Advertise on podcast: Rise City Church

What happens when we treat God like a good luck charm instead of the God we serve? In the final message of our *Hijacked* series, Pastor Bobby Harrell looks at how Israel tried to use God for their own purposes and what happened when they did. God was never meant to be someone we turn to only when we need Him. He belongs at the center of our lives, shaping the way we live, the decisions we make, and the way we follow Him.

What if the version of God you’re following isn’t actually the God of the Bible? It’s easy to reshape God into someone who fits our preferences, agrees with our decisions, and never asks us to surrender what we want to keep. But a god we create will always lead us somewhere we never planned to go. In this message from our The Gospel Can’t Be Hijacked series, Pastor Bobby explores the story of Micah in Judges 17–18 and the danger of counterfeit worship. Because following God on our own terms isn’t really following Him at all.

What does it look like to follow God for who He is, rather than what He can do for you? In this message from The Gospel Can’t Be Hijacked, Pastor Bobby Harrell looks at the story of Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8 and how easy it is to turn our relationship with God into a transaction. We can start to think that if we serve, give, or worship enough, God owes us something in return. But following Jesus was never about using Him to get what we want. God owes us nothing, but He’s already given us everything. So what’s really driving the way we follow Him?

As we begin our new sermon series "Hijacked", Pastor Bobby looks at what happens when we try to use the GOOD NEWS of Jesus for our own purposes. It’s easy to want the benefits of following Jesus while still wanting to live life on our own terms. But faith isn’t about borrowing someone else’s relationship with Jesus or simply using His name. It’s about actually knowing Him and allowing Him to change the way we live. The question is simple: Do you have a faith of your own, or are you living on borrowed faith?

As we close out Unless the Lord Builds the House, Pastor Bobby looks at the things we allow to fill our lives, our homes, and our relationships. The rhythms we live by, the priorities we make time for, and the things we give our attention to are shaping us every day—and our kids are watching. But the goal isn’t just to fill our lives with better habits or more meaningful things. Paul reminds us to let the message of Christ fill our lives. When Jesus becomes the center, He begins to shape the way we love, forgive, parent, serve, worship, and live.

What if the things we keep trying to fix on the outside are pointing to something deeper on the inside? In this message, Jeremy continues Unless the Lord Builds the House by talking about what it really means to renovate our lives. We can recognize our habits, try harder, and manage the symptoms—but lasting change requires us to deal with what’s happening beneath the surface. Instead of simply trying to change our behavior, God offers us something deeper: a new heart. What would it look like to surrender the parts of our lives we’ve kept closed off and let Jesus heal, repair, and renovate what’s underneath?

What if some of the things we consider “normal” are actually patterns we were never meant to carry? In this message, Pastor Bobby continues our sermon series *Unless The Lord Builds The House* by looking at the importance of inspecting the patterns we bring from our families and past into our relationships. Through gratitude, healing, forgiveness, and choosing what comes from Christ, we can recognize what needs to change and trust God to make a new way.

In the first message of Unless the Lord Builds the House, Pastor Bobby challenges us to stop asking God to bless our plans and instead trust Him with the blueprint. When God is at the center, our marriages, families, and relationships can become something that points people toward Him.

Youth Sunday is a special Sunday where our middle school and high school students get to take the lead and show us what God is doing in their lives. From worship and student-led moments to testimonies, conversations, and teaching, this service is a picture of the faith, passion, and hunger for Jesus growing in the next generation. Throughout the service, we hear from students about camp, community, their leaders, and what it looks like to keep your faith alive beyond the mountaintop moments. More than anything, Youth Sunday reminds us that students aren't just the future of the Church—they are a vital part of the Church right now.

We were created to be connected—not just to God and people, but to the mission He has called us to. In the final message of The Connected Life, we look at what it means to move beyond simply attending church and become part of what God is doing through it. The mission of the church centers around evangelism and discipleship—introducing people to Jesus and helping them grow in the way of Jesus.

We were created to be connected—not just surrounded by people, but known, loved, and invested in. In this message from The Connected Life series, we look at what it means to intentionally notice the people around us and pursue meaningful relationships. We’re called to be connected to learn, connected to love, and connected to lead. God has given each of us gifts, wisdom, and experiences that can help someone else. The question is: who around you needs what God has already given you?

God has always desired closeness with you. In this message, Pastor Bobby begins The Connected Life sermon series by exploring Hebrews 10 and the incredible access we have to God through Jesus. Because of Jesus, we don’t have to earn our way into God’s presence. We can come boldly, hold tightly to our hope, and trust that God is faithful even when life makes that difficult.

It's possible to be doing all the right things on the outside while slowly drifting from Jesus on the inside. In this message, Pastor Bobby explores Jesus' letter to the church in Ephesus—a church known for its faithfulness, sound doctrine, and perseverance, yet one that had abandoned its first love. Discover why a cold heart is often the root of spiritual drift, and how Jesus' invitation to remember, repent, and return leads us back to the life and love we were created for.

Following Jesus means continuing to move forward, even when we don’t know exactly what’s ahead. In this message, Lead Pastor of East View Church and former Lead Pastor of Rise City Church Brandon Grant, walks through Joshua 3 and Israel’s journey across the Jordan River. Discover what it looks like to trust God, keep your eyes on Jesus, and take the next step of obedience—even when the way forward feels uncertain.

It's easy to believe that weakness, limited resources, or a lack of influence disqualify you from making an impact—but Jesus sees things differently. In this message, Pastor Bobby explores Jesus' letter to the church in Philadelphia, the only church in Revelation to receive no rebuke. Discover how faithful endurance, not worldly strength, is what Jesus honors, and why holding fast to Him is the key to living with confidence, purpose, and eternity in view.