City Beautiful Church | New York City

It's understandable if we think that God's incredible work of mercy to us (through Jesus' death and resurrection) is a grand, individual gift.  But we'd be wrong if we stop there.  God's design for those who follow Jesus is much bigger than "a saved individual."  God is building something that shows His glory to all of creation...Resources:Follow along: 1 Peter 2:1-10Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

The minute we think following Jesus is about a bunch of religious rule-keeping, He reminds us so clearly that...it's not.  But our lives will look like they have been redeemed.  Why?  Sincere love.  From God to us.  From us to others.  Godly living without godly loving is empty.  Jesus calls us to more.Resources:Follow along: 1 Peter 1:13-25Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Part 2 of our series through the New Testament letter of 1 Peter...and before we dive into the heart of the letter's message, we get a further glimpse of three crucial foundations for the Jesus-follower.  All of them are initiated by God (for us), and understanding each has huge implications for living a godly life in a broken world.Resources:Follow along: 1 Peter 1:3-9Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

In this episode, we become letter-readers.  The majority of the New Testament consists of someone writing a letter to someone else, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  If we're serious about knowing what the Bible says about godliness and following Jesus...we need to learn to read a letter well.  What makes a letter? Only a few simple components.  The letter of 1 Peter has them all...Resources:Follow along: 1 Peter 1:1-2Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

In this episode, we celebrate two things. Firstly: some amazing testimonies of what God has done in the seasons of our church (and the past church families that have since merged into one, now).  Secondly, we celebrate the origin of the name of our church...and remind ourselves that we are a faith-filled people...calling out God's destiny for our city and the world.Editor's note: This episode contains several testimonies from people in our church family, and we have left each unedited--including leaving in all pauses and spaces to preserve as much of the genuineness of the original sharer as possible.Scriptures referenced:Genesis 11:1-9Revelation 21:1-4 & 21:22-27Revelation 22:1-5Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Jesus describes His relationship to us as that of a shepherd to His sheep.  But for us in a modern society today, we need to unpack that more to understand it fully--and when we do, we will see that God is always loving and intentional in how He describes us.Resources:Follow along: Psalm 23Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Jesus made it very clear that His ministry is miraculous (He overcomes all brokenness), scandalous (He offends our desire to make ourselves righteous) and for all of us (no one is disqualified from Him).  So what kind of life does Jesus offer to the one who will recognize Him for who He is?  Jesus answers that question using a comparison between Himself and the religious leaders of the day...and we'll see our own culture in His words.Resources:Follow along: John 10Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Lots of people talk about Jesus...but what does His ministry actually look like? If we can't answer that question, we can't follow Him closely.  Thankfully, Jesus doesn't leave it unanswered: He's completely clear about who He is and how He ministers.  In this 2-part sermon, we'll observe Jesus minister to someone in need, argue with those religious leders who don't think they have any need at all...and then explain His thought process in real time.Resources:Follow along: John 9Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Have you ever found yourself at that place where you know that God is (and has been) good...but you need to trust Him for even more of His goodness?  What do we make of those times? When God has been good, but we ask Him to be good to us again, are we...in the wrong? Or has God designed His goodness in other way?In our church family, we have found ourselves at this point with God. Two amazing churches have recently joined into one: Citadel Church and City Beautiful Church.  We'll be navigating all that comes with this change of season in the coming months, but one thing we know: God is good.  And we won't reach the bottom of His goodness.Resources:Follow along: Psalm 126Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

God is never dull, never boring. He is sovereign, and He has plans.  He makes those plans known to us in the form of His promises...which serve as an invitation to us.  It's as if God is saying, "I have a preferred future for you.  Will you join me?"  Jesi Lusk takes us inside the unstoppable promises of God and illuminates our clear choice: will we agree with Him or not?Resources:Follow along: Numbers 13-14Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

In today's episode, David Phelps takes us on journey through a story of Jesus that can unnerve us...we see Jesus passionately (even violently) defending the house of God, the Temple in Jerusalem.  What's going on here?  What is Jesus demonstrating?  Are we missing something?  And most importantly, is Jesus reseting something for the people who were watching Him (and for us)?Resources:Follow along: John 2:13-22Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Can the God of the universe truly be all-powerful and fully compassionate? The Bible shows us that he is.  Next up in our series, "For the Bible Tells Me So," we visit the story of Hannah-- a woman crying out in desperation to see God move...not just in power, but in gentleness and goodness.  When God meets Hannah in her need, are His plans put off or delayed? No. It was His plan all along.Editor's Note: In this episode, members of the audience read portions of the Scripture being studied.  Resources:Follow along: 1 Samuel 1 & 2Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

In our series, "For the Bible Tells Me So," we're exploring what the Bible reveals about the God of the universe-- the One True God.  In this episode, we see that God is not only powerful, He's compassionate.  Not only our capable provider, but our merciful Savior: Jesus.  He's way more than just a mighty miracle-worker...He invites us to know Him and to have full relationship with Him.Resources:Follow along: Matthew 14:13-21 & John 2:1-11The Language of God by Francis CollinsConnect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Because God is holy and perfect, fully without blemish or brokenness...He doesn't tolerate sin and evil.  That's why He introduces Himself in the Bible as Deliverer. Some deliverance is immediate, while other deliverance is coming in eternity. But one thing is certain: God has a blueprint for how He delivers the people whose faith is in Him.  In this episode, we see that blueprint take greater shape...an arc that leads to the person of Jesus Christ, who was called, "The Lamb of God."Resources:Follow along: Exodus 11 & 12Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

God introduces Himself to people all throughout the Bible. In today's episode, we see God introduce Himself as a deliverer... to a man named Moses.  But God doesn't stop at declaring His power to deliver us from evil and sin...He commands us to participate. Moses asks God a question that all of us would-- and God answers clearly.Resources:Follow along: Exodus 3Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Sin is more than "wrong things we do..." It's a condition that we're in.  It's all due to our rejection of God's glory, righteousness and love.  In this episode, we see how sin started and how it permeates every one of our lives.The good news? The moment sin existed, so did God's plan for salvation.  Even better news? No one  is disqualified from receiving it.Resources: Follow along: Genesis 1-3The Language of God by Francis CollinsConnect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Part 1 of our series, For the Bible Tells Me So, kicks off with a reminder that we're all believing something...whether we admit it or not.  But how do we arrive at those beliefs? And if we're considering the Bible...where do we go from there?More resources:Voddie Baucham, "Why I Choose to Believe the Bible"Making Sense of God by Timothy KellerThe Reason for God by Timothy KellerHow to Read the Bible For All It's Worth by Gordon Fee & Douglas StewartConnect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

**Special Guests: Craig & Taryn Herbert from Citadel Church (Kew Gardens | Queens)**Happy 4th Birthday, City Beautiful Church!We're clear that we belong to Jesus and our lives are now lived to follow Him...so now what? Every single thing changes...and we will look quite different from the rest of the world, the rest of our culture.  We're filled with His indescribable joy and our immeasurable devotion, and our faith in Jesus allows Him to lead our lives.Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

In the last episode of our study of Daniel, we see something as clearly as we ever have: God has a train of thought.  So why does the book of Daniel take such a shift-- from narrative story in chapters 1-6 to prophecy in chapters 7-12? The answer makes more sense than you may realize...Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

By now in our Daniel series, we have our eye on certain things...like how God thinks.  And how our ways can be in harmony with Him or not.  Or in harmony with the world around us or not.   And what that can cost us.  In this familiar "Sunday School" story, we notice some familiar things...all while recognizing that reading the Bible is something anyone can do.  After all: God has a train of thought, and it's for everyone.Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Different king, same Daniel.  This new king learns the same lesson his forefathers did-- about just who is ultimately sovereign, holy, merciful and good.  Failure to acknowledge God in all our ways leads to pride...and God will stop at nothing to get our attention.Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Would you ever believe that the Bible has a whole chapter dedicated to the prideful heart of a pagan king...who conquered and exiled God's people? It does. Why? The answer lies in the fact that no one is disqualified from the love, pursuit, justice and mercy of God-- because only He has full sovereignty over everything.  Don't believe us? Take Nebuchadnezzar's word for it...Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

By now, it's clear: more often than not, we humans set our ways against the ways of God.  But for followers of God, what does it mean to have so much assurance of His goodness, love and eternal salvation that we would give our lives for it.  Meet 3 men who were willing to do exactly that...and watch God show His glory.Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

We, like ancient people, can experience what it's like when our worldview fails...and all our tables seem to get turned on us.  How does the Bible teach us to respond? And what is the answer it gives to the deep human question, "Can God come near?"Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Our series through the book of Daniel begins, and there's plenty of things to be excited for...and nervous about!  Can a 2500-year-old ancient narrative of exile, cunning, human brokenness and God's mercy and glory be relevant for us today? No doubt. The table is set...Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Does it feel strange or self-seeking to ask God for increase? Not if we know how increase works in His character and Kingdom. We can full-heartedly ask God to add to us...and He will do it in His ways.  What do we do when God brings increase? We go right back to intimacy with Him.Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

We know that God wants us to ask Him for certain things.  How do we know? Jesus teaches us. Next up: God, give us impact! As we ask Him to use us for His glory, we'll soon see that God's idea of impact is different ("higher"!) than ours...Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God gives us what we should be asking God for. First up...intimacy with Him.  But that doesn't happen without God renewing certain things about us.  No one comes to Jesus and stays unchanged...Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

New year, new you? Maybe so...But as followers of Jesus, what can we be sure we can ask God for? There's one place to find it: Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God.Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

The final episode in our Vision & Values series.  Jesus said we would be recognizable as "his" by one thing...and it's something the Gospel directly produces in us.Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

Long before it touches our possessions, the Gospel touches our personhood.  Generosity is an "identity position" because of what Jesus has done for us... Sacrifice flows easily and anxiety turns to freedom after we understand His love.Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

The Gospel changes who we listen to, and Jesus gives us a compelling invitation: "Abide with me." Accepting His invitation changes everything about how we have a relationship God.Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

The Gospel of Jesus fundamentally changes our relationship to power: what it means to run out of it...and what we do when we have it.  We serve the God of the impossible, and we fall at His feet.Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

There's only one response when we believe God's radical love found in the Gospel of Jesus...overflowing in inviting others to experience that radical love as well! (To view the clip referenced in this sermon, click here).Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

God's radical love for us (the Gospel), given to us in Jesus, doesn't just spark our love for Him...it begets a radical unity amongst us as a church.  But unity doesn't just happen...what causes (and keeps) our unity?Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

The Gospel is the message--the reality--of God's radical love for us.  His radical love for us births our radical love for Him.  And this Gospel dynamic changes everything.Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most impactful and important message in history.  As a church, we need a vision statement -- a concept of who we are and how we will live -- that reflects the Gospel.Connect with City Beautiful Church!citybeautiful.nyc