Current Sermons — Citizens Church of San Francisco — Citizens Church

5e5443b0-8a9b-11f0-b22f-b35e9191b20d

1 Peter 3:15 | On Death

1 Peter 3:15 | On Death

Experts are telling us that many thousands of people are about to die all at once. What does the Bible say about death? How will we offer hope in the face of such tragedy? The Bible teaches us that death is inevitable, tragic, scary, and the result of sin. This is hard news, but it’s also the only explanation for death that we can be saved from. Every other explanation for death leaves us hopeless. Listen how Jesus not only identifies with our experience of death but how he saves us by dying for us!

As We WaitDave AinsworthApril 5, 2020Dave Ainsworth

Exodus 15 | Into the Wilderness

Exodus 15 | Into the Wilderness

In light of this experience, we are in a series entitled “As We Wait: Faithfulness in Uncertainty.” What would God have us do in this season? This week, from Exodus 15, C.J. reflects on the Biblical reality of the wilderness and how it applies to this current moment. How might Jesus be inviting you into this wilderness to offer you a freedom far beyond what you can imagine. Are you tempted, as the Israelites were, to return to a yoke of slavery in Egypt because you are not content with these present circumstances?

As We WaitC.J. BergmenMarch 29, 2020CJ Bergmen

1 Peter 1:3-9 | Finding (God's) Purpose in Uncertainty

1 Peter 1:3-9 | Finding (God's) Purpose in Uncertainty

In light of this unprecedented season, we are beginning a series entitled “As We Wait: Faithfulness in Uncertainty.” What would God have us do in this season of waiting? This week, from 1 Peter 1:3-9, Dave reminded us that we do have purpose; our purpose in trial is found in God’s purpose; and this purpose is the refining of our faith in Him.

As We WaitDave AinsworthMarch 22, 2020Dave Ainsworth

Luke 9:49-56 | In Essentials, Unity

Luke 9:49-56 | In Essentials, Unity

Across history and even today, Christians have disagreed a lot about what it means to be a Christian. One slogan that helps us navigate these differences is: "In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, freedom; in all things, love." But what is essential and non-essential? These two stories from Luke 9 help us with the answer.

LukeDave AinsworthMarch 8, 2020Dave Ainsworth

Luke 9:46-48 | Competitive Humility

Luke 9:46-48 | Competitive Humility

When Jesus finds the disciples arguing about who among them is the greatest, he reminds them that his kingdom is not like anything they're used to. To be great, you must be the least, and you can't get more "least" than receiving a child.

LukeDave AinsworthMarch 1, 2020Dave Ainsworth

Luke 9:10-17 | All Were Satisfied

Luke 9:10-17 | All Were Satisfied

When the disciples return from preaching the gospel and performing miracles throughout Judea, they want to spend some time resting with Jesus. Jesus' idea of rest, however, was different from theirs. At first, they were frustrated, but in the end, all were satisfied.

LukeC.J. BergmenFebruary 16, 2020CJ Bergmen

Luke 9:1-6 | Sent Out

Luke 9:1-6 | Sent Out

After watching Jesus perform miracles and announce the arrival of God's Kingdom, he sends the twelve disciples out to do the same. Isn't this a little risky, though? Luke 9 reminds us that following Jesus always involves risk. Indeed, we can't follow Jesus without speaking out.

LukeRenee BergmenFebruary 9, 2020Renee Bergmen

The Story of God 2020 (Week 5)

The Story of God 2020 (Week 5)

Every January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays are shifted to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. This is our fifth and final week of the series, where we will hear about Jesus' death and resurrection and all that Christ's work accomplished.

Story of God 2020Dave AinsworthFebruary 2, 2020Citizens ChurchCJ Bergmen

The Story of God 2020 (Week 4)

The Story of God 2020 (Week 4)

Every January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays are shifted to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. In Week Four, we look closely at the message and miracles of Jesus, and also his enemies.

Story of God 2020C.J. BergmenJanuary 26, 2020Citizens ChurchCJ Bergmen

The Story of God 2020 (Week 3)

The Story of God 2020 (Week 3)

Every January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays are shifted to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. Listen in as we continue God's story, including The Exodus, The Law and Prophets, and The Coming of Jesus.

Story of God 2020C.J. BergmenJanuary 19, 2020Citizens ChurchCJ Bergmen

The Story of God 2020 (Week 2)

The Story of God 2020 (Week 2)

Every January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays are shifted to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. Listen in as we continue God's story, including Cain and Abel, The Flood, and The Covenant.

Story of God 2020C.J. BergmenJanuary 12, 2020Citizens ChurchCJ Bergmen

The Story of God 2020 (Week 1)

The Story of God 2020 (Week 1)

Every January, we take five weeks to walk through the Story of God from beginning to end. Our Sundays have less liturgy to accommodate more dialogue and reflection from everyone. Listen in as we wrestle through the beginning of God's story, including the First Creatures, the First Humans, and Separation.

Story of God 2020C.J. BergmenJanuary 5, 2020Citizens ChurchCJ Bergmen

Luke 9:18-27 | Who Do You Say I Am?

Luke 9:18-27 | Who Do You Say I Am?

In Luke 9, the disciples finally connect that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah! But do they know what that means for Jesus? Do they know what that means for them?

Luke, Advent 2019C.J. BergmenDecember 15, 2019CJ Bergmen

Luke 8:40-56 | More Than Healing

Luke 8:40-56 | More Than Healing

When people learned Jesus was a healer, they flocked to him in droves. In today's story, we not only learn that Jesus has the power to heal and raise the dead. We also learn that Jesus is after more than just healing. What else does Jesus want for us?

Luke, Advent, Advent 2019Dave AinsworthDecember 8, 2019Dave Ainsworth

Luke 8:26-39 | Know Your Enemy

Luke 8:26-39 | Know Your Enemy

What is behind the world's brokenness? The gospels not only show Jesus performing miracles to restore people's life and health. That alone is not enough, because behind these physical needs is a spiritual enemy ready to hurt and kill again. In this passage, Jesus casts out demons -- proving that demons are real but that Jesus is stronger.

Luke, Advent, Advent 2019C.J. BergmenDecember 1, 2019CJ Bergmen

Luke 8:22-25 | What Are Miracles?

Luke 8:22-25 | What Are Miracles?

So far in Luke, we've read a lot of miracle accounts. That's because Luke believes they prove Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Do we believe in miracles, though? What are they and what do they mean for us?

LukeDave AinsworthNovember 17, 2019Dave Ainsworth

Luke 8:1-22 | Ears to Hear

Luke 8:1-22 | Ears to Hear

Jesus knew that not everyone heard him the same. The gospel lands differently in different hearts. To help us understand ourselves, he told the Parable of the Soils. Listen as C.J. walks through the difference between hard hearts, shallow hearts, infested hearts, and good hearts.

LukeC.J. BergmenNovember 10, 2019CJ Bergmen

Luke 7:36-50 | Superior Love

Luke 7:36-50 | Superior Love

Christians believe that our sins are forgiven when we have faith in Christ. But how do I know that I have faith? Is forgiveness what I really need from Jesus? In Luke 7:36-50, Jesus confirms that forgiveness is what we most need and identifies superior love as the best evidence for the experience of forgiveness.

LukeDave AinsworthNovember 3, 2019Dave Ainsworth