The First Gospel: Wisdom’s Sales Pitch | Josh Harrison
Sermons Joshua Harrison Sermons Joshua Harrison

The First Gospel: Wisdom’s Sales Pitch | Josh Harrison

In this week’s sermon, we took a step away from the noise and crowds of the “city gates” to sit with the voice of Wisdom in Proverbs 8. We found Wisdom—not as misty abstraction, but a living invitation—calling out above the everyday scramble, promising more than just good advice: a life ordered by knowledge, prudence, justice, and discretion, and shaped by the creative rhythms God wove into the world from the beginning.

To seek wisdom, we must turn aside, listen daily, and receive what God freely offers—ultimately, meeting Wisdom face-to-face in Jesus himself. There is no treasure greater.

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Reading the News with Jesus - Gaza (Part 1)
Pastoral Commentary Joshua Harrison Pastoral Commentary Joshua Harrison

Reading the News with Jesus - Gaza (Part 1)

We’re beginning our first Reading the News with Jesus series with one of the most urgent and heartbreaking headlines of our time: Gaza. Before diving into events, I’m shifting the format—shorter, digestible reflections on what I think Jesus might be saying as we read the news with Him. These aren’t pronouncements for Jesus, but prompts to help you listen for His voice yourself.

Gaza’s story is one of overcrowding, decades of blockade, political stalemate, devastating violence, and now, looming famine. The numbers are staggering—lives lost, bodies wounded, homes destroyed—but even more staggering is the human suffering behind them.

In the middle of the noise, I think Jesus might be saying: “Eyes on me.” When the world’s voices shout for our allegiance, His is quiet but true. And “Beware generalizations”—sweeping claims about “all Palestinians” or “all Israelis” distort truth, feed apathy, and deny humanity.

Our call is to fix our eyes on Jesus, let Him dismantle our biases, and learn to see Gaza—and the world—through His eyes.

Stay tuned as we continue listening together.

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The First Gospel: Job & The Problem of Suffering | Josh Harrison
Sermons Joshua Harrison Sermons Joshua Harrison

The First Gospel: Job & The Problem of Suffering | Josh Harrison

It’s been several months since we began tracing the story of God’s goodness from creation through Israel’s history, so perhaps a brief pause for perspective is due. Having explored the rise and fall of kings and the pursuit of wisdom, we now find ourselves at the doorstep of the book of Job—the Bible’s most honest wrestling with the problem of suffering. Here, easy answers crumble. Job’s endurance exposes our tendency to seek formulas for comfort, yet God responds not with solutions but with His presence. The question remains: can God Himself be enough for us, even in pain? We’ll unpack this together.

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The First Gospel - Psalm 139 | Ash Meaney
Sermons Joshua Harrison Sermons Joshua Harrison

The First Gospel - Psalm 139 | Ash Meaney

Psalm 139 stands among the most intimate, vulnerable prayers in all of scripture—an invitation to dwell in the breathtaking reality that we are fully known, fully seen, and fully loved by God. In a world of ceaseless stimulation and performance, this psalm calls us back to a deeper ground: our identity rooted in sacred origin, not public image. Before achievement or failure, before striving or proving, you are—fearfully and wonderfully made, held, and led home.

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The First Gospel - Psalm 19 - Sweeter Than Honey
Sermons Joshua Harrison Sermons Joshua Harrison

The First Gospel - Psalm 19 - Sweeter Than Honey

For the past several weeks, we’ve been discovering the goodness of God on every page of the Old Testament, but this week, we paused with David in Psalm 19 to consider something both breathtaking and intimate. The psalmist is struck by the enormity of creation—“the heavens declare the glory of God”—but even more so by the God who draws near, speaking not only through stars but in whispers and words, reaching directly into our lives. Here, awe is not just a feeling; it’s an invitation. What does it mean for such a God to long for relationship with us? Let’s explore together.

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Reading the News with Jesus
Pastoral Commentary Joshua Harrison Pastoral Commentary Joshua Harrison

Reading the News with Jesus

After months of exploring the sweeping 500-year rhythms of upheaval in the Western Church, I’ve realized something: while deep historical work is essential, we can’t afford to wait to engage with the world right now. That’s why I’m starting a new series alongside the old one. It’s called Reading the News with Jesus.

The premise is simple: every time we read the news, we’re being shaped. The question is—by whom? In a media-saturated world full of bias, outrage, and algorithmic manipulation, how do we make space for the voice of Jesus to rise above the noise? This isn’t just about being informed; it’s about being formed—into people who look and live like Jesus.

Each week, we’ll walk through a current headline together, learning to read not just for facts, but in prayerful conversation with Jesus. Think of it like reading the morning paper with an old friend—one who just happens to be the Savior of the world.

So let’s journey together—less doomscrolling, more discipleship. Less echo chamber, more Kingdom vision. Let’s practice reading the news with Jesus.

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The First Gospel - Psalm 27: One Thing | Josh Harrison
Sermons Joshua Harrison Sermons Joshua Harrison

The First Gospel - Psalm 27: One Thing | Josh Harrison

Feeling confident in God on Sunday but struggling by Monday morning? In this week’s message on Psalm 27, Pastor Josh Harrison reminds us that true fearlessness comes from making God our “one thing” above all else. Whether we’re on the mountaintop or deep in the valley, authentic worship is both awe and action—gazing on His beauty and seeking His face. Even when life gets hard, God’s presence is our anchor. Wait for the Lord. Be strong, take heart, and know you will see His goodness in the land of the living!

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Church & Politics - Golden Calves
Pastoral Commentary Joshua Harrison Pastoral Commentary Joshua Harrison

Church & Politics - Golden Calves

It’s been over two months since we began this journey into the rhythms of upheaval—and how, every 500 years or so, the Church finds herself trembling alongside the world. Not destroyed, but disoriented. Not defeated, but divinely disrupted.

These seismic shifts reveal what we’ve clung to in God’s name that bears little resemblance to Him. We’ve seen it before: political idols shaped in the name of Jesus, golden calves dressed in Christian language, baptized ideologies that distort the gospel.

This isn’t new. But it is urgent.

If the Church is to be of any earthly good, we must walk the narrow way—engaged but not entangled, prophetic yet compassionate, political but distinctly Christian.

The upheaval is here. And while it is painful, it just might be our path to renewal.

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The First Gospel - Psalm 63 | Josh Harrison
Sermons Joshua Harrison Sermons Joshua Harrison

The First Gospel - Psalm 63 | Josh Harrison

What does it mean to worship when life feels dry, difficult, or disorienting? In this week's sermon on Psalm 63, we unpack how David teaches us to show up, remember God’s faithfulness, and cling to Him—even in the wilderness. Worship isn’t just for the mountaintop moments; it’s an act of faith when we offer God our brokenness, exhaustion, and longing. Whether you feel close to God or far away, you can still choose worship. Let this encourage you to keep showing up, hold on to hope, and find God’s presence in every season.

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Church & Politics - Doing Politics In The Way Of Jesus
Joshua Harrison Joshua Harrison

Church & Politics - Doing Politics In The Way Of Jesus

What if the Church isn’t too political… but not political enough in the way of Jesus?

For generations, we’ve been told to keep politics out of the pulpit. But what if avoiding politics hasn’t protected the Church—it’s weakened it?

⚠️ Christians are being discipled by news anchors instead of Jesus.

⚖️ We’re choosing sides instead of choosing surrender.

✝️ It’s time for a better way—a third way.

👉 In this new blog post, explore how Jesus engaged with political tension in His day and what it means to do politics distinctly Christian in ours.

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The First Gospel Part 23: David - The Victory Belongs to the Lord | Sheridan McDaniel
Sermons Joshua Harrison Sermons Joshua Harrison

The First Gospel Part 23: David - The Victory Belongs to the Lord | Sheridan McDaniel

God is faithful—even in our exhaustion and brokenness. This week, Pastor Sheridan McDaniel walked us through 1 Samuel 30, where David’s men lost everything, wept till they had no strength, and yet found hope by turning to God. Sometimes, the battle gets tough and some can’t go on. But God’s victory is for everyone—those on the frontlines and those too weary to fight. No matter our role, God restores, redeems, and makes all things whole. Trust His process, remember His goodness, and know that, together, we recover all.

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The First Gospel Part 22: David - Sin and Repentance | Jeff Willis
Sermons Joshua Harrison Sermons Joshua Harrison

The First Gospel Part 22: David - Sin and Repentance | Jeff Willis

David was called a man after God’s own heart, yet his story is one of sin, brokenness, and redemption. From adultery and cover-ups to repentance and restoration, we see how even our worst moments can’t separate us from God’s love when we turn back to Him. Sin often starts small, building until it feels unstoppable—but grace meets us when we own up and realign our hearts. If you’re struggling, know this: God is merciful and always ready to restore us. Let’s seek Him with honest hearts and trust that His love can redeem every story.

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Church & Politics - Compartmentalization
Joshua Harrison Joshua Harrison

Church & Politics - Compartmentalization

Is it possible to follow Jesus and stay out of politics? In this thought-provoking post, we explore why the separation of Church and state doesn’t mean Christians should separate their faith from public life. Drawing from Scripture, history, and the teachings of Jesus, the blog challenges the modern impulse to compartmentalize spirituality and politics. Instead, it calls believers to embrace an integrated life—where our earthly citizenship is shaped by our heavenly one. If you're wrestling with how faith and democracy intersect, read this week’s blog

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Saul Syndrome
Sermons Joshua Harrison Sermons Joshua Harrison

Saul Syndrome

This week’s message dives into the story of Saul, the first king of Israel, and the danger of living for people’s approval instead of God’s calling. When we put pleasing others above obedience to God, we miss out on His best for us—just like Saul. True transformation comes from humble obedience, not outward appearances or sacrifices. Jesus shows us the better way: humility, trust, and surrender to God’s will. Let’s ask God to reveal our blind spots and give us the courage to follow Him wholeheartedly.

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Church & Politics - The Church & The State
Joshua Harrison Joshua Harrison

Church & Politics - The Church & The State

The separation of church and state is enshrined in our constitution, but how is that actually playing out in real life? What’s the difference between Democracy and Christianity? Read this week’s blog to find out!

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Ruth
Sermons Joshua Harrison Sermons Joshua Harrison

Ruth

In the midst of chaos and ordinary struggles, God was at work through ordinary people, weaving together a legacy that would lead to King David and ultimately, Jesus himself. Discover how everyday faithfulness and selfless friendship can leave an extraordinary mark on the world. Join us as we see the power of love to transform generations.

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Samson
Sermons Joshua Harrison Sermons Joshua Harrison

Samson

Ever wondered if raw talent really trumps true character? Dive into the jaw-dropping, cautionary tale of Samson—a man blessed with supernatural strength but cursed by his own choices. In this eye-opening message, Pastor Joshua Harrison takes us on a whirlwind tour through the Book of Judges, unraveling the story of Samson like you’ve never heard it before. Discover how charisma without obedience can lead to downfall, why God’s grace operates even amid our mess, and how Samson’s wild journey ultimately points us to a much greater Hero. If you’re craving a deeper look at flawed heroes, cycles of regret, and the promise of lasting hope, this is a story you can’t afford to miss!

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The Church & Politics - Christian Democracy
Pastoral Commentary Joshua Harrison Pastoral Commentary Joshua Harrison

The Church & Politics - Christian Democracy

If we’ve seen major Church upheavals every 500 years, then we’re due. In this installment, we turn our attention to the political undercurrents shaping the Church today—beginning with the rise of democracy and its surprising Christian roots. But while democracy and faith once walked hand-in-hand, what happens when the alliance starts to fracture? This post lays the groundwork for a deeper investigation into the cultural and spiritual forces that may soon shake the Church again.

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Gideon
Sermons Joshua Harrison Sermons Joshua Harrison

Gideon

Ever felt unqualified, fearful, or full of doubts about what God can do through you? This week at Citizens Church, we unpack the story of Gideon—a hesitant hero who met God in his weakness and discovered that God sees the whole story, from our struggles to our victory. Pastor Joshua shares how God isn’t offended by our doubts or insecurities but invites us to trust Him, carry our doubts to Him, and find strength in His presence. Whether you’re wrestling with your own limitations or longing to step into God’s calling, this message will encourage you that God’s grace meets us right where we are and names us by our victory, not our failures. Don’t miss this inspiring look at what happens when ordinary people say yes to an extraordinary God!

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