CityLight NYC Church Podcast

Faith: Four Perspectives

On this episode of the CityLight Podcast, we're serving up what we call a "Salsa Service" — four short teachings from CityLight pastors, all centered on the topic of faith. Pastors Brian, Rob, Mo, and Bo each bring their own unique perspective on this vital and timeless subject. Tune in — you won't want to miss it! (00:26) Welcome to the CityLight Church Podcast (01:06) Pastor Bo Recaps His Trip to Serbia and Bosnia (03:43) Breaking Shame Through the Fullness of the Gospel (07:41) A “Salsa Service” of Faith-Filled Sermonettes (10:18) Pastor Brian on the Power of Testimony (13:41) Why Every Believer Has a Testimony to Share (15:36) Building a History of God’s Faithfulness (18:15) Turning Pain Into Purpose (26:00) Faith as Trust, Reliance, and Submission to God (30:18) Pastor Mo on Faith-Filled Obedience (36:00) The Danger of Delayed Obedience (38:00) Pastor Mo’s Testimony of Conviction and Obedience (46:00) Growing Faith Through the Word of God (50:00) Speaking God’s Word Over the Problem (54:13) Closing and CityLight Podcast Outro https://citylightnyc.com/ [https://citylightnyc.com/]

From Empty Vessels to Overflow

Today on the CityLight Podcast, Nathaniel St. Eloi delivers a powerful Mother’s Day message centered on the story of the widow in 2 Kings 4. Honoring mothers, spiritual mothers, and women of faith, he highlights how God consistently works through ordinary people whose obedience, prayer, and courage impact generations. Through the widow’s story, Nathaniel reminds listeners that God is not limited by what seems small or insignificant. What the woman believed was “not enough”—a small jar of oil—became the very thing God used for miraculous provision. Drawing a connection between the oil and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, he challenges believers to stop focusing on what they lack and recognize what God has already placed within them. The message emphasizes prophetic faith, obedience, prayer, and the importance of the secret place. As Nathaniel encourages listeners to become empty vessels before God, this episode becomes a timely reminder that breakthrough often begins with surrender. No matter how small the starting point may seem, God is able to bring overflow through what is already in your hands. (00:00) The Oil That Keeps You in the Last Days (01:05) Nathaniel St. Eloi Begins the Mother’s Day Message (03:59) The Faith of Nameless Women in Scripture (05:42) A Personal Story About Judah and Trusting the Father (09:28) 2 Kings 4 and the Widow with the Oil (14:22) From Death Sentence to Divine Provision (18:52) When the Prophetic Dies, Lack Enters In (26:06) What You Have Is Oil (41:20) The Power of Having the Right People Around You (56:59) Your New Address Is Overflow https://citylightnyc.com/ [https://citylightnyc.com/]

Grit, Grace, and a Faith That Endures

Deconstructing your faith is simply the trendy rebrand of an older word: backsliding. In this candid, unfiltered message from City Light Church, Pastor Bo examines the testimonies of those who have walked away from Jesus and uncovers a striking common thread — abundant religious activity paired with little to no genuine intimacy with God. From there, he lays out the four non-negotiables he and his wife refuse to compromise on, both in raising their children and in shepherding every believer at CityLight. If you've ever wondered why some Christians drift away while others finish strong, this message is for you. (00:26) Welcome to the CityLight Church Podcast (02:15) What Deconstruction Often Reveals About the Heart (05:29) What Jesus Actually Meant by Hypocrisy (06:34) Religious Activity Without Intimacy with God (09:00) Intimacy with Christ and Letting Jesus Truly Know You (13:05) Prayer as Honest Friendship with God (16:09) How the Word of God Works in Believers (21:24) Memorizing Scripture and Experiencing Breakthrough (26:00) Letting the Lord Build the House (33:10) Grit, Tenacity, and Refusing to Quit (42:31) Authenticity, Fear of Man, and Bold Faith (47:14) Serbia, Bosnia, and Closing Church Announcements https://citylightnyc.com/ [https://citylightnyc.com/]

Serving the God of Increase

On this episode of the CityLight Podcast, Pastor Bo delivers a practical and faith-filled message on tithing, stewardship, and trusting God as our provider. He pulls no punches: the rich rule the poor, AI and robots are coming, and Universal Basic Income is just a friendlier word for slavery. But there's an escape hatch — and it starts with a tenth. Drawing from Malachi, Proverbs, and his own journey from $1,500 in the bank to financial breakthrough, he unpacks eight principles of tithing that move it from guilt-driven duty to a holy act of worship that positions you for supernatural increase. (00:00) Opening Reflection on Tithing and Trust (05:24) Baptism, Belief, and Repentance (09:14) Why the Church Must Talk About Money (12:07) Debt, Slavery, and the World’s Financial System (17:27) Biblical Generosity and the Principle of Increase (21:12) Tithing as Faith in God’s Word (26:20) Stewardship, Discipline, and Knowing Your Finances (29:54) Tithing and Financial Increase (38:31) Honoring the Lord with First Fruits (42:30) First Fruits and the Blessed 90 Percent (49:21) Financial Transfer, Opportunity, and Obedience (52:34) Giving as a Personal Act Between You and God (57:27) Closing Prayer and Blessing https://citylightnyc.com/ [https://citylightnyc.com/]

Why Your Trials Aren't a Sign You're Failing

On this episode of the CityLight Podcast, guest speaker John Arnott delivers a powerful and deeply practical message on adversity, growth, and the eternal perspective of the Christian life.  What if the hardest seasons of your life are actually God's leadership academy? In this powerful message, Pastor John unpacks Romans 8:28 and challenges the charismatic myth that enough faith, tithing, or service should guarantee a smooth ride. Drawing from Joseph's 17 years in slavery and prison, David's outlaw years before the throne, and Paul and Silas singing in a midnight dungeon, John makes the case that every Bible hero went through the squeeze — and so will you. He shares the unforgettable story of Richard Wurmbrand, the Romanian pastor who spent 18 years in a 4-foot prison cell and later said he sometimes missed it because God's presence was so real there. Plus, his own story of marrying Carol as two divorced singles with no money and four kids — and discovering they were being prepared for global revival all along.  Adversity will make you bitter or better. Which one will you choose? (00:00) Salvation & Why Jesus Had to Die (01:05) Introducing John Arnott (05:34) The Reality of Life’s Ups and Downs (07:02) Romans 8:28 & God’s Purpose in Trials (10:10) Testimony: Faith in Extreme Suffering (Richard Wurmbrand) (13:00) Joseph’s Story: Preparation Through Hardship (18:00) Rejecting the Lie That Faith Isn’t Working (23:00) David at Ziklag: Strengthening Yourself in the Lord (30:00) Why God Allows Testing & Adversity (36:30) Trusting God Through Ongoing Trials (40:00) The Trial of Your Faith is Precious (46:00) Worship in Trials & Supernatural Intervention (50:30) Rejecting the Enemy’s Lies (53:30) Call to Trust God in Present Struggles (56:00) Salvation Invitation & Prayer (58:30) Closing Encouragement & Outro https://citylightnyc.com/ [https://citylightnyc.com/]