CITCBA Insights

“Remembering the Root” is a timely, passionate, and sobering message from Simon Obert that calls the Church back to the heart of God by honoring the Jewish roots of our faith. As we recognize Holocaust Remembrance Day, Simon invites us into a deeper awareness of the spiritual, historical, and theological connection between the Church and the people of Israel. With clarity and conviction, Simon exposes the dark legacy of antisemitism that has plagued Church history—including the shocking influence of Martin Luther’s anti-Jewish writings on the Holocaust. But this message is not just about pain—it’s about promise. Through Scripture and prophetic […]

What if God is playing the ultimate game of hide and seek—and you’re the one He’s looking for? In this compelling and heartfelt message, Michael Walker takes us deep into the essence of God’s nature: His relentless love for the lost. With vivid storytelling, biblical insight, and a powerful modern-day parable, Michael invites us to reflect on our own journeys—whether we’re seekers, hiders, or returning prodigals. Using Luke 15 as a foundation, Michael illustrates God’s unwavering pursuit through stories of lost sheep, missing coins, and wayward sons. He confronts the pain of hiding from God with honesty and hope, reminding […]

Step into the power of resurrection with Pastor Michael Walker in this electrifying Easter message, “Going Through The Easter Door.” With heartfelt storytelling, relatable emotion, and biblical depth, Pastor Michael takes us on a journey from guilt to grace, from brokenness to boldness, and from simply existing to living fully alive. Standing beside a physical door on the stage, Pastor Michael uses it as a vivid metaphor for the choices we make and the transformation available through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Whether it’s the door of guilt we’ve built through our own mistakes, or the door of forgiveness that […]

What if your greatest strength isn’t found in power, confidence, or charisma—but in your weakness? In this powerful and deeply personal message, Simon Obert invites us into an upside-down kingdom where weakness is not a flaw to hide, but a foundation for divine strength. Preaching from a place of vulnerability and truth, Simon draws from the lives of Moses, Gideon, Hannah, Paul, and—ultimately—Yeshua Himself to reframe how we understand weakness in light of the Gospel. As we linger in the sacred space between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, this message unpacks the paradox of a Savior who embraced the cross […]

As Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Passion Week, Jeff Maes delivers a prophetic and deeply personal message titled “Walking to the Cross.” With decades of ministry, outreach, and global evangelism under his belt, Jeff shares from both scripture and his own testimony to illuminate what it truly means to carry the heart of Christ into the city. Walking through the Gospel of Luke, Jeff highlights the journey Jesus took from Galilee to Jerusalem—not just as a historical event, but as a roadmap for every believer called to impact their community. With clarity and conviction, he draws out four […]

In this unforgettable Passover-season message, Simon Obert leads us into the depths of Jesus’ final cry on the cross—“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Far from a moment of despair, this prophetic declaration unlocks the mystery of Psalm 22 and reveals the Messiah’s intentional, sacrificial love. As we journey from the anguish of the crucifixion to the victorious declaration “It is finished,” we uncover the unshakable truth: Jesus was forsaken so we would never have to be. This teaching draws a powerful parallel between the original Passover and the final sacrifice of the Lamb of God, […]

There is nothing quite like a personal story to stir your faith—and in this electrifying message, Pastor Simon Obert brings the house down as he unpacks The Power of Testimony. From the platform of Church in the City, Simon creates a sacred space for voices often left unheard—inviting Marva, James, Isaac, and others to courageously testify about addiction, grief, identity, transformation, and God’s miraculous grace. Each testimony is raw, redemptive, and real, proving one simple truth: when you share what Jesus has done for you, you’re inviting Him to do it again. With every story, chains are broken and […]

What if God is the one playing “it” in a cosmic game of hide-and-seek? In this moving message titled “God’s Heart for the Lost,” Michael Walker takes us deep into Luke 15 to show how the heart of our Father beats for those who have wandered, strayed, or hidden from Him. Whether you’re the lost sheep, the missing coin, or the prodigal son, this message is for you—and it’s drenched in grace. Using vivid metaphors, real-life relatability, and the joy of restoration, Michael reminds us that God doesn’t just tolerate lost people—He passionately pursues them. From the humorous reality […]

From the dry places of our lives to the overflowing river of God’s Spirit, The River of Life pours out a powerful reminder: we were born with purpose, we are measured by our journey, and we are called to bring life to the dry bones around us. This stirring message—delivered with boldness, passion, and deep spiritual insight—calls the Body of Messiah to rise up, reject apathy, and flow in the unstoppable current of Yeshua’s living water. Drawing from Ezekiel 47, the speaker shares a prophetic challenge to shift our mindset from spectators to soul-winners, from stagnant believers to living […]

In this soul-stirring message, Pastor Michael Walker speaks directly to the heart of the Church in “Reigniting God’s Heart in Us.” Drawing from decades of experience and divine insight, he challenges believers to embrace a much-needed spiritual reset. The message cuts through the noise of modern distractions, entertainment-driven churches, and cultural marketing, calling the body of Christ back to its true mission: walking in the ancient paths of God’s justice, compassion, and truth. Pastor Michael urges us to stop chasing the “latest and greatest” and instead seek revival the way God intended—through transformed lives, humble service, and the power of […]

Are you just surviving—or are you living on mission? In this stirring message, Simon Obert lays out the heartbeat of the global church: to radically love God, love others, and go make disciples of all nations. Drawing from Matthew 22 and 28, he reminds us that the mission of the church is not a suggestion—it’s a divine assignment. This message will reignite your passion for the Great Commandment and the Great Commission, revealing that every believer is called to be a co-laborer with Christ. With vivid analogies—from seeds in hardened soil to a table set in a field ready for […]

What is the mission of the Church? What is God calling us to do in this season? In this powerful message, Simon Obert challenges us to live a purpose-driven life, not just surviving but thriving in the mission God has given us. The Church—both globally and locally—is called to love God wholeheartedly, love people radically, and go into the world making disciples. Through biblical truths from Matthew 22 and the Great Commission in Matthew 28, Simon unpacks how we are co-laborers with God, sent to be His hands and feet. He reminds us that Jesus doesn’t send us out […]

What if you were born for such a time as this? In this powerful message, Michael Walker unpacks the story of Purim and the divine purpose behind Esther’s calling. More than just a Jewish celebration, Purim reveals a timeless truth—God places us in specific moments and positions to accomplish His greater plan. Through Esther’s courage, Mordecai’s wisdom, and Haman’s downfall, we see the hand of God moving behind the scenes, orchestrating redemption and victory. Are you willing to stand for righteousness, even when it costs everything? Are you ready to embrace the divine appointments God has set before you? […]

God never leaves His work unfinished! In this powerful message, Michael Walker reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, God is still moving, refining, and completing His purpose in our lives and His church. Drawing from Philippians 1:6, he shares how we are called to be servants and saints, partnering with God in His kingdom work. With passion and conviction, Pastor Michael challenges the narrative that faith is fading, pointing instead to a spiritual revival—a hunger for God that is growing stronger. The church is God’s plan A, and there is no plan B! We are meant to […]

What happens when we shift our perspective to align with God’s truth? In this powerful message, Tamika Simmons takes us on a journey through Psalm 24, revealing how David’s experience with the Ark of the Covenant mirrors our own need to seek God’s presence with a pure heart. Through the imagery of ancient city gates and the spiritual strongholds of our hearts, she reminds us that true transformation comes when we open ourselves fully to the King of Glory. Are we willing to lift up our heads and invite Him in? Are we ready to let go of what we […]

Paul sat in a prison cell. Shackled, confined, yet unstoppable. What the enemy meant for harm, God used as a platform. His chains became a pulpit. His suffering, a testimony. His words, a fire that could not be extinguished. We all face struggles—closed doors, unexpected setbacks, moments of uncertainty. But what if these very moments were God’s invitations to something greater? What if the obstacles in our path were the very tools He would use to advance His kingdom? In this powerful message, Michael Walker unpacks Philippians 1:12-18, showing us how Paul’s imprisonment led to bold evangelism, how modern […]

Temptation is not just a moment of weakness—it’s a battle that tests our character, our choices, and our faith. In this compelling message, Michael Walker unpacks the tragic downfall of Samson, a man gifted with extraordinary strength but undone by his own desires. Through the story of Judges 16, we see how pride, complacency, and compromise gradually erode Samson’s calling until he finds himself bound, broken, and blinded by the very thing he refused to walk away from. Yet, even in failure, God’s mercy is at work. Samson’s story isn’t just about his mistakes—it’s about redemption, restoration, and the […]

Life’s storms can shake us to the core, but what if they are also the moments that bring us closer to God? In this powerful and deeply personal message, Pastor Bruce Carter reminds us that gratitude isn’t just for the easy seasons—it’s for the trials, the losses, and the moments of uncertainty. Drawing from Scripture, personal testimony, and unwavering faith, he challenges us to exalt the Lord even in our struggles, knowing that God’s love, mercy, and faithfulness never fail. No matter the storm—grief, illness, financial hardship, or anxiety—God remains our solid rock. Pastor Bruce shares how gratitude in […]

What happens when we neglect the incredible gifts and resources that God has entrusted to us? In this powerful message, Michael Walker takes us through the life of Samson—a man of immense potential who ultimately squandered the blessings God had given him. Drawing lessons from the book of Judges, we explore how Samson’s lack of self-discipline and rebellion against God’s authority led to a life of compromise and unfulfilled purpose. Through this message, we’re challenged to examine our own lives. Are we truly using our God-given abilities, talents, and resources for His kingdom, or are we living far below what […]

No matter how loud the giants roar, God calls us to stand in courage and faith. In this powerful message, Vernon Jones unpacks the timeless story of David and Goliath, challenging us to confront the giants in our lives—fear, division, injustice, and doubt. Through the lens of faith and biblical history, he reminds us that victory is already won through Christ. As we reflect on the lessons of Black History Month, this message also calls us to remember the giants our ancestors faced and conquered, proving that through God’s strength, we too can overcome. Like David, we must show […]