The City of God

In this episode of The City of God podcast, Pastor Rob Pacienza is joined by Pastor Rafael Cruz, father of Senator Ted Cruz, for a riveting conversation on faith, freedom, and civic responsibility. Born in Cuba, Pastor Cruz lived through the rise of Fidel Castro and the brutal onset of communism. His firsthand experience with tyranny shaped a lifelong commitment to liberty—and a deep conviction that the church must speak into every sphere of society, including government. Pastor Cruz recounts his dramatic salvation story, his early role in mobilizing Christian voters for Ronald Reagan, and his God-given calling to awaken pastors across America to their responsibility as watchmen on the wall. Together, he and Rob explore why Marxism stands in direct opposition to biblical truth, why silence in the pulpit is a danger to the nation, and why the next generation is America’s greatest hope for revival. The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media https://www.crm.tv/ Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture https://institutefc.org/ 🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ 🌐 Visit our website http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityOfGod #RafaelCruz #TedCruz #Communism #ChristianCitizenship #Cuba #FaithAndPolitics #BiblicalWorldview #CRPC #CRM #IFC #ChristianPodcast

In this episode of The City of God podcast, Rob Pacienza is joined by Dr. Carol Swain for a raw and candid conversation about her explosive new book, The Gay Affair: Harvard, Plagiarism, and the Death of Academic Integrity. Dr. Swain, a distinguished scholar and former professor at Princeton and Vanderbilt, shares how Harvard’s first Black president, Claudine Gay, rose to power despite a pattern of serial plagiarism, including lifting material from Swain’s own groundbreaking work. After Gay’s now-infamous congressional testimony on antisemitism and her January 2024 resignation, The Gay Affair pulls back the curtain on how elite institutions protect power over truth. In this interview, Dr. Swain, also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Faith and Culture, recounts her attempts to hold Harvard accountable, the threats she faced for speaking out, and what this scandal means for the future of higher education. 📘 Order The Gay Affair here: https://carolmswain.com/books/ The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media https://www.crm.tv/ Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture https://institutefc.org/ 🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ 🌐 Visit our website http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityOfGod #CarolSwain #Plagiarism #Harvard #ClaudineGay #CRPC #CRM #IFC #ChristianPodcast

In this episode of The City of God podcast, Rob Pacienza is joined by apologist, author, and educator Alex McFarland for a compelling conversation on the uniqueness of the Christian faith. In an age of relativism, confusion, and religious pluralism, McFarland boldly declares what Scripture makes clear: Christianity alone is true. Alex explains how the Gospel message offers unmatched clarity, hope, and assurance—and how the historical and theological claims of Christianity stand apart from every other belief system. Drawing from his work answering 100 of the toughest Bible questions, he shows how God's Word speaks into all of life, from morality and meaning to suffering and salvation. Whether you're a skeptic, seeker, or believer, this episode will challenge and encourage you to trust the Bible, anchor yourself in truth, and share the good news of Jesus with confidence. 📘 Explore Alex McFarland’s work and resources: https://alexmcfarland.com/ The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media https://www.crm.tv/ Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture https://institutefc.org/ 🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ 🌐 Visit our website http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityOfGod #AlexMcFarland #Christianity #Apologetics #BiblicalWorldview #GospelTruth #ChristianPodcast #CRPC #CRM #IFC

In this episode of City of God Families, Pastor Rob Pacienza helps parents and kids think biblically about the role of screens and devices in everyday life. As a new school year begins, families face more digital distractions than ever. But instead of fearing technology, Christians are called to steward it wisely. You’ll learn: Rob reminds us that whether we're watching, scrolling, or posting, everything we do should reflect that we belong to Jesus. It’s not about perfection—it’s about being intentional. 📲 Subscribe and listen with your whole family! 🔗 cityofgodpodcast.com City of God: Families is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media https://www.crm.tv/ Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture https://institutefc.org/ 🎙️ Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ 🌐 Visit our website http://cityofgodpodcast.com/

In this gripping episode of The City of God podcast, Rob Pacienza sits down with Jameson Reeder and his son Jameson Jr. to recount the unforgettable day a family outing in the Florida Keys turned into a life‑or‑death battle. Jameson Jr. was attacked by a shark while snorkeling near a reef. In their new book, Rescue at the Reef, they share the dramatic rescue, the heroic actions that saved Jameson’s life, and the miraculous ways God showed His presence in the midst of the chaos. This powerful conversation is more than a survival story. It’s a testimony of courage, community, and unwavering faith. The Reeders reflect on God’s providence, the road to recovery, and their mission to inspire others to trust God in life’s most frightening storms. 📘 Order Rescue at the Reef: https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Reef-Miraculous-Story-Little/dp/1546007806 The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media https://www.crm.tv/ Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture https://institutefc.org/ 🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ 🌐 Visit our website http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityOfGod #SharkAttack #SharkAttackSurvivor #SurvivalStory #OceanRescue #SharkWeek #FloridaKeys #FaithOverFear #BraveLikeJameson #BiblicalWorldview #CRPC #CRM #IFC #ChristianPodcast

In this episode of The City of God podcast, Rob Pacienza is joined by Ryan Helfenbein, Executive Director of the Standing for Freedom Center at Liberty University, for a powerful conversation on faith, culture, and the future of America. Ryan explains why Gen Z is the most cause-driven generation in decades, and why their election-winning support for Donald Trump should not be ignored. He addresses the significance of the July 13 assassination attempt on President Trump’s life, drawing parallels to the miraculous preservation of leaders like George Washington—and why he believes God’s providence was once again on display. The conversation turns to the cultural and spiritual implications of the second Trump Administration, especially for religious liberty, education, and the family. But both Rob and Ryan issue a strong warning: complacency is the enemy. Even if policies improve, the deeper need is revival. They conclude with a stirring vision for a 21st-century Great Awakening, and why now is the time for the church to rise, lead, and proclaim truth with boldness and clarity. 📘 Learn more about the Standing for Freedom Center: https://www.standingforfreedom.com/ The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media https://www.crm.tv/ Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture https://institutefc.org/ 🎙️ Subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ 🌐 Visit our website http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityOfGod #LibertyUniversity #LibertyU #GenZ #DonaldTrump #ReligiousLiberty #ChristianPodcast #CRPC #CRM #IFC

In this episode of The City of God podcast, host Rob Pacienza welcomes author and cultural commentator Allie Beth Stuckey for a powerful conversation recorded live at the Kingdom Come Conference in Fort Lauderdale. Allie unpacks the concept of toxic empathy—a counterfeit compassion that prioritizes feelings over truth and distorts Christian love. Whether it’s gender ideology, abortion, or same-sex marriage, many believers are being emotionally manipulated into affirming lies in the name of “kindness.” Drawing from her book Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion, Allie shows how well-meaning Christians are being swept into secular narratives that sound loving on the surface—but ultimately deny God’s design for truth, justice, and order. This episode is a call to courage, clarity, and conviction in an emotionally charged age. 🎟️ Get your Early Access tickets to Kingdom Come 2026: https://institutefc.org/KCC 📖 Learn more about Toxic Empathy or follow Allie’s work: https://alliebethstuckey.com The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media https://www.crm.tv/ Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture https://institutefc.org/ Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ Visit our website http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityofGod #CRPC #CRM #RobPacienza #KingdomCome #ChristianPodcast #ToxicEmpathy

As kids face increasing cultural confusion and spiritual pressure, they need more than protection, they need preparation. In this episode of City of God: Families, Pastor Rob Pacienza walks through Ephesians 6 and unpacks each piece of the armor—the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit. Whether you’re raising young ones, tweens, or teens, this conversation will encourage your entire family with confidence and help parents raise kids who are grounded in God’s Word. 🎧 Listen to the full City of God: Families series: https://cityofgodpodcast.com/families 📖 Read Ephesians 6 with your family this week and start a habit of praying on the Armor of God together! City of God: Families is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media https://www.crm.tv/ Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture https://institutefc.org/ 🎙️ Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363 📲 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ 🌐 Visit our website http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityOfGod #ArmorOfGod #ChristianParenting #BiblicalWorldview #CRPC #CRM #IFC #FamilyDiscipleship #ChristianKids

In this episode of The City of God podcast, host Rob Pacienza sits down with Emily Huseman—winner of the inaugural Institute for Faith & Culture Student Essay Contest. Emily shares core insights from her award-winning essay, “Mind Over Matter: The Danger of Transgenderism,” and reflects on how the next generation of Christians should thoughtfully engage today’s cultural challenges with a biblical worldview. Drawing from her training in Christian Apologetics and her work toward a Ph.D. in Public Policy, Emily discusses how secular materialism elevates the mind over the body, and why Christians must resist that by aligning our thinking with Christ’s wisdom Read Emily’s winning essay here: https://institutefc.org/mind-over-matter-the-danger-of-transgenderism/ The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media https://www.crm.tv/ Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture https://institutefc.org/ Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ Visit our website http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityofGod #CRPC #CRM #RobPacienza

In this episode of The City of God podcast, host Rob Pacienza sits down with author and cultural commentator Samuel Sey for a powerful conversation recorded live at the Kingdom Come Conference in Fort Lauderdale. Samuel critiques DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), calling it a modern form of Marxism that dishonors God and dehumanizes people. He exposes how DEI ideology promotes abortion, fuels anti-white racism, and undermines biblical justice by rejecting the sanctity of life and the image of God in every person. They also discuss the rise of Christless conservatism, the fight for the family, and why Christians must stay politically engaged—not as partisans, but as defenders of truth, justice, and the gospel. Samuel issues a clear warning: “DEI isn’t dead. It’s just asleep.” 🎟️ Get your tickets for Kingdom Come 2026: https://institutefc.org/KCC 🖊️ Follow Samuel’s writing: https://slowtowrite.com/ The City of God Podcast is produced by Coral Ridge Ministries Media https://www.crm.tv/ Made in partnership with the Institute for Faith and Culture https://institutefc.org/ Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-city-of-god/id1666445363 Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cityofgodpodcast/ Visit our website http://cityofgodpodcast.com/ #CityofGod #CRPC #CRM #RobPacienza #KingdomCome #DEI

In this powerful conversation, Riley Gaines shares her bold stance on standing up for biblical truth in a culture that often challenges it—especially when it comes to the world of women's sports. As a former NCAA swimmer and outspoken advocate for fairness and faith, Riley opens up about her journey, the battles she’s faced, and the importance of holding onto God’s truth in the face of cultural pressure. Join us as we dive into the intersection of faith, identity, and courage—and what it means to stay grounded in Scripture while advocating for integrity in sports and beyond.

Costi Hinn—nephew of famed evangelist Benny Hinn—joins us to discuss his journey out of the prosperity gospel movement and into a deeper understanding of the true gospel of Christ. Drawing from his book God, Greed, and the Prosperity Gospel, Costi reflects on the spiritual dangers of wealth-driven faith, the global impact of false promises, and the subtle ways these beliefs can infiltrate our thinking. He also shares how to discern financial manipulation while embracing biblical suffering and provision.

On this episode of The City of God, Rob Pacienza welcomes U.S. Representative Mary Miller to discuss her newly introduced resolution, H.R. 475, which proposes declaring June as “Family Month.” Rep. Miller explains the urgency behind reaffirming the traditional nuclear family and pushing back against cultural shifts, including Pride Month. They explore America’s moral foundations, the words of John Adams, and how this resolution seeks to restore national values rooted in faith, family, and freedom.

Rob Pacienza welcomes pro-life activist Savannah Crossfield to the City of God as she shares the dark truth behind In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). While IVF is a fertility treatment that many Christians are aware of, what the process actually entails may shock some of the most ardent pro-life Christians. Join us for this unique discussion.

Rob Pacienza welcomes longtime friend and Christian educator Sam Kastensmidt to City of God to explore how Christianity shaped the moral, educational, and societal foundations of Western civilization. From rescuing infants in Rome to founding hospitals and universities, and from the Reformation’s educational revolution to the abolitionist passion of Wilberforce, Sam unpacks how Christian convictions built the modern world. Together, they discuss how these roots still influence global leadership, freedom, and the pursuit of truth today.

In this episode of City of God, Rob Pacienza sits down with Chase Johnston, a Westminster Academy alum and friend of the Coral Ridge family, to explore how God used coaches, mentors, and discipleship to transform his life. From growing up in Florida to finding faith in college, Chase shares how Christ became central to his life—and offers hope for a rising generation hungry for truth. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about faith, influence, and revival.

On this episode of The City of God Podcast, host Rob Pacienza is joined by Chad Volkert, a global solutions leader with over 20 years of executive experience. Together, they explore the powerful intersection of faith and work, offering insight into how Christian principles can shape leadership, decision-making, and workplace culture. Whether you're in the boardroom or the break room, this conversation will inspire you to live out your faith with integrity and purpose in every professional setting.

In this episode of City of God, Rob Pacienza is joined by the headmaster of Westminster Christian Academy, Dr. Joel Satterly, to confront the ideological transformation happening in America’s public schools. From the rise of marginalization of parental rights and traditional values, to indoctrination, Rob and Joel unpack how classrooms have become culture war battlegrounds—and why Christian parents are turning to faith-based education to protect and prepare the next generation.

On this episode of City of God, Rob Pacienza is joined by Aaron Renn—writer, consultant, and author of Life in the Negative World. Together, they explore how Christians in America went from cultural allies to perceived threats. From failed evangelical strategies to the call for excellence, strong institutions, and missional engagement, Aaron offers a roadmap for thriving in an anti-Christian culture. Discover how believers can remain faithful, resilient, and strategic in today’s increasingly secular and hostile world.

In this episode of The City of God Families, Pastor Rob Pacienza explores the incredible gift of prayer—our direct line of communication with God. Learn what Scripture teaches about prayer, the four types of prayer, and how to grow both personal and family prayer life. Pastor Rob also highlights the power of corporate prayer and the significance of the National Day of Prayer. Join us as we deepen our relationship with God through the power of prayer.