City Central Church Podcast

City Central Church is a community of believers in Tacoma, WA seeking the presence and power of God. We contend to restore people to God’s original design and ignite passion for the person and works of Jesus Christ through prayer, restoration and missions to see sustained revival in our cities, nation and world. Visit us at citycentral.org

Abundance Through Prayer 01/11/2026

Abundance Through Prayer This week, Pastor Chris taught on how prayer opens the door to spiritual abundance by connecting God’s heavenly purposes with earthly realities. Drawing from Scripture, it shows that prayer is both an intimate act of trust and fellowship with God and a powerful partnership through which the Holy Spirit releases God’s will, power, and blessing in our lives. Ultimately, we are called as believers to pursue a vibrant prayer life that invites heaven to intervene on earth, producing transformation, provision, and renewal. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39691170

The Power of Fasting 01/04/2026

The Power of Fasting This week, Pastor Chris launched the 2026 Greater Things Fast with a compelling teaching on the power of fasting. In John 14, Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will do greater works through the power of the Holy Spirit, and we explored fasting as one of the God-given ways we are invited into that deeper, Spirit-led life. Rooted in Scripture, fasting is presented as a grace-filled practice that humbles us, realigns our desires with God, and awakens our hunger for righteousness. As we fast and pray, we make space for God to speak, to break strongholds, and to empower us to walk more fully in His will and power. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39608285

The Call of Faithfulness 12/28/2025

The Call of Faithfulness This Sunday, we had our Legacy Youth Takeover service! Youth Pastor Stephanie Kram shared a wonderful and thought-provoking message about the blessings and call we have as Jesus followers to live faithfully in everything we do. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39549040

The Wonder of a Name 12/22/2025

The Wonder of a Name This week, Pastor Chris’ message explored the wonder of Jesus’ name, foretold in Scripture as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. The most powerful name of all reveals who Jesus is and what He brings to a restless world. From God’s great love in sending His Son to the peace, strength, and hope found in Him, we discover that the name of Jesus is not just a title, but the promise of salvation and new life. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39509355

The Wonder of a Promise 12/15/2025

The Wonder of a Promise This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Christmas series celebrating the wonder of God’s promise revealed through His faithfulness, His presence, and obedient faith. From the first promise in Genesis to its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus, God proves Himself faithful by sending a Savior who would defeat sin and dwell with His people as Immanuel. Through Joseph’s obedience, we see that God’s promises unfold through hearts willing to trust, listen, and act, even when the path is not fully understood. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39414380

The Wonder of a Manger 12/08/2025

The Wonder of a Manger This week, our Young Adult Pastor, Adina Olson, delivered a powerful message to launch our Christmas series, The Wonder of Christmas. She invited us to behold the wonder of the manger, where God’s long-promised salvation arrived clothed in unexpected humility. In Jesus’ birth, we see God’s faithfulness, His willingness to take on human flesh, and His mission to bring peace and redemption to all. Through the quiet obedience of Mary and Joseph and the hidden glory of Christ’s identity, we are reminded that the manger already pointed to the cross—and to the hope it would secure for us. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39324680

Irrational Generosity 11/30/2025

Irrational Generosity This week, Pastor Chris taught us that generosity is central to the Christian life because it reveals the true condition of our hearts and reflects the character God designed us to embody. It warns that hurry, worry, and a consuming mindset can choke out generosity, while trust in God frees us to give joyfully. Ultimately, believers are called to give willingly, proportionately, and sacrificially, not out of obligation but out of love and faith. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39212995

Contagious Generosity 11/23/2025

Contagious Generosity This week, Pastor Chris taught on biblical generosity reminding us that contagious generosity begins with recognizing that God is the first and ultimate giver, showering us with every good gift and even offering His own Son. When we allow this truth to move from our heads to our hearts and into our hands, it reshapes our mindset about money, purpose, and what truly matters. As we live open-handedly, Scripture promises that generosity not only blesses others but transforms and refreshes our own lives. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39142940

Summit Sunday 11/17/2025

Summit Sunday This week we celebrated Summit Sunday at City Central—a day to remember all God has accomplished over the past year and to look ahead with fresh vision for what’s to come. This Summit was especially meaningful as we heard powerful testimonies of transformed lives and learned about an exciting new campaign to expand our reach in Tacoma and across the globe. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/39066940

The 3 I's of Outreach 11/10/2025

The 3 I's of Outreach This week, we had the privilege of hearing from City Central’s Youth Director, Elijah Hippe, as he shared about three key elements of evangelism. God invites us to partner with Him in reaching others through intercession, invitation, and initiation. As we pray for people, invite them to encounter Jesus, and step out in faith wherever we go, we become living witnesses of His love and power in the world. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38981875

Loyalty to Jesus 11/02/2025

Loyalty to Jesus This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Hebrews series with a message on loyalty to Jesus. True loyalty to the Lord is more than words—it is a steadfast devotion expressed through love, obedience, and faithfulness in every area of life. It calls us to love others selflessly, steward our resources wisely, honor the spiritual leaders God has placed over us, and continually offer our praise and good works to Him. In every action and attitude, loyalty to Jesus reflects a heart fully surrendered to His will and grounded in His unchanging love. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38884950

Stability in an Unstable World 10/27/2025

Stability in an Unstable World This week, Pastor Chris continued our Victorious Jesus series with a powerful message on the stability of God’s Kingdom. In a world that is constantly shifting and uncertain, God reminds us through His Word that there is a kingdom which cannot be shaken. The terrifying scene at Mount Sinai revealed the holiness of God and the instability of everything built on fear and law, but Mount Zion reveals the grace, peace, and permanence found in Jesus Christ. Because we belong to this unshakable kingdom, our response must be one of grateful and reverent worship to the God who is a consuming fire. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38799320

Running the Race with Endurance 10/19/2025

Running the Race with Endurance This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Hebrews series with a message about enduring in faith. The Christian life is like a race that requires endurance, focus, and faithfulness. God calls us to lay aside every weight that hinders us, fix our eyes on Jesus, and trust His loving discipline to shape us into His likeness. As we run, we are strengthened not only by His grace but also by the encouragement of others, enabling us to finish well and bring glory to Him. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38637805

Faith in Weakness 10/13/2025

Faith in Weakness This week, Pastor Chris continued in our Victorious Jesus series with a message on biblical faith. Faith isn’t proven in moments of strength, but in times of weakness, when all we can do is trust in the unseen hand of God. Hebrews reminds us that endurance and faith are necessary to receive what God has promised, even when fear or failure tempts us to give up. True biblical faith is not passive—it moves forward, obeys God, and clings to His promises, even when the outcome is uncertain. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38571635

Seeking Faith 10/06/2025

Seeking Faith This week, Pastor Chris continued our Victorious Jesus series with a message from Hebrews 11. Faith isn’t just a feeling or blind optimism—it’s trusting God fully, believing His promises, and obeying His Word even when the outcome is unclear. This sermon explored four expressions of biblical faith: future faith that looks ahead to God’s eternal promises, tested faith that endures trials, generational faith that impacts others, and personal faith that chooses obedience over comfort. True faith sees beyond the present moment and lives with eternity in view. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38484830

By Faith 09/29/2025

By Faith This week, Pastor Chris unpacked the meaning of true biblical faith as confident trust in God’s character, promises, and unseen purposes. Hebrews 11, highlights how faith pleases God and empowers believers to obey, wait, and endure even when the outcome is unclear. We are challenged as believers to live by faith—rooted in God’s faithfulness and anchored in the hope we have in Christ. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38397890

Persevere in Faith 09/23/2025

Persevere in Faith This week, Pastor Chris about persevering in faith by continually drawing near to God with sincere hearts, holding fast to their hope, and encouraging one another in love and good works. Scripture warns of the danger of willfully rejecting the truth after receiving it, reminding us of the reality of God’s judgment for those who turn away. Yet through trials and suffering, we are invited to trust in God’s faithfulness, endure with confidence, and live by faith—knowing that His promises are sure and our reward is eternal. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38318485

Once for All 09/15/2025

Once for All This week, Pastor Chris taught on the depth of human sin, our inability to save ourselves, and the complete sufficiency of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. We walked through the origin, nature, and consequences of sin, showing how the old system of animal sacrifices could never truly remove guilt or restore us to God. Ultimately, Christ’s once-for-all offering declares us forgiving and righteous, and empowers us to walk in new life by the power of the Holy Spirit. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38230285

Life Group Sunday 09/07/2025

Life Group Sunday This week is Life Group Sunday at City Central! Community Life Director, Casey Mock, taught on Biblical community. Drawing from Acts 2, she highlighted how the early church modeled deep fellowship through shared meals, prayer, teaching, and real-life support—laying the foundation for the Life Groups at City Central. In a world where many feel isolated, discouraged, or overwhelmed, gospel-centered community offers strength, spiritual growth, and the encouragement needed to stay faithful and finish strong. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38120845

The Great Invitation 08/31/2025

The Great Invitation This week, Pastor Chris shared Jesus on the parable of the Great Banquet to illustrate the open and generous heart of God, who invites all—especially the humble and overlooked—to His eternal banquet. While many respond to this invitation with excuses rooted in worldly distractions, their rejection reveals misplaced priorities and hidden idols. Ultimately, the parable reminds us that God's kingdom is for those who respond in faith and humility, and it challenges us to extend that same invitation to others before it's too late. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/38036985

Forgiven to Forgive 08/25/2025

Forgiven to Forgive This week, pastor Chris taught on forgiveness from the parable of the unforgiving servant. We were reminded of the profound truth that God's forgiveness toward us is both undeserved and immeasurable—and we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others. Though forgiveness can be difficult and costly, it is a freeing act of obedience that reflects the heart of God and protects us from the torment of bitterness. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/37948730

Overflowing Love 08/18/2025

Overflowing Love This week, Pastor Chris taught on worship and the condition of our heart. In the parable of the sinful woman, Jesus reveals how extravagant grace produces extravagant worship. Those who recognize the depth of their forgiveness respond with deep love, heartfelt devotion, and joyful service. This sermon explores how God’s grace—not human effort—brings forgiveness, restores relationship, and sets us free to love Him and others with overflowing gratitude. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/37870430

Legacy Youth Takeover - Micah 6:8 08/10/2025

Legacy Youth Takeover - Micah 6:8 This week was Youth Takeover Sunday! We heard several of our high school students share on Micah 6:8, and God’s heart for us to “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.” This verse isn't just a poetic statement—it's a call to action, a blueprint for how we’re meant to live every single day. As followers of Christ, we’re invited into a life that reflects God’s heart: one that stands for justice, overflows with compassion, and walks in humility before Him. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/37751520

Something Left To Love 08/03/2025

Something Left To Love This week, Pastor Larry Jones taught on the parable of the prodigal son highlighting the themes of mercy, restoration, humility, and the boundless love of the Father. He reminded us that while sin can lead us far from God, His grace makes a way for our return—and that return should be celebrated, not criticized. The parable also challenges us to examine our own hearts, whether we identify more with the rebellious younger son or the resentful elder brother. Above all, we see a picture of a Father who runs to meet us, covers our shame, and restores us with joy. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/37653960

The Kingdom is Worth it All 07/27/2025

The Kingdom is Worth it All This week, City Central elder Darrin Miller taught on the parables of Jesus in Matthew 13. Jesus paints vivid pictures of what the Kingdom of Heaven is really like. Though small and hidden at first, the Kingdom grows, spreads, transforms, and proves to be of immeasurable worth. Whether you’ve walked with Jesus for decades or are still exploring who He is, these parables challenge us to reflect on what we value most—and to consider what it really means to surrender everything for the sake of something greater. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/37569835

Stewarding What God Has Entrusted to Us 07/21/2025

Stewarding What God Has Entrusted to Us This week, we had the privilege of hearing from Elder Eric Jones, who shared a compelling message titled “The Weight of Grace: Stewarding What God Has Entrusted to Us.” Teaching from the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30, Eric reminded us that God has graciously entrusted each of us with something of eternal value: our time, gifts, resources, and influence, not to bury, but to steward faithfully in preparation for the return of the King. This parable calls us to reject fear-based living, confront faulty views of God, and step into a life of faithful, fruit-bearing work that honors the Master. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/37486295

Who is My Neighbor? 07/13/2025

Who is My Neighbor? This week, City Central had the privilege to hear from our dear friend and founder of the Racial Reconciliation Cohort, Pastor Lonnie Arnold. He shared a powerful message on the parable of the Good Samaritan, shifting the focus from defining a “neighbor” to becoming one. Through this parable, Jesus exposes the limits we often place on love and reveals that true neighborly compassion crosses boundaries and takes sacrificial action. Ultimately, the story points to the Gospel truth that we are the wounded ones in need of rescue, and Jesus, the Greater Samaritan, is the one who shows us mercy so that we, in turn, may go and do likewise. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/37391790

The Prepared Heart 07/06/2025

The Prepared Heart This Sunday, Pastor Chris kicked off our summer series “The Parables of Jesus” with a message titled “The Prepared Heart.” Parables are not just clever stories, they are ingeniously simple word pictures that illuminate profound spiritual truths. Jesus used them to teach moral lessons, challenge assumptions, invite reflection, and ultimately reveal the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to those who were humble and hungry (Matt. 13:10–12). At the same time, these stories concealed truth from those whose hearts had grown dull or resistant (Matt. 13:13–15), fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah and demonstrating God’s gracious will to reveal truth to the childlike and dependent (Matt. 11:25–26). /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/37299800

Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving 06/29/2025

Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving This week, Pastor Chris shared a message on generosity and joyful giving. True joy in life is not found in accumulating wealth, but in releasing it for eternal purposes. This message explores the biblical foundation for generous, cheerful giving as a reflection of God’s ownership, our stewardship, and the reality that heavenly treasures last forever. By embracing a life of joyful generosity, we break free from materialism, align our hearts with God’s kingdom, and invest in what will truly endure. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/37211005

Living for Eternity 06/22/2025

Living for Eternity This week, we were reminded that life is not about accumulating wealth on earth, but about investing in what lasts forever. Through the story of Zacchaeus and other biblical examples, we see how generosity, surrender, and eternal perspective reflect true transformation by grace. God owns everything, and we are simply stewards of His resources, called to use them for His kingdom. Rather than living for the temporary things of this life, we are challenged to live for eternity—laying up treasure in heaven where it truly counts. /episode/index/show/citycentral/id/37106170

City Central Church Podcast

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