City Church Houston

What makes for a truly great, fruitful life, not only one with lasting meaning, but one that contributes to the common good, and fills us with deep happiness? Jesus here casts a vision for this kind of life, shares the secret to discovering it, and shows us how we can grow in it.

As Jesus' life neared its end, his disciples worried about what would come next. Jesus' answer that he alone is "the way" is not some theoretical truth, but rather a deeply loving and practical response to the doubts of our hearts. 

The night before he died, Jesus shared with his closest friends and followers powerful words from an upper room in Jerusalem. They offer "upper room" perspective, purpose, and peace for us, when we feel limited to the constraints of life in this "lower room" world.

We can renew our hope by fixing our eyes on a God who would face the shame of his own death and embrace glory of his own resurrection so that we can be brought back into a living relationship with himself.

Simeon's Song celebrates a God who draws near to us in order to draw us out from a place of fear and weakness, just as he models in the life and faith of Mary.

Why would Luke record the actual birth of Jesus in such a straight-forward, even dispassionate way, given that has so often invited us into the emotional experience of Mary?

When life feels out of control, what are we to do? In Mary's song, The Magnificat, we discover not only what can stabilize us, but what can fill us with soul-satisfying joy.

The story of Jesus' birth begins with Mary, who was chosen for the utterly unique role of mother of God. Her response to the angel's shocking news prompts us to reflect: What is God asking of us? And will we do it?

In this conclusion to the series we see David at his best--exhibiting radical generosity, humility, and selflessness. What strikes us is how free and alive he is. What contributed to that in his life? How can we discover it for ourselves?

How do we change? How do we grow? In the Christian faith, repentance has always been central to authentic transformation in a person's life. We see this in dramatic fashion when the prophet Nathan confronted David. 

While moments such as David's encounter with Goliath showcase him at his revered best, this tragic episode reveals just how flawed he could be. Here we learn about the dangers of power, the power of temptation, and the power to deal with both. 

David's loyalty to his friend Jonathan culminates in the extension of communal care and resources to Jonathan's son Mephibosheth, who is disabled. David honors and recognizes him as an image-bearer of God in the lineage of his chosen people.

When David brought the ark of God into Jerusalem he danced before the Lord with whirling abandon. His dance gives us a picture of what life can be, even when suffering: a free and overjoyed expression of worship born of grace.

Seeking God's presence is the meaning and measure of our lives, and David's ascension to the throne of Israel reveals how great find their purpose in patiently, faithfully waiting on his timing.

David's journey through wilderness is not unlike our own search for spiritual satisfaction. Jesus promises living water, but how do we find it when life feels like a desert?

Friendship is the antidote to the poison of loneliness. What does real friendship look like? How do we find it? How do we become true friend to others? The heartwarming story of David and his friend, Jonathan, provides compellings answers to these questions.

How do we deal with anxiety--everything from garden variety worry to crunching panic? How do we bolster courage and develop faith to address this? These are just some of practical helps we discover in the classic story of David and Goliath.

Have you ever been so moved by music that it seemed to heal something deep inside you? David's musical talent had a medicinal-like power that soothed the ailing king Saul.

Famous, fascinating, and yet deeply flawed, David's story is like a mirror and door. By looking at him we can better see and understand ourselves. And by looking through him we can see the one he ultimately pointed toward.

What can we do about the problem of evil? In the Psalms, we're given a refreshingly honest vision of suffering that is balanced by the mysterious and merciful power of hope.