City Rev Life Podcast

In Part 2 of our Easter series, Jeremy Agosto sits down with Pastor Craig Stephens to explore how we can truly prepare our hearts for Easter—not just celebrate it. This conversation dives into the meaning of Lent, its roots in the early church, and why more believers today are rediscovering practices like fasting, prayer, and generosity. Pastor Craig breaks down how Lent isn’t about obligation or religious routine, but about creating intentional space for Jesus in our everyday lives. Whether you’ve never observed Lent or are looking for a deeper, more meaningful Easter, this episode offers practical steps, spiritual insight, and a fresh invitation to refocus your heart on the power of the resurrection.

In this episode of the City Rev Life Podcast, Jeremy Agosto sits down with Pastor Craig Stephens to unpack the true meaning of Easter—moving beyond cultural traditions like eggs and the Easter Bunny to rediscover the power of the resurrection of Jesus. Together, they explore the historical and biblical roots of Easter, its connection to Passover, and how Christians can faithfully engage with modern traditions without losing sight of what matters most. If you’ve ever wondered how to celebrate Easter in a way that honors Christ while navigating today’s culture, this conversation brings clarity, perspective, and a renewed focus on keeping Jesus at the center of it all.

In this powerful episode of From Skeptic to Seeker, Ricardo Diaz shares his honest journey from doubt to faith and the quiet persistence that helped lead him there. For years, Ricardo wrestled with skepticism about God and the claims of Christianity, while his wife faithfully loved him, followed Jesus, and continued praying for his heart to change. Through real-life struggles, meaningful conversations, and the unwavering prayers of a devoted spouse, Ricardo slowly began to reconsider the faith he once doubted. In this conversation, he opens up about the turning points that shifted his perspective and the moment he encountered the hope of the gospel for himself. Whether you’re exploring faith, carrying questions about God, or praying for someone you love to come to Christ, Ricardo’s story is a powerful reminder that persistence, prayer, and God’s timing can transform even the most skeptical heart.

In this episode of From Skeptic to Seeker, host Angelica Barros sits down with longtime City Rev attender Dennis Valentin to hear the powerful story of his journey from doubt to faith. Dennis shares honestly about the questions, skepticism, and life experiences that once kept him distant from God, and the moments that began to shift his perspective. Through personal stories and reflection, Dennis explains how encountering Jesus transformed his life and gave him a new sense of purpose and hope. His story is a reminder that faith often begins with honest questions—and that God is faithful to meet us right where we are.

In Episode 2 of From Skeptic to Seeker, host Angelica Barros sits down with Jeff and Korrie Palmer to share their powerful journey back to faith and how it transformed their marriage, parenting, and home. Jeff, who was raised in church, reconnected with Jesus after moving to South Florida, while Korrie rediscovered her faith through watching her children experience church in a fresh and personal way. Together, they talk about what it really looks like to lead your family spiritually, model prayer and repentance, teach your kids the Bible, and rely on God’s grace instead of perfection. This honest conversation tackles common misconceptions about Christianity and shows how daily faith, intentional parenting, and a Christ-centered home can impact the next generation. If you’re exploring faith, rebuilding your walk with God, or wondering how to disciple your children well, this episode will encourage and challenge you.

What happens when the person who has the most questions about God becomes the one searching for Him? In the first episode of our new series Skeptic to Seeker, Pastor Craig Stephens sits down with Marcy Bussell to unpack her deeply personal journey from doubt to belief. Marcy didn’t grow up blindly accepting faith. She wrestled with it. Questioned it. Pushed back against it. For a long time, skepticism felt more honest than belief. But something shifted. In this conversation, Marcy shares what challenged her assumptions, what softened her resistance, and the moments that moved her from standing on the outside looking in… to actively seeking truth for herself. This isn’t a polished, perfect story. It’s real. It’s thoughtful. It’s the kind of journey that many people quietly relate to.If you’ve ever had doubts, wrestled with faith, or wondered whether your questions disqualify you from belief — this episode is for you. Listen in and discover how skepticism can sometimes be the first step toward something deeper.

In this episode Dating 101: Dating Your Spouse, Host Angelica Barros and Pastor Craig Stephens talk about why dating shouldn’t stop at “I do.” Drawing from Angelica’s 25 years of marriage (including a memorable snorkeling date) and Pastor Craig’s honest retelling of a birthday dinner gone wrong, they share both practical wisdom and real-life humor about keeping romance intentional. Rooted in Proverbs 5 and Ephesians 5, the conversation reminds couples that pursuing your spouse is more than a good idea — it’s a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church. Whether your dates are simple or elaborate, this episode will challenge you to plan with purpose, express love clearly, and choose to keep showing up for the one you said yes to.

We’re throwing it back to this City Rev Life episode where Pastor Craig Stephens and Jeremy Agosto talk through a question a lot of people are quietly asking: Should you live together before marriage? In this conversation, they unpack what Scripture actually says, why this decision matters more than culture lets on, and how it can shape your faith and future relationships—for better or worse. If you’re dating, thinking about taking the next step, or just want biblical clarity in a confusing moment, this episode is worth a listen.

As we’re walking through a marriage series and heading toward Valentine’s Day, we’re throwing it back to this City Rev Life episode where Pastor Craig Stephens and Jeremy Agosto talk honestly about dating and one of the most important questions you’ll ever face: Who should I build my life with? In this conversation, they unpack why faith matters so much in relationships, the challenges that come with dating someone who doesn’t share your beliefs, and why alignment in faith is about more than preference—it’s about direction. If you’re dating, thinking about marriage, or just wanting wisdom as you navigate relationships, this one is worth revisiting. 🎧

In Hell, Part 2, Pastor Craig Stephens and Pastor Josh Slautterback walk through Jesus’ sobering parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16, unpacking what it reveals about hell, eternity, and our response today. Rather than focusing on fear or speculation, this conversation centers on the relational separation from God that defines hell and the choices that shape our spiritual direction. Drawing insights from thinkers like C.S. Lewis and Tim Keller, the episode explores idolatry, repentance, and why understanding hell actually deepens our appreciation for God’s love and fuels the urgency of sharing the gospel. This is an honest, thoughtful conversation for anyone wrestling with what Jesus taught about judgment, mercy, and eternity.

In this follow-up episode, Jeremy Agosto sits down with Pastor Robey Barnes to unpack Sunday’s teaching on the book of Philemon and continue an important conversation around slavery, scripture, and the heart of the gospel. Rather than avoiding the hard questions, this discussion leans into the historical and biblical context of Philemon—exploring how Paul addresses injustice, power, and reconciliation, and why the gospel doesn’t simply change systems, but transforms people from the inside out. This episode builds directly on our previous podcast, “The Bible and Slavery,” and listeners are strongly encouraged to go back and listen to that conversation as a foundation. Together, these episodes aim to bring clarity, humility, and biblical truth to a topic that is often misunderstood and emotionally charged. If you’re wrestling with how to read difficult passages of scripture—or wondering how the gospel speaks to injustice, dignity, and freedom—this conversation is for you.

In Part 1 of this new podcast series, Pastor Josh Slautterback sits down with Pastor Craig Stephens to tackle one of the most difficult and misunderstood topics in Christianity: hell. Rather than avoiding the tension, this conversation leans into the questions people are already asking—Is hell real? Is it eternal? How does it fit with a loving God? Drawing from Scripture and the teachings of Jesus, this episode explores what the Bible actually says about hell, why it matters, and how it shapes our understanding of justice, mercy, and eternity. This is an honest, thoughtful discussion meant to bring clarity, not fear, and to invite deeper reflection on the heart of God.

The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and celebration—but they can also bring challenges when it comes to family dynamics and expectations. In this episode Pastor Josh Slautterback, Pastor Craig Stephens, and Angelica Barros explore how to set healthy boundaries with family and friends during the Christmas season. Whether it’s managing difficult conversations, balancing time commitments, or navigating traditions, this discussion provides practical and biblical insights to help you protect your peace while honoring your loved ones. Join us as we learn how to approach this season with grace, love, and intentional boundaries.

In todays special throwback episode, Pastor Robey tells us a 5 minute story on who Santa Claus, or Saint Nicholas, really is.

In this episode of the City Rev Life Podcast, Pastor Craig Stephens and Pastor Robey Barnes lean into the Christmas season with honesty, humor, and wisdom—starting with the timeless debate over when it’s acceptable to play Christmas music. As the conversation unfolds, they explore how the cultural hype surrounding Christmas often creates unrealistic expectations that leave us feeling disappointed instead of joyful. Connecting themes from the Heaven series to the holidays, they talk about family dynamics, materialism, and the pressure to make everything “perfect,” while pointing listeners toward a healthier, more meaningful way to enjoy the season. This episode offers a refreshing reminder to embrace Christmas for what it is—not what we expect it to be—and to find joy, peace, and perspective in the middle of the mess.

In this episode of the City Rev Life Podcast, Pastor Robey Barnes and Pastor Craig Stephens wrap up our Heaven series with one essential question: How do we strengthen our faith in a future we can’t yet see—but deeply hope for? Drawing from Jesus’ words in John 14, they unpack why believing in heaven can feel difficult at times, and how Jesus Himself anchors our confidence with His promise: “If it were not so, would I have told you…?” From the intimate bridal imagery of a groom preparing a place in His Father’s house to the unshakable evidence of the resurrection, this conversation offers clarity, comfort, and courage for anyone navigating doubts, fear, suffering, or big life transitions. Whether you’re facing a diagnosis, approaching a milestone birthday, processing loss, or simply longing for something more—this episode reminds you that heaven is not sentimental wishful thinking. It’s a concrete promise from Jesus, one you can build your life on.

In this fifth episode of the Heaven series on the City Rev Life Podcast, Pastor Robey Barnes and host Craig Stephens tackle some of the most common and misunderstood questions about what happens when we die. Drawing from passages like Philippians 1:23, Acts 7, and the words of Jesus to the thief on the cross, they unpack why Scripture teaches that believers enter immediately into the presence of Christ—not into soul sleep or purgatory. They explore what the Bible reveals about the intermediate state, the resurrected body, and how our identity endures in eternity. Along the way, they contrast cultural expectations of happiness with the deeper hope found in Christ, reminding listeners that this life is not heaven—it’s preparation for it. Ultimately, they call believers to live with an eternal mindset, anchored in joy, hope, and a missionary purpose.

In this episode of the City Rev Life Podcast, Pastors Craig Stephens and Robey Barnes dive into what heaven might actually be like. Using imagery from Thanksgiving feasts, they explore the joy, celebration, and unity promised in Scripture. The hosts answer listener questions about heavenly feasts, the recognizability and physicality of resurrected bodies, and even fun speculation about abilities like movement or flying in eternity. They also discuss how relationships and identity are preserved, whether we can witness life on earth from heaven, and the promise of reunion with loved ones. Honest, biblical, and thought-provoking, this conversation helps listeners imagine the hope, joy, and fulfillment that await in the life to come.

In Part 3 of our Heaven series on the City Rev Life Podcast, Jeremy Agosto and Pastor Robey Barnes explore one of the biggest misconceptions about eternity—that heaven will be boring. Drawing from Revelation 21, they unpack the Bible’s picture of the New Jerusalem as a physical, vibrant, and fully developed city where God’s people engage in meaningful, joy-filled activity. They discuss how worship is far more than singing, how work becomes creative partnership with God, and how understanding heaven shapes the way we live today. This episode challenges listeners to bring kingdom principles into their everyday lives and reflect the coming reality of heaven on earth.

In Heaven, Part 2, hosts Jeremy Agosto and Pastor Robey Barnes continue the City Rev Life series by exploring what heaven is really like—beyond the clouds and halos. Drawing from Philippians 1:21, Romans 8, and Revelation 21, they discuss how Scripture paints heaven as a real, physical, and beautiful new creation where God dwells with His people. This episode challenges listeners to develop a robust view of heaven that gives meaning to suffering, motivates mission, and inspires hope. When we truly grasp the reality of heaven, it changes how we live on earth.