn’t the rushing wind or tongues of fire—it’s that the Spirit is now available to all who believe in Jesus. Through Peter’s transformation—from denial to bold proclama...

In Micah 7:7–9 , the prophet openly acknowledges his sin while confidently trusting God’s mercy. Instead of hiding from God like Adam and Eve, Micah runs toward Him. His response shows us what it looks like to live “broken but bold.” Guest speaker Pastor Blake Dumais walks through three directives from this passage: look to the Lord, wait for the God of your salvation, and trust that God hears you...

In Acts 2, everything changes. After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the disciples were told to wait for the promised Helper. What happened next at Pentecost wasn’t random emotion or religious hype—it was the launch of a new era in God’s plan. In this message, Pastor Mark walks through: Who the Holy Spirit is (not a force, but God Himself) Why Pentecost was the “grand opening” of a new covenant...

What does it mean to be a friend of God ? In this message from Romans 5:6–11, Jeff Shaffer continues exploring how faith brings lasting joy — not fleeting happiness, but a deep and secure joy rooted in reconciliation with God. While we were still helpless and far from Him, Christ came “at just the right time.” Through His death and resurrection, our status changed from enemies to friends. Our rela...

We continue our Going Public series in the book of Acts by looking at one of the most important — and most overlooked — events in history: the ascension of Jesus. Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus left earth and returned to heaven. At first glance, that might seem like the wrong move. Why leave when momentum is building? But the ascension wasn’t an exit — it was a coronation. In this messag...

In this opening message of our new series Going Public , we begin the book of Acts and look at Jesus’ clear priority for His followers. Acts is often described as “the Gospel according to Luke, Part 2” —the continuation of Jesus’ ministry through His people, empowered by the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1, Jesus gives His disciples everything they need to carry on that mission. In this sermon, we see thre...

One of the last things Jesus commanded His followers was to make disciples—people who follow Him, learn His commands, and live them out. Baptism plays a central role in that calling. In this sermon, Pastor Mark walks through Jesus’ words in Matthew 28 and explains why baptism matters—not as something that makes us Christians, but as a powerful reminder of who we are in Christ, who we’re united wit...

Why does anxiety seem to rise even as our technology, comfort, and standard of living increase? In this message, guest preacher Pastor Blake Dumais ( Cedar Run Community Church ) explores what Jesus says about worry and control in Matthew 6, from the heart of the Sermon on the Mount. Pastor Blake walks through what anxiety really is, why it has become so pervasive in our culture, and how Scripture...

In this week’s message, Jeff Shaffer , one of our elders, invites us to reflect on a simple but searching question: Does your faith bring you joy? Preaching from Romans 5, Jeff shares personally about seasons when his faith felt more like routine than relationship—and how Scripture and the Christian community helped restore joy, confidence, and peace. Explore with us the difference between fleetin...

As a new year begins, many of us feel the pull toward goals, plans, and resolutions. Taking time to evaluate our lives can be wise and good—but if we skip a crucial first step, even the best intentions can quickly become burdens rather than blessings. As we enter 2026, let us return to the foundation that gives real and lasting strength: the gospel . In the Book of Romans, chapter 1, we are remind...

On Christmas Eve, we celebrate more than a moment in history—we celebrate a victory. In this candlelight message, Pastor Mark proclaims the good news that light has entered the darkness, and darkness does not win. Drawing from the promise of hope foretold in Isaiah and fulfilled in Gospel of John , this sermon points us to Jesus as the true Light of the world—the One who stepped into our brokennes...