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What happens when ordinary believers step out in extraordinary, bold faith ? In this sermon from Acts 3 and 4, Pastor Tim Yeager walks through four powerful scenes showing how God transforms life, turns everyday interruptions into opportunities, and moves His church to speak the truth with courage—even when facing opposition . Through the miraculous healing of a man lame from birth , Peter and John's fearless witness before the Jewish sanhedrin , and the early church's prayer for supernatural boldness , we are challenged to examine our own lives: Are we too distracted by comfort and control to notice what God is doing right in front of us ? Watch as Pastor Tim illustrates how God uses common, faithful people to bring restoration, hope, and the gospel to our city and beyond . Key Takeaways Compassion to Restoration: True biblical compassion goes beyond quick fixes to bring real, lasting restoration . Boldness over Comfort: Expansion often brings opposition, but God calls us to pray for boldness rather than just changed circumstances . Witnessing in Daily Life: You don't need all the answers; you only need to be a faithful witness of what you have seen, heard, and experienced in Christ . God Uses the Common: God changes the world through ordinary, bold, and faithful servants who simply say "yes" . Chapter Markers & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: We Are Witnesses of What God Has Done 00:27 – Welcome & Series Overview (Acts 3 & 4) 01:58 – Scene 1: The Healing of the Lame Beggar at Beautiful Gate 04:47 – Real Compassion Leads to Restoration 10:25 – Scene 2: Peter Preaches at Solomon's Portico 13:00 – Confronting Sin with Brutal Honesty & Amazing Grace 15:36 – The Call to Repentance and Times of Refreshing 18:04 – Scene 3: Peter & John Arrested & Brought Before the Council 22:15 – Standing Boldly Before the Jewish Supreme Court 25:12 – How God Uses Common, Faithful Servants 29:06 – Standing Firm Against Threats 30:50 – Scene 4: The Believers Pray for Boldness 33:16 – Overcoming the Distractions of Comfort & Control 34:11 – Modern Testimonies: God at Work in Houston Today 37:45 – Closing Challenge & Prayer

Are you trying to live the Christian life in your own strength? In this powerful message from Acts 2, Dr. Roger Patterson explores the foundational role of the Holy Spirit as God's current, daily gift to believers . When we receive Christ, we don't just gain a future home in heaven—we are sealed and given the Holy Spirit today as our helper, guide, teacher, and source of power . Join us as Dr. Patterson outlines six biblical principles regarding the Spirit's work in our lives and reveals how the early church's devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer was fully energized by the Spirit of God .

In this sermon on Acts 2, Pastor Alberto Avila explores the transformative power of the Day of Pentecost . Looking at the profound parallels between the Old Testament and the New Testament, Pastor Alberto contrasts the terrifying, distant fire at Mount Sinai with the inviting, personal fire of the Holy Spirit poured out on believers in Jerusalem .

In this message, titled "The Mission Continues," Ben examines how the Book of Acts serves as the vital sequel to the Gospel of Luke . While Luke's Gospel details what Jesus began to do and teach, Acts reveals what Jesus continues to do through His Spirit-empowered church . Learn how we are called to move past political distractions, lean into prayer, and actively participate in God's global mission today .

n the final message of our 13-week series on heaven, Pastor Tim Yeager walks through Revelation 22 to reveal how the biblical story reaches its ultimate conclusion. From the reversal of creation's curse to the promise of seeing God face-to-face, discover why eternity isn't just a future destination—it's motivation for how we live today. Join CityRise Church as we look at the ultimate hope we have in Jesus, our victorious King, and respond to His grace through the Lord's Table.

What will eternity actually look like ? In this sermon from Revelation 21, Dr. Roger Patterson explores what the Bible reveals about our eternal home—a restored creation, resurrected bodies, and the glorious reality of God dwelling with His people . Discover how Heaven is not an escape from Earth, but a complete transformation where sorrow is gone, work is redeemed, and joy is everlasting . Join us at CityRise Church (Bellaire Campus) as we dive deep into the hope of the eternal state . Learn more about CityRise Church: https://cityrise.org/ Download the CityRise App to follow along with sermon notes: https://cityrise.org/app

What does the Bible teach about the Millennial Kingdom, the binding of Satan, and God's ultimate plan for justice ? In Week 11 of the sermon series "Can You Even Imagine?" at CityRise Church, Lead Pastor Dr. Roger Patterson walks through Revelation chapter 20 to uncover God's promises for the Messianic Age—a 1,000-year reign of unprecedented peace, righteousness, and restoration on earth . Discover how Jesus will physically return to establish His kingdom from Jerusalem, what happens when Satan is released for a short time, and the sobering reality of the Great White Throne Judgment . Most importantly, learn how you can place your faith in Jesus Christ today and be assured of eternal life .

In this message, Dr. Roger Patterson continues our series on Heaven by diving into Revelation 19 and eschatology—the study of end times and future things . Discover what the Bible reveals about the end-time timeline, the significance of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, and how our lives today prepare us for eternity with Christ . As the Bride of Christ, believers are called to live set apart—reflecting God's grace through good works, expectant waiting, and extending the gospel invitation to others .

What will heaven really be like? In this powerful sermon on Revelation 7:9–17, Dr. Roger Patterson unpacks John's vision of the great multitude gathered around the throne of God. While it is difficult for us to fully grasp the reality of heaven, Scripture reveals three profound truths about our eternal home: Heaven is more global than you can imagine: People from every nation, tribe, language, and tongue unified in worship. Heaven is more worshipful than you can imagine: A victorious, cascading celebration declaring that salvation belongs to our God and to the Lamb. Heaven is more tender than you can imagine: The Lamb becomes our Shepherd, leading us to springs of living water, and God Himself wipes away every tear. Whether you are looking for pastoral comfort, seeking a deeper understanding of Revelation, or wondering how to receive salvation in Christ, this message offers hope and encouragement for your journey.

What will happen on the day you stand before Jesus? In Week 8 of our "Can You Even Imagine?" series on Heaven, Dr. Roger Patterson explores what the Bible reveals about the Judgment Seat of Christ. For believers in Christ, this is not a judgment of condemnation, but a moment of evaluation and reward for how we lived our lives on Earth. Using 2 Corinthians 5 and 1 Corinthians 3, Dr. Patterson explains the contrast between earthly gain and eternal purpose, how our works will be tested by fire, and how we can use our time, talent, treasure, and touch today to build a legacy that lasts for eternity.

In this powerful sermon, Pastor Ben Hays continues our summer series on Heaven with a deep dive into Jesus' teaching on the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 6:19-24. While many automatically look at this passage as a lesson on finances, Jesus is ultimately challenging our perspective to have an eternal orientation of the heart. What you treasure shapes what you see, and what you see determines whom you will serve. Join us as we explore what it practically looks like to invest in the imperishable, see the world through a kingdom lens, and live for our one true Master.

What happens to the physical body after death? In this powerful message from CityRise Church, Dr. Roger Patterson unpacks 1 Corinthians 15—the greatest text on the resurrection in the New Testament. While many cultures throughout history have tried to secure their own immortality (like China's famous Terracotta Clay Army), Dr. Patterson reminds us that the empty grave of Jesus Christ is the true beginning of the rest of our story. Diving deep into biblical eschatology, this sermon outlines a clear end-times timeline—from the Church Age to the Return of Christ, the Rapture, the Tribulation, and the Millennial Kingdom. Discover the 5 core theological truths that prove Christ's resurrection guarantees your own future, and learn what your future, glorified eternal body will actually be like. If you are looking for hope in the face of grief, sickness, or uncertainty, this message will anchor your faith and remind you that your labor for the Lord is never in vain.

In this powerful message, Dr. Roger Patterson continues our series on heaven by diving into Philippians 1:21-26. Addressing a culture deeply rooted in the denial of death, Dr. Patterson challenges us to ask ourselves an essential question: "For me to live is _______?" Drawing from the life of the Apostle Paul—who wrote to the Philippians while facing suffering and imprisonment—we see how settling the question of death completely frees us to live a life of purpose and sacrifice for others. When our faith is secured in Christ, death is no longer a loss, but an incomparable, vast profit.

What happens to a believer the moment they die, and what exactly do we receive when we get to heaven? In this powerful message Pastor Robby Dobbs from CityRise Bellaire unpacks 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 to show us how the certainty of heaven should completely change the way we live today. Pastor Robby compares our earthly, physical bodies to temporary "tents" that wear out, fade, and face suffering. But as Christians, we have a promise from God: an eternal, permanent building waiting for us in glory—a new resurrection body completely free from pain, disease, aging, and sin. Discover how the Holy Spirit acts as God's secure down payment on your future, giving you a daily confidence to walk by faith, not by sight, no matter how uncertain your current circumstances might feel. Death isn't the end for a believer; it is a beautiful homecoming into the arms of Jesus.

In this moving Father's Day message from CityRise Church, Pastor Ben Hays dives into Luke 23:32-43 to examine the powerful interaction between Jesus and the two criminals crucified alongside Him. While one criminal mocked Jesus, the other showed true repentance and humility, uttering the dying plea: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus' immediate response—"Today you will be with me in Paradise"—reveals transformative theological truths about the hope of heaven, the power of deathbed conversions, and the boundlessness of God's grace. Whether you have walked with God for a lifetime or are considering turning to Him for the very first time, this sermon challenges us all to answer one fundamental question: On which side of the cross are you standing today? If you need prayer, want to talk about placing your faith in Jesus, or would like to connect with our community, please leave a comment below or reach out to us at CityRise Church.