Mike Anderson

As we start a series of sermons on congregational singing, we begin by looking at the questions of why we sing, and what exactly it is what we should sing when we gather for worship.

Resources:

1 Chronicles 16:8-36

1 Chronicles (WBC), Roddy Braun

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As we close our series of sermons through this section of Isaiah, we see here what the LORD would have us do with all that we’ve seen of his glorious promises: Come to him.

Resources:

Isaiah 55

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary, Alec Motyer

The Book of Isaiah, chapters 40-66 (NICOT), John N. Oswalt

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Though our condition in this world is often shameful and afflicted, we can break forth into exuberant song even now because God’s salvation is so exuberant.

Citylight Center City | May 21, 2023 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Isaiah 54

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary, Alec Motyer

The Book of Isaiah, chapters 40-66 (NICOT), John N. Oswalt

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

There is much darkness in our world, and there is no visible road from here to our heavenly home. How can we walk in the dark? We must walk by what our ears hear, not by what our eyes see.

Resources:

Isaiah 50:4-11

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary, Alec Motyer

The Book of Isaiah, chapters 40-66 (NICOT), John N. Oswalt

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this passage, Israel felt forgotten and forsaken by God, and we can feel that way at times too. But God comforts them with the good news that his salvation is going to spread out as a servant.

Citylight Center City | April 16, 2023 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Isaiah 49-50:3

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary, Alec Motyer

The Book of Isaiah, chapters 40-66 (NICOT), John N. Oswalt

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

All scripture is written about Jesus. Does he live up to the things written of him? In this text, we see that he does in his resurrection, and in his ongoing work to empower his witnesses to proclaim repentance for the forgiveness of sins in his name to all nations.

Resources:

Luke 24:36-53

Luke 9:51-24:53 (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Darrell Bock

Expository Thoughts on Luke: Volume 2, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We hear a lot of voices today, and it’s possible to “hear” without really listening and processing what we hear. With some voices that’s appropriate, but in this text God calls us to truly listen to his promise of salvation.

Resources:

Isaiah 48

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary, Alec Motyer

The Book of Isaiah, chapters 40-66 (NICOT), John N. Oswalt

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

There is only one true God who made and rules over all things. We can resist him and suffer his curse, but we cannot change him or control him. Instead, we can turn to him and be saved.

Resources:

Isaiah 44:24-45:25

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary, Alec Motyer

The Book of Isaiah, chapters 40-66 (NICOT), John N. Oswalt

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While Israel was in exile, they needed to remember two big things that we also need to remember while we are away from the Lord: Our sin, and God’s grace.

Resources:

Isaiah 43:22-44:23

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary, Alec Motyer

The Book of Isaiah, chapters 40-66 (NICOT), John N. Oswalt

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Undeserved suffering is one of the great tragedies of life in a fallen world. But what about the times when you’re suffering as a consequence of your own sin? Even in those times, God tells his people to not be afraid, because he redeems them from his judgment.

Resources:

Isaiah 42:18-43:21

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary, Alec Motyer

The Book of Isaiah, chapters 40-66 (NICOT), John N. Oswalt

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

There is plenty of which to be afraid, yet God tells us in this passage to fear not, for better reasons than the world gives: He is with us.

Citylight Center City | February 19, 2023 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Isaiah 41:1-20

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary, Alec Motyer

The Book of Isaiah, chapters 40-66 (NICOT), John N. Oswalt

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In exile, Israel complains to the LORD that their way is hidden from him. It feels like he’s doing nothing. Yet he promises those who wait for him in such times that he will give them they strength they need to endure with joy.

Resources:

Isaiah 40:12-31

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary, Alec Motyer

The Book of Isaiah, chapters 40-66 (NICOT), John N. Oswalt

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In Isaiah 40, the context is the people of Israel in exile, receiving God’s judgment for their sins. And yet, God speaks to them there a word of comfort: Your God is coming, and all will see his glory.

Resources:

Isaiah 40:1-11

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary, Alec Motyer

Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As Galatians closes, from the sweeping overview of the Christian life we saw in Galatians 5:13-26, Galatians 6 presses that vision down into the details. What does true spirituality look like down in the details? Doing good to everyone, especially to those of the household of faith.

Resources:

Galatians 6:1-18

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As we wrap up our series on the fruit of the Spirit, we come to one that is commonly desired but rarely attained: self-control.

Resources:

Galatians 5:13-26

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of someone else’s harshness, you know it doesn’t feel good. Yet we find ourselves feeling harsh toward others. As we continue our study of the fruit of the Spirit, though, we find that gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit.

Resources:

Galatians 5:16-23

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As we continue our study of the fruit of the Spirit, we come to what is likely the least popular today: faithfulness, the quality of being trustworthy and reliable, making and following through on commitments.

Resources:

Galatians 5:13-23

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Today is the day many observe as Christmas, and we’re happy for the excuse to focus on the birth of Christ, because his birth is good news of great joy.

Resources:

Luke 2:1-14

Luke 1:1-9:50 (Baker Exegetical Commentary), Darrell Bock

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Luke, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In the Christmas season, we’re often excited to give gifts, but we’re also excited to receive gifts. We know generosity is good, but we often consume not only gifts, but other people. It is good news, then, that Spirit works in us kindness and goodness.

Resources:

Galatians 5:13-23

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The fourth fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22 is patience. It is what enables the first three fruits of the Spirit (and really all of them) to continue, and even sometimes grow, during hardship.

Citylight Church Center City | December 11, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Galatians 5:16-23

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

When is it ok to take a deep breath and have peace? The Holy Spirit produces a peace that enables us to do that in any situation.

Resources:

Galatians 5:13-26

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Is it ok to be happy? What’s an appropriate source of happiness? Is happiness different from joy? These are some of the questions we consider in this sermon as we look at the second fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22: joy.

Citylight Church Center City | November 27, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Galatians 5:16-23

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As we go through Galatians, we are zooming in on Galatians 5:22-23, a list called the fruit of the Spirit. This sermon looks at the first item on the list, the fruit of the Spirit: Love.

Resources:

Galatians 5:13-22

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Throughout the book of Galatians, we hear the good news that Christ has set us free, and the exhortation to not return again to a yoke of slavery (Gal 5:1). But what should we then do with our freedom? That’s the question this text answers.

Resources:

Galatians 5:13-26

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Christ has set us free, but not every impulse we have, if we act on it, leads us into greater freedom. Some enslave us again! So we must stand firm in the freedom we have in Christ.

Citylight Church Center City | November 6, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Galatians 5:1-12

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Though we may believe we are justified by faith, sometimes we still want to live by the law. In this passage, Paul helps us see why if we really understand the law, we won’t want to live under it.

Resources:

Galatians 4:21-31

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Resources:

Galatians 3:15-29

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Resources:

Galatians 3:1-14

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Christians believe we are saved by grace, but by our lives we can nullify that grace. This passage shows us how not to.

Resources:

Galatians 2:11-21

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We are often prone to be too defensive, but there is an appropriate, and even necessary place for self-defense. Paul engages in it here for the sake of preserving the gospel.

Resources:

Galatians 1:10-2:10

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In America free speech is a high value, but we all recognize on some level that not all speech is helpful for us to listen to. How do we know what speech we shouldn’t listen to? In this passage, we see that we shouldn’t listen to speech that is contrary to the gospel.

Resources:

Galatians 1:1-9

Galatians (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Tom Schreiner

Galatians (Geneva Commentaries), John Brown

Galatians (Crossway Classic Commentaries), Martin Luther

Galatians For You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We all have things in our life of which we are ashamed. In this story, we see how Jesus restores those who have fallen through his restoration of Peter, who denied him three times.

Resources:

John 21

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Nobody likes when someone is fake, but how do you know who people really are? Actions speak louder than words, and the action of Jesus that most clearly reveals who he is is his death.

Resources:

John 19:16b-42

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We’re all prone to see our own little worlds as a really big deal, but Jesus calls us into not only a bigger and better world, but a kingdom that is not of this world at all.

Resources:

John 18:28-19:16a

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Gospel records of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection spend an inordinate amount of time on his death. Why? So that we might not only know that he died, but know why he died, and what it means for us.

Resources:

John 18:1-27

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

There are few things less desirable than being hated by someone else. Yet Jesus tells us in this passage that the world will hate us if we follow him. How can we under that hatred? The Holy Spirit will help us.

Resources:

John 15:18-16:15

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We all want our lives to matter, but we often feel discouraged and stressed by the apparent lack of fruit from our best efforts. How can we bear fruit that matters and lasts? Jesus is the true vine, and it’s only as we abide in him that we bear fruit.

Resources:

John 15:1-17

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Our hearts seem good at finding trouble. In the first half of John 14, Jesus gave us three reasons to not let our hearts be troubled. Here in the second half, he gives three more.

Resources:

John 14:15-31

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Our hearts seem good at finding trouble; does Jesus simply add to it? No. Instead, he gives us a way to not let our hearts be troubled.

Resources:

John 14:1-14

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As Jesus begins his farewell discourse, what does he want his disciples to know before he departs? What does he want to be foundational to their life together? Loving one another as he loved them.

Resources:

John 13:21-38

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

This week begins our missions conference, where we focus on our global mission. In this text we see that Jesus is actually the one who accomplishes this global mission.

Resources:

John 10:16

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Unreached Language Groups

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We admire selfless service, but we are afraid of being forced to serve. In this text, we learn how to serve like Jesus.

Citylight Center City | May 29, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 13:1-20

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As John continues to show us who Jesus is, here we discover He is the resurrection and the life: He uses death, He is life, He weeps over death, and, ultimately, He defeats death.

Citylight Center City | May 8, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 11:1-54

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We’re all influenced by someone; none of us are as independent as we’d like to think. But Jesus is the best possible person to follow, because He is the good shepherd.

Resources:

John 10:1-21

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

On Easter we celebrate that Jesus rose from the dead. But why does it matter that He’s still alive? Because He’s still alive, He can save you completely.

Citylight Center City | April 17, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Hebrews 7:23-25

Hebrews 1-8 (Word Biblical Commentary), William Lane

Hebrews, John Owen

Gentle and Lowly, Dane Ortlund

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this story, Jesus displays the mighty work of God by working a new creation in a man blind from birth. Through it, we learn that we are all born blind, but that Jesus is the one who gives sight to the blind.

Citylight Center City | April 10, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 9:1-41

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In this story many believed in Jesus, but instead of celebrating that right away, Jesus clarifies a mark of true disciples: Abiding in His Word.

Citylight Center City | April 3, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 8:31-59

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We all sense that we are needy, but what do we really need? Jesus promises to provide something that will satisfy our true thirst.

Citylight Center City | March 20, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 7:37-52

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As we wrap up our series on authority, we see that the end to which our world is heading is not a world without authority, but a world in which God reigns. And that is good news.

Citylight Center City | March 13, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Revelation 22:1-5

The Book of Revelation (New International Greek Testament Commentary), G.K. Beale

Last week we saw that Jesus’ model for local churches is congregational. This week we’ll see those congregations are led by elders, whom He has given the authority to lead.

Citylight Center City | March 6, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Hebrews 13:17

Understanding the Congregation’s Authority, Jonathan Leeman

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Having redeemed authority and made us like Himself, Jesus restores His people to their proper position of authority by giving authority to His church.

Citylight Center City Sunday Service|February 27, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Matthew 16:13-20, 18:15-20, 28:18-20

Matthew (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary), D.A. Carson

Understanding the Congregation’s Authority, Jonathan Leeman

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In redeeming authority, God doesn’t just tell us how to redeem it. He gives us a Redeemer.

Citylight Center City | February 20, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Philippians 2:1-11

Philippians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Moises Silva

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We were created with authority over the things God made, but in our fallenness, we abdicate that authority and those things begin to exercise authority over us.

Citylight Center City | February 13, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Romans 1:18-32

Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Thomas Schreiner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

God has absolute authority, has given humanity authority, and it was very good. Then why is it that the use of authority among us if often so bad? Because we are fallen people, and one of the ways we fail to exercise the authority God has given us is when we abuse it.

“Citylight Center City | February 6, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Exodus 6:2-9

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We all know authority is often abused, but was it always this way? There is actually a proper claim and use of authority, and it begins with God.

Citylight Center City | January 30, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Genesis 1:26-31

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

It’s one thing to admire Christ; it’s another thing to eat Him. Jesus says only those who do the latter have eternal life, but what does that mean?

Citylight Center City | January 16, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 6:41-71

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We’re all prone to give our time and energy to things that won’t last. Jesus warns us against such a mistake, and holds Himself out as the bread of life that truly lasts.

Citylight Center City | January 9, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 6:1-40

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Everyone honors Jesus in some way, but should we really honor Him the same way we’d honor God? Yes.

Citylight Center City | January 2, 2022 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 5:19-47

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Everyone thinks of Christmas as as season of hope, but on what do we set our hopes? This passage directs our hopes to the greatest possible king with the greatest possible kingdom.

Citylight Center City | December 19, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Isaiah 11:1-10

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction and Commentary, Alec Motyer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Love is a popular word not just at Christmas time, but year-round. That said, it’s actually difficult if you try to live it out. John shows us why it’s worthwhile to do so.

Citylight Center City | December 12, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 John 4:7-11

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We kick off our series on Christmas words with peace, but we also see that peace comes as part of a bigger package–good news of the birth of a Savior who brings glory to God in the highest and peace to His people on earth.

Citylight Center City | December 5, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Luke 2:1-14

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel of Luke (Vol 1), J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Bible tells us clearly to worship one and only one God. But Christians worship Jesus. How can that be ok? Because Jesus is equal with God.

Citylight Center City | November 28, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 5:1-18

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We all have visible, sensible problems in our lives to varying degrees, and Jesus cares about them. But how do we also get beyond them to Jesus Himself? We must follow the signs to Jesus, and this passage shows us how.

Citylight Center City | November 21, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 4:43-54

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

With even the best things this world has to offer, they only satisfy us for a time, and ultimately leave us thirsty again. But Jesus offers living water, which if one drinks, will make it so they are never thirsty again.

Citylight Center City | November 8, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 4:1-30

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We’d all probably agree that the world isn’t ultimately about us, but we still resist it in practice. However, we see in this passage that our greatest joy will come as Christ increases, and all others (including ourselves) decrease.

Citylight Center City | October 31, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 3:22-36

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in the entire Bible, and with good reason. It gives us good news in a world so full of bad news: God has provided eternal life for whoever believes in His Son.

Citylight Center City | October 24, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 3:16-21

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jesus makes all things new, and will one day bring the kingdom of God to earth in its fullness. The most important question any of us can ask, then, is how can I enter the kingdom of God? Jesus’ answer: “You must be born again.”

Citylight Center City | October 17, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 3:1-15

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We can sew on patches to the problems of our lives and world, but can it all be made new? It can, because this passage shows us that Jesus makes all things new.

Resources:

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Given the lofty claims Christians make about Jesus, it’s important to get to know the real Jesus. This passage shows us how.

Citylight Center City | September 26, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

We often get stuck looking to others for validation, but they are not the Christ, nor are we. Only Jesus is.

Citylight Center City | September 19, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 1:19-34

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Bible is concerned with our problems, but it doesn’t begin with our problems. It begins with Jesus, because in the beginning, He was.

Citylight Center City | September 12, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

John 1:1-18

The Gospel According to John (Pillar New Testament Commentary), D.A. Carson

Expository Thoughts on the Gospel According to John, J.C. Ryle

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Change is part of this life, but is there anything firm that we can rely on through it? This Psalm shows us there is.

Citylight Center City | September 5, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Psalm 103:15-18

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

It’s easy for any community to lose a sense of why it’s here. What have we been sent into the world to do as a church? Our mission is to go and make disciples of Jesus.

Citylight Center City | August 29, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Matthew 28:16-20

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Positively, we speak the truth in love to another in the church so that the whole church grows to maturity. But what happens when something isn’t right? This text shows us that it’s every Christian’s responsibility to move toward one another when something isn’t right, and it shows us how.

Citylight Center City | August 22, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Thessalonians 5:14

Caring for One Another: Eight Ways to Cultivate Meaningful Relationships, Ed Welch

Is it Loving to Practice Church Discipline?, Jonathan Leeman

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Everything the church does can be summarized as ministry–service to God and service to others. But who does it? What is it? And what is the goal of it? That’s what this passage addresses.

Citylight Center City | August 15, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Ephesians 4:11-16

Caring for One Another: 8 Ways to Cultivate Meaningful Relationships, Ed Welch

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We talk a lot about identity today, and Christians talk about finding their identity in Christ. But often we’re talking about an individual’s identity in Christ. Do we as a church find our identity in Christ?

Citylight Center City | August 8, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Peter 2:9-10

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

With so many conflicting messages and so much fake news around us, it’s easy to feel pessimistic about ever knowing the truth. This Psalm shares that pessimism in a sense, but it also holds out great hope to us: God saves us from this generation.

Citylight Center City | July 18, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Psalm 12

Psalms 1-72 (Kidner Classic Commentaries), Derek Kidner

The Treasury of David, Charles Spurgeon

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

While the sources may be diverse, we all hear the voices of panic in various ways. Sometimes they’re helpful, but how can we not be controlled by them? Take refuge in the LORD and you won’t have to panic.

Citylight Center City | July 11, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo

Resources:

Psalm 11

Psalms 1-72 (Kidner Classic Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Why does God hide Himself in times of trouble? Why do we see so much evil, but not see Him? It’s a common question we ask, and it’s the question on which this Psalm focuses.

Citylight Center City | July 4, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo

Resources:

Psalm 10

Psalms 1-72 (Kidner Classic Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

It’s easy for us to get narrow-minded and focused on our own little worlds, but God is not like us. He has a wider, more inclusive call to the whole earth, to worship Him among the nations.

Citylight Center City | June 27, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo

Resources:

Psalm 96

Psalms 73-150 (Kidner Classic Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Psalms show us how to walk with God through the various things we experience as humans. In Psalm 8, we see the weakness of babies, the glories of the sky, and the great abilities of humans are all reasons to ascribe glory to God.

Citylight Center City | June 13, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Psalm 8

Psalms 1-72 (Kidner Classic Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

How do we live with the fact that we aren’t God? We’re prone to resist it, and the Devil wants us to do just that. He tries to get us to resist it by saying God is not good, but because God is good, we should trust and obey God’s Word, not the Devil’s.

Citylight Center City | June 6, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17; 3:1-15

Genesis (Kidner Classic Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

There are some things we should oppose, but our lives need to be guided by what we are for. For Christians, our ongoing devotion is to good works.

Citylight Center City | May 23, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Titus 3:9-15

The Letters to Timothy and Titus, Philip Towner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We do a lot in life, but what should we really devote ourselves to? The answer for Christians is good works, because of what God has done for us.

Citylight Center City | May 16, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Titus 2:15-3:8

The Letters to Timothy and Titus, Philip Towner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The book of Titus emphasized the virtue of self-control, and it’s easy to feel guilty about our lack of self-control. How do we actually become self-controlled, though? Just as we are saved by grace, we are trained by grace.

Citylight Center City | May 9, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Titus 2:11-14

The Letters to Timothy and Titus, Philip Towner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Just as there is clothing that fits an occasion, there is conduct that fits the gospel. This passage describes that conduct for older men, older women, younger women, younger men, ministers of God’s Word, and employees.

Citylight Center City | May 2, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Titus 2:1-10

The Letters to Timothy and Titus, Philip Towner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

For any living thing to survive, it needs to be fed and protected from predators. For a church to really last, God directs that elders be appointed in it to feed it and protect it from predators.

Citylight Center City | April 18, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Titus 1:5-9

The Letters to Timothy and Titus, Philip Towner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Titus is a book about how the church can really last. So little in our life truly does last, but in the opening to the letter, we find one of the ways the church can last is because it is built on a solid foundation of truth.

CityLight Center City | April 11, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Titus 1:1-4

The Letters to Timothy and Titus, Philip Towner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Is Easter a fairy tale or a remembrance of something that actually happened in the world in which you and I live? In Jesus’ day, there were many who thought His claims to rise from the dead were phony. But in this passage, we see God’s answer to the question.

Citylight Center City | April 4, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Matthew 28:1-10

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

When a community has been in decline or some good habits have fallen off, rededication is often in order. This passage shows us how to rededicate our church to the Lord.

Citylight Center City | March 21, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 12:27-47

The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament), Charles Fensham

Ezra and Nehemiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

For love to really flourish, commitment and accountability are necessary. They’re also scary. In this passage, we see what rebuilding a church community through recovenanting looks like.

Citylight Center City | March 14, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 10:28-11:2

The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament), Charles Fensham

Ezra and Nehemiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Typically when confronted with wrongdoing in our lives, we minimized our fault while exacerbating others’. In this passage, we see true repentance is the opposite: Honesty about God’s goodness and our fault, but with ultimate hope in God’s goodness.

Citylight Center City | March 7, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 9

The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament), Charles Fensham

Ezra and Nehemiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Any time you talk about rebuilding a community, you have traditionalists who want to keep everything the same and revolutionaries who want to rip up everything. When rebuilding the church however, we’re not after traditionalism or revolution: We’re after reformation.

Citylight Center City | February 28, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 8:13-18

The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament), Charles Fensham

Ezra and Nehemiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Don’t you sometimes just not feel like coming to church or rejoicing in the Lord? In this passage, God’s people didn’t either, but they were still called to, and given good reasons to. This shows us that rebuilding requires rejoicing.

Citylight Center City | February 21, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 8:9-12

The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament), Charles Fensham

Ezra and Nehemiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As we move in the book of Nehemiah from a focus on rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem to a focus on rebuilding the people of Jerusalem, what do we find Nehemiah doing? Regathering the people.

Citylight Center City | February 14, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 8:1-8

The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament), Charles Fensham

Ezra and Nehemiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The focus of the book of Nehemiah thus far has been on rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. In this passage the wall rebuilding project is finished, but there is still more work to do. How do we finish well when it always seems like there is more to do?

Citylight Center City | February 7 , 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 6-7

Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices, Thomas Brooks

The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament), Charles Fensham

Ezra and Nehemiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The most visible rebuilding project in Nehemiah is the wall, but what good is a strong wall if the relationships of the people meant to live in it are in shambles? This passage in Nehemiah shows us why rebuilding means rebuilding our relationships.

Citylight Center City | January 31, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 5

The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament), Charles Fensham

Ezra and Nehemiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We’ve all probably heard the saying, “Haters gon’ hate.” Anything you do, there will be someone who doesn’t like it. Building up Jesus’ church is no different. In this passage, we learn how to keep going even when the haters hate.

Citylight Center City | January 24, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 4

The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament), Charles Fensham

Ezra and Nehemiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

When we sense there is something God wants us to do, getting started can be the hardest part. This is especially the case when we’re rebuilding something that’s broken. In this passage, we see the actual work of rebuilding get started; so let’s rise and build together.

Citylight Center City | January 17, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 2-3

The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament), Charles Fensham

Ezra and Nehemiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

2020 was a hard year in many ways, and 2021 thus far has brought its own difficulties. Even our church has not been unaffected. How do we begin rebuilding? Nehemiah shows us that rebuilding begins with prayer.

Citylight Center City | January 10, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Nehemiah 1

The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament), Charles Fensham

Ezra and Nehemiah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As we kick off 2021, we’re encouraging our members to pray for one another. This passage gives us a way to do that.

Citylight Center City | January 3, 2021 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

A Call to Spiritual Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers, D.A. Carson

1 & 2 Thessalonians (The IVP New Testament Commentary), G.K. Beale

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

COVID-19 has exposed our need for community, or what the Bible calls “fellowship.” In this passage, the Apostle John calls us into fellowship with the church, ultimately so we will have fellowship with God

Citylight Center City | December 20, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 John 1:1-4

Why Should I Join a Local Church?, Mark Dever

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

When we’re united to someone, we begin to think “in” them; we see their future as our future, their pains as our pains, their victories as our victories. if Christians are united to Christ, how do we think in Him? that’s what this passage is about.

Citylight Center City | December 13, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Philippians 2:5-11

Philippians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Moises Silva

Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 3: Christology, Geerhadus Vos

Humans were made with a longing not just for good things, but for the greatest things. What is the greatest thing? In this verse, Paul concludes his treatment of love by holding it up as the greatest thing.

Citylight Center City | November 22, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13:13

The First Epistle to the Corinthians (The New International Greek New Testament Commentary), Anthony Thistleton

1 Corinthians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), David Garland

Loving the Way Jesus Loves, Phil Ryken

It is wise to live for what lasts, but when you really think about it, what really does last? The answer of 1 Corinthians 13 is that love is the one thing that never ends, so give your life to it.

Citylight Center City | November 15, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13:8-12

The First Epistle to the Corinthians (The New International Greek New Testament Commentary), Anthony Thistleton

1 Corinthians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), David Garland

Loving the Way Jesus Loves, Phil Ryken

Love feels great, but how do you know when it’s genuine? Paul has given us many marks of true love in this passage, but this week we come to one many of us recognize: We know love is real when it actually lasts, especially through difficulty.

Citylight Center City | November 8, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13:7

The First Epistle to the Corinthians (The New International Greek New Testament Commentary), Anthony Thistleton

1 Corinthians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), David Garland

Loving the Way Jesus Loves, Phil Ryken

We talked last week about what love things, but what does love feel, especially when it’s no longer assuming wrongdoing of others, but faced with real wrongdoing? Love is not a general positive feeling; there is something in which love does not rejoice: Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

Citylight Center City | November 1, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13:6

The First Epistle to the Corinthians (The New International Greek New Testament Commentary), Anthony Thistleton

1 Corinthians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), David Garland

Loving the Way Jesus Loves, Phil Ryken

When we talk about love, we often talk about feelings and actions, but what about thoughts? The mind is powerful; what we think matters, and love thinks no evil.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13:5d

The First Epistle to the Corinthians (The New International Greek New Testament Commentary), Anthony Thistleton

1 Corinthians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), David Garland

Loving the Way Jesus Loves, Phil Ryken

1 Corinthians 13 is a beautiful picture of love, but there’s also some ugly in it: A description of what love is not, and in this section of the passage we focus on how love is not irritable.

Citylight Center City | October 18, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13:5c

The First Epistle to the Corinthians (The New International Greek New Testament Commentary), Anthony Thistleton

1 Corinthians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), David Garland

Loving the Way Jesus Loves, Phil Ryken

A question everyone has to face in life is, “What are you seeking?” What is your aim in life? In this sermon we’ll look at what 1 Corinthians 13 says love does not seek: Love seeks not its own. Love is not selfish.

Citylight Center City | October 11, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13:5b

The First Epistle to the Corinthians (The New International Greek New Testament Commentary), Anthony Thistleton

1 Corinthians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), David Garland

Loving the Way Jesus Loves, Phil Ryken

C.S. Lewis once said that pride is the sin we are quickest to despise in others but slowest to see in ourselves. Nonetheless, we must be honest about where it is present in our lives, because love is not proud.

Center City Service – October 4, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13:4c-5a

Mere Christianity, Book 3, Chapter 8, C.S. Lewis

Respectable Sins, Chapter 11, Jerry Bridges

After the starting with what love is, Paul now moves to what it is not. Love does not envy.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13:4b

The First Epistle to the Corinthians (The New International Greek New Testament Commentary), Anthony Thistleton

1 Corinthians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), David Garland

Loving the Way Jesus Loves, Phil Ryken

Having established the necessity of love, Paul moves to a description of it. While love is not an action, love is active in patience and kindness.

Citylight Center City Sunday Services – Sept. 20th, 2020.mp4 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13:4a

The First Epistle to the Corinthians (The New International Greek New Testament Commentary), Anthony Thistleton

1 Corinthians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), David Garland

Loving the Way Jesus Loves, Phil Ryken

It is a good thing to have great gifts and make great sacrifices, but it’s possible to have those things, and something essential still be missing. The thing we need even if we have great gifts and make great sacrifices is love.

Citylight Center City | September 13, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 13:1-3

The First Epistle to the Corinthians (The New International Greek New Testament Commentary), Anthony Thistleton

1 Corinthians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), David Garland

Loving the Way Jesus Loves, Phil Ryken

Throughout Acts, the church has both grown and been opposed. Today we experience the same dynamic, but how does the story end? In the end, Jesus wins. The gospel of the kingdom will prevail among all nations.

Citylight Center City | September 6, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 28:17-31

Acts (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Darrell Bock

In life we face trials of various kinds, or “storms” to speak metaphorically. In this passage the apostle Paul faces a literal storm and shows us how not to be afraid, even while we are in it.

Citylight Center City | August 30, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 27

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrell Bock

As we near the end of Acts, a lot of false accusations have been brought against Paul, but there is one charge he’s never denied: He does preach the gospel with the aim to persuade, what we call “evangelism”. Evangelism is often viewed negatively today, but in this passage we will see Paul’s defense for his practice of evangelism.

Citylight Center City – August 23, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 25:13-26:32

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrell Bock

We’ve seen Paul defend the gospel, but now we see him defending himself (Acts 25:8), because in order to defend the gospel, sometimes we need to defend ourselves against false accusations. Paul shows us how: Proclaim the truth, keep the accusations false, and proclaim the Truth.

Resources:

Acts 24:1-25:12

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

When you know something is true, how do you respond to accusations against it, and you? You can get mad or get fearful, but Paul shows us in this passage how to defend the gospel by removing other offenses to it, sharing your experience, and using the law.

Citylight | Center City – August 2, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 21:18-22:29

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts: The NIV Application Commentary, Ajith Fernando

Recently deceased U.S. Congressman John Lewis often talked about getting into “good trouble”, doing things you actually should do, but that bring you into dangerous situations. How can we follow Jesus into such good trouble? We have to do it with other Christians, and we have to be controlled by the will of the Lord.

Citylight Center City | Online – July 26, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 21:1-17

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will, Kevin DeYoung

As Paul continues his mission, we see once again that his plan for the ongoing care of churches he’s started is a council of elders in those churches who care for the church. Through his address to the elders at Ephesus, we can all learn how to care for the church of God.

Resources:

Acts 20:17-38

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Church Elders: How to Shepherd God’s People like Jesus, Jeramie Rinne

Citylight Center City | Online – July 19, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

In order to persevere in anything, we have to have hope of possible success. Jesus’ mission is even better: There is a guarantee of success, because the gospel will prevail through our strengths and weaknesses, by the Holy Spirit, and over who we once were.

Citylight Center City | Online – July 5, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 18:24-19:20

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

What do you see when you look out at the city? When Paul looked out at the city of Athens, he saw a city full of idols, and it compelled him to take the gospel to that city. From him we learn in this passage how to take the gospel to the city full of idols.

Citylight Center City | Online – June 28, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 17:16-34

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

What types of people is Christianity really for? In this passage we see there really is no “Christian type”. The gospel is good news for 3 people in particular in this passage who could hardly be more different from one another.

Citylight Center City | Online – June 21, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 16:11-40 Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

We come today to a few situations that threaten the main mission Jesus has given us as Christians: To take the good news of His life, death, and resurrection to the end of the earth, so that a people for His name would be formed from all the peoples of the earth. There is a sharp disagreement, a question of cultural norms, and directions given from God that were contrary to what the people involved were trying to do. In all these things, the example of the early Christians teaches us to Keep Jesus’ mission the main thing. Here’s how it shows us to do so: Don’t get bogged down in disagreements, consider your context, and follow God’s leading.

Citylight Center City | Online – June 14, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 15:36-16:10

This past week in Philadelphia has been what Mayor Kenney called one of the greatest crises in the city’s history. But it all springs out of peaceful protests of the ongoing racial injustice in America. How does tell us to interact with such an issue? He tells us to speak out against the city of man.

Citylight Center City | Online – June 7, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Jonah 3

Citylight Center City | Online – May 31, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 15:1-35 Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

We often start new habits with the best of intentions only to hit a day when we no longer want to do them. For some things that’s no big deal, but what about the mission Jesus has given us His Church? God empowers us to fulfill that mission through continued speaking, strengthening, and celebrating.

Citylight Center City | Online – May 24, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 14 Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

As we jump back into the story of what Jesus is doing in our time by looking at the books of Acts, we see that His salvation goes forward from the religious to the irreligious because He is the Savior of both.

Citylight Center City | Online – May 17, 2020 from Citylight Church on Vimeo.

Resources:

Acts 13:13-52 Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

While Jesus sends the entire church on mission, it doesn’t take long to realize that not everyone has the exact same role. Here we’ll see the Spirit of Jesus specifically sends some to devote themselves to the work of gospel proclamation.

Resources:

Acts 13:1-12 Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The world is constantly changing; sometimes a certain fashion is in, then it’s out. So also there are certain ways of looking at the world, certain objections to the gospel, that likewise come and go. The gospel itself, however, prevails over any opposition.

Resources:

Acts 12 Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As we continue looking at how God brings different people groups together, we’ll see He gathers them into a community called the church, created by the gospel, matured by the gospel, and marked by love.

Resources:

Acts 11:19-30 Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As we continue looking at how God brings together people groups, we see that His gospel is good news not just for Israel, but for all the peoples of the earth. It is an inclusive truth claim.

Resources:

Acts 10:34-11:18 Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Many of us see the need for a truly inclusive community, but we’re so prone to divide ourselves into the “clean” and “unclean” peoples. Here we see that God sends us to all peoples, providing a new way to be clean that includes all the peoples of the earth.

Resources:

Acts 9:32-10:33 Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

God’s purpose from the beginning of the Bible has been to multiply His image until it fills the earth for His glory. In this passage, we’ll see the way He does that is by multiplying His church.

Resources:

Acts 9:19b-31 Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Opposition has been mounting against Jesus’ people, but how does Jesus respond? He conquers His enemies through conversion.

Resources:

Acts 9:1-20

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The mission Jesus has given His church is daunting, but He’s not left us alone to figure it out. His Holy Spirit guides the mission through individuals, conversations, Scripture, and baptism.

Resources:

Acts 8:26-40

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

From Every People and Nation: A Biblical Theology of Race, J. Daniel Hays

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Picking back up in Acts, opposition has reached a climax with the stoning of Stephen, and a persecution breaking out in Jerusalem. But where opposition increases, so does the advance of the gospel.

Resources:

Acts 8:1b-25

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As we begin 2020, we may have resolutions, but we struggle to endure. In the Christian life endurance is needed, and this passage shows us how to get it.

Resources:

Hebrews 12:1-2

ESV Study Bible

An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews, John Owen

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We wait for the coming of Christ during advent, but how do we wait? Our waiting is a courageous waiting, because God’s king is coming, He will defeat our enemies, and He will defeat our idols.

Resources:

Micah 5

The Books of Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah (NICOT), Leslie Allen

The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical and Expository Commentary, Thomas McComiskey

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We’re all waiting for something in advent, but for what are we waiting? We wait not so much for a what, but a who: The Root of Jesse, who will rule righteously and bring rest.

Resources:

Isaiah 11:1-10

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction Commentary, Alec Motyer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Advent is a season of waiting, but why do we have to wait? Because we need a Savior to come for us.

Resources:

Genesis 3

Genesis (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) – Derek Kidner

Genesis 1-15, Volume 1 (Word Biblical Commentary) – Gordon Wenham

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As the church continues to grow, there are growing pains. When we face such problems, we’re prone to leave, ignore them, or wait for someone else to fix them. Jesus empowers a better way: Working together so disciples continue to multiply.

Resources:

Acts 6

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Exalting Jesus in Acts, Tony Merida

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

People can hurt us, and when they oppose the preaching of the gospel, fear of the pain they can cause tempts us to “obey” them rather than preach the gospel. But we must obey God rather than men.

Resources:

Acts 5:17-42

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Exalting Jesus in Acts, Tony Merida

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Fear is an uncomfortable emotion, but it can be used to alert us to forces more powerful than we, that we might respond appropriately. One of the helpful sorts of fear is the fear of God…and His church.

Resources:

Acts 4:36-5:16

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Exalting Jesus in Acts, Tony Merida

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

When the gospel is preached, both conversion and opposition come. How can we face opposition with boldness? By continuing to speak, frontline prayer, and a unified church.

Resources:

Acts 4:1-35

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Exalting Jesus in Acts, Tony Merida

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The gospel spread at the beginning in part because of miracles. But these miracles were signs, pointing to something else: The identity of Jesus, and what He will do for those who repent.

Resources:

Acts 3

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Exalting Jesus in Acts, Tony Merida

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

After promising the Holy Spirit, Jesus now sends Him to fill His church, enabling them to tell of his mighty works, calling all to repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Resources:

Acts 2:1-41

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts (The NIV Application Commentary), Ajith Fernando

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Exalting Jesus in Acts, Tony Merida

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The book of Acts is not only the story of the early church; it’s the story of all the risen Lord Jesus continued to do. And today, He’s still working.

Resources:

Acts 1

Acts: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Darrel Bock

Acts 1-12 For You: Charting the Birth of the Church, Al Mohler

Exalting Jesus in Acts, Tony Merida

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jonah preached, Nineveh repented, and God relented. Great, right? Jonah was angry. It’s possible to preach to the city without loving the city. May we instead love the city, because God does.

Resources:

Jonah 4

Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Desmond Alexander

The Books of Joel, Jonah, and Micah (NICOT), Leslie Allen

The Prodigal Prophet, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Though we’ve all failed to go where God is sending us in various ways, God is still sending us, and by His grace, we can go with great hope.

Resources:

Jonah 3

Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Desmond Alexander

The Books of Joel, Jonah, and Micah (NICOT), Leslie Allen

The Prodigal Prophet, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Just as God sent Jonah to the great city of Nineveh, God has sent us, His church, to the great cities of the nations, to make disciples. Don’t flee from the call!

Resources:

Jonah 1:1-16

Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Desmond Alexander

The Books of Joel, Jonah, and Micah (NICOT), Leslie Allen

The Prodigal Prophet, Timothy Keller

“God Won’t Take No for an Answer”, sermon by H.B. Charles, Jr.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The doing of social justice is required by God in His law, and yet, if anyone relies on the works of the law, they’ll find themselves under a curse. The gospel isn’t taking up the cause of justice; in fact, the true gospel empowers justice.

Resources:

Galatians 3:10-14

Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 41, Galatians, Richard Longenecker

Center Church, Chapter 20: Centering the Missional Church, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The gospel is the good news concerning what God has done, not a message telling us what we should do. Therefore, it cannot be simply getting serious about your faith or resolving to do better.

Resources:

Ephesians 2:1-10

Conversion: How God Creates a People, Michael Lawrence

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We often see human authorities and our inability to understand what God is doing as impediments to living a good life, but the preacher shows us how to live our lives with joy in light of these realities.

Resources:

Ecclesiastes 8:2-9:10

Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (NIV Application Commentary), Iain Provan

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Rather than loving money and wasting our lives striving for more, God calls us to enjoy the good gifts He gives.

Resources:

Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12

Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (NIV Application Commentary), Iain Provan

Generous Justice: How God’s Grace Makes us Just, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We’re naturally so set on beating our neighbor that we’re discontent with what we have, leading to oppression, loneliness, and hypocrisy. The Preacher shows us a better way.

Resources:

Ecclesiastes 3:16-5:6

Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (NIV Application Commentary), Iain Provan

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Part of our reality on earth is everything around us changes. Life is seasonal; how can we respond with wisdom? Being joyful, doing good, and fearing God.

Resources:

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (NIV Application Commentary), Iain Provan

Ecclesiastes: Why Everything Matters, Phil Ryken

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Life is hard, and the way to deal with the hardship is not to try not to think about it. In fact, great wisdom can be gained by focusing on it and figuring out how to live accordingly. Ecclesiastes is written to do that.

Resources:

Ecclesiastes 1

Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs (NIV Application Commentary), Iain Provan

Making Sense of God, Chapter 3: A Meaning that Suffering Can’t Take From You, Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Depression ranges from a clinical diagnosis to an unexpected malaise, but all of us living in a fallen world experience it in some way. How can we experience the love of God during it? This Psalm shows us.

Resources:

Psalm 6

Psalms 1-72 (Kidner Classic Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Tremper Longman

The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms, Timothy and Kathy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In the face of injustice, we are often passive or consumed with rage. But through prayer, we can experience the righteousness of God, empowering us to seek justice from God while loving even our enemies.

Resources:

Psalm 5

Psalms 1-72 (Kidner Classic Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Tremper Longman

The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms, Timothy and Kathy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

We’ve all probably experienced a restoration of peace once adversity is over, but how do you experience peace during adversity? This Psalm shows us how.

Resources:

Psalm 4

Psalms 1-72 (Kidner Classic Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Tremper Longman

The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms, Timothy and Kathy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Psalms don’t just state the truth; they give us a window into the Psalmist’s experience of the truth and teach us how we might experience it to. Psalm 2 is a gateway to the rest, teaching us that in order to experience the truth, we must joyfully and fearfully submit to the Lord.

Resources:

Psalm 2

Psalms 1-72 (Kidner Classic Commentaries), Derek Kidner

Psalms: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries), Tremper Longman

The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms, Timothy and Kathy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Christ identified with us, and now we see that it was so we might be identified with Him in His death and resurrection, that we might die and walk in newness of life.

Resources:

Romans 6:1-14

Romans (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Thomas Schreiner

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Why the cross? Jesus was identifying with us, the transgressors of God’s law.

Resources:

Luke 22:37

Luke (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Darrell Bock

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction and Commentary, Alec Motyer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As we close out our series on the Apostles’ Creed, we look ahead to our future. Is there a true and trustworthy hope for humanity and our world? There is in the life everlasting.

Resources:

Revelation 21:1-8

Revelation (The New International Greek Testament Commentary), G.K. Beale

Revelation (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), Grant Osborne

Affirming the Apostles’ Creed, J.I. Packer

Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 4: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation, Herman Bavinck

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Where’s all the work we do in this world ultimately going? Because we believe in the resurrection of the body, none of it that is done unto the Lord will be in vain.

Resources:

1 Corinthians 15:35-58

1 Corinthians (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), David Garland

Affirming the Apostles’ Creed, J.I. Packer

Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 4: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation, Herman Bavinck

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

All our sins are forgiven the moment we believe–but what happens when we sin after that time? We walk in the light not by hiding our sin, but by confessing it, sinning no more, and receiving ongoing forgiveness.

Resources:

1 John 1:5-2:2

Affirming the Apostles’ Creed, J.I. Packer

Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 4: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation, Herman Bavinck

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God: Chapter 13, Timothy Keller

Life Together: Confession and the Lord’s Supper, Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

As a society, we’ve become less religious, but guilt strangely persists. Can it really be dealt with? Only if God forgives.

Resources:

Romans 4:1-8

Affirming the Apostles’ Creed, J.I. Packer

Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 4: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation, Herman Bavinck

“The Strange Persistence of Guilt,” David Brooks

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Now that we’ve confessed our faith in the Holy Spirit, we come to the community in which He dwells: the church.

Resources:

1 Peter 2:4-12

Affirming the Apostles’ Creed, J.I. Packer

Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 4: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation, Herman Bavinck

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In the Creed, we’ve confessed faith in what Christ did in history. But as long as He remains outside of us, we aren’t changed by it. Now we come to the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus sends to be in us forever.

Resources:

John 14:15-27

Affirming the Apostles’ Creed, J.I. Packer

Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 2: God and Creation, Herman Bavinck

Reformed Dogmatics: Theology Proper, Geerhardus Vos

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Everybody’s judging somebody, but there is a final day when even we will be judged by the one truly just judge, Jesus Christ.

Resources:

Matthew 25:31-46

Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 4: Holy Spirit, Church, and New Creation, Herman Bavinck

Affirming the Apostles’ Creed, J.I. Packer

“The Gospel and the Poor,” Timothy Keller

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

It’s been said, “You’re entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.” Christian faith is based on facts, and here we look at its central fact: Jesus rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is seated at God’s right hand.

Resources:

Acts 2:22-39

Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 3: Sin and Salvation in Christ, Herman Bavinck

Affirming the Apostles’ Creed, J.I. Packer

Sacred Dissertations on the Apostles’ Creed, Herman Witsius

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

What did Christ come to do? He became human in order to die, ultimately to help humans like you and me.

Resources:

Hebrews 2:14-18

Affirming the Apostles’ Creed, J.I. Packer

Sacred Dissertations on the Apostles’ Creed, Herman Witsius

In Defense of the Descent, Daniel Hyde

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Who is Jesus? It’s a question any who’s heard His names and claims has to answer. Here we see He is God’s only Son, the Lord of all, and perhaps most significantly…our Lord.

Resources:

Colossians 1:15-20

Affirming the Apostles’ Creed, J.I. Packer

Sacred Dissertations on the Apostles’ Creed, Herman Witsius

Reformed Dogmatics, Volume 2: God and Creation, Herman Bavinck

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In the Apostles’ Creed, we begin with “I believe,” but what is it we believe? Or better yet, in whom do we believe? In this passage we answer that question with “our God,” and we behold Him for our comfort.

Resources:

Isaiah 40:9-31

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction & Commentary, Alec Motyer

Affirming the Apostles’ Creed, J.I. Packer

Sacred Dissertations on the Apostles’ Creed, Herman Witsius

Podcast: Play in new window | Download