Rise City Church Podcast

Are you going through a season of sudden loss or chronic grief? As human beings, living the beautiful life means we experience the full range of emotions—from joy and love to grief and sorrow. God wants us to be honest with Him in our moments of grief and loss. There's no need to hide or sugarcoat our pain, especially with a Savior who has known the ultimate grief and loss. Join us as Rick McKinley explores this important question: “Does the fact that the Son of God became human make a difference in my suffering?” We'll discover that Jesus not only honors our suffering but also gives it meaning. As Emmanuel, God with us, He is a co-sufferer who walks with us in our pain. He longs to reframe our grief and loss with His holy presence. No matter the season you're in, He is our Emmanuel, right here and right now, and He invites us to come as we truly are before Him.

Are you going through a season of dissatisfaction? Feeling unfulfilled at work, at home, in your relationships, or financially? It's okay to experience dissatisfaction. Even heroes of our faith, like David, openly expressed their struggles. You don't need to hide your dissatisfaction, ignore it, or just "push through." Instead, recognize it, name it, and then reframe it. Our world and culture often fuel dissatisfaction, constantly pushing us to want more and compare ourselves to others. But in this powerful message by Zach Landes, we’ll explore how to break free from that cycle. The path out of dissatisfaction begins by partnering with Jesus in every area of our lives—even in our seasons of dissatisfaction.

After seasons of busyness and hard work, God invites us into true rest—not the kind of shallow comfort that leads to self-reliance, but deep, soul-refreshing rest that comes from fully trusting Him. In Joshua, we see the end of a long season, where God gives His people rest—not as an escape, but as a time to pause, remember His faithfulness, and be renewed in His presence. God’s rest goes beyond simply stopping; it’s a chance to refocus our hearts and minds on Him. Through sabbath, confession, and gratitude, we’re reminded of His provision, repent of relying on ourselves, and find strength in His promises. Join us as we discover how to step into the rest Jesus offers—a rest that refreshes, renews, and reminds us of the faithfulness of the God who has been with us all along.

Just as God gave the Israelites an unforgettable moment of His power, He invites us to step into what He’s prepared for us—actively participating in His blessings through generosity, obedience, and worship. God desires us to have our own stories of His faithfulness, but we must take that step, cross our own “river,” and mark those moments along the way. Join us as we learn to pray “Sun Stand Still” prayers, believing not for an explainable work but a move of God so big that we tell stories, write songs, and pass down memories of His faithfulness and power for generations to come.

We’re building A House for Jesus—a place where His name is lifted up. As His followers, we’re called to let His light shine brightly in a world that needs hope. When Joshua asked, “Are you for us or against us?” Jesus didn’t pick sides; He made it clear that He alone is to be followed. Listen in as we explore what it means to build a church where He leads, His name is preached, and where lives are changed forever by His presence and power.

Each generation has defining moments with God—times when He shows His power and calls us to trust Him fully, even when it’s hard to understand. Like the Israelites, we’re reminded that our strength doesn’t come from our own power or skill but from God alone. Join us for 'A House for the Future' as Nate Pursley takes us through the Book of Joshua and teaches how each generation’s legacy of faith is powered by God’s strength working through His people.

Has God ever asked you to do something that didn't make sense? The word "consecrate" means to set ourselves apart for God, preparing for something significant He is about to do. In Joshua 3, the Israelites were told to consecrate themselves before God would display His power in parting the Jordan River. God didn’t act until their feet hit the water—He required faith-filled obedience before showing His power. Joshua reminds us that when God makes a promise and His people obey, He will deliver. Tune in for a significant and important Sunday message in the life of our church, as we look back on the incredible home God has given us and look ahead to where we are headed. Prepare for God to move.

Rahab’s story is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, no matter their past or brokenness, to advance His Kingdom. Though she was a sinner, her faith led her to be part of God’s redemptive plan, and her past mistakes didn't define her future. Rahab had heard the rumors of God’s power, and her faith was sparked. Join us as continue in the book of Joshua and explore how we are called to be fishers of people—sharing the gospel and pointing others to the Savior. Our job isn’t to clean people up, but to call them to Jesus, trusting Him to transform their lives. We remember that we are all sinners but by the blood of Jesus can be made saints.

Would you settle for God’s promises without His presence? Or, like Moses, would you boldly declare, “If You’re not with us, we’re not going?" God has always longed to be with His people. From walking in the garden with Adam and Eve, to dwelling in the tabernacle with the Israelites, to sending Jesus as Immanuel and then the Holy Spirit, all the way to the promise of His presence in the new creation—His desire is to be with us. God’s presence is the point. It’s what establishes His kingdom in and through His people. Join us as we see that His presence is what gives us the strength and courage to live out His purposes. When we are rooted in His presence, we are empowered by His Spirit to fulfill His calling.

God has a great calling upon His people—to establish His presence in the midst of darkness. The Promised Land wasn’t just a place for the Israelites to live—it was meant to be a space fully devoted to God’s Word, worship, and ways, reflecting His glory. And just as He planted them in a space marked out for His purposes, so is he establishing His Church today. Join us for our new series, Build This House, as we explore how to follow our victorious King Jesus, into the promises He has for His Church. Just as the Israelites followed Joshua into the Promised Land, we follow Jesus as He leads us to be a people completely devoted to His glory.

Financial stress is something many of us can relate to, with 73% of people in a recent survey citing it as their top source of anxiety. But in the Upside Down Kingdom, true generosity flows from a heart of gratitude toward Jesus, recognizing that all we have comes from Him. Our giving isn’t just to a church or pastor—it’s an offering to God, acknowledging that everything we own is already His. Tune in as we explore how Kingdom generosity calls us to give our first fruits, not our leftovers, and invites us into a life of abundant blessings. Instead of focusing on our own needs, we’re called to center our hearts on Jesus and trust in His faithfulness, just as Malachi 3:10 challenges us to test His promises. God desires not our money, but our hearts, and as we walk in stewardship and generosity, we discover the joy of partnering with Him.

Community should be a foretaste of the Kingdom of God, marked by deep friendship and unity. In Philippians 4:1-9, Paul calls us to build Kingdom friendships, where the hard moments are embraced as opportunities for growth. These relationships are foundational to transforming our city and our hearts. Listen in as Pastor Jason Clarke explores how Kingdom friendships reflect the love of Christ, reminding us that when conflict arises, that’s when the gospel matters most.

As Kingdom Citizens, we’re called to represent Jesus on earth, living with hope and purpose as we await our final destination—heaven. Paul reminds us that while we haven’t yet arrived, this truth frees us to keep running our race. Our past may shape us, but it doesn’t define our future. And the power of the gospel calls us to step into the present, living out God’s purpose today. As Kingdom Citizens, we live in eager anticipation of our King’s return. When He comes back, it won’t be in humility but in power, transforming us into His glorious likeness. Tune in as we explore living with humility, perseverance, and the hope of the King’s return.

People often place confidence in rituals, status, or their own achievements. Paul’s message in Philippians calls us to something radically different. He warns against those who add to the gospel, labeling such practices as dangerous distractions that lead us away from the true essence of our faith. Paul reminds us that our identity is rooted in Christ alone. We are saved by grace, not by our earthly status, nationality, or religious rituals—these things, Paul says, are rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. Our value is found in being in Christ, living out His teachings, and becoming more like Him each day. Listen in to this powerful message and discover how centering our lives on Jesus can bring true worth and unity in a divided world.

In a culture marked by tension and uncertainty, we are called to be shining stars, leading others to Jesus through our words, actions, and attitudes. This journey begins with humble obedience—bowing before God and surrendering completely to His will. As we navigate these challenging times, our mission remains clear: to reflect the love and character of Jesus in everything we do, offering hope, peace, and light to those around us. Join us as Nathan Pursley continues our "Upside Down Kingdom" series through the Book of Philippians. Together, we'll explore how living out this responsibility can transform not only our own lives but also the lives of those we encounter each day.

The world tells us that success is about wealth, fame, and self-promotion, but Christ teaches us something different. By choosing humility and putting others first, we can shed selfish ambitions and build a community of honor and support. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to serve others, even in suffering, knowing that true greatness comes through humility and sacrifice. Join us as Zach Landes explores how this Upside Down Kingdom offers hope—not just in the promise of future resurrection, but also in the transformative power of death and rebirth in our lives today.

Adopting a Kingdom mindset means doing everything with joy, excellence, and for God’s glory. Writing from prison, unsure if he would live or die, the Apostle Paul made it clear: living is about Jesus, and dying is about being with Him. Listen in as we explore how to rejoice in Jesus, rely on Him in every situation, and represent Him at all times. Whether in blessing or trial, Paul teaches us that living for Christ gives us the confidence to say, "Dying is gain."