Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church takes a look at the concept of social safety nets. Government entitlement programs are highly debated in our political setting. Does the Bible give us any insight into whether Christians can support these programs? As we dive into Scripture, we see that the heart of God is one of compassion where he provides social programs to help others flourish. Passages: Exodus 22:21-23; Zechariah 7:9-10; Isaiah 1:17; Psalm 146:9; Leviticus 19:9-10; Leviticus 25

CityReach Church Swissvale

Biblical Safety Nets

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church takes us through the "Parable of the Talents" as found in Matthew's gospel. Often, the focus of this parable is productivity for the kingdom of God. Instead, Pastor Chris reminds us of the truths of our security in the gospel, and reminds us of the need for faith in the goodness and salvation of God. Passage: Matthew 25:14-30

The Parable of the Talents

Dennis Allan co-pastor of Garden City Church filled the pulpit this week to bring the message. Dennis looks at a passage in Exodus which reveals to us the provision and protection of God for his people. Passage: Exodus 7:8-16

The God Who Defends

Andy Moore of Bellefield Presbyterian Church filled the pulpit two weeks ago to bring the message. Andy looks at the Beatitudes of Jesus from his Sermon on the Mount. He explores how our relationship with God involves surrendering everything to him. Passage: Matthew 5:2-12

The Beatitudes

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church returns to the New City Catechism. This week he describes the hypostatic union, the fully human and fully divine natures of Jesus Christ and focuses on his humanity. Question 21 will cover both this week and next. Q21: What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God? A: One who is truly human and also truly God. Q23: Why must the Redeemer be truly God? A: That because of his divine nature his obedience and suffering would be perfect and effective; and also that he would be able to bear the righteous anger of God against sin and yet overcome death.

NCC 23 - Why Must the Redeemer Be Truly God?

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church returns to the New City Catechism. This week he describes the hypostatic union, the fully human and fully divine natures of Jesus Christ and focuses on his humanity. Question 21 will cover both this week and next. Q21: What sort of Redeemer is needed to bring us back to God? A: One who is truly human and also truly God. Q22: Why must the Redeemer be truly human? A: That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin; and also that he might sympathize with our weakness.

NCC 22 -Why Must the Redeemer Be Truly Human?

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church concludes our series looking at different characters in the Advent story. This week we look at the current "king of the Jews," Herod. Herod learns of the birth of Jesus from the Magi, but his response is very different. Herod assesses and attempts to terminate this perceived threat. Passage: Matthew 2:1-8, 13-18

Advent Portraits: Herod

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our series looking at different characters in the Advent story. This week we look at those mysterious characters from the east, looking for the "king of the Jews," the magi. What does their pursuit of Jesus show us about the radical inclusion of God? Passage: Matthew 2:1-12

Advent Portraits: The Magi

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our series looking at different characters in the Advent story. This week we look at the first recipients of the good news that Jesus Christ had been born, the shepherds. There was no more "average Joe" in the ancient world then shepherds. What can we learn that God first went to these humble and lowly figures to share the good news? Passage: Luke 2:8-20

Advent Portraits: The Shepherds

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our series looking at different characters in the Advent story. This week we look at Joseph, the adopted father of Jesus. Joseph is a character in the nativity who then fades into obscurity. In this message we learn about the balance between righteous living mixed with compassion, and the humility to accept the role God has placed upon him. Passage: Matthew 1:18-25

Advent Portraits - Joseph

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church begins a short series looking at different characters in the Advent story. This week we look at Mary, the mother of Jesus. God goes to a rural community, calls on a poor, unwed, teenage girl, and tells her she is going to carry the Messiah in her womb. God shows that all he needs to accomplish his purposes are those willing to partner with him. Passage: Luke 1:26-38

Advent Portraits - Mary

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church preaches another FAQ (frequently asked question) Sunday. This question focuses on anxiety in the midst of the pandemic of COVID. Question: "How do I keep from worrying over the stats of COVID? Or even worrying about everyday things that I have no control over?" Passage: Matthew 6:25-34

FAQ Sunday - Anxiety in the Time of COVID

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church preaches about giving/tithing. With the content from the Gospel-Centered Life in the backdrop, what does it have to say about our giving habits to the Lord? Do the Old Testament requirements for giving apply to us as followers of Jesus Christ? Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Gospel-Centered Giving

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church concludes our sermon series through the Gospel-Centered Life. In this episode, Chris looks at the place of conflict in our lives. When we engage in conflict through the flesh (i.e. human effort) we have a tendency to be an attacker or a withdrawer. How does the gospel speak to this constant presence in our lives? Passage: Galatians 2:11-14

GCL - Conflict

Pastor Chris Ansell of Restoration Community Church continues our sermon series through the Gospel-Centered Life. In this episode, Chris looks at the place of forgiveness in our spiritual lives. First we must consider the forgiveness we have been offered by God before we decide whether or not it is right for us to forgive someone else. Passage: Matthew 18:21-35

GCL - Forgiveness

A podcast of the weekly sermons of CityReach Church Swissvale

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CityReach Church Swissvale

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