City United Church Podcast

Have you ever wondered what true generosity looks like in God's eyes? In a powerful message, Pastor Pencil challenges the conventional view that generosity is solely about financial giving. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, he reveals that authentic generosity flows from a transformed heart and encompasses our time, talents, and treasure. Through the compelling example of the Macedonian churches, who gave sacrificially despite their poverty, Pencil illustrates how genuine generosity stems from understanding God's abundant grace rather than our material wealth. He shares a touching personal story about his "Grandpa Van," who, though unable to give financially, faithfully prayed daily at 10 AM – demonstrating that impactful giving takes many forms. Pencil weaves together biblical wisdom and practical application, emphasizing that investing in eternity requires remaking our mindset, recognizing God's generous character, and reproducing that generosity in our own lives. The message culminates in a clear call to action: stop merely thinking about giving and start living generously today, understanding that everything we have is a gift from God and every act of generosity is an act of worship.

What does it mean to truly invite others to Christ? In his impactful message, Al challenges the church to reflect on the Great Commission found in Matthew 28, emphasizing the urgent need to share the gospel with a world that desperately needs it. Drawing from personal experiences of transforming lives through missions, Al recounts his journey of training a thousand pastors across ten countries, including efforts to plant 250 churches in Southeast Asia. He highlights the necessity of knowing Jesus deeply to effectively invite others, stressing that a vibrant faith leads to bold witness. Al draws parallels between individual confidence in salvation and the church’s collective mission, reminding us that faith begets faith and urging the audience to drop insecurities about sharing their testimonies. The message serves as an empowering reminder that we are called to actively engage in spreading hope, grace, and truth. Are you ready to accept this challenge? Dive into Al’s stirring sermon and discover how your faith can ignite a movement of change—not just in your life but for those around you! Don’t miss your chance to be part of something transformative—listen now!

What if you could be the catalyst for change in someone’s life today? In Pastor Gary’s compelling sermon, he ignites a passion for missions and the vital role each of us plays in spreading the gospel. Drawing from John 20:21, Pastor emphasizes that Jesus commissioned us to continue His work, reminding us that our mission is not about us but about making Jesus known. He challenges the congregation to not just be a church with missions but a church of missions. During this sermon, we learn that taking action in world missions means understanding our responsibility—to share the gospel, pray for the lost, and generously support missionaries. As City United embarks on the On Mission series, Pastor Gary outlines exciting upcoming initiatives that will engage the community in missions both locally and globally. He leaves us with an urgent call to action: pray about our Faith Promise commitments to reach our $125,000 mission goal. Together, we can be vessels of hope, ensuring that the light of Christ pierces through the darkness in every corner of the globe. Will you take part in this transformative journey?

Are you ready to be rock solid in your faith like Titus? In a powerful sermon, Pastor Pencil leads us through the inspiring life of Titus, a loyal companion of the Apostle Paul, who exemplified consistency and reliability in his mission to make disciples. Drawing from Paul's mentorship to Titus, Pastor Pencil emphasizes the importance of being multipliers in our faith, echoing the biblical truth found in 2 Timothy 2:2, where we are called to teach others so they can, in turn, teach more. With a compelling connection to the biblical narrative, Pastor Pencil shares how Titus’s unwavering commitment prepared him to face the challenges of the early church, including the divisive influences of the Judaizers. The message resonates with our church community, encouraging each member to embrace their unique gifts and to engage in mentorship, fostering a legacy of discipleship. As the sermon concludes, Pastor Pencil urges us to act, asking what steps we need to take to become faithful multipliers—inviting us to step beyond our comfort zones and actively participate in transforming lives for Christ’s sake. Let’s respond to the call and go where we are needed!

What if the most powerful force for change is often the most invisible? In today's sermon, Pastor Pencil Boone highlights the life of Timothy, who, like the Invisible Woman from the Fantastic Four, embodies unwavering strength while often working behind the scenes. Drawing from Acts 16:1-5, Pastor Pencil reveals that Timothy was a vital stabilizing force and a faithful disciple of Paul, reminding us that true impact does not always come from being in the spotlight. By reflecting on Timothy's sincere faith—taught by his mother and grandmother—Pastor Pencil emphasizes that age does not determine one’s capacity to multiply and mentor others in Christ. He challenges the congregation to reject self-imposed limitations, proclaiming that each person, regardless of age or perceived confidence, has the potential to lead and influence. The sermon calls everyone at City United to step into their role as multipliers, ensuring they commit the teachings of God to faithful individuals who can pass them on. Pastor Pencil urges, “What steps will you take to become a faithful and stable multiplier?” Now is the time to act and invest in the lives of others!

Have you ever felt like a flame out, someone who didn’t measure up in their spiritual journey, only to discover the spark within you once again? In a transformative sermon, Pastor Pencil dives into the story of John Mark, once a young disciple who faltered under pressure but eventually became a guiding light in the early Church. Drawing from Acts, Pastor Pencil emphasizes the power of mentorship, illustrating how Paul and Barnabas invested in John Mark’s potential, despite his initial failure. He reminds us that true discipleship embraces second chances, reflecting God’s grace and forgiveness toward us as we navigate our own spiritual shortcomings. Through personal stories and biblical insights, he emphasizes that each one of us has a role in the church—to nurture and uplift those who may feel defeated. As we engage in church initiatives and strive to multiply our faith, Pastor Pencil challenges us to identify those we might have given up on and to reignite that flame of potential within ourselves and others. Are you ready to step up, reach out, and be a Barnabas in someone else’s life? Let’s flame on together!

Have you ever felt the divine tug to stretch beyond your limits for greater purpose? In Pastor Pencil's powerful sermon, "The Fantastic Five Multiplications: First Steps," he explores the transformative journey of the Apostle Paul, who, once a fierce persecutor of Christians, became one of the church's most fruitful multipliers. Drawing from the dramatic story in Acts 9, Pastor highlights how God can stretch us in ways we never imagined and how obedience opens doors for new beginnings. He emphasizes that like Paul's mentor, Barnabas, we all have the capacity to empower others, seeing potential where others see failure. This call to action resonates deeply as Pastor encourages the congregation to become active participants in the multiplication of faith—making disciples who in turn make more disciples. The message shifts our focus from personal limitations to the power of community and mentorship, urging everyone at City United to embrace their role in God’s expansive mission. As we leave, we are challenged to ask ourselves: how can we allow God to stretch us this week and impact the lives around us? Let’s step out in faith and see the incredible multiplication of God’s kingdom!

Are you ready to embrace your role as an everyday missionary? In this compelling finale to the “Reach” series, Pastor Gary ignites a powerful call to action rooted in Jesus’s command to make disciples (Matthew 28). He reveals how ordinary individuals, much like the Apostle Paul and Barnabas, are pivotal in expanding God’s kingdom beyond church walls and into everyday life. By examining Acts 14, he challenges us to view church planting not merely as an obligation but as a divine partnership that transforms lives and communities through the Gospel. As part of City United's ongoing mission, Pastor Gary emphasizes the importance of equipping saints and encouraging each other through the hardships of ministry. He beautifully illustrates this through stories of sacrificial giving and participation in community outreach. The message resonates deeply with those looking to make a tangible impact, reminding viewers that every small act of faith can lead to monumental change. Join us on this adventure of faith! Dive deeper into this transformative message, reflect on how you can contribute to reaching your community, and discover the urgency of your calling. Don’t wait—click to listen and be inspired to live out your mission today!

In his sermon, Pastor Gary encourages the congregation to embrace the mission of creating faith communities as a critical avenue for reaching others with the gospel. He emphasizes that many individuals nearby, including a lonely woman or an exhausted worker, are yearning for authentic connections, which churches have often overlooked while focusing on expanding their programs. Rather than waiting for people to come to church, Pastor Gary advocates for Christians to go where the people are, suggesting that everyday places like homes, sports fields, and parks can serve as vital contexts for building these faith communities. Pastor Gary defines a faith community as a group of people who collectively live out the teachings of the gospel through worship, fellowship, and mission. He draws insights from the early church in Acts, highlighting their miraculous, missional, mobilizing, and multiplying characteristics, which allowed them to grow rapidly by sharing their experiences of Christ. He challenges the congregation to take deliberate steps towards initiating, unifying, and reproducing these communities, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in the mission. Ultimately, he invites listeners to recognize their own potential for impacting lives and transforming communities, encouraging them to step forward in faith to establish new circles of connection and support, thereby furthering the kingdom of God.

In his sermon, Pastor Gary emphasizes the importance of discipleship and the role each individual plays in the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28. He articulates that evangelism is not merely about making converts but about growing other disciples, encouraging congregants to recognize their purpose in reaching out to their unique circles of influence. Pastor Gary introduces the key takeaway: "a true disciple builds more disciples." He stresses that real discipleship involves reproducing leaders who can further spread the message of Jesus, urging listeners to actively identify and mentor potential leaders. Pastor Gary outlines a strategy for developing leaders that consists of three key points: identifying potential leaders, investing in their growth, and implementing reproducible methods. He insists on the necessity of prayer and discernment in selecting faithful individuals to train. He also highlights the need for creating relational environments where authentic discipleship can flourish, likening it to watering a plant to help it grow. Moreover, he calls for practical steps, such as starting simple discipleship groups and guiding individuals through a growth pathway, reminding the congregation that they were not saved to sit idle but to be sent out to make a significant impact in their communities. Throughout the sermon, Pastor Gary reinforces that effective leadership development is essential for fulfilling the mission of the church in spreading the Gospel.

In his sermon, Pastor Gary addresses the importance of deploying everyday people as missionaries within their circles of influence. He introduces a series titled "Reach," which aims to equip church members to engage in meaningful conversations about Jesus. Pastor Gary emphasizes that every believer is called to share their faith and that evangelism is not just for the spiritually gifted, but rather a collective mission for all followers of Christ, as articulated in the Great Commission from Matthew 28. He encourages the congregation to identify their personal mission fields, prepare their faith stories, and recognize divine appointments for sharing the gospel. The sermon also highlights practical steps for engaging in conversations about faith, starting with preparing a personal testimony and practicing gospel conversations. Pastor Gary underscores the significance of relational and intentional engagement, drawing on Biblical examples like Philip and the Samaritan woman at the well. He encourages church members to seek community engagement opportunities and to actively participate in initiatives that reflect their faith through service. Ultimately, he challenges the congregation to take actionable steps towards sharing their faith, understanding that good conversations can open doors to God conversations and, ultimately, change lives. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer, inviting individuals to seek a personal relationship with Jesus while encouraging believers to step forward boldly in their faith journeys.

In Pastor Gary's sermon, he introduces a new collection of talks called "Reach," aimed at empowering everyday people to act as missionaries in their communities. He emphasizes that every believer is positioned by God for a purpose right where they are—whether it be at work, school, or in their neighborhoods. The core message revolves around engaging with those around us to share the Gospel, recognizing that many people in our circles will never attend church or read the Bible but will listen to us because of our relationships with them. Pastor Gary highlights the importance of understanding our divine placement, caring for our circles of influence, and responding through prayer, encouraging the congregation to act on their mission in life. He draws inspiration from Acts 17, where Paul speaks to the Athenians, illustrating that God's design for each person is intentional and purposeful. Pastor Gary challenges the audience to take their mission seriously, identifying those in their lives as opportunities for ministry and outreach. He calls for active prayer for their communities, highlighting the significance of being aware of the needs around them. He invites the congregation to become difference-makers for Christ right where they live, work, and play, emphasizing that outreach is not reserved for a select few but is a calling for all believers. The message concludes with a call to action—to walk, weep, and pray for their cities, recognizing that they were made for this mission.

In his sermon, Pastor Pencil addresses the theme of burden-bearing by exploring Psalm 55 and encouraging the congregation to cast their cares upon God. He opens by acknowledging the overwhelming weight of life’s burdens that many face and emphasizes that we were not designed to carry them alone. Using King David’s experiences during Absalom’s rebellion as a backdrop, Pastor Pencil illustrates how even in moments of betrayal and strife, individuals can find relief by transferring their burdens to Jesus. He highlights that the resurrection of Jesus is a testament to God’s love and capability to sustain us through trials. The core message of the sermon is encapsulated in the phrase, "Don't pick up what Jesus put down," reminding the audience that by releasing their burdens to God through persistent and faithful prayer, they can attain peace and support. Throughout the sermon, Pastor Pencil shares personal anecdotes and scriptural references, reinforcing the idea that God actively delivers us from our burdens and provides stability amid life's storms. He invites the congregation to identify their specific burdens, to practice casting them in prayer, and to trust in God’s sustaining presence even when circumstances seem unchanged. Ultimately, Pastor Pencil concludes by urging everyone to not only cast their burdens upon the Lord but to cultivate a relationship with Him, leading to a life free from the weight of unmanageable burdens.

In the sermon, Pastor Gary addresses the theme of regrets as part of the "Goodbye" series. He emphasizes the pervasive nature of regret, particularly experienced during moments of loss, like funerals, where people often reflect on what they wish they had done differently. Using the story of Peter from John chapter 21, who denied Jesus three times, the pastor illustrates the weight of regret and the possibility for healing and restoration. He highlights that regret often pulls us back to familiar patterns and robs our efforts of power, causing us to retreat to what feels safe. However, he reassures the congregation that Jesus meets us in our failures and offers a path to restoration. Pastor Gary cites several steps to help navigate regret: identifying where we retreat to old habits, receiving Jesus’s restoration, accepting our past mistakes as part of God's purpose, and moving forward despite the cost that following Jesus may entail. He concludes by reinforcing that we are not defined by our failures but by the love and purpose God has for us. The takeaway message is clear: it's time to say goodbye to regrets, embrace God’s grace, and step into the new life ahead.

In Pastor Gary's Easter sermon, he focuses on the theme of new beginnings and the transformative power of the resurrection of Jesus. He emphasizes that Easter signifies not just a fresh start but a complete reboot of our lives through Christ. Referencing 2 Corinthians 5:17, he explains that those who are in Christ become new creations, shedding their old selves and embracing a new purpose filled with hope and courage. The central message revolves around overcoming fear, which often prevents individuals from experiencing their true potential. Pastor Gary notes that while fear isolates and paralyzes us, the resurrection of Jesus breaks through those barriers, offering us peace and a mission.Throughout the sermon, Pastor Gary provides insights on how fear can hinder our relationships and actions, and highlights the importance of inviting Jesus into our fears. He illustrates how, after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples, calming their fears with His presence and offering them peace. He discusses the empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit, equipping believers to live boldly and spread the message of forgiveness and reconciliation. Ultimately, Pastor Gary encourages the congregation to confront their fears and to embrace the peace, purpose, and power that Jesus provides, reminding them that fear cannot control the peace of Jesus. The sermon concludes with a call to faith, inviting those who may not yet know Jesus to seek Him for strength and salvation.

In Pastor Pencil's sermon for Palm Sunday, he addresses the question, "Who is this man?" Referring to Jesus, the speaker emphasizes that this question has been asked for over two millennia and is still relevant today. He uses the biblical passage from John 12:12-19, which recounts Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The crowd hails Him as king while the Pharisees express their fears about losing their influence, showcasing the stark contrast between the people's cany belief and the leaders' skepticism. Pastor Pencil underscores that Jesus is not just a prophet or a teacher but is indeed Emmanuel, Messiah, and our eternal King.Throughout the sermon, Pastor Pencil elaborates on various aspects of Jesus' identity, from being a prophet and a teacher to the suffering servant and the risen Savior. He highlights significant moments in Jesus' life, including the miracles He performed and the prophecies that foretold His coming. The sermon culminates in a personal challenge for the congregation: to explore their own understanding of who Jesus is, urging them to move from head knowledge to heart knowledge and to recognize Him as their Savior. In closing, he invites those who wish to accept Jesus into their lives to pray, offering a pathway to deeper faith and understanding.

Pastor Gary concludes the sermon series on "Live Out Loud" by emphasizing the importance of persevering in faith, especially during life's challenging moments. He reviews key lessons from the book of James, stressing the need for generosity, patience, strong relationships, and a vibrant prayer life to navigate trials effectively. He also encourages the congregation to trust God through tensions and transitions, reminding them that faith in action is vital. Ultimately, he challenges everyone to live out their faith boldly and rely on God's faithfulness in every situation.

In his sermon, Pastor Pencil continues the "Live Out Loud" series by exploring how to resist worldliness, using James Chapter 4 as the primary text. He emphasizes that total submission to God is crucial in combating worldliness, which often leads to conflicts and desires that distract from faith. The pastor warns against the pride and criticism that stem from worldly behaviors, reminding the congregation that judgment belongs to God alone. He concludes by urging everyone to actively submit to God and surrender their lives, encouraging a deeper relationship with Him through humility and prayer.