City Rev Life Podcast

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.

In Episode 1 of the new Heaven series on the City Rev Life Podcast, Jeremy Agosto and Pastor Robey Barnes dig into why a clear understanding of heaven is essential for every believer. Instead of treating heaven as a distant, abstract idea, they discuss how the Bible describes it as our true home and eternal destination — and how that reality should reshape how we live today. Drawing from Philippians 1, they explore Paul’s tension between longing to be with Christ and staying to bear fruit on earth, showing that a strong theology of heaven fuels purpose, joy, and courage in the present. This episode sets the foundation for the series as they continue to uncover what heaven is actually like and how it changes our everyday life.

It’s only 10 minutes—but packed with answers you’ve been waiting for. In this special Q&A episode, Pastors Robey and Dan take on your biggest questions about the One Generation Initiative and the future of City Rev.   💭 When will the Miami Springs campus launch? 💭 Is $500,000 really being spent on an app? 💭 What’s the real purpose behind the new discipleship app? 💭 Where are we looking to establish the Hub Campus? 💭 Will it be built from scratch or repurposed? 💭 And what happened to the funds raised back in 2018?   In just 10 minutes, our pastors pull back the curtain with clarity, transparency, and vision—helping us all see how these pieces fit into God’s bigger story through One Generation. 🎧 Listen now for a fast-paced, honest conversation that connects practical questions to a powerful mission.

In this episode of the City Rev Life Podcast, Pastor Craig Stephens and Pastor Robey Barnes continue the One Generation conversation, sharing powerful stories of how God is already moving through this initiative. They highlight personal miracles, unexpected financial provisions, and deep spiritual growth happening within our church family. The pastors talk about what commitment truly means—whether financial or spiritual—and remind us that this is ultimately about faith and participation, not the amount given. For those who missed Commitment Weekend, they offer practical ways to get involved, both in person and online, and extend an open invitation for everyone to be part of what God is doing through One Generation and beyond.

In Episode 7 of the One Generation podcast series, Pastors Robey Barnes and Craig Stephens continue the powerful conversation about the biggest moment in City Rev Church’s history — our One Generation two-year initiative. So many in our church family have already found their part in this movement, but some are still wondering what this all means for them.   In this episode, we’re answering your biggest questions, including: What actually happened during Commitment Weekend? What if I missed it — is it too late to jump in? How can someone who isn’t very plugged in catch up on what One Generation is all about? What if I don’t feel ready to make a commitment yet? What if it’s just not a good time financially? What if I’m unsure my contribution would even make a difference? How can I get involved now, even if I wasn’t at Commitment Sunday? And ultimately — why does this initiative matter so much for City Rev and our future?   Whether you’ve already made your commitment or you’re still figuring out your next step, this episode will help you understand how every single person can play a part in what God is doing through City Rev in this defining season.

In this episode of the One Generation Companion Podcast, Pastors Craig Stephens and Robey Barnes unpack the biblical principle of sowing and reaping—clarifying how it differs from the “health and wealth” gospel. They explore the heart behind giving with expectancy, not expectations, reminding us that generosity is about placing God, not money, on the throne. Through Scripture and practical wisdom, they reveal how true biblical giving is rooted in trusting God’s provision and bearing fruit for His glory, not our gain.

In this episode of the City Rev Life Podcast, part of the One Generation series, Host Craig Stephens sits down with Pastor Robey Barnes and Angelica Barros to unpack one of the most practical yet challenging aspects of the initiative—giving. Together, they explore how generosity is more than numbers on a page; it’s an act of worship and trust in God’s provision. From navigating limited resources to handling disagreements about finances within a family, the conversation offers both spiritual encouragement and real-world wisdom. Grounded in the book of Haggai, this episode invites listeners to seek God’s guidance, step out in faith, and discover the joy of aligning their resources with His greater mission.

Join Host Pastor Craig Stephens, Pastor Robey Barnes, and special guest John Birdsall, CFO of City Rev Church, as they dive deep into the financial heart of the church's One Generation Series. In this revealing podcast episode, they tackle the tough questions about church finances, breaking down how every dollar is carefully stewarded and aligned with biblical principles. Discover the four key biblical categories guiding City Rev's budget, learn about their rigorous financial accountability processes, and hear candid insights about responsible giving. From addressing common concerns about staff compensation to explaining the transparent approach to church finances, this episode offers a refreshing look at how a modern church can honor God through wise financial management. Whether you're a skeptic or a committed church member, this conversation will change how you think about church giving.