The CGS Podcast

Does God test us? Today we look at the story of Abraham and how he handled his big test. How do you respond to God's testing?

The Tree of Life is an important theme that runs throughout scripture. Join us on the CGS Podcast as we study its importance and how the tree plays a role in our understanding of the Word.

In a fast-paced world, learn how to create a rhythm of work and rest that brings balance and purpose to your life. Get practical tips for incorporating Sabbath into your daily routine and making it a sacred and enjoyable time. Join us in this episode for insights that can transform the way you find rest and meaning in a restless world.

What is the Holy Spirit and why do I need to seek it? Well, today we are going to talk a little about the empowering and equipping work of the Holy Spirit.

When you decide for yourself that you can receive joy from giving freely to others then it is a sign of spiritual maturity. I pray that each of you unlocks this spiritual discipline of generosity.

Discover the meaning of holiness in this episode. We break down the essence of holiness, explore its significance in the Bible, and discuss practical steps for personal growth in holiness. Join us as we discuss how holiness can transform your daily life.

#Holiness #Spirituality #Podcast #Christianity

Today we talk about the Biblical theme of Heaven and Earth. We also look at the scriptures for a clearer picture of Heaven and what happens when we die. If you have any questions please reach out. My email is Chris@CityNWA.com

Let's Talk About Trauma

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have a lasting impact on a person's life. So many people experience trauma almost daily. This can be overwhelming, but it's important to remember that we are not alone. God is with us, and He can help us to heal from trauma.

There are many different ways that people deal with trauma. Some people may try to ignore it, while others may try to numb the pain with drugs or alcohol. However, these coping mechanisms are not sustainable in the long run. The only way to truly heal from trauma is to face it head-on and deal with it in a healthy way.

The Bible has a lot to say about trauma. In 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Paul writes about how we can use God's mighty weapons to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. These strongholds are the lies that we tell ourselves about our trauma. They tell us that we are worthless, that we are to blame for what happened, and that we will never be able to move on. But these lies are not true. God's truth is that we are loved, forgiven, and redeemed. He can help us to overcome our trauma and to find healing.

If you are struggling with trauma, please know that you are not alone. There are people who care about you and who want to help. Please reach out to a pastor, a counselor, or a trusted friend. You don't have to go through this alone.

Have you ever felt like you're shouting out to God, but there's no response? Do you find yourself asking, "Where are you, God?" If so, you're not alone. Many people have experienced periods of spiritual silence, and it can be a disheartening and confusing time.

In this episode, we explore the concept of spiritual silence and how to navigate it. We use the story of King Saul, as told in 1 Samuel 28, as an example of someone who couldn't hear from God at the end of his life. We discuss the importance of taking time to be still and quiet, even when it feels like God is absent. We talk about the benefits of silence and how it can help us to tune out the distractions of the world and tune in to God's voice.

If you're feeling like God is silent, this episode will provide you with tools and encouragement to stay the course and double down on silence in order to hear from God. Tune in and find strength in the silence.

Every believer has been given the beautiful and powerful gift of testimony. It is so important to share that gift with others. In today's episode, I discuss this and share my testimony. I hope this encourages you. -Chris

In this podcast episode, we explore the three main instructions found in the Shema, which is a daily prayer recited by the Jewish people, based on Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (NLT). The first instruction is to write the word of God on our hearts and commit to loving the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength. We discuss how our worship of God is based on affection rather than just respect for power or majesty.

The second instruction is to teach our children the law of God and to model what it means to follow the Lord with all our heart. We emphasize the importance of teaching our kids in a culture that is actively trying to destroy their innocence and rob them of their soul.

The third instruction is to make the law of God surround us and not culture. We discuss how the scriptures should possess our heart, be taught to our kids, and surround our life. We highlight the importance of choosing carefully between culture and biblical law, and how biblical law gives us freedom in Christ. We also explore the different places where the law should be present in our lives, such as in our commitments, family, home, and on our body and doorstep. Join us as we dive deeper into these instructions and what they mean for our lives as Christians.

Join us today as we interview Mr. Harris, an experienced missionary, as he shares his insights on how to effectively witness to a culture that is in conflict with the gospel. With cultural values rapidly shifting, many Christians are struggling to effectively communicate the timeless truths of the gospel. Mr. Harris provides practical strategies and timeless wisdom for Christians who desire to engage their culture with the good news of Jesus Christ. Tune in and discover how you can confidently and effectively share the gospel with a culture in conflict.

Welcome to The CGS Podcast. This episode explores how to protect your calling from those trying to undermine it. Learn practical tips for staying focused on God's calling, even when facing opposition. Join us for honest, open, and encouraging message to stay true to your purpose.

Welcome to this episode of the CGS Podcast where we delve into a topic that is close to the hearts of many: revival. Specifically, we will be discussing the revival happening at Asbury University and what true revival looks like.

Asbury University, located in Wilmore, Kentucky, has been experiencing a revival on its campus. Students are gathering to worship, pray, and seek God in a way that is inspiring and transformative. This kind of revival is not limited to Asbury, but is something that is desperately needed across the nation.

But what does true revival really look like? It is easy to mistake emotionalism or a temporary surge in attendance as revival. However, true revival is characterized by a deep repentance of sin and a turning to God in humility and brokenness. It is a work of the Holy Spirit that transforms hearts and lives, resulting in a renewed passion for Christ and a desire to share His love with others.

The need for revival is not limited to a single university or community. Our nation as a whole is in need of a real awakening. We need to humble ourselves, repent of our sins, and turn back to God. It is only then that we can experience true revival that transforms not just individuals, but entire communities and nations.

Join us as we explore the revival happening at Asbury University and what it means for us as individuals and as a nation. Let's seek God together and pray for revival in our own lives and in our nation.

Christmas is supposed to be a peaceful time of year. Why do we always say that? Is this even true? Well, it can be... we just have to lean on our Prince of Peace!

We are going over the four names used for Jesus in Isaiah 9:6. Today we are talking about the Eternal Father

We are stepping through the names for Christ in Is. 9:6.  Today we talk about the meaning of Mighty God to us. 

Who is this Wonderful Counselor that Isaiah talks about in chapter 9?  We will look at what that definition of Christ means to us today.

Tests are no fun but they do serve a purpose.  They often prove that we are ready to move on to something greater.  One of the most difficult test to pass is the test of anxiety. 

The CGS Podcast is all about teaching and equipping you to connect to, grow in, and serve God better.  Today we focus on serving others.

One of the best ways to know ourselves is to know God. He knows us better than we know ourselves.

Have you ever been hurt by someone? Of course you have! Today we are going to talk about how to forgive quickly and often.  It really can be an easy thing to do with practice and perspective.  

Will God throw us into Hell for not wearing the right clothes?  Today Pastor Chris digs into the Parable of The Wedding Banquet to discuss how to be properly clothed for the feast.

In order to have Kingdom vision, you must be able to focus vertically.  If you only look to the horizon you will never see this world as God does.

This is the full message from Matthew 25:14-30.  Recorded Sep. 8, 2022

Life is busy and the Gospel seems to demand more and more from us. What do we let go of? Maybe we just change our mindset and accomplish double for the kingdom of God. 

Sometimes the best way to get ahead is to be humble in your approach and planning.  Self-promotion oftentimes gets you nowhere. Luke 14:7-14

If two people are in a conversation are you the one talking or the one listening? Darryl and I talk about the value of being a good listener. 

Are we too busy to be useful at anything important? Probably but I would go further and admit that we are too distracted.  Let's focus our life on the Gospel!

Why should you sell out for the gospel? Because I guarantee you that the treasure of heaven is worth far more than the treasures of this earth.

A full heart creates a sharing person. It’s hard to be greedy when you are spilling love where ever you go.

Prayer will take your faith from an afterthought to living a life of awe.  How great would it be to live in constant awe of what God is doing? Prayer is the key.

Is there a cheat code for getting your kids to follow Jesus? No... but there are some things that may help.  Pastor Chris is on vacation this week with his family so he tricked him into doing a podcast.  Enjoy the craziness. 

Ric leads an organization called Doorways that partners and equips ministers through relationships and resources.  He is an expert on Christian partnerships and I enjoyed sitting down with him today to discuss what that means for us. To donate and support doorways visit Doorways.cc 

Are you obedient until the moment that you don't want to anymore?  Today we are going to talk about what that means and what the consequences are. 

Worship is an amazing tool that we underutilize as believers.  When we take advantage of the gift of worship we will draw much closer to God. Talk about a game-changer.  Enjoy this conversation with Pastor Daniel Gavin. Worship Pastor for The City Church NWA.

In this episode, Chris talks about discouragement and the causes of it.  God has a message for his people that are facing discouragement and it was delivered through the prophet Haggai.

James Mitchell and I have been friends for my entire life. In today's episode, we sit down and talk about how we stayed friends for so long.  

Today we talk about time management and priorities with Pastor Samuel Arellano.  Pastor Samuel is over all Spanish Ministry at City Church NWA. 

When Jesus moves he moves people too.  People that have witnessed His power tell others about it. Today we talk about the need for big prayers and the impact that can have on our lives.

What can I really do with my tiny platform? Well, the truth is nothing... but when we realize that and trust Christ with our dreams, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.  Trust him and change the world.

"because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." 1 Peter 2:21

Ok so maybe Jochebed isn't the most popular character in the Bible but she still had an amazing impact on our faith today. See how this mother raised amazing kids and what her secret is. 

Have you ever met someone that tried way too hard to impress you? Truth is we all do it from time to time.  No matter how hard we try to impress others we will never be able to reach some kind of utopia because we do so.  We will still need God to make everything better.  Achievement without God in the picture is not really that much of an achievement. 

We have insurance coverage, security coverage and so many other things to cover our backsides if something goes wrong but what about your mind? Who is covering your mind and protecting it from the enemy?

Our world is dark enough the way it is, we don't need more people turning out the lights.  Today Pastor Chris challenges us to be the ones that flip on the lights in our world.